NHTSA Complaint #11443425 — 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GTI

Electronically controlled thermostat failed stuck closed on December 10, 2021. Vehicle had 63814 miles on the odometer. This is a common, known problem with this make/model. Engine overheated in stop and go traffic which caused limp home torque reduction. When traffic resumed there was a potentially dangerous situation because vehicle could not accelerate as quickly as expected by following drivers. There is a design flaw in that the thermostat should fail stuck open, and not stuck closed, to ensure adequate vehicle mobility to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Additionally, this component is an On-Board Diagnostic Device belonging to the emissions control system. Failure should be covered under the federal emissions control warranty.