Crash test = NHTSA's overall star rating. “Crash, fire, injury” = complaints reporting one (share of the year's complaints). Counts depend on how many were sold, so they aren't a ranking.
Each year is judged on its own complaints only. Complaint counts are shown for context, not as a ranking: they depend on how many were sold and how long they've been on the road.
Sixth generation: 2010–2014
Engines: 2.5L five-cylinder, 2.0L TDI diesel.
Most reported across the 2010–2011 model years (179 complaints researched): stalling or shutting off while driving (40%), fuel pump or fuel injector failure (31%) and drops into neutral or loses drive while moving (8%).
49% of complaints describe engine failure or stalling.
59% of complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death, or a loss of power while moving (typical: 17%)
74% of serious complaints that list mileage came before 50,000 miles (typical: 32%)
An NHTSA investigation into diesel fuel injector line leakage (PE11023, closed with recall 11V490000), matching a top complaint
An NHTSA investigation into air bag clockspring failure (PE15010, closed with recall 15V483000), matching a top complaint
110 complaints · 6 recalls
2012
Too few
48 complaints on file, fewer than 50.
2013
Too few
43 complaints on file, fewer than 50.
2014
Too few
11 complaints on file, fewer than 50.
Seventh generation: 2015–2021
Engines: 1.8L turbo four-cylinder (2015 to 2018), 2.0L TDI diesel (2015), 1.4L turbo four-cylinder (2019 to 2021). Update for 2018.
Most reported across the 2015–2017 and 2019 model years (395 complaints researched): fuel leaks (17%), stalling or shutting off while driving (12%) and fuel will not go into tank when refueling (8%).
2015
Check recall
An NHTSA investigation into fuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647) (RQ23007, closed with recall 24V110)
An NHTSA investigation into fuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647) (RQ23007, closed with recall 24V110), matching a top complaint
An NHTSA investigation into fuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647) (RQ23007, closed with recall 24V110), matching a top complaint
116 complaints · 5 recalls
2018
Too few
29 complaints on file, fewer than 50.
2019
Avoid
62% of complaints describe engine failure or stalling.
62% of complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death, or a loss of power while moving (typical: 17%)
An NHTSA investigation into fuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647) (RQ23007, closed with recall 24V110), matching a top complaint
The problems owners report most across the 2010–2011, 2015–2017 and 2019 Golf (574 complaints researched), and how much of each year's complaints they make up.
Share of each model year's owner complaints that describe the problem. A complaint can describe more than one problem.
The main Golf problems
Each problem across every model year: which years it hits, at what mileage, whether repairs fixed it, and in owners' own words.
Stalling or shutting off while driving
Critical
The engine shuts off unexpectedly, most often while slowing down or stopped, and has to be restarted. 118 owner complaints about the 2010–2011, 2015–2017 and 2019 Golf describe it (21% of all we researched).
Gasoline leaks from the fuel tank, charcoal canister or fuel lines, often noticed at the rear of the car. 72 owner complaints about the 2010–2011, 2015–2017 and 2019 Golf describe it (13% of all we researched).
The fuel pump or fuel injectors fail, causing the engine to lose power or shut off. 59 owner complaints about the 2010–2011, 2015–2017 and 2019 Golf describe it (10% of all we researched).
The pump keeps shutting off or gas backs up the filler neck, so the tank cannot be filled normally. 33 owner complaints about the 2010–2011, 2015–2017 and 2019 Golf describe it (6% of all we researched).
The airbag warning light comes on and stays lit, sometimes with the airbag switched off. 29 owner complaints about the 2010–2011, 2015–2017 and 2019 Golf describe it (5% of all we researched).
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2010–2021 Golf, do-not-drive and park-outside warnings first, with the model years each covers. Check any used Golf's VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls: an open recall is fixed free.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
How we judge each year
We research every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for each model year and judge the year on its own complaints: whether one serious problem (transmission, engine or stalling, steering, brakes, airbags, fire, fuel leaks) makes up a large share of them, whether an unusual share report a crash, fire, injury or loss of power while moving, whether serious failures come early, and whether NHTSA issued a do-not-drive or park-outside recall or opened an investigation. We use shares, not counts, so a year that sold well isn't marked down for having more owners. More on our verdicts.
Questions
What years of the Volkswagen Golf should you avoid?+
The 2010–2011, 2016–2017 and 2019 Golf. 2010: 48% of complaints (33) describe engine failure or stalling (stalling while driving, fuel pump or injector failure). 2011: 49% of complaints (54) describe engine failure or stalling (stalling while driving, fuel pump or injector failure). 2016: 24% of complaints (20) describe fuel leaks. 2017: 34% of complaints (40) describe fuel leaks (fuel leak). 2019: 62% of complaints (39) describe engine failure or stalling (stalling or engine shut-off, misfires and head gasket failures).
Which Volkswagen Golf years have an urgent recall to check?+
2015: . Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the repair was done.
Why are some Volkswagen Golf years not judged?+
The 2012–2014, 2018 and 2020–2021 have fewer than 50 owner complaints on file, too few to judge. New model years often haven’t been on the road long enough.
What is the most common problem with the Volkswagen Golf?+
Stalling or shutting off while driving: 118 owner complaints (21%) across the 2010–2011, 2015–2017 and 2019 model years describe it, the largest share in the 2019 (60% of that year's complaints). Owners report it at a median of 10,000 miles. Of 18 owners who described a repair, 7 say it didn't fix the problem.
Is there a recall for Golf stalling or engine shut-off?+
Owners describing it most often cite recall 24V110000 (2015–2020 Golf): 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. Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the repair was done.
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). Any dealer fixes an open recall free.