Volkswagen Golf recalls
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2010–2021 Golf, listed once each with the model years it covers. Data through Oct 4, 2026.
Check a Golf for open recalls
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA's official lookup. It shows any recall that hasn't been repaired on that vehicle; a Volkswagen dealer fixes it free.
- Recall campaigns
- 28
- Do not drive or park outside
- 2
- Model years covered
- 2010–2021
Recalls by model year
Each campaign is listed under every model year it covers.
⚠ = do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
Do-not-drive and park-outside recalls
Until these are repaired, NHTSA and Volkswagen tell owners not to drive the vehicle or to park it outside, away from buildings.
Every Golf recall campaign
Newest first. Open a campaign for the defect, risk, remedy and what to do.
WheelsDo not driveThe front wheel bearings may have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel…2019 modelDec 11, 20198 vehicles19V879000
- Defect
- The front wheel bearings may have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel bolts, or wheel bearings.
- Risk
- The excessive stress can cause steering, traction or other stability issues or breakage relating to the front wheels, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge.
- What to do
- Don't drive it until the recall repair is done. Call a dealer to arrange the fix.
Disc › CaliperDo not driveThe brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.2018 modelJun 1, 201810,225 vehicles18V369000
- Defect
- The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners.
- What to do
- Don't drive it until the recall repair is done. Call a dealer to arrange the fix.
Fuel system, gasolineDue to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions…2015–2020 modelsFeb 14, 2024261,257 vehicles24V110000
- Defect
- Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge.
Cited in owner complaints we researched: 1 complaint about stalling or shutting off while driving; 4 complaints about fuel leaks.
Ignition › SwitchThe ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.2019 modelAug 30, 202362,538 vehicles23V604000
- Defect
- The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
- Risk
- Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge.
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systemsThe tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among…2019–2020 modelsOct 31, 2022296,044 vehicles22V815000
- Defect
- The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
- Risk
- An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge.
Passenger side › Inflator moduleDuring air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.2016 modelJul 27, 20221,216 vehicles22V543000
- Defect
- During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge.
Unknown or otherVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF,…2017 modelMay 5, 202146 vehicles21V321000
- Defect
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles.
- Risk
- Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles.
Sensing system › CameraThe rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system…2021 modelNov 18, 202032,048 vehicles20V716000
- Defect
- The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge.
Other › LabelsThe VIN printed on the Federal Certification label may not match the actual VIN on the vehicle. As such, these…2018 modelJun 24, 20202 vehicles20V372000
- Defect
- The VIN printed on the Federal Certification label may not match the actual VIN on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
- Risk
- If the stamped vehicle identification number (VIN) does not match the VIN on the Vehicle Certification Label, owners may be unable to tell if their vehicle is under an important safety recall, possibly exposing them to an increased risk of a crash, fire or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a correct certification label, free of charge.
Driver side › Inflator moduleThe driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to…2011–2014 modelsDec 4, 2019226 vehicles19V862000
- Defect
- The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge.
Anti-theft › Control moduleA build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition…2015–2016 and 2018–2019 modelsAug 22, 2019679,027 vehicles19V615000
- Defect
- A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
- Risk
- Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge.
Springs › Coil springsThe rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.2015–2019 modelsMar 6, 201956,173 vehicles19V188000
- Defect
- The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
- Risk
- If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge.
Springs › Coil springsThe rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.2015 modelDec 19, 20186,322 vehicles18V904000
- Defect
- The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
- Risk
- If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge.
Column locking › Anti-theft deviceThe build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition…2015–2018 modelsJul 11, 201833,168 vehicles18V464000
- Defect
- The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Risk
- Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge.
Unknown or otherModifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not…2011–2016 modelsMay 16, 2018252 vehicles18V329000
- Defect
- Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- Risk
- If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge.
Driver side › Inflator moduleUpon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.2010–2014 modelsMar 6, 2018363,713 vehicles18V148000
- Defect
- Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge.
Seat belts › PretensionerAdditionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the…2017 modelDec 29, 20165,947 vehicles16V955000
- Defect
- Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipThe Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation,…2010 modelDec 20, 2016135,683 vehicles16V913000
- Defect
- The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
- Risk
- A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities.
Fuel system, gasolineDue to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.2015–2016 modelsSep 7, 2016110,042 vehicles16V647000
- Defect
- Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
- Risk
- As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge.
Cited in owner complaints we researched: 4 complaints about fuel leaks; 1 complaint about fuel tank will not fill.
Fuel injection system › Fuel railIn the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.2016 modelJun 6, 201655 vehicles16V403000
- Defect
- In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge.
Driver side › Inflator moduleUpon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.2010–2014 modelsFeb 10, 2016659,493 vehicles16V078000
- Defect
- Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge.
Engine and engine cooling › EngineIn the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of…2015–2016 modelsOct 26, 201591,867 vehicles15V705000
- Defect
- In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
- Risk
- If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software.
Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactiveThe affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) that may have been manufactured…2015 modelOct 7, 2015993 vehicles15V627000
- Defect
- The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) that may have been manufactured improperly. As a result, the front passenger seat occupant may be improperly classified or may not be detected.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the front passenger seat occupant is incorrectly classified or non-detected, the passenger frontal air bag may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge.
Air bags › FrontalIn the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the…2011–2014 modelsAug 4, 2015415,825 vehicles15V483000
- Defect
- In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
- Risk
- A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off.
Cited in owner complaints we researched: 1 complaint about airbag warning light stays on.
Delivery › Fuel pumpImproper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.2015 modelApr 17, 20156,205 vehicles15V229000
- Defect
- Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle will not start, or if the engine is running, it will stop and the vehicle will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge.
Fuel injection system › Fuel railA sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.2015 modelJan 23, 201544,658 vehicles15V028000
- Defect
- A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge.
SteeringIn the affected vehicles, the stabilizer link fasteners may come loose and possibly interfere with the steering of…2015 modelJul 7, 20142,001 vehicles14V412000
- Defect
- In the affected vehicles, the stabilizer link fasteners may come loose and possibly interfere with the steering of the vehicle.
- Risk
- A loose stabilizer link may interfere with the vehicle's steering, requiring additional effort to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front stabilizer links, free of charge.
Fuel system, dieselTHE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM…2010–2012 modelsOct 3, 2011168,275 vehicles11V490000
- Defect
- THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
- Risk
- DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
- Remedy
- VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES.
What to do
Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a recall is open, any dealer will fix it free. For NHTSA's full record of a campaign, search its number there (for example 19V879000).
More on the Golf
Questions
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Golf have?
NHTSA lists 28 recall campaigns for the 2010–2021 Golf, 2 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning (19V879000, 2019; 18V369000, 2018). A campaign often covers several model years, so each is counted once.
Which Golf model year has the most recalls?
The 2015 Golf, with 12 recall campaigns. More recalls don't by themselves make a year worse: check what each one fixes and that it was done.
How do I check if a Golf has an open recall?
Enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (the VIN is on the driver's side of the dashboard, seen through the windshield, and on the registration). It shows any recall not yet repaired on that vehicle. A Volkswagen dealer does recall repairs free.