2019 Volkswagen Golf
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 41 |
| 1995 | 43 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 64 |
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 116 |
| 2002 | 73 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 69 |
| 2011 | 110 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 129 |
| 2016 | 85 |
| 2017 | 115 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 81 |
| 2023 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
55% of complaints: engine — 34 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190813
I HAVE A NEW 2019 VW GOLF GTI RABBIT WITH 500 MILES, I'VE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR STALLING AS I COME TO A STOP. IT'S HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, ALL WHILE SLOWLY COMING TO A STOP. IT'S QUIET AND DON'T EVEN NOTICE UNTIL I TRY TO ACCELERATE
NHTSA ODI report, 20190404
21% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
* "Starter system faulty", currently the supposedly damaged part has already been replaced * When this fault appears, all the vehicle's electrical instruments stop working, lights, radio, air conditioning, reversing camera, security systems, but...
NHTSA ODI report, 20230915
5% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V188000 — check if this car was fixed
Vehicle Stalling - Manual Transmission
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 19V615000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta GLI, Golf Alltrack, and Golf GTI vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 19V879000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or AudiÂs customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 22V815000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
Campaign 23V604000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 24V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Volkswagen Golf — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V188000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V879000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V815000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V604000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen Golf?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have?
6 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.