NHTSA Data Explorer

Volkswagen Golf

Data refreshed June 26, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Volkswagen Golf.

Complaints

1,430

Active records

Recalls

52

Active records

TSBs

2,881

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

1

Injuries

65

Crashes

56

Fires

28

Top reported issues — Volkswagen Golf

Click a category to expand its values.

Condition issue

424

Operating state

331

Reporting mechanism

260

Engine behavior

233

Fluid issue

215

Safety restraint issue

207

Performance issue

121

Driver assistance issue

102

Safety restraint behavior

88

Noise

87

Access/entry issue

85

Thermal issue

79

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

71

Lighting behavior

56

Electrical issue

47

Braking behavior

46

Starting behavior

38

Smell

37

Vibration/harshness

37

Steering behavior

25

Powering on/off behavior

22

Infotainment behavior

21

HVAC behavior

15

Recent change

14

Wiper/washer behavior

9

Ride/handling behavior

7

Electrified system issue

3

Communication/network issue

2

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed Jun 17, 2026


Rear strut completely broke

2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed Jun 8, 2026


1 injured
Crash

I am reporting a severe safety system failure regarding the airbag deployment force on a 2016 Volkswagen Golf SE. The vehicle was involved in a collision where the frontal/side air bag safety systems engaged. While the impact speed was moderate, the airbag deployment was violently disproportionate, resulting in severe, direct injuries to the occupant rather than providing the intended safety cushioning or protection. The force of the deployment appeared heavily uncalibrated, acting as a primary…

2018 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed May 31, 2026


Vehicle brought in for Recall 20UF (fuel tank suction pump fire risk) on 04/15/2026. Upon pickup after approximately one week of dealer service, a strong chemical odor was present in the cabin that did not exist prior to service. Odor persists despite cabin air filter replacement with activated charcoal filter, professional carpet shampooing, and extended airing out over several weeks. Dealer dismissed concerns and suggested owner pay for cabin filter replacement which had no effect. VW's own…

2018 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed May 26, 2026


Took my car into VW in Johnson City TN because my millage has been dropping drastically. Went from about 420 miles to a tank, down to less than 300. There is hesitation and jerking when I accelerate as well as a gasoline odor in the cab of the vehicle after refueling. Service manager said there was no code thrown and when he took it for a drive her drove “conservatively” and the mpg was normal. They did not physically inspect the fuel pump jet and gaslit me saying it was how I’m driving.…

2018 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed May 26, 2026


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION OF ODI COMPLAINT NUMBER 11740201. I am submitting critical supplemental information to my active safety complaint regarding a 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (1.8T engine). My primary safety issues are a severe drop in fuel efficiency (cut completely in half), heavy vehicle hesitation/jerking during acceleration, and a powerful raw gasoline smell inside the cabin immediately after fueling. These symptoms heavily align with the known physical failures covered under…

2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed May 22, 2026


The right rear coil spring on my 2015 Volkswagen Golf fractured suddenly while the vehicle was completely stationary in a parking lot. There was no collision, pothole impact, curb strike, road hazard, or other external event that could reasonably explain the failure. The incident was captured on dash cam video. The failed component is the right rear suspension coil spring. I will retain the broken component and make it available for inspection upon request, although the vehicle must be…

2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed May 8, 2026


Heated seats get extremely hot. Smell of burning. Possible to catch fire or burn people Vw patrick volkswagen auburn ma confirmed that electrical inspection to rule out seat recall No. No recall has been submitted yet When i first bought the car in 2025

2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed May 5, 2026


Driving my 2017Golf the check engine light came on. The light was steady. I called my dealer and got it in for service. They report to me that the Thermostat housing needs to be replaced and oxygen sensors need replacing also. I just had the manifold replaced 6 weeks ago. I found on line that this is a common problem . Why isn’t this a Recall Repair?

2021 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed Apr 27, 2026


Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced intermittent drivability and shifting issues along with repeated EPC and check engine warnings. Diagnostic trouble code P0111 (intake air temperature plausibility) has been present along with other electrical and engine management faults. A Volkswagen dealership diagnosis indicated that the intake air temperature sensor and an additional engine insulation “hood blanket” component (not originally installed on the vehicle) are required to…

2020 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

Filed Feb 13, 2026


The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that there was a leak in the evaporative emissions system after scanning the vehicle and retrieving DTC: P0456. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated June 26, 2026. Refreshed nightly.