Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Airbags recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Brakes recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Airbags recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Fuel system recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
46
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11432070 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
3
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
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
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10557979 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
5
Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11603240 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
1
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
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
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10485506 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
11
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11473147 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
1
Most reports here involve other issues.
Read full complaint
2010 VW GOLF TDI 285 MILES SUNROOF EXPLODED. NO OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD AT THE TIME. IN DOING RESEARCH ON EDMONDS.COM I FOUND TWO OTHER 2010 VW JETTA WITH SAME ISSUE. VW SAYS CAUSED BY EXTERNAL INFLUENCES AND DOES NOT WANT TO COVER IT YET THE DEALER DID UNDER GOOD WILL. THE EVENT WAS VERY TRAUMATIC AND VERY EASILY COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURIES AS WELL AS A ACCIDENT. *TR
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10308217 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
2
Most reports here involve premature wear.
Read full complaint
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
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10597866 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 69 complaints on file, fewer than the 2011 (110). Of the 12 model years of the Volkswagen Golf we cover, the 2015 has the most (131). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.