2nd Sep 2009, 10:11

I own a 2006 VW Jetta GLI and bought it new. For the first two years it have relatively minor maintenance issues but over the last 2 months it has been an utter nightmare. Oil, oil and more oil. The oil consumption problem has been getting progressively worse and no one at VW can do anything but tell me it's normal. Normal, really? It's losing ALL its oil every 500 miles... change the oil and 500 miles later.. dip stick is bone dry and that dang STOP engine oil light comes blaring on! Reading all the similar comments here makes me a bit skeptical over the service rep's blank face when I was describing the problem.

7th Feb 2010, 22:14

I also have a 2006 Jetta GLI and have issues with OIL CONSUMPTION! I had a oil change done and they said to come back after I have drove ~600 miles, and then they looked at my dip stick ONLY and said, nope it is consuming normal. I HAVE to add about 1 qt EVERY MONTH to my car. I have never had a car run out of OIL between 3 month/5k Oil changes. Now I am fighting with them over this, something is wrong with the brake wear, and after reading some issue with the EB system causing the calipers to stick hard and adjust the pads, I need to talk to them more, or just get rid of the car and get something else.

17th Feb 2010, 16:34

The guy with the 2006 Jetta TDI BRM who just died on the side of the road; mine just did the same thing. Put in neutral, restarted but died again 1 minute later, will not restart, just cranks.

What was the issue with yours? I'm waiting for a tow truck.

17th Mar 2010, 09:22

Wow, hearing about all of this makes me feel a little bit better (sorry guys!). I have been dealing with oil consumption issues since 19k miles. Now I'm at 52k and still running out of oil. They replaced my intake flap and had my car for a week last year... problem still not solved.

They tell me this is normal... but I'm with you guys, oil just doesn't ALL burn away.

Anyone had any luck recently? Any advice on what to say to the dealer to get them to take me seriously?

20th Apr 2010, 15:52

Owner of 2007 Graphite Jetta GLI. My last comment was March 2008. Since then, I have had a few factory recalls on my GLI, including the O2 sensors, and something else emissions related that I can't remember off the top of my head.

As I reported in 2008, my car started using oil at about 20000kms. I now have about 78000kms. I did notice a decrease in the amount of oil I burn between oil changes since the factory recalls. However, I still burn anywhere between 1/2L to 1L of oil between oil changes. Before the recalls, my car burned almost 2L between oil changes.

I have since learned that the 2.0T engine has the same oil burning issues in the GLI, and Audi A3.

My stereo bass still turns up when I decelerate (never does it during a test drive by the dealership), and the squeaking in the dash went away for a bit after the dealership wedged rubber spacers in the dash. Eventually they just vibrate out and it squeaks again.

All said and done, nothing much has changed. I am almost out of warranty and have decided to keep the car after the lease runs out. It's still fun to drive, and all in all it hasn't given me too many problems. Still not sure that I would buy another one. We will see as I need to replace the 2000 TDI at some point. BTW, it still uses less oil than the GLI. LOL.

If anything changes, I will update my comments.

Cheers!

23rd May 2010, 12:19

I will be purchasing a 06 GLI this week, so oil should be my main concern with this car. It has 66K on the ODO and it's a 6spd.

15th Jun 2010, 18:17

Wow. I'm surprised with all the comments about the 2.0 GLI. I have had very few problems (apart from a blown AC fixed under warranty early on), and very little oil consumption. Be sure the dealer is using Castrol 5w40 or Mobil1 0w40. I find that those oils don't burn up as quickly. "GC" Castrol 0w30 tends to burn off fairly quickly.

9th Jul 2010, 11:52

I bought my 2006 GLI new. It eats TONS of oil, since about 20K. Dealer never suggested squat, certainly no work under warranty. But then again, they have proven to be quite dishonest.

My A/C system died early, but out of warranty. Two effing compressors later and a system flush, and I have A/C, but a LOT less CASH. VW of America and my local dealer would do the following to work with me: SQUAT.

Squeaks and rattles. Yes, the front suspension has made the 'normal' crunching sound since new.

The intake flapper motor dies regularly. I am on 4 already, two under warranty.

Front brakes lasted forever, just replaced pads.

Handles well, nice to drive.

24th Aug 2010, 19:18

I own a 06 Jetta GLI (33000 miles) and maybe have to put a half a quart of oil in it between changes (every 5000 miles), no big deal. I change the oil myself and use only Mobil 1 0W-40.

Last summer I had to take it in and get the head liner at the rear window glued back up and they covered the cost.

Other than that, I replaced a brake light bulb, but haven't paid the dealer a dime in almost 5 years.

The rubber is coming off the power window switches and I plan on replacing those in the near future. Brake pads are still in good shape.

28th Aug 2010, 06:14

I bought my 2006 VW GLI in June of 2009. It had 34k miles then, now has 63k. I drive a LOT for work. This car has been super reliable, no issues at all except the check engine light that goes on and then off every once in a while. Probably need a new gas cap, but I'm going to see a mechanic just to be safe.

It does consume oil, so you have to keep an eye on it. I run Mobil 1, and the oil changes run about $75 a pop. Other than that, it's a blast to drive, great handling, great acceleration with high revs, and very firm ride, maybe a little too firm!

I haven't done any mods... yet!

I would highly recommend this car.

29th Sep 2010, 23:11

My car:

2006 GLI (build date 3/06)

50,000 miles

TUNED!

GIAC 93oct flash, Intake, Downpipe, and Catch can.

Koni FSD Shocks and Nuespeed Springs.

#1 the oil consumption issue:

Our GLIs have a Ko3 turbo which uses a floating shaft design. Basically the shaft for the turbo compressor is floating on a layer of oil. Now for most gearheads they will know that turbos get very, very, very, very, very I will say very (one more time) hot. This in turn leads to burning of oil. If you look back on most turbo charged cars VW/Audi, Subaru, Volvo etc. they all burn oil. It's just how they are designed. I have switched from OEM Pentosin 5w-40 to Mobil 1 0-40 and my car seems to be running smoother. Get a catch can and you will save yourself a bunch of headaches. Also be sure to change your oil at every 3000 miles not 5000. It may seem excessive, but it is key to a healthy engine. If you think that is too much, please trade in your GLI now and let someone who cares about it buy it.

#2 PCV valve:

Our cars have (in my opinion) a sub standard PCV system. It consists of a check valve in the front of the valve cover and in the back. I got rid of this as soon as I bought the car in 09 and since my oil consumption has decreased. Not to mention I'm not blowing out any more PCV valves. The catch can is the best way to eliminate this issue since you're not only sending all your blowby from your pistons out of your engine, you're filtering it and returning it to your motor without all that gas and oil vapor which leads me to...

#3 Intake valves and carbon buildup:

Without a catch can, our cars build up carbon on the valves, this leads to poor fuel economy, black smoke from your exhaust, and poor engine performance. My advice is to find a independent VW shop and have them clean them. You will pay half the money and get the same service if not better. The best part is most of the time they know exactly what they are doing.

#4 Cam follower:

This is by far the most replaced item on my car to date. I have changed it 3 times in the past year and a half. I do this whenever I change my oil. It is a very important piece that while fairly small (about the size of 6 pennies stacked on top of each other), costs $50. But if it fails, kiss your fuel pump, your cam shaft, cam chains, and your cylinder head goodbye. Also be sure to check it for wear and replace regularly and your car will be happy.

I want to say that my car has only been to the dealer once since I bought it. It has rewarded me with a great smile per mile rating. I didn't know much about it when I bought in last March but I have learned so much about it just by doing my maintenance myself. It makes a world of difference, not to mention you feel a great deal of reward knowing your sweat and tears are making this thing go down the road.

If you have any questions about your car or any issue you are having please email me alsorren89@yahoo.com.

I would be glad to help!