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 PER YEAR
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 | 11 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
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, 20181127
3 of 9 total reports mention: power train.
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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, 20240323
1 of 9 total reports mentions: wheels.
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, 20181127
1 of 9 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
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, 20190322
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 18V803000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V864000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V561000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V321000 — check if this car was fixed
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
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V803000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V864000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V561000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V321000 (unknown or other) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.