2002 Volkswagen GTI Wheels Problems

“Over 200 2002 vw GTI 337 edition owners have also claimed to have similar problems of pitting, black spots, corrosion, roughness, and/or white spots on their wheels as well and have supplied pictures for all to view publicly on online forums to prove their case. As a group we have approached Volkswagen of america (vwoa) about the problem using my car as the test car. …”

“Each wheel of my 2002 vw GTI 337 has been impregnated w/ wheel brake dust. The dust has not been removable since it has embedded itself in the clear coat. The finish on each of the wheels has also gotten rougher over time, which I believe is a result of the brake dust eating away at the clear coat finish.”

“Wheels on my 337 GTI are corroding much like others who have complained already. Pitting/ roughness/ spotting--all problems on the bbs oem wheels. Mine aren't as severe a case as others, but I fear they will only get worse since the car is only 1 year old.”

“Pitting and corrosion occurring on the rims that came stock on my 2002 vw GTI 337. This car was a limited edition vehicle for the USA, with only 1500 made.fitting of rims and black spots are noted, as well as whitish spots that indicate corrosion of the underlying metal. I wash these rims on a weekly basis with a non-acidic wheel shampoo, as well as waxing them on a monthly basis with wheel-specific wax. However, aformentioned condition continues to worsen.”

“The finish of the bbs rc wheels that came with my 2002 vw GTI 337 is pitting and corroding away. There are over 200 other GTI 337 owners that are having the same problems. Despite frequent cleaning with approved chemicals, excessive brake dust is pitting into the special finish of the said wheels and causing discoloration and/or peeling of the clear coat on the wheels.”