This page covers 6 recalls, 26 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf.
28–29 mpg combined
8.1–8.4 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 Golf's complaint set is small, but a few patterns stand out. The most-reported system is fuel and propulsion, where owners describe fuel leaking from the charcoal canister, a specific, recurring issue confirmed at dealerships in multiple accounts. A handful of structural complaints center on interior trim: chrome-coated pieces around the gear shifter and steering wheel that peel and leave sharp edges capable of cutting fingers. A couple of engine-related complaints describe sudden violent shaking at highway speeds accompanied by a flashing drive indicator and a steering wheel that becomes heavy and difficult to turn. One isolated report describes the sunroof shattering without warning while driving at highway speed, though that appears in a single complaint rather than as a recurring pattern.
26
Total Complaints
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf has 6 recalls, the most serious being a fuel system leak that, near an ignition source, can result in a fire.
On the braking side, brake caliper pistons may have insufficient coating and can lose braking effectiveness, raising the risk of a crash. The rear coil springs can fracture while driving, potentially puncturing a rear tire and causing the driver to lose control. Two related recalls cover a shift interlock problem where residue on the shift lever micro switch contacts allows the key to be removed from the ignition while the car is not in Park, which can lead to an unintended rollaway; this applies to vehicles with automatic transmissions and either standard key or keyless entry configurations. Finally, two specific Golf GTI units have a label defect where the VIN printed on the certification label does not match the VIN stamped on the vehicle, which could prevent an owner from identifying whether their car is subject to a safety recall.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty seal on the suction pump inside the fuel tank allows fuel to flow into the emissions control system and potentially leak from the charcoal canister.
What the fix does
The suction pump will be replaced at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Federal Certification label on your vehicle has a VIN that doesn't match the actual VIN on the car, making it non-compliant with federal certification requirements.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a corrected certification label at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition even when the transmission is not in Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear coil springs may break prematurely, potentially affecting vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever micro switch contacts allows the ignition key to be removed while the shift lever is not in Park, preventing proper theft and rollaway protection.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no charge to restore proper ignition key and shift lever function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake caliper pistons may lack sufficient protective coating, which can reduce braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to restore proper brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
