This page covers 5 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R.
24–25 mpg combined
9.4–9.8 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R has 5 recalls, the most serious being a fuel connector in the engine compartment that can detach from the fuel supply line and leak fuel, creating a fire risk.
The remaining fuel system concern covers the same underlying problem from a related filing: a fuel hose quick connector can pull away from the supply line in the engine bay, again allowing raw fuel to pool near ignition sources. On the occupant protection side, the rear seat head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame. In a crash, that weak attachment can allow the head restraints to shift or collapse, reducing the protection they provide to rear passengers. Two lower-severity recalls apply to a narrow subset of vehicles that were used internally by Volkswagen and sold without full confirmation that they met all regulatory requirements, and may have been modified before sale. These vehicles could fall short of safety standards in ways that are not fully specified, raising a general risk of injury or crash.
At a glance
What can fail
These vehicles were sold without verification that they met all federal safety standards and may have been altered before sale, potentially failing to comply with required safety standards.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 for details.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
These vehicles were sold without verification they met all federal safety standards and may have been modified before sale, potentially causing non-compliance with various safety requirements.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will contact owners and repurchase the vehicles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A fuel connector under the hood may not be properly attached to the fuel supply line, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment where it could ignite.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel line connection and securely reattach it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel hose quick connector in the engine bay may come loose and separate from the fuel supply line, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the fuel line connection at no cost to ensure it stays properly attached.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame, potentially affecting head restraint function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds and replace the rear seat frame if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
