Volkswagen Golf Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 54 safety recalls and 1,439 owner complaints across 39 model years of the Volkswagen Golf (1985–2023). The most-complained-about year is 2015.

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What Volkswagen Golf owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 1,439 complaints with NHTSA. The 2015 model year has the most, with 131.

• Fuel/propulsion system179
• Engine164
• Air bags129
• Electrical system127
• Unknown or other93
• Power train91
• Fuel system, diesel54
• Structure: body31

All Volkswagen Golf recalls (54)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Volkswagen Golf, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Fuel system, gasoline

   NHTSA 24V110000 Reported February 14, 2024 261,257 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction…

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact…

   Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

2. Switch (electrical system)

   NHTSA 23V604000 Reported August 30, 2023 62,538 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall…

   Model years: 2019

3. Pressure monitoring and regulating systems (tires)

   NHTSA 22V815000 Reported October 31, 2022 296,044 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not…

   Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at…

   Model years: 2019, 2020

4. Inflator module (air bags)

   NHTSA 22V543000 Reported July 27, 2022 1,216 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer…

   Model years: 2016

5. Unknown or other

   NHTSA 21V321000 Reported May 5, 2021 46 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   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. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified…

   Remedy: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.

   Model years: 2017

6. Camera (back over prevention)

   NHTSA 20V716000 Reported November 18, 2020 32,048 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. 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…

   Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…

   Model years: 2021

7. Labels (equipment)

   NHTSA 20V372000 Reported June 24, 2020 2 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling two 2018 Golf GTI vehicles. 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."

   Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a correct certification label, free of charge. This recall began July 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's…

   Model years: 2018

8. Wheels Do not drive

   NHTSA 19V879000 Reported December 11, 2019 8 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta GLI, Golf Alltrack, and Golf GTI vehicles. The front wheel bearings may have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel bolts, or wheel bearings.

   Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…

   Model years: 2019

9. Inflator module (air bags)

   NHTSA 19V862000 Reported December 4, 2019 226 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

   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 recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure…

   Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi…

   Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

10. Anti-theft device (steering) and electrical system: control module

    NHTSA 19V615000 Reported August 22, 2019 679,027 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…

    Model years: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

11. Coil springs (suspension)

    NHTSA 19V188000 Reported March 6, 2019 56,173 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number…

    Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

12. Coil springs (suspension)

    NHTSA 18V904000 Reported December 19, 2018 6,322 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.

    Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's…

    Model years: 2015

13. Electrical system: control module and anti-theft device (steering)

    NHTSA 18V464000 Reported July 11, 2018 33,168 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. 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…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…

    Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

14. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 18V406000 Reported June 13, 2018 2,564 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.…

    Model years: 2003

15. Caliper (service brakes) Do not drive

    NHTSA 18V369000 Reported June 1, 2018 10,225 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

    Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the…

    Model years: 2018

16. Unknown or other

    NHTSA 18V329000 Reported May 16, 2018 252 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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 vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact…

    Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

17. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 18V148000 Reported March 6, 2018 363,713 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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.

    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…

    Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

18. Pretensioner (seat belts) and 2 other components

    NHTSA 16V955000 Reported December 29, 2016 5,947 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and…

    Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…

    Model years: 2017

19. Electronic stability control (esc) and antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (service brakes)

    NHTSA 16V913000 Reported December 20, 2016 135,683 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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)…

    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…

    Model years: 2010

20. Fuel system, gasoline and emission control (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 16V647000 Reported September 7, 2016 110,042 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may…

    Model years: 2015, 2016

21. Fuel rail (fuel system)

    NHTSA 16V403000 Reported June 6, 2016 55 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at…

    Model years: 2016

22. Inflator module (air bags)

    NHTSA 16V078000 Reported February 10, 2016 659,493 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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…

    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…

    Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

23. Engine (engine and engine cooling) and vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 15V705000 Reported October 26, 2015 91,867 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

    Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

    Model years: 2015, 2016

24. Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive

    NHTSA 15V627000 Reported October 7, 2015 993 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to November 28, 2014, Golf vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to December 3, 2014, and E-Golf vehicles manufactured July 26, 2014, to October 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswgen's…

    Model years: 2015

25. Air bags: frontal

    NHTSA 15V483000 Reported August 4, 2015 415,825 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    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. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires…

    Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

26. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 15V229000 Reported April 17, 2015 6,205 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and GTI manufactured on February 17, 2014, to May 22, 2014, and Audi A3 manufactured on February 16, 2013, to April 23, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any affected fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi at…

    Model years: 2015

27. Fuel rail (fuel system)

    NHTSA 15V028000 Reported January 23, 2015 44,658 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle…

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's…

    Model years: 2015

28. Steering

    NHTSA 14V412000 Reported July 7, 2014 2,001 vehicles potentially affected Volkswagen of America, Inc.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured January 27, 2014, to May 12, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the stabilizer link fasteners may come loose and possibly interfere with the steering of the vehicle.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front stabilizer links, free of charge. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number…

    Model years: 2015

29. Fuel system, diesel

    NHTSA 11V490000 Reported October 3, 2011 168,275 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    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…

    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…

    Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012

30. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 07V063000 Reported February 20, 2007 1,002,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

    Remedy: Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. Vehicles within the make,…

    Model years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

31. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 05V154000 Reported April 19, 2005 30,708 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with gasoline engines and double-layer fuel tanks, tension on the fuel supply line may cause the fuel pump supply nipple to crack which could result in a leak.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel supply line for tension, and inspect the fuel pump supply nipple for cracking. If necessary the fuel line and the fuel pump will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on july 25,…

    Model years: 1999, 2000

32. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 04V584000 Reported December 16, 2004 410,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger vehicles, the hazard switch and flasher system function may degrade over time because of distortion and material transfer of the contacts of certain hazard switch relays which occurs due to substantially increased electrical current load from higher wattage turn signal bulbs.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard flasher switch/relay kit. The recall began on march 31, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002

33. Fuel system, diesel

    NHTSA 04V586000 Reported December 15, 2004 19,284 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

    On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

    Model years: 2004, 2005

34. Labels (equipment)

    NHTSA 03V155000 Reported April 22, 2003 4,243 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.8l vr6 engines fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the recommended cold tire inflation pressure published on the label for tires of the size 205/50 r15 86h is 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI) too low. It should be 2.5 bar (36.3…

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with corrected labels, or a dealer can install the label if the owner wishes. Owner notification began september 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed…

    Model years: 1998, 1999

35. Owners/service/other manual (equipment)

    NHTSA 02V244000 Reported September 12, 2002 332,950 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle's rear seats must be identified by markings, and their location and use be described in the owner's manual.

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with a supplement for the owner's manual and also one set of four guidance fixtures intended to use in conjunction with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments.…

    Model years: 2000, 2001

36. Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (service brakes)

    NHTSA 02V031000 Reported January 31, 2002 55,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began march 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…

    Model years: 2001, 2002

37. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 00V280000 Reported September 20, 2000 4,218 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of two brackets used to bolt the front suspension control arm in front of the vehicle to the body structure may not have been welded sufficiently.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the bracket and if the welding is insufficient, will replace the control arm.

    Model years: 2000, 2001

38. Frame and members (structure)

    NHTSA 99V022000 Reported February 5, 1999 36,258 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The sound absorbing mat attached to the inside of the b-pillar side trim panel could have been improperly installed. Surface and edges of the mat could have been damaged during the assembly process. It could ignite when exposed to the exhaust gas of the seat belt pre-tensioner igniter in the…

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the matting materials from inside the b-pillar on both sides of the vehicle.

    Model years: 1999

39. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 98V195000 Reported August 17, 1998 153,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear brake line on the passenger side was routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. The line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace any damaged lines.

    Model years: 1993, 1994, 1995

40. Latch (latches/locks/linkages)

    NHTSA 98V160000 Reported July 16, 1998 238,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolts securing the front hood latch can loosen over time. The latch would move causing disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.

    Model years: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996

41. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 95V178000 Reported September 20, 1995 34,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Improper material was used in manufacturing the radiator fan motor shaft causing the shaft to wear and become noisy.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the complete cooling fan assembly on vehicle having the potential shaft material problem. Dealers will install a new fan blade including a new lock nut on vehicle with loose fan blade lock nuts.

    Model years: 1993, 1994, 1995

42. Integrated jack/leveler/stabilizer (equipment) and accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift (equipment)

    NHTSA 95V054000 Reported March 13, 1995 104,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    The jacks supplied with these vehicles were assembled with an improperly machined spindle, so that a sharp ridge on the edge of spindle's thread would have remained.

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with a new jack.

    Model years: 1993, 1994, 1995

43. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 93V129000 Reported August 2, 1993 76,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    An engine preheating tube may not be properly supported due to a missing support bracket, causing the preheating tube to chafe against the right front metal brake line. This can damage the hydraulic line, causing brake fluid leakage and diminished braking in one brake circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a preheating tube support bracket to ensure proper positioning relative to the right front metal brake line.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

44. Heater core (visibility)

    NHTSA 92V050000 Reported April 14, 1992 650,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    The end cap connecting the heat exchanger's core to the engine cooling system could rupture and allow hot coolant to escape into the passenger compartment.

    Remedy: Replace the heater core with an improved heater core.

    Model years: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990

45. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 92V058000 Reported April 14, 1992 358,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.

    Remedy: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992

46. Caliper (service brakes)

    NHTSA 90V142000 Reported August 6, 1990 11,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Omission of air ducts intended to guide flow of cooling air to left and right front brake calipers could allow brake fluid to exceed allowable operating temperature under certain operating conditions.

    Remedy: Install missing left and right front air ducts.

    Model years: 1990

47. Seat belts

    NHTSA 87V182000 Reported December 1, 1987 784 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Seat belt retractor pawl may not meet hardening specifications contained in volkswagens design standard.

    Remedy: Replace front passive restraint seat belt assembly as necessary.

    Model years: 1988

48. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 87V175000 Reported November 16, 1987 1,900 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Certain vehicles may not be marked with letters res to identify the resume function as required by FMVSS 101.

    Remedy: Replace part of cruise switch portion.

    Model years: 1988

49. Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (wheels)

    NHTSA 87V063000 Reported May 8, 1987 10,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    The front left wheel lug nuts may have been improperly torqued.

    Remedy: Inspect and re-torque left front wheel lug nuts.

    Model years: 1987

50. Fuel pump (fuel system)

    NHTSA 87V053000 Reported April 14, 1987 278,520 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Fuel pump, located inside fuel tank, could seize during high ambient temperatures because of an extreme fine mesh fuel filter restricting the fuel flow.

    Remedy: Install a modified fuel pump and filter.

    Model years: 1985, 1986, 1987

51. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 86V149000 Reported November 7, 1986 23,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    More fuel than permitted by FMVSS 301 may escape from the fuel tank assembly. Consequence of defect: cars are not in compliance with FMVSS 301.

    Remedy: Replace the fuel tank assembly with a modified unit.

    Model years: 1986

52. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 86V029000 Reported February 20, 1986 77,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    More fuel than permitted by FMVSS 301 may escape from the fuel tank assembly under the test conditions described in the standard. Consequence of defect: if the car is involved in an accident, the fuel spillage may result in a fire.

    Remedy: Replace the fuel tank assembly with a modified unit.

    Model years: 1985, 1986

53. Seat belts

    NHTSA 85V031000 Reported March 25, 1985 21,000 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    Front seat belt retractors may not properly lock during sudden heavy brake application or impact due to the interference of two positioning tabs. Consequence of defect: the seat belt would not retain the driver or passenger subjecting them to possible injury in case of an accident.

    Remedy: Replace the front seat belts and modify the retractor positioning tabs.

    Model years: 1985

54. Master cylinder (service brakes)

    NHTSA 84V137000 Reported October 30, 1984 575 vehicles potentially affected VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

    A defect has been found in the assembly of some master brake cylinders. During assembly, internal parts of the master cylinder (piston cups) may have been interchanged.

    Remedy: The master cylinder will be replaced free of charge.

    Model years: 1985

Other Volkswagen models

• Jetta10,000 complaints
• Passat7,705 complaints
• Beetle2,596 complaints
• Tiguan2,300 complaints
• Atlas1,999 complaints
• GTI1,405 complaints
• ID.41,007 complaints
• Cc983 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.