What are the worst Volkswagen Golf years?

Q: What are the worst Volkswagen Golf years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Volkswagen Golf years are 2000, 2001, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1990, 1991, 1993, 1998, 2005, 2006, 2014.

Volkswagen Golf: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2000, 2001, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1990, 1991, 1993, 1998, 2005, 2006, 2014

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2022worst year81 complaints · 0 recalls 2019worst year63 complaints · 6 recalls 201829 complaints · 6 recalls 2017worst year116 complaints · 5 recalls 2016worst year85 complaints · 9 recalls 2015worst year131 complaints · 12 recalls 2014solid year11 complaints · 5 recalls 201343 complaints · 5 recalls 201248 complaints · 6 recalls 2011worst year110 complaints · 6 recalls 201069 complaints · 4 recalls 2006solid year12 complaints · 3 recalls 2005solid year19 complaints · 4 recalls 200428 complaints · 6 recalls 200327 complaints · 6 recalls 200274 complaints · 7 recalls 2001worst year116 complaints · 9 recalls 2000worst year88 complaints · 8 recalls 199964 complaints · 7 recalls 1998solid year18 complaints · 1 recalls 199636 complaints · 1 recalls 199543 complaints · 5 recalls 199441 complaints · 5 recalls 1993solid year7 complaints · 5 recalls 1991solid year8 complaints · 3 recalls 1990solid year10 complaints · 5 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.