2018 Volkswagen Golf R
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2018
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2018: 9 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
3 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
After a rain the passenger side brake pad sticks to the outboard rotor. The pad binds to the rotor causing the brake tl seize. The vehicle was in reverse backing out.of park.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-27
Also filed under Wheels
Power train
3 of 9 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
After starting the car and then beginning to drive, the transmission falls into neutral when it should have shifted from 1st to 2nd gear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-23
Wheels
1 of 9 total reports mentions: wheels.
Vehicle speed control
1 of 9 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Fuel/propulsion system
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
Strong smell of gasoline inside car while driving on a 55MPH divided highway and 1/2 tank of gas indicated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-22
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2018-12-28Seats18V803000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018.
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R
2019-01-11Fuel system, gasoline18V864000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles. The fuel hose quick connector may detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay, resulting in a fuel leak.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the fuel line connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
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R
2020-10-06Unknown or other20V561000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
-
R
2021-05-20Unknown or other21V321000 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.
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.
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I
2023-12-12Recall queryClosed 2024-07-01 Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Volkswagen Golf R — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Wheels: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V803000 · Seats
- Recall 18V864000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 20V561000 · Unknown or other
- Recall 21V321000 · Unknown or other
FAQ
- Is the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.