Engine
2.5L 5-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 109 of 110 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 91 of 110 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Fuel system
34 complaint records
"HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES WERE LEAKING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL. FUEL LEAKED ON TO ALTERNATOR, CAR STALLED ON HIGHWAY AND REQUIRED TOWING. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
26 complaint records3 fire reports1 crash report
"2011 GOLF TDI AUTOMATIC (DSG) TRANSMISSION. COLD START, STALLED WHILE PULLING ONTO MAIN ROAD, NO ACCIDENT ONLY BECAUSE ONCOMING TRAFFIC STOPPED. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
21 complaint records
"CARS TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE, WILL REV AND NOT MOVE. WAS AT A GAS STATION AND WAS GOING TO LEAVE PUT CAR IN DRIVE AND IT JUST REVVED, PUT CAR BACK IN PARK AND IN DRIVE AGAIN WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA18003 opened Apr 2018 | OPEN | Air Bags | Air Bag Clockspring Failure In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering... |
| RQ17009 opened Nov 2017 | closed May 2018 | Air Bags | Air Bag Clockspring Failure In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering... |
| PE15010 opened Mar 2015 | closed Sep 2015 | Electrical System | Air Bag Clockspring Failure - led to recall 15V483000 The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within... |
| PE11023 opened Aug 2011 | closed Dec 2011 | Fuel System, Diesel | Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage - led to recall 11V490000 By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen... |
| EA11003 opened Feb 2011 | closed Mar 2015 | Fuel System, Other | High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19V862000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag... | Normally free |
| 18V329000 | Unknown Or Other | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI... | Normally free |
| 18V148000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. | Normally free |
| 16V078000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet... | Normally free |
| 15V483000 | Air Bags | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. | Normally free |
| 11V490000 | Fuel System, Diesel | VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020353 2020-08-04 | Label | 132,432 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the warning label for the engine block heater cable is written in English only. As a result, a French user may not receive important safety information about how to use the engine block heater. |
| 2018111 2018-03-06 | Airbag | 37,197 | On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. |
| 2016297 2016-06-10 | Lights And Instruments | 18,630 | On certain vehicles, a fuse can overheat and damage the fuse box, causing a partial loss of exterior vehicle lighting. This could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. |
| 2016064 2016-02-09 | Airbag | 64,660 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2015344 2015-07-31 | Seats And Restraints | 41,308 | On certain vehicles, the steering wheel clock spring could become contaminated with long hair or long fibers which may cause a displacement of the internal guide loops. |
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011355 2011-10-03 | Fuel System | 41,078 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TDI diesel engine, the fuel injection lines could crack. Diesel fuel leakage may ignite on a hot engine surface and cause a fire, which could result in property damage and/or personal injury. |
| 2010306 2010-09-13 | Lights And Instruments | 1,730 | Certain Golf and Golf wagon were built with a Daytime Running Light (DRL) system that can be deactivated, which is not in compliance with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective devices. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V0116152014815_20 Sep 2026 | Engine | Suggested fuel additive | |
| SM 39-2026 Sep 2026 | Unknown Or Other | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| TT 00-13-04_7 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order | |
| V0026012081638_2 Aug 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Differences between a leak and seepage | |
| VOS-26-42 Jul 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V1718062017813_24 Jul 2026 | Engine | Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement | |
| TT 10-18-02_2 Jun 2026 | Engine | Lubricating engine components before reassembly. | |
| TT 13-20-01_3 Jun 2026 | Engine | Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start. | |
| V6919012010479_17 Jun 2026 | Air Bags | Inquiries | |
| V1719012012855_81 Jun 2026 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards | |
| VOS-26-21 Mar 2026 | Engine | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM... | |
| V0018092053065_6 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting | |
| V9422022066761_4 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors | |
| VOS-26-15 Mar 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system... | |
| V5515032021354_9 Mar 2026 | Unknown Or Other | Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color | |
| DC_VW_CF_Airbag Mar 2026 | Air Bags | The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles. | |
| VOS-26-01 Jan 2026 | Electrical System | This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output: | |
| V4016012043146_4 Nov 2025 | Suspension | What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut. | |
| V5718012042955_7 Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | Replace Door Lock and Cap. | |
| V0116132033805_11 Oct 2025 | Engine | Engine misfire diagnostic aid. | |
| V1917012022548_15 Oct 2025 | Engine | G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants. | |
| V3718022033975_14 Oct 2025 | Power Train | Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids. | |
| V1718062017813_23 Oct 2025 | Engine | How to measure engine oil consumption. | |
| V0017132033846_25 Oct 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive to prevent sporatic misfire | |
| V0116152014815_19 Oct 2025 | Engine | A list of suggested fuel stations | |
| V8718102043704_24 Oct 2025 | Unknown Or Other | GFF Requirements regardless of concern plus System flush requirement | |
| V0017132033846_24 Jul 2025 | Engine | Fuel Additive | |
| V4616012043146_3 Jul 2025 | Suspension | How to identify and when to replace a leaking strut | |
| V1719012012855_79 Jun 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards (U.S. Only) | |
| V8720022061094_9 May 2025 | Unknown Or Other | How to check for HVAC system leaks using nitrogen. | |
| V1719012012855_78 Apr 2025 | Engine | Volkswagen Engine Oil Quality Standards | |
| V1917012022548_14 Feb 2025 | Engine | Identifying and Mixing Engine Coolant | |
| V0024012076283_1 Dec 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Diesel Models only. Repurchase Prior to Repairs | |
| V1719022012855_77 Oct 2024 | Engine | Engine Oil Standards | |
| V5515032021354_8 Oct 2024 | Structure | Lack of paint under roof | |
| V0018092053065_5 Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Additional reporting | |
| CampTip_RNA_VW Oct 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available | |
| V1718062017813_19 Sep 2024 | Engine | How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement | |
| V0116132033805_10 Sep 2024 | Power Train | Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid | |
| V0118122014603_20 Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool | |
| V1718032037201_19 Sep 2024 | Engine | Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick | |
| V1719012012855_76 Sep 2024 | Engine | A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards | |
| V3718022033975_13 Sep 2024 | Power Train | Fluid requirements | |
| TT 00-24-01 Sep 2024 | Structure | Wind & Water Leak Checking | |
| V0017132033846_23 Sep 2024 | Engine | Fuel additive to help with misfire faults | |
| V0116152014815_18 Sep 2024 | Engine | Recommended Gasoline Quality | |
| V271901201189426 Aug 2024 | Electrical System | Battery testing | |
| V1719012012855_75 Aug 2024 | Engine | Engine Oil Standards | |
| TT 10-12-01_3 Jul 2024 | Engine | Engine Replacement Tip | |
| TT 10-18-02_2 Jul 2024 | Engine | Engine Assembly Tip | |
| V1719012012855_74 Jul 2024 | Engine | Engine oil quality standards | |
| V1719012012855_73 Jun 2024 | Engine | Engine oil quality standards | |
| V171901201285572 May 2024 | Engine | Engine oil quality standards | |
| V171905201285571 Apr 2024 | Unknown Or Other | VW Engine oil quality standards | |
| V2118022025464_9 Mar 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Frozen Charge Air Cooler, Engine no start updated to include Parts ordering notification. | |
| V171901201285570 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VW Engine oil quality standards | |
| V171901201285569 Jan 2024 | Unknown Or Other | VW Engine oil quality standards | |
| V691901201047916 Jan 2024 | Unknown Or Other | Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement. | |
| V171901201285568 Nov 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VW Engine oil quality standards | |
| V871810204370421 Nov 2023 | Visibility | Reporting procedure for A/C compressor replacement regardless of the reason for failure. Update to model year applicability and new warranty GFF labor operation number |
Showing 60 of 1043 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Golf →