A considerable number of Volkswagen MY2012 and MY2013 Golf R owners have reported a loud whining sound from the rear of the vehicle. The reports are consistent in terms of conditions leading up to the sound as well as the characteristic of the sound itself. Owners report that the sound is preceded by approximately 20 minutes of highway driving. Owners also report that the sound is most noticeable under deceleration/coasting. The sound is described as a “whine” or “howl” that becomes more or less noticeable depending on the speed at which the vehicle is traveling (most commonly over 50 mph.)

Frustrated owners have started numerous online discussions pertaining to this subject (examples linked below.) The majority of owners report having taken their vehicle into a dealership more than once only to have their concerns dismissed. As the sound is difficult to reproduce outside of highway driving, the issue is commonly blamed on tire noise. Rotating and changing of the tires has not been documented to resolve the issue. A number of owners report having taken their vehicle into the dealership, having the rear differential of the vehicle replaced under warranty, and having the sound disappear.

The number of conversations started around this subject, the number of dealership visits by frustrated customers, and the lack of action taken by either VW dealerships or VWoA suggests an inadequate response to a widespread problem. The notion that such a sound is characteristic to the vehicle is likewise not a solution. As documented in the linked discussions below, the whining sound emanating from the rear of the vehicle is noticeable enough to prompt repeated dealer visits, dissatisfaction with the product, and concern regarding the quality of the vehicle.

The undersigned Golf R owners formally request that VWoA address this issue, provide a solution under warranty, and inform dealers of the appropriate repair procedure.

Documentation:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ighlight=whine
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ighlight=whine
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ighlight=whine
http://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/27...ing-rear-diff/
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ear-diff-whine
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...of-the-vehicle
http://www.vwgolf.net.au/showthread....-whining-noise