2010 Volkswagen Golf

Routine

Owners filed 70 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the Volkswagen Golf years to avoid. Which Volkswagen Golf years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
34,600 milesMedian miles at failure

56 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2010 Volkswagen Golf problems

19 of the 70 complaints (27%) are about the fuel system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Diesel · fuel system16
000
Air Bags · airbags11
100
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system7
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine5
000
Engine4
000
Electrical System4
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes2
000
Seat Belts2
000
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission2
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module18V148000
Filed Mar 6, 2018363,713 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. 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. 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. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)16V913000
Filed Dec 20, 2016135,683 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. 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. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V078000
Filed Feb 10, 2016659,493 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Defect. 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 and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. 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. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Fuel System, Diesel11V490000
Filed Oct 3, 2011168,275 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc

Defect. 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 SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. 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. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 26, 2026WA

The ABS control module (Continental MK60EC1, part number 1K0 907 379 AH) in my 2010 Volkswagen Golf has failed. The vehicle's ABS and electronic stability control are inoperative. The failed module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. On October 26, 2026, an authorized Volkswagen dealer inspected the vehicle with the factory diagnostic system and confirmed the failure: the module stores fault 01130 (ABS operation, implausible signal, recorded 16 times) and fault 16352 (control module faulty, recorded 31 times and currently present as "static" — the module reporting itself defective). These are the same two faults Volkswagen attributes in Safety Recall 16V913000 to an insufficient PCU ground connection inside this module, which can cause it to fail during ABS or ESC activation. Without ABS/ESC, the vehicle has longer stopping distances and no stability control in an emergency maneuver or on wet roads, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control. My vehicle was excluded from recall 16V913000 only because its serial number falls after the recall's 2010 Golf range, so it never received the recall's software update or module replacement — the module still runs its original factory software (version 0107, which predates the recall). The dealer confirmed the module is faulty but declined to request coverage from Volkswagen, citing the vehicle's age. The manufacturer itself has not inspected the vehicle. I am asking NHTSA to review whet

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 18, 2024107,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 18, 2024133,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle due to the ABS and ESC warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure with the ESC and ABS warning lights being illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 9, 2022CA

Shortly after acquiring this car, an airbag light appeared on the dashboard after my sister adjusted the passenger side seat. The airbag indicator showed that it was off afterward, despite my sister being adequate weight to require the airbag. Continued problems ensued when the seat would show that it was occupied (airbag on and seatbelt chime when unbuckled, even though there was no one in the seat). Now this happens sporadically, and it is unknown whether the airbag will be operational or not whenever I start the car. Often, turning the car off then back on will allow for the airbag to show it is on for a passenger. I have seen in other locations online that this is an issue that has affected other people online with this model of car.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Sep 7, 2021CA

I call my call Inspector Gadget because it shifts on it's own. I could be braking and it leaps forward as if I put it in 4th or 5th gear. I heard of gears "slipping" but it is the reverse - it's rev's on it's own and speed increases. I was told it might be the manifold but I can't get that confirmed from auto mechanic and it won't pass smog now.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 16, 2020120,000 milesFL

ABS WARNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FOR MANY MONTHS- GO ON AND OFF ALONG WITH AIRBAG WARNING FREQUENTLY- SEVERAL MECHANICS COULD NOT DIAGNOSE. RECENTLY BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AT SAME TIME AS ABS AND AIRBAG WARNINGS. BRAKE SYSTEM CHECKED OUT FINE. ON REPLACEMENT OF WHEEL SPEED ABS SENSOR, DISCOVERED CENTRAL ABS CONTROL MODULE ERROR (DTC 01130). VW HAD ALREADY ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL ( 45F2) FOR THE ABS SENSOR IN SEVERAL 2009 AND 2010 JETTA/GOLF, BUT IN A LIMITED VIN RANGE. THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM IN THIS 2010 GOLD IS THE FAULT OF THE FAULTY ABS CONTROL MODULE FOUND IN OTHER 2010 GOLF CARS AND REFUSE TO HONOR RECALL OR TO LOG PROBLEM.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 9, 202056,878 milesPR

ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. LOST OF ABS SYSTEM, STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM AND AIR BAG SYSTEM. THIS HAPPENS AT 4 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP.

Air Bags
Filed May 30, 201895,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN CATONSVILLE (6624 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, BALTIMORE, MD 21228), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TT *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 26, 2018CA

2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEATBELT DEFECT WITH NO WARRANTY SUPPORT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. *JS

Air Bags
Filed Mar 28, 2018110,000 milesWA

I FILED A VEHICLE BUYBACK WITH VOLKSWAGENS VEHICLE BUYBACK PROGRAM IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. I WAITED AND CALLED BACK AND FORTH TRYING TO FIND OUT ABOUT MY VEHICLE AND IF IT WAS GOING TO GET BOUGHT BACK. VOLKSWAGEN KEPT TELLING ME MY DOCUMENTS WERE INVALID AND I HAD TO RE-DO THEM EACH TIME AND SEND THEM BACK AND WAIT LONGER FOR A RESPONSE. ON 08/23/2017, THEY MADE ME RESET MY CLAIM BECAUSE THEY SUPPOSEDLY "FILED ME IN THE WRONG CATEGORY". AFTER THAT, ALL MY DOCUMENTS FINALLY GOT ACCEPTED, AND HAVE BEEN "UNDER REVIEW" FOR THE PAST 9 MONTHS. THEY HAVE BEEN REVIEWING MY DOCUMENTS AND HAVEN'T BEEN MOVING FORWARD WITH MY CASE FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS AND MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY WAITING TO BE TURNED IN. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS IT MIGHT HAVE ON ME AND MY SURROUNDINGS BUT VOLKSWAGEN IS BEING NEGLIGENT AND IGNORING MY CLAIM, EVEN THOUGH IT IS 100% VALID BECAUSE I HAVE OWNED MY CAR SINCE 2014. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS CLAIM WITH CARE AND HELP ME FIGURE THIS OUT. IT HAS BEEN A VERY HARD STRUGGLE FOR ME AND I AM JUST DREADING TO GET THIS OVER WITH.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 25, 2017CA

HAD TO REPLACE THE MAP SENSOR 3 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. MANIFOLD PROBLEM. THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. HAD TO PAY $700 EACH TIME TO FIX.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 2017MA

TAKATA RECALL. THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN A YEAR NOW. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THAT CAR WITHOUT RISKING MY LIFE EVERY DAY.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 20, 201779,000 milesTN

TAKATA RECALL - OFFICIAL RECALL IS DATED FEBRUARY 9, 2016. WE STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS, INCLUDING A WAY TO REMEDY THIS POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING ISSUE.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 23, 2016WA

TAMARA RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS FAILED TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG EVEN THOUGH IT PRESENTS A POTENTIAL SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. I WOULD LIKE AN UPDATE FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE REPAIR AND DATE I CAN TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. IT IS HAS BEEN TOO LONG WITH NO FIX IDENTIFIED. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 201660,000 milesTX

TAKATA RECALL... I'M IN ZONE A, TEXAS, AND MY CAR HAS STILL NOT BEEN FIXED! WHEN AND HOW WILL I BE CALLED UP TO GET THESE FIXED? I'M KEEPING THE CAR UNTIL MID-2018.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 2, 2016120,000 milesVA

"TAKATA RECALL". SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR A TAKATA AIRBAG IN MY VEHICLE. SINCE THEN, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE A SCHEDULE FOR AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. THE NHTSA WEBSITE REFERENCES A "SCHEDULE" & "PRIORITY" FOR REPLACEMENT OF TAKATA AIRBAGS, BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED. THE ONLY SCHEDULE INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE INDICATES THAT OLDER VEHICLES IN HOT & HUMID CONDITIONS ARE AT HIGHER RISK. PRIORITY 1 VEHICLES ON THE NHTSA LIST INDICATE THAT FAILURE IS MORE LIKELY IN PRIORITY 1 LOCATIONS AFTER 6-9 YEARS. MY VEHICLE IS MORE THAN 6 YEARS OLD & HAS SPENT MOST OF IT'S LIFE WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA WITHIN A FEW MILES OF CORROSIVE SALT WATER IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. SEVERAL FRIENDS, CLIENTS & FAMILY HAVE REFUSED TO RIDE IN MY VEHICLE DUE TO ITS' AIRBAG RECALL & PROXIMITY TO HIGH HEAT & HUMIDITY. I AM ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT MY PERSONAL SAFETY. WHEN IS MY VEHICLE ELIGIBLE FOR AIRBAG REPAIR?

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 201651,000 milesIL

THE MAIN (REAR) ENGINE OIL SEAL IS LEAKING WITH ONLY 51,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT OF THE ENGINE OIL SEAL OR IMPROPERLY MOUNTED FROM THE VW FACTORY. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM WITH VW OWNERS. THE COST OF THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE FULLY COVERED BY VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA.

Air Bags
Filed May 13, 2016ME

VW SHOULD PUT CUSTOMERS IN LOANERS UNTIL THE AIRBAGS ARE SAFELY REPLACED. IT'S NOT RIGHT TO SEND SOMEONE A NOTICE, STATING THEIR AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND KILL YOU WITHOUT OFFERING A SAFE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. WE ALSO HAVE A HONDA CRV AND THEY HAVE PROVIDED A LOANER UNTIL THE AIRBAG IS REPLACED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 23, 2015105,199 milesNJ

ENGINE FAILURE ON ROAD. SERVICE IS CLAIMING IT IS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE.... HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.

Engine
Filed Jan 9, 201547,000 milesDC

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SIMPLY SHUT OFF. I TURNED ON HAZZARDS, PUT CAR INTO PARK, RESTARTED, PUT CAR BACK INTO DRIVE AND DROVE AWAY. THIS WAS ON THE I-35 FRONTAGE ROAD AND I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN REARENDED / KILLED. HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME ON THE BQE IN NEW YORK SEVERAL MONTHS PRIOR. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT I WAS TOLD BY THE AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEPT. "PROBABLY A GLITCH, WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN." WAITING FOR A THIRD INCIDENT WHERE I'M NOT SO LUCKY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 23, 201460,580 milesCA

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT PREPARING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE. AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PROCEEDED TO MAKE MY TURN AND AFTER EXITING THE INTERSECTION THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE AND EVENTUALLY STALLED. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY AND TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT START. I CALLED AAA AND MY LOCAL VW DEALER AND HAD THE CAR TOWED THERE FOR REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL FUEL PUMP FAILED AND THAT IT WOULD BE REPLACED AS A "GOODWILL" BY VW SINCE MY CAR WAS JUST OUT OF THE 5 YEAR 60K WARRANTY. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM WAS REPLACED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FUEL TANK ITSELF WHICH WAS CLEANED. EVERYTHING WAS TAKEN CARE OF BY VW WITH NO CHARGE TO ME, AND A LOANER CAR WAS PROVIDED. *TR

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Aug 4, 2014MO

2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IN JULY 2013, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER, FOR A DIAGNOSES, THEY INFORMED HER, THE FUEL SYSTEM HAD COMPLETELY MALFUNCTIONED AND SENT METAL SHARDS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER, THE AC WASN'T FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. IT WAS TAKING 10-15 MINUTES TO GET COLD. IT WAS DETERMINED THE AIR COMPRESSOR WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE RECEIVER AND EXPANSION VALVE. *JB

Structure
Filed Jun 12, 201468,000 milesFL

THE HEAD LINER IN MY VW GOLF IS FALLING APART AROUND THE REAR DOME LIGHT. THE MATERIAL HAS SEPARATED FROM THE ROOF AND IS BLOCKING MY REAR VIEW. THIS IS A FOUR YEAR OLD CAR WITH UNDER 70,000 MILES ON IT. VW HAS REFUSED TO COVER IT UNDER MY WARRANTY. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 3, 201491,356 milesPA

I DRIVE A 2010 VW GOLF TDI. IT HAS BEEN USED AS A WORK VEHICLE JUST TO DRIVE BACK AND FORTH FOR ALL OF ITS LIFE EXCEPT RECENTLY AND KEPT EXTREMELY CLEAN ON THE INSIDE. THE REAR SEAT BELTS HAVE ONLY BEEN USED FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS WHEN MY DAUGHTER MOVED INTO A TODDLER SEAT. THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT WIND BACK UP NOW BEING UNUSABLE. *TR

Engine
Filed Apr 19, 2014114,000 milesKY

HAD JUST REFUELED VEHICLE A DAY PRIOR WHEN ON LUNCH BREAK VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. UPON ENTERING A HEAVILY CONGESTED INTERSECTION THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED CAUSING STEERING, BRAKING AND CONTROL TO BE COMPROMISED. STARTED VEHICLE TO MOVE OUT OF HEAVY TRAFFIC AND DROVE DIRECTLY TO AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP. UPON INSPECTION THE REPAIR FACILITY DISCOVERED METAL PARTICLES THROUGHOUT FUEL SYSTEM CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS LISTED ABOVE INCLUDING STALLING AND LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Jan 9, 2014IN

THERE WERE THREE SEPARATE STALLING INCIDENTS WITHIN 1 YEAR (9/2012-6/2013). AFTER EACH INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. THE VEHICLE WAS WITHIN THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY DURING THIS TIME, AND NO PROBLEMS WERE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY THE TECHNICIANS. FINALLY, ON 1/7/2014, THERE WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 31, 201345,000 milesCT

FIRST SYMPTON WAS A FAULTY WARNING LIGHT STATING, INCORRECTLY, THAT A BULB WAS DEAD. REPLACED HEADLIGHTS UNDER ADVICE FROM DEALER THAT THE ERROR WAS DUE TO FAULTY VOLTAGE FROM A DYING BULB. CONDITION WORSENED. INFORMATION CENTER BEGAN STATING THAT ALL BULBS WERE OUT EACH TIME YOU STARTED THE CAR AND THEN FINALLY, LIGHTS BEGAN TO FAIL. THE CAR LOST ALL EXTERIOR PASSENGER SIDE LIGHTS AND HAD ONLY INTERMITTENT USE OF REAR DRIVER SIDE LIGHTING. DEALER THEN DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS A MELTED FUSE BOX BUT COULD NOT GIVE REASON FOR MELTING. NO MODIFICATIONS HAVE EVER BEEN MADE TO THE CAR. A QUICK INTERENET SEARCH REVEALED MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ACROSS MANY VOLKSWAGEN MODELS AND THAT THE DEALER'S FIX OF JUST REPLACING THE FUSEBOX MAY NOT ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM WHICH MAY BE DUE TO A WIRE TO THE FUSE BOX. OVER $700 SPENT TO DATE ON REPAIRS WITH NO UNDERSTANDING OF WHY VW FUSE BOXES ARE MELTING AND WONDERING HOW LONG TILL MY NEW BOX MELTS TOO. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 6, 201373,000 milesPA

THE GOLF IS THE TDI DIESEL VERSION. IS EQUIPPED WITH A DSG STYLE AUTO TRANSMISSION. THE SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS BECAME VERY ROUGH AND AND VEHICLE SPEED SURGED UP AND DOWN WHILE IN GEAR. CLUNKING NOISES FROM ENGINE/TRANNY COMPARTMENT. SPEED HARD TO MAINTAIN. HAS BEEN IN VW DEALER SHOP TWICE NOW FOR ATTEMPTED REPAIRS. FIRST REPAIRS ENTAILED REPLACEMENT OF "MECHATRONIC" UNIT. WAS REASONABLY SUCCESSFUL FOR ABOUT 500 MILES AND THEN FAILED IN SAME FASHION AGAIN. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 26, 201240,169 milesCA

I HAVE A 2010 VW GOLF TDI. I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT 25 MPH WHEN MY GLOW PLUG & CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, AND MY TACHOMETER DROPPED TO ZERO, INDICATING A STALL. THE POWER STEERING ALSO STARTED TO CUT OUT, BUT I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. TRIED STARTING THE CAR AGAIN AND GOT NOTHING. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A VW DEALERSHIP DOWN THE STREET, AND ON MONDAY 11/19 THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND SENT METAL FRAGMENTS THROUGH THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THE BILL WOULD BE AT LEAST $5,000 FOR THIS KIND OF FIX. OH YEAH, THIS ALSO COMPLETELY RUINED MY TRAVEL PLANS FOR THANKSGIVING, AS VW REFUSED TO GIVE ME A LOANER CAR WHILE THIS DOCUMENTED WARRANTY ISSUE WAS BEING DEALT WITH. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL CASES OF 2009-10 TDI FUEL PUMP FAILURES WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS. APPARENTLY, THERE HAVE BEEN THREE REVISIONS OF THIS PUMP SINCE THEN, AND I AM DUE TO GET THE NEWEST ONE. BUT, THERE IS ALSO TALK THAT ULTRA-LOW-SULFUR DIESEL FUEL IN THE US IS NOT PROVIDING THE PROPER LUBRICITY, AND THUS CAUSING THE PUMPS TO FAIL (THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE IN EUROPE). NONETHELESS, FURTHER INVESTIGATION BY THE NHTSA SHOULD RESULT IN VW DOING A PROPER RECALL AND REDESIGN, RATHER THAN QUIETLY FIXING AN INHERENT FLAW ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. EVEN WITH MY CAR FIXED, I'LL STILL BE WONDERING WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. WHICH ALSO MAKES ME WONDER IF I SHOULD JUST SELL IT AND BE DONE WITH

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems
Filed Nov 19, 2012OH

2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MALFUNCTION OF TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, THERE HAVE BEEN FIVE FALSE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT INDICATIONS FROM THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN FOUND NO INDICATION OF LOW PRESSURE IN ANY TIRE. THEY RESET THE TPMS VIA A PROGRAM SOFTWARE UPDATE. *JB

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 28, 201229,545 milesCA

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON A FEW SECONDS AFTER I HAD MERGED A FEW LANES OVER ON THE FREEWAY (101S @HOLLY DURING RUSH HOUR). GLOW PLUG LIGHT FLASHED ONCE OR TWICE. WITHIN 60 SECONDS, THE CAR HAD DIED WHILE TRAFFIC WAS SPEEDING UP ON BOTH SIDES OF ME. PUT ON EMERGENCY FLASHERS. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR STARTED AGAIN, NOR DID I HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD (I HAD 2 LANES ON MY RIGHT, 2 ON MY LEFT). AFTER TRYING TO START IT FOR A MINUTE OR SO, CALLED 911. AFTER 10 - 15 MINUTES, CHP CAME AND STOPPED ALL TRAFFIC, PUSHED ME TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH HIS CAR. CAR STILL WOULD NOT START. TOW TRUCK CAME A WHILE LATER, TOWED ME TO VW DEALER (BOARDWALK) WHICH WAS NEARBY. DEALER: BOARDWALK VOLKSWAGEN, REDWOOD CITY, CA STATUS: FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. PROVIDED ME RENTAL CAR. TOOK 1 WEEK. ALL IN ALL, GAVE ME GOOD SERVICE. THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. HERE IS WHAT THEY DID UNDER WARRANTY (PER THE RECEIPT): * REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP * REPLACED AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP * REPLACED FUEL FILTER HOUSING AND FILTER * REPLACED ALL INJECTOR LINES * REPLACED 4 INJECTORS * REPLACED FUEL RAIL * REMOVED AND REINSTALLED FUEL PUMP INSIDE GAS TANK * DRAIN AND REFILL DIESEL * ROAD TESTED RECHECK OK * VENDOR CODE (BOSCH) AND (CBF) NOT A VERY OPPORTUNE TIME FOR A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, WHILE CRUISING ON THE BUSY RUSH-HOUR HIGHWAY, AND IT HAPPENED VERY FAST. NEVERTHELESS, NO ONE WAS INJURED, AND THE CAR IS NOW BACK ON THE ROAD. I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THESE CARS OF THIS VINTAGE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 8, 201237,583 milesCA

ENTERING THE FREEWAY AND A HIGH SPEED, ENGINE LIGHT AND IGNITION COIL LIGHT APPEARED WHEN I REACHED THE END OF THE ON-RAMP. LOST ALL PROPULSION 30 SECONDS LATER; THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER, BUT BARELY MADE IT SINCE I HAD TO MOVE SEVERAL LANES OVER AND AVOID TRAFFIC GOING AROUND ME. IF I WAS MOVING SLOWER, I WOULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON ONE OF THE LANES. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHER CASES OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE FOR THE TURBO DIESEL ENGINE, MY VEHICLE IS JUST ANOTHER ONE. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 24, 201230,200 milesDE

I HAVE A 2010 GOLF TDI MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR. THE CAR WAS STALLED DURING DRIVING, AFTER JUST DOWN SHIFTED FROM 2ND GEAR TO FIRST GEAR. AFTER TURNING OFF THE ENGINE COMPLETELY, I STILL COULDN'T RESTART THE CAR RIGHT AWAY. I HAD TO WAIT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, AND TRIED AGAIN. THE CAR STARTED ON THE NEXT ATTEMPT. I EXPERIENCE THE SIMILAR TYPE OF STALLING SOON AFTER I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE, AND IT PERSISTS AND RECURS QUITE OFTEN. OTHER TIMES, ALSO DURING DRIVING, MOSTLY NOTICEABLE IN 4TH GEAR SPEED, THE CAR COULD ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST POWER, FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS, ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE WAS NOT STALLED OR STOPPED. I ALSO NOTICED AFTER A DIFFICULT START, THE DRIVING IS LESS SMOOTH. AND WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED AND COMPLETELY TURNED OFF, THE ENGINE/FAN WOULD KEEP ON RUNNING IDLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. AND DURING THAT IDLE TIME, A LARGE AMOUNT OF HEAT IS DISPENSED OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HOOD. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Aug 2, 201253,000 milesNY

I GOT INTO MY CAR AS NORMAL, AND BEGAN TO DRIVE. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING, I CAME TO A RED LIGHT ON A BUSY STREET. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. I WAS TOLD THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED, AND THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM HAS TO BE REPLACED... AFTER I GOT HOME, I QUICKLY GOOGLE SEARCHED THE ISSUE AND APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON A BAD DESIGN BY VOLKSWAGEN AND BOSCH... *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 22, 201240,504 milesNJ

FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN FUEL FILTER HOUSING WHICH WILL LEAD TO THE EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE HPFP AND COULD BECOME A POTENTIAL HAZARD ON THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO FAILURE YET BUT I JUST WANTED THIS TO BE RECORDED AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER FAILURES OF THIS SORT WHICH COULD LEAD TO MORE SEVERE ACCIDENTS. *TT

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 7, 201240,000 milesCA

UPON CHANGING MY FUEL FILTER, A LARGE AMOUNT OF METAL FLAKES WERE DISCOVERED IN THE FUEL HOUSING. THEY SEEMED TO BE LINKED TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. VW HAD TO REPLACE DUE TO A FAILURE STARTING IN THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP. *JS

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Mar 13, 201239,793 milesCA

**************NOTE: THIS IS A DIESEL ISSUE.******************** DIESEL HIGH PRESSURE PUMP FAILED (HPFS) AT 39,793 MILES. THE CAR STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT RESTART. DEALER FOUND METAL SHAVINGS INSIDE FUEL FILTER. ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED. REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFS), 4 FUEL INJECTORS, AUX FUEL PUMP, TANK PUMP, ALL RUBBER/PLASTIC LINES IN FUEL SYSTEM, ALL METAL LINES IN FUEL SYSTEM AND FUEL TANK. DESPITE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY, VW PAID FOR THE REPAIR (OVER $6000 DOLLARS IN PARTS NOT INCLUDING LABOR.) WAS TOLD THAT, IF THE PROBLEM RECURS THE CAR IS COVERED FOR 12 MONTHS / 12000 MILES. AFTER THAT, I AM ON MY OWN. *TR **************NOTE: THIS IS A DIESEL ISSUE.********************

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 7, 201219,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE POWER. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED BUT THE DIAGNOSTIC WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TEST DRIVEN, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Feb 25, 201239,300 milesCA

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE 40K SERVICE ON MY 2010 VW GOLF TDI WITH 39,300 MILES, THE DIESEL GLOW PLUG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING ROUGHLY. APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS LATER, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND FRAGMENTS OF METAL IN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM (APPROXIMATELY $5000 IN PARTS NOT INCLUDING LABOR). VW AGREED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BUT THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THEY WILL PAY FOR THIS REPAIR IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. ALSO, VW WAS UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THE REPLACEMENT HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS THE SAME DESIGN AS THE ORIGINAL ONE THAT FAILED. I AM CONCERNED THE FUEL PUMP COULD FAIL AGAIN AND THIS TIME CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IT THE CAR WERE TO STALL ON THE INTERSTATE. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT, SHOULD THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAIL AGAIN, IT COULD COST BETWEEN $8000 AND $10,000 TO REPAIR. IT APPEARS THAT VW IS REPAIRING CARS, WITH A FIX THAT OFFES NO ASSURANCE THAT THE PROBLEM WONT RECUR AND, THE NHTSA MAY GETTING AN ACCURATE REPORT ON THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURES. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 15, 20125,491 milesCA

UPON MAKING A LANE CHANGE TO MERGE INTO A FASTER MOVING TRAFFIC LANE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED NORMALLY FOR ONE SECOND THEN LOST ALL ENGINE POWER LEAVING ME IN A DANGEROUS POSITION. UPON DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, THE ENGINE STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AFTER WHICH IT WORKED NORMALLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 20 TIMES SINCE. IT USUALLY CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION SUCH AS LEAVING THE CAR WITHOUT POWER IN AN ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE DURING A LEFT TURN OR MOVING TOO SLOWLY IN A MERGING MANEUVER. SOMETIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL ALSO COME ON AND THE GLOW PLUG WARNING LIGHT STARTS FLASHING. CLOUDS OF WHITE SMOKE ALWAYS APPEAR AT THE TAIL PIPE DURING THE POWER LOSS. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED A SENSOR 4 TIMES WHICH MAKES THE WARNING LIGHTS GO OUT, BUT THE ENGINE CUTTING OUT PROBLEM IS NEVER ADDRESSED. VW SIMPLY STATE "CANNOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM" AND RETURN THE VEHICLE. THE BEHAVIOR IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 30, 201215,000 milesCT

I DEC 19TH 2011 I EXPERIENCED WHAT I BELIEVE WAS A HARD START. WEATHER IN THE MORNING WAS IN THE TEENS, AFTERNOON IN THE LOW 40S. LEAVE WORK, GET IN CAR, PUT KEY IN IGNITION & TURN TO ON POSITION, PUT SEAT BELT ON, AND START. CAR STARTS RIGHT AWAY BUT IS IDLING ROUGH, SHAKING VIOLENTLY LIKE A WASHING MACHINE OFF BALANCE. I DROP INTO NEUTRAL AND REV IT UP TO 2K, STILL IDLES ROUGH FOR ABOUT A MINUTE MORE BUT DOES NOT STALL. I EXPERIENCED SOMETHING LIKE THIS ONCE WHEN MY SUBARU LEGACY'S #2 INJECTOR QUIT, A MISFIRING BOXER ENGINE DOES NOT IDLE SMOOTH. THE RIDE HOME WAS UNEVENTFUL, STOPPED AT THE BANK AND RESTARTED FINE. EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL THIS MORNING, TEMPS IN THE LOW 40S. WHAT I BELIEVE HAPPENED TO MY CAR WAS MOISTURE ACCUMULATED IN THE INNER COOLER AND WAS INGESTED INTO THE INTAKE TRACT CAUSING A "HAMMERING EFFECT" AS THE ENGINE TRIED TO COMPRESS THIS MOISTURE. VW HAS ISSUED A TSB #21 11 06/2025464 BUT NO RECALL AS YET. WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE THEY FOUND NO MOISTURE SO NOTHING WAS DONE. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE COULD INGEST THIS MOISTURE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP AND STRAND IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION. A RECALL AND FIX SHOULD BE ISSUED. *TT

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 29, 201232,500 milesNY

INTER-COOLER DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE IN THAT IT ALLOWS CONDENSATION AND SLUDGE TO BUILD WITHIN THE CHARGE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY FREEZES AND THAWS WITH LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AND IT MOVES FURTHER AND FURTHER WITHIN THE INTAKE SYSTEM UNTIL THE CONDENSATE AND SLUDGE BECOME DRAWN INTO THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD AND BECOMES DISCHARGED INTO THE CYLINDERS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO HYDRO-LOCK AND FAIL. CAUSING POTENTIAL FOR PERMANENT AND CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE UPON RESTART. CURRENTLY FOR THIS MODEL, THE REPAIR IS COVERED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY ALONG WITH REPLACEMENT OF THE CHARGE AIR INTER-COOLER SYSTEM WITH A REDESIGN. IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN WHETHER THIS REDESIGNED SYSTEM INDEED SOLVES THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IF THE CAR IS BEYOND THE YEARS/MILES OF THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER'S OR EXTENDED WARRANTY, VW WILL NOT SUBSIDIZE THE REPAIRS TO THE ENGINE, NOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CHARGE AIR SYSTEM...EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS DIRECTLY CAUSED BY THEIR DESIGN. THE OWNER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LARGE EXPENSE OF GETTING THE CAR RUNNING AGAIN. *TT

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 17, 201143,000 milesAL

AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN CAR REAR ENDED A TOWED VEHICLE. THE TOWED VEHICLE SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH AND THE VW GOLF SPEED WAS 70-75 MPH. THE GOLF'S FRONT-END WAS DESTROYED (ALONG WITH IT'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), AND WAS IMMOBILIZED. BUT, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND THE BODY SHOP OWNER QUESTIONED WHY THE AIR BAGS FAILED WITH THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE INCURRED. WHEN CONTACTED, THE VW REPRESENTATIVE WAS MORE INTERESTED IN MY HOSPITAL EXPENSES THAN THE FACT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE HIGHWAY PATROLMAN WHO WORKED THE ACCIDENT, SAID HE WAS ALREADY INVOLVED IN A LAWSUIT WHERE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND A FATALITY OCCURRED. HE SAID THE CAR IN THAT ACCIDENT WAS NOT A VW. ALSO, AFTER I HAD LEFT FOR THE HOSPITAL, A FIREMAN TOLD MY WIFE HE HAD NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO SOMETHING ELECTRICAL SMOLDERING. HE DIDN'T ELABORATE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 18, 201133,000 milesMA

I'M A VW GOLF TDI CANADIAN CUSTOMER WHO SUFFERED A HPFP FAILURE IN THE US ON SEPT 22ND, 2011. THE CAR STALLED AT 35MPH, WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP IN TEWKSBURY, MA WHO CLAIMED I HAD CONTAMINATED DIESEL FUEL IN MY CAR AND THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PUMP FAILURE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MONTREAL, CANADA AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND ARRIVED ON SEPT 30TH. FUEL LAB TEST RESULTS DID NOT CONFIRM ANY TYPE OF FUEL CONTAMINATION, VW CANADA MIGHT COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY BUT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THE PUMP FAILED IF THE FUEL WAS OKAY AS I CONSIDER THIS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. I'D LIKE TO MENTIONED I ONLY FUELED FROM SHELL WHILE TRAVELING IN THE US. IT LOOKS LIKE THERE WERE OVER 170 OTHER COMPLAINTS INCLUDING SOME MISFUELING EVENTS AND IT SEEMS THAT THE US QUALITY OF DIESEL AND/OR POOR PUMP DESIGN (BY BOSCH) MIGHT BE THE CAUSE. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Aug 23, 201123,000 milesCO

SINCE I FIRST BOUGHT THE TDI GOLF IT HAS BEEN EASY TO STALL, SOMETIMES STALLING WHILE STILL IN MOTION GOING DOWN THE ROAD. AT APPROXIMATELY 20K MILES STALLING BECAME SOMETIMES UNAVOIDABLE NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS YOU GAVE IT FROM A STOP. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND STALL, LEAVING ME DEAD IN THE WATER IN DANGEROUS TRAFFIC!! NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS I GAVE THE CAR OR HOW MUCH I SLIPPED THE CLUTCH IT WOULD STILL SOMETIMES STALL AFTER PROPELLING ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAVE DRIVEN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION MY ENTIRE LIFE AND I KNOW HOW TO WORK A CLUTCH... THIS PROBLEM IS NOT NORMAL AND MANY FRIENDS WHO I HAVE HAD DRIVE THE CAR AGREE WITH ME. AT APPROXIMATELY 19,000 MILES THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND BLINKED AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. THE CAR WOULDN'T GO ABOVE 20MPH. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEM. AT APPROX. 23,000 MILES THE CAR STALLED 4 TIMES IN A ROW AFTER CRANKING THE ENGINE AND ATTEMPTING TO PULL STRAIGHT FORWARD OUT OF A PARKING LOT. AT THIS POINT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT ALSO CAME BACK ON AND BLINKED. THE CAR PERFORMANCE NOW IS TERRIBLE AND IT IS GOING INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY AND THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTINUING EXPENSIVE ISSUES I MAY HAVE THAT EXCEED THE WARRANTY PERIOD WITH THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP!!! *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Aug 9, 20118,000 milesFL

2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI; ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS VERY NOTICEABLE LOSS OF POWER LASTING 2-5 SECONDS USUALLY WHILE ACCELERATING; NO STALL NOTED BUT VERY DISCONCERTING. HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN 20 TIMES. ALSO, HAS VERY SENSITIVE CLUTCH WITH EASY STALLS FROM START IN 1ST GEAR, HAVE DRIVEN MANUAL-TRANSMISSION CARS FOR 20+ YEARS AND HAVE NEVER STALLED A CAR WITH SUCH EASE AS THE TDI GOLF. HAS CREATED MULTIPLE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS BUT NO ACCIDENTS. CAR HAS 8K MILES ON IT SO FAR. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Jul 1, 201112,000 milesTX

VW GOLF TDI, 2010. I HAVE 12,000 MILES IN IT. MANUAL TRANSMISSION. STALLING PROBLEM AND OCCASIONAL DECREASE OF POWER FOR SECONDS. NEVER PUT A DROP OF GASOLINE INSTEAD OF DIESEL FUEL. STALLING ONLY OCCURS UPON SHIFTS FROM 1ST INTO 2ND GEAR AT SLOW SPEEDS AND ONLY OCCASIONALLY, I HAVE TO BE UNUSUALLY CAREFUL WHEN DOING IT. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ONLY MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS THE PAST 20 YEARS, THIS IS NOT A DRIVER MISTAKE OR INEXPERIENCE WITH MANUAL TRANS. NO OTHER CAR GAVE ME PROBLEM LIKE THIS. TEST-DRIVING THE 2010 JETTA GAVE ME THE SAME TROUBLE. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Jun 25, 201119,000 milesCA

I WAS ON A 350 MILE TRIP, AND I STOPPED AND FILLED UP WITH DIESEL AT A CHEVRON STATION ABOUT 60 MILES INTO THE TRIP. I HAVE THE RECEIPT THAT SAYS "DIESEL" ON IT. THE CAR STARTED FINE AND DROVE FINE UNTIL I STOPPED ABOUT 200 MILES LATER. THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART RIGHT AWAY. AFTER TRYING IT A FEW TIMES IT STARTED. I FINISHED DRIVING THE LAST 90 MILES WITHOUT PROBLEMS AND STOPPED THE CAR AND SHUT IT OFF. THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AT ALL. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR STARTED AND RAN ROUGHLY FOR 30 SECONDS, THEN SMOOTHED OUT AND RAN FINE. I DROVE TO THE DEALER. I HAD READ ABOUT HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) PROBLEMS WITH THESE CARS AND TOLD THEM TO CHECK IT OUT. THEY CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND SAID THE PUMP WAS FINE BUT THAT THEY WERE STILL INVESTIGATING. TWO MORE DAYS LATER THEY SAID THE HPFP WAS BAD DUE TO CONTAMINATED FUEL AND IT NEEDED $8,000 IN REPAIRS. THEY SAID THEY TRIED TO BURN A SAMPLE OF THE FUEL AND IT BURNED, AND THEY SAID THAT DIESEL WON'T BURN, SO THEREFORE THEY SAID THERE WAS GAS IN THE TANK. THEY TOLD ME TO CALL MY INSURANCE SINCE IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I CALLED THE CHEVRON STATION WHERE I BOUGHT THE FUEL, AND TO MY AMAZEMENT THEY TALKED TO THEIR DISTRIBUTOR WHO AGREED TO PAY THE CHARGES. I FEEL VERY LUCKY. I THINK THIS IS VOLKSWAGEN'S PROBLEM WITH THESE PUMPS, GIVEN ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS AND NO COMPLAINTS FROM CHEVY AND FORD DIESEL PICKUP TRUCK DRIVERS ABOUT "CONTAMINATED FUEL" SINCE WE ALL BUY FUEL AT THE SAME PLACES. NOW I'M SCARED THAT I'LL

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Jun 15, 201131,000 milesPA

THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED ON MY 2010 VW GOLF TDI WHILE DRIVING. IT CAUSED THE CAR TO SHUT OFF IN AN INTERSECTION. THE CAR THEN HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE INTERSECTION AND TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE FUEL PUMP DAMAGED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM ONCE IT FAILED. THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS KIND ENOUGH TO DO IT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 5, 201134,600 milesGA

2010 VW GOLF TDI - ENGINE DIED AFTER ACCELERATING WHILE ENTERING A HIGHWAY FROM A PARKING LOT. I HAD TO COAST BACK INTO THE PARKING LOT AT A DANGEROUSLY SLOW SPEED. IF THERE HAD BEEN ONCOMING TRAFFIC IT COULD LIKELY HAVE LED TO AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR DID RESTART AFTER PARKING AND TURNING THE IGNITION OFF AND BACK ON. I DID NOT LOSE POWER TO ANY OF THE ELECTRONICS, ONLY TO THE ENGINE. THE TACHOMETER WENT TO ZERO AND THE ACCELERATOR WAS UNRESPONSIVE. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS APPROX. 34K MILES ON IT. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 70, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202311000Routine
202281000Routine
20217100Routine
20206200Routine
201963600Do not drive
201829600Do not drive
2017117500Routine
201685900Routine
20151311230Routine
201412500Routine
201343510Routine
201248600Routine
2011110630Routine
2010 — this page70400Routine
20093000Routine
20081000Routine
20072000Routine
200612300Routine
200519400Routine
200428611Fatalities reported
200327670Routine
200274700Routine
2001116920Routine
200088810Routine
199964710Routine
199818100Routine
199723010Routine
199636120Routine
199543500Routine
199441540Routine
19937500Routine
19926200Routine
19918300Routine
199010520Routine

Compare every Golf year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 6, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.