2018 Volkswagen Golf: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel/propulsion system.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Feb 2024
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Hello my left front headlamp failed. Initially both my headlights were sweaty/foggy, which started early 2021 but no light present. This is a safety issue especially when driving at night. It is available for inspection. The vehicle was inspected at the dealer Galpin VW. AFS light came on when system failed.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2023
“Received a low coolant warning and then checked the coolant level. Coolant was low and was topped off. One week later the issue recurred as the coolant level and dropped below minimum levels again. Thermostat housing had a slow leak which was discovered by the dealer. This seems to be a flaw in the design of the thermostat housing as multiple owners are reporting the same issue with the same flaw in the thermostat housing.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2022
“Fuel leaking from charcoal canister next to exhaust can lead to fire. Fuel leaking on to ground by passenger side rear wheel. Strong smell of gasoline outside and inside car. Caused dizziness while driving can harm children. No warning or any lights other then strong odour of gasoline from inside/outside of vehicle Similar to safety recall 20Y6 Parts requested for repair by dealer -EVAP can system -Fuel Tank”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“Trim on center console above shifter and below center cubby is razor sharp and has cut my hand deeply twice while parked and cleaning interior since purchasing the car.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2021
“Vehicle intermittently stalls when coming to a stop in traffic while in gear. Has occurred on multiple separate occasions, but cannot be easily re-produced. When vehicle stalls it can be difficult to restart while in traffic and occurs without warning creating safety hazard. Usually there are no codes stored by the computer when this occurs, but check engine light has been noticed. Vehicle has been brought to dealership 3 different times for same issue. Upon first visit starter was replaced. Upon 2nd visit an oxygen sensor was replaced. Upon 3rd visit no further action was taken and I was told by dealer vehicle tested normal with no further repairs being authorized.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2021
“Coolant leak noticed underneat the engine. It run down to the oil pan dripping on the drive way. Took the car to the dealership for diagnosis. They said leak is coming from the thermostat housing. Mileage is now 73700. Vw powertrain warranty covers up to 72000.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2020
“Right front (passenger) side has a very loud consistent rattling noise at around 2000-3500 engine rpm range. Reading alone and confirming with other owners of the same vehicle, it is a loose fuel line going under the front passenger side rattling against the chassis. Could be a high risk, not sure, check and advise.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2020
“The "front assist" system on a 2018 vw golf r is prone to making unsafe abrupt stops in traffic. If a leading car makes an abrupt stop, the front assist system applies instant heavy braking even when the driver is already bringing the car to a smooth stop at a safe distance. This double-braking results in unexpected skidding and risks a rear-end collision with following cars. The manual override to front assist is pressing hard on the gas pedal. This action can't be performed when the driver is already bringing the car to a stop.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2019
“Over time, a build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can make it possible to remove the key from the ignition switch without the shift lever being in the "p" park position. This makes the vehicle noncompliant with 49 cfr 571.114 standard no. 114 theft protection and rollaway prevention. If the ignition key is removed without the shift lever being in the "p" park position, there is a risk that the vehicle may roll away, resulting in a crash that could injure people and damage property. Recall still not fixed parts supposed to be available beginning of january vw has still not released”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2019
“I had to brake hard as the person in front of me on the offramp stopped short. I think someone cut the driver in front of me off, or people were just having trouble merging. The anti-lock brakes did not work, the car fish-tailed from right to left. I let up on the brakes and the car straightened out and I didn't get killed but it would have been a bad accident. Thankfully the guy behind me was able to stop. This is a car I bought last week. There is something wrong with the brakes. Even my 10 year old car would have activated anti-lock.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
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 for this recall is 42J5.
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 number for this recall is 01E7.
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 brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
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 jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
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 Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
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 switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
How other years compare
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Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf. The most complained-about area is fuel/propulsion system.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Golf have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear:springs:coil springs. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.