Have you had gearbox problems with your Polo GTI?

[NickZ]

Considering the related thread and the numerous people that have complained about their gearbox problems, and that we have a reasonable population on here, thought it would be interesting to see how many have had problems with their gearbox. Please keep it to Polo GTIs only, and only people who have had their car a couple of months as it seems to be something that happens over a bit of time.

And just so that we dont get too loose on the term problem, I think we can define it as anything that has happened needs to be replaced / repaired by the dealer.

Example:
1. Crunching at 5000+rpm from 1st to 2nd is a problem.
2. The occasional crunch on reverse gear (unless really bad or often) i guess is not a problem.

[Soundofav6]

hey nickz,
I personally know a friend with polo GTI, owned for little less than a year, he had no problem getting his gear box replaced under warranty.

[Adam]

Nick, this is the exact problem i have with my gearbox. problem is, when i had it in, the dealer found it hard to find any faults while they are testing... hopefully when i get some free time, i can get them to come for a drive with me.....but yeh...

[insanekiwi]

I have no crunching issues.

However, there is a slight diff whine at 4th gear with accelerator very slightly pressed between 50-60km. Usually I am in 5th gear then already, so it's not so bad. This has been raised with head mechanic at VW dealer. Before the drive with him, he knew what I was talking about straight away. Said this is a very common issue with the gearbox engine combo because of final gear ratio.

? true

He confirmed on test drive, said nothing to worry about.

Otherwise, it's all good.

So I haven't voted yet... what do you guys think?

[Eddy]

Hoyhoy.
Ah my Little Blue Boy has been great all the way through. The only problem I've had is a split vacuum hose.
As for the gearbox its one of the nicest gear changes I've had.

[NickZ]

Nick, this is the exact problem i have with my gearbox. problem is, when i had it in, the dealer found it hard to find any faults while they are testing... hopefully when i get some free time, i can get them to come for a drive with me.....but yeh...

Yeah, best way would be to drive it yourself and show them how it happens while theyre sitting next to you. They can't argue then.

[NickZ]

I have no crunching issues.

However, there is a slight diff whine at 4th gear with accelerator very slightly pressed between 50-60km. Usually I am in 5th gear then already, so it's not so bad. This has been raised with head mechanic at VW dealer. Before the drive with him, he knew what I was talking about straight away. Said this is a very common issue with the gearbox engine combo because of final gear ratio.

? true

He confirmed on test drive, said nothing to worry about.

Otherwise, it's all good.

So I haven't voted yet... what do you guys think?

I don't think thats an issue, perhaps more just a characteristic. I'm not very mechanically minded though - I can't say whether that whine would have an effect on the life of your gearbox.

[shaneth]

Yes, Replaced under warranty.

[Flaps]

No. Touch wood!!!!!!

[insanekiwi]

I don't think thats an issue, perhaps more just a characteristic. I'm not very mechanically minded though - I can't say whether that whine would have an effect on the life of your gearbox.

Yeah! that's what exactly my mechanic said. I've owned it since 19000km old, and it's done close to 21000km, and it's hasn't changed since. I've looked at what the previous owner did under servicing, and only complaint she had throughout her ownership was 'circulatory button not functioning'.
So I am guessing it's a characteristic then... it's not a whine, more like a high pitch hum.. but not loud or noisy... but audible when alone without music.

[PeterHBne]

3,300kms and no problems. The odd crunche when putting in reverse, but this is common in pretty much every manual car I've ever driven.

[poloplayer]

3,300kms and no problems. The odd crunche when putting in reverse, but this is common in pretty much every manual car I've ever driven.

I get that too! I thought mine might have been faulty, but i guess not. Does anyone know why this happens?

[NickZ]

Is it because there is no syncro for Reverse gears?

My old car had the occasional crunch as well. Lasted 12 years with it and it was still going strong. I wouldn't worry about it unless it happened all the time.

[TobyG]

Have you had gearbox problems with your Polo GTI?

My gearbox graunches from 1st to 2nd. Started off at 5000 rpm changes, but now doing it from as low as 3500 rpm. Took car into VW this week, and I just had a call from the service centre 5 minutes ago. The technician told me that VW has recognized this as a common problem with the Polo GTi gear boxes. It bothers me that VW australia decided to keep selling them without fixing the problem... cost of repairs will take all profit out of the sale, so they're actually shooting them selves in the foot. ANYWAY... I am booked in for October 1 - for a "GEARBOX RE-BUILD". Car will be off the road for 1 week. They opted for a re-build instead of a replacement, because they're afraid that the replacement box would suffer from the same problem. I can't beleive how crap this car is... other problems I am having are rattles from the dash-board, radio reception is crap, paint defect (now fixed), front suspension (struts replaced). I've had the car for less than 4 months, and it's been back to the dealer 6 or 7 times with warranty issues.... not happy Jan !!!

[GT3]

seems you're totally disatisfied with the car, maybe you should consider selling it and getting back into a japanese car which, based on your previous comments, seems to be your preference.