Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R with NHTSA between 2023 and 2025.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 58
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Golf R. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2022 compares with every other Volkswagen Golf R
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2022 Volkswagen Golf R
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
945.0%
Electrical System
420.0%
Steering
315.0%
Other & Unspecified
15.0%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.0%
Body & Structure
15.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2023peak 4Oct 2025
Recalls on the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202436513,562 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image to be delayed or not to appear on the display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the infotainment software.
Recall 20244854,764 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the owner's manual incorrectly describes the function of the passenger airbag indicator light. Safety Risk: This error does not affect the safety or function of the airbag. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has made changes to ensure that all new vehicles have owner manuals that correctly describe the function of the passenger airbag indicator light. The company will also instruct dealers to add an insert to correct owner's manuals for all unsold vehicles.
Recall 2022630705 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, after shifting into reverse or manually activating the parking function, the rearview camera image may not display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the rearview camera.
Recall 20225332,477 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the radiator may not be attached correctly. As a result, a coolant hose could be damaged by contact with the serpentine belt pulley and create a coolant leak. If this happens, coolant could spill onto the road and cause a red warning light to turn on in the instrument cluster. If you ignore the warning light and continue driving, the engine could overheat. Safety Risk: A coolant leak could create a hazard for other road users. Additionally, an engine that overheats could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Action: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to ensure that the radiator is attached correctly. If it is loose, the coolant hose and serpentine belt will also be checked for damage, and replaced if necessary.
Recall 2022402927 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the touch switch that controls the sunroof may be too sensitive. As a result, the sunroof switch does not pass certain tests under Canadian safety regulations. Safety Risk: A sunroof that closes accidentally could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and advise you to contact a dealership to make an appointment to replace the sunroof switch.
Recall 20221221,048 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: The engine cover may come loose in certain driving conditions. If this happens, the engine cover could contact hot surfaces in the engine compartment and melt. Safety Risk: An engine cover that melts onto a hot surface could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to remove the engine cover. Volkswagen will send you another notice once a replacement engine cover is available, and will ask you to take your vehicle to a dealer to have it installed.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Newport, RI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While stopped at a stoplight, the infotainment system went blank and all sorts of errors showed on dashboard display. The infotainment system continued to turn on and off approximately every 30 seconds. No audio, no backup camera and limited to no functionality via the infotainment system. According to VW Dealership, VW is currently working on a fix. No fix to date!
NHTSA complaint #11694355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport, RI
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While stopped at a stoplight, the infotainment system went blank and all sorts of errors showed on dashboard display. The infotainment system continued to turn on and off approximately every 30 seconds. No audio, no backup camera and limited to no functionality via the infotainment system. According to VW Dealership, VW is currently working on a fix. No fix to date!
NHTSA complaint #11694355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport, RI
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
While stopped at a stoplight, the infotainment system went blank and all sorts of errors showed on dashboard display. The infotainment system continued to turn on and off approximately every 30 seconds. No audio, no backup camera and limited to no functionality via the infotainment system. According to VW Dealership, VW is currently working on a fix. No fix to date!
NHTSA complaint #11694355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Barbara, CA
STEERING
This vehicle constantly displays and announces erroneous “Emergency Assist Is Currently Not Available” and “Travel Assist Is Currently Not Available” warnings. These warnings distract drivers and put the safety of the driver, passengers, and the public at risk because drivers have to take photographs of these erroneous warnings while they are occurring. Drivers have to document this defect through photographs because the dealerships deny the existence of the defect or request documentation when the defect does not appear as a fault in the vehicle's electronics modules . This is a widespread problem with this vehicle model and apparently is caused by a defective steering wheel. Dealerships are uncooperative in fixing this defect.
NHTSA complaint #11595286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Barbara, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This vehicle constantly displays and announces erroneous “Emergency Assist Is Currently Not Available” and “Travel Assist Is Currently Not Available” warnings. These warnings distract drivers and put the safety of the driver, passengers, and the public at risk because drivers have to take photographs of these erroneous warnings while they are occurring. Drivers have to document this defect through photographs because the dealerships deny the existence of the defect or request documentation when the defect does not appear as a fault in the vehicle's electronics modules . This is a widespread problem with this vehicle model and apparently is caused by a defective steering wheel. Dealerships are uncooperative in fixing this defect.
NHTSA complaint #11595286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Prospect, IL
STEERING
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning.
NHTSA complaint #11591997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Prospect, IL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning.
NHTSA complaint #11591997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andover, MA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road. After speaking with the maintenance department at my VW dealership, they indicated that this is a widely known problem that is remedied only with the replacement of the steering wheel. There are several other sensors that are triggered by the same issue I was told by the maintenance department. They are uncertain at this time if it impacts the airbag system which is another potential safety concern. The steering wheel can only be ordered after inspection by the maintenance department and there is shortage and/or back order of the part to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11588920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andover, MA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road. After speaking with the maintenance department at my VW dealership, they indicated that this is a widely known problem that is remedied only with the replacement of the steering wheel. There are several other sensors that are triggered by the same issue I was told by the maintenance department. They are uncertain at this time if it impacts the airbag system which is another potential safety concern. The steering wheel can only be ordered after inspection by the maintenance department and there is shortage and/or back order of the part to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11588920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road. After speaking with the maintenance department at my VW dealership, they indicated that this is a widely known problem that is remedied only with the replacement of the steering wheel. There are several other sensors that are triggered by the same issue I was told by the maintenance department. They are uncertain at this time if it impacts the airbag system which is another potential safety concern. The steering wheel can only be ordered after inspection by the maintenance department and there is shortage and/or back order of the part to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11588920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wakefield, RI
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The "Travel Assist is currently not available" warning and chime constantly comes on. The chime and constant alerts are extremely distracting and from looking it up online it appears other drivers are experiencing the same issue. It happens randomly and cleaning the sensors has not solved the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11586724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car’s GPS appears to loose location while navigating. Head unit display will behave erratically causing distractions along side noises. Additionally, car will display warnings on dash with additional noises again causing distraction. Eventually after losing GPS location car will snap back onto correct location on map. Self correction can happen between 30 seconds and 20+ minutes.
NHTSA complaint #11585458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
STEERING
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road. After speaking with the maintenance department at my VW dealership, they indicated that this is a widely known problem that is remedied only with the replacement of the steering wheel. There are several other sensors that are triggered by the same issue I was told by the maintenance department. They are uncertain at this time if it impacts the airbag system which is another potential safety concern. The steering wheel can only be ordered after inspection by the maintenance department and there is shortage and/or back order of the part to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11578708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road. After speaking with the maintenance department at my VW dealership, they indicated that this is a widely known problem that is remedied only with the replacement of the steering wheel. There are several other sensors that are triggered by the same issue I was told by the maintenance department. They are uncertain at this time if it impacts the airbag system which is another potential safety concern. The steering wheel can only be ordered after inspection by the maintenance department and there is shortage and/or back order of the part to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11578708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Travel Assist is disabled which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist. The warning lights flash on and off, sometimes multiple times a second, sounding a loud beeping each time. It is triggered at engine start and persists through all speeds. I have experienced it 0-70 mph. The flashing lights and associated rapid beeping indicating the failure is extremely distracting while driving. Warning lights and warning sounds are designed to alert the driver to a potential safety issue so ignoring the lights and sounds is dangerous in the event it is a different caution/warning. However, also not ignoring it is dangerous because of the frequency of the warnings which causes the driver to look away from the road. After speaking with the maintenance department at my VW dealership, they indicated that this is a widely known problem that is remedied only with the replacement of the steering wheel. There are several other sensors that are triggered by the same issue I was told by the maintenance department. They are uncertain at this time if it impacts the airbag system which is another potential safety concern. The steering wheel can only be ordered after inspection by the maintenance department and there is shortage and/or back order of the part to fix the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11578708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Haven, CT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Water got inside of door causing damage to door, vehicle was previously repair via 57J3 service bulletin to prevent said damage but i believe repairs were made to late to prevent said issue i believe will eventually cause door to prematurely rust and create a hole in a 2022 model year vehicle Local dealerships will not repair as they state it was cause by road damage which doesn’t make sense as the damage is protruding out not in and also on the opposite side of which the paint is protruding there is another bulge No body work was ever performed on vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11577408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Travel assistance failure are constant and the emergency braking system engages occasionally which can be a detriment to the occupants. The constant chiming and notifications are a distraction and the car has to be stopped and turned off in hopes of the system resetting properly. Dealerships do not know of any updates and Volkswagen has updated these issues in Europe but still to this date has not acknowledged these issues in USA
NHTSA complaint #11532170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, MD
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Travel assistance failure are constant and the emergency braking system engages occasionally which can be a detriment to the occupants. The constant chiming and notifications are a distraction and the car has to be stopped and turned off in hopes of the system resetting properly. Dealerships do not know of any updates and Volkswagen has updated these issues in Europe but still to this date has not acknowledged these issues in USA
NHTSA complaint #11532170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Travel assistance failure are constant and the emergency braking system engages occasionally which can be a detriment to the occupants. The constant chiming and notifications are a distraction and the car has to be stopped and turned off in hopes of the system resetting properly. Dealerships do not know of any updates and Volkswagen has updated these issues in Europe but still to this date has not acknowledged these issues in USA
NHTSA complaint #11532170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Hempstead, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Shift knob is beginning to crack at the right rear base of the knob. Car had less that 1000 miles before noticing the crack. I checked if I was affected as I read on vwvortex forums that many other golf mk8 were reporting shift knobs falling off mid shift.
NHTSA complaint #11501758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.