Owners have filed 68 complaints
about the 2012 Volkswagen Golf with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 25 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 — 46
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Golf. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 84
16.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
72% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Volkswagen Golf
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1831.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1628.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1221.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
58.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
35.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
35.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2012 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD
—
—
—
12.1% risk
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD
—
—
—
—
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.
Apr 2012peak 5May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Volkswagen Golf
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
RQ17009Opened 13 Nov 2017Closed 4 May 2018AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
PE15010Opened 24 Mar 2015Closed 28 Sep 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while allowing for the turning of the steering wheel.Complainants alleged that that the clock spring failed while driving and without warning.When the SCCM fails electrically, an air bag war...
PE11023Opened 2 Aug 2011Closed 2 Dec 2011FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built fr...
EA11003Opened 7 Feb 2011Closed 27 Mar 2015FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any desig...
Recalls on the 2012 Volkswagen Golf
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.
United States — NHTSA
19V862000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
18V329000
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
18V148000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
16V078000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
15V483000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
11V490000
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202464835,086 units in Canada
Heater And Defroster
Issue: Volkswagen Group Canada is conducting a parts recovery campaign targeting 2012-2016 Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a TDI (diesel) engine built between May 25, 2011 and June 1, 2016. The auxiliary heater elements are being recovered to aid in Volkswagen's analysis in support of Transport Canada defect investigation file no. 3280-15-10. Note: This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For the 2016 model year Jetta, only the Jetta Hybrid model is involved in this parts recovery program. Safety Risk: No safety defect has been identified with these auxiliary heater elements. Corrective Actions: Volkswagen will notify owners by mail and advise them to take their vehicle to a dealership to replace the auxiliary heater element at no charge.
Recall 201811137,197 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This recall supersedes the Volkswagen brand vehicles subject to recall 2016-064 (Volkswagen Recall 69M9). Volkswagen vehicles completed under the previous 2016-064 recall require repair under this recall, as the previous recall remedy was an interim repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with final repair parts.
Recall 201606464,660 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the front driver airbag inflator. Note: This campaign only affects the Audi A5 and Audi S5 Cabriolet models.
Recall 201534441,308 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the steering wheel clock spring could become contaminated with long hair or long fibers which may cause a displacement of the internal guide loops. When the guide loops are dragged out of position, they may apply tension to the internal flat cable and cause it to tear. Should the cable tear, the electrical connection to the driver's front airbag may be lost, causing the airbag monitoring indicator light to illuminate. Failure of the driver's airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will install a cover of a different design to help prevent clock spring contamination caused by hair or other fibers. In instances where the vehicle has an airbag light on (and diagnosis confirms the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement), dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring.
Recall 201135541,078 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L TDI diesel engine, the fuel injection lines could crack. Diesel fuel leakage may ignite on a hot engine surface and cause a fire, which could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install vibration dampers on all four fuel injection lines. Additionally, on some vehicles (depending on the date of manufacture) the #2 fuel injection line will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Harrisville, UTCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
My vehicle struck a car from behind moving about 35 mph. Air bags did not deploy and I had a proceeding next injury. Why did the airbags not deploy? I have read that "A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury" for 2011-2014 Golf. I would like confirmation that this was supposed to happen, no airbag deployment. My car was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11422285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesJupiter, FLCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THIS CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE CRASH. IMPACT WAS TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE PRIMARILY TO THE DOOR AND FRONT END. DESPITE THE SEVERITY OF THE IMPACT, NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR THE STEERING WHEEL. I SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE SHOULDER AND AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10537374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,450 milesScottsdale, AZ1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE HATCHBACK EDGES ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLES HAVE A KNIFE POINT THAT IS JUST UNDER SIX FEET OFF THE GROUND. UNLOADING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE I MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE AND SUFFERED A PAINFUL PUNCTURE WOUND ON TOP OF MY HEAD. I FELL TO THE GROUND AND THE WOUND BLED PROFUSELY. THESE EDGES NEEDED TO BE ROUNDED OFF OR OTHERWISE BLUNTED.
NHTSA complaint #10514757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesCastleton, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED THEN CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 08/15/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WHEN HE BACKED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY ON INCLINE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF AFTER GOING DOWN AN INCLINE AND AROUND THE CORNER.
NHTSA complaint #10514288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesCastleton, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED THEN CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 08/15/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WHEN HE BACKED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY ON INCLINE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF AFTER GOING DOWN AN INCLINE AND AROUND THE CORNER.
NHTSA complaint #10514288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesMurphy, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY IN DALLAS. THERE WAS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA TWO LANES TO THE LEFT OF ME. HE APPARENTLY WANTED TO TAKE AN EXIT THAT WAS RAPIDLY COMING UP. HE HAD A DRESSER IN THE BED SO HE ASKED HIS WIFE IF IT WAS CLEAR TO CUT ACROSS ALL 5 LANES TO TAKE THE EXIT. I WAS TWO LANES OVER AND REAR ENDED HIM. HE BRAKE WHEN HE SAW ME AND I HAD LITTLE TIME TO REACT, SO I HIT HIM FRONT DISTRIBUTED TO REAR DISTRIBUTED. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I'VE BEEN A POLICE OFFICER FOR 17 YEARS AND A FIREFIGHTER EVEN LONGER AND KNOW HOW AIR BAGS WORK. SINCE I ESSENTIALLY REAR ENDED HIM, I KNOW I TRIPPED MORE THAN ONE AIRBAG SENSOR AT A TIME. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I ENDED UP WITH A CARDIAC BRUISE AND UPPER JOINT INJURIES. I CALLED VW CUSTOMER CARE AND SENT THEM PICTURES OF THE CAR. THEY THINK I WENT UNDER HIS TRUCK AND THAT'S WHY THE BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HIS TRUCK WAS STOCK WITH NO LIFT KIT OR ANYTHING, SO I WOULD HOPE MY BAGS WOULD DEPLOY, BUT THEY DIDN'T. I KNOW WE NOW TRACK IF A VEHICLE'S HEIGHT HAD BEEN ALTERERD ON ACCIDENT REPORTS IN TEXAS. I HAVE A FEW PICTURES OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10510419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Shrewsbury, MA
SEATS
Heated seats get extremely hot. Smell of burning. Possible to catch fire or burn people Vw patrick volkswagen auburn ma confirmed that electrical inspection to rule out seat recall No. No recall has been submitted yet When i first bought the car in 2025
NHTSA complaint #11736484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shrewsbury, MA
AIR BAGS
Heated seats get extremely hot. Smell of burning. Possible to catch fire or burn people Vw patrick volkswagen auburn ma confirmed that electrical inspection to rule out seat recall No. No recall has been submitted yet When i first bought the car in 2025
NHTSA complaint #11736484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sharpsburg, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS pump and module have failed according to my mechanic. ABS lights and traction control lights are on all the time. If I were to drive this car on the road, and I would have to make an emergency stop, my brakes would lock up and I would slide. This is an extreme safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11690351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
At first, my vehicle dashboard warning light came on saying I have 9 different lights out(headlight, high beam, brake light, turn signals, etc). I thought it was odd for all these to go out at once, so I took it to the dealership for them to look at it. They couldn’t find anything and gave it back. It went off for a while but then the warning lights came back on. I again took it to the dealership, they told me I would have to leave it for an unknown amount of time for them to look at it. I wasn’t able to do that because it was my only motive transportation. After looking online to see if anyone else had the same issue I found multiple people who said they have the same issue. The fuse box under the hood has begun to melt, which affected the green 30 fuse which was almost completely melted. I replaced that fuse with a new one and that fixed the warning lights. I feel it is still a safety issue because the fuse box is going to continue to melt which could produce a fire.
NHTSA complaint #11465640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisville, UTCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
My vehicle struck a car from behind moving about 35 mph. Air bags did not deploy and I had a proceeding next injury. Why did the airbags not deploy? I have read that "A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury" for 2011-2014 Golf. I would like confirmation that this was supposed to happen, no airbag deployment. My car was totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11422285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWauwatosa, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INTERMITTENTLY, DASHBOARD MFD WOULD INDICATE THAT ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND PULLED OUT KEY. INSERTED KEY AND RESTARTED AND ALL WOULD BE FINE. GOT TO THE POINT THAT LIGHTS WERE IN FACT NOT WORKING. PULLED OUT FUSES AND WHEN I PULLED THE 30A FUSE (F16?) I NOTICED THE FUSE AND FUSE BOX WAS MELTED. I CLEANED THE CONTACTS ON THE FUSE WITH SANDPAPER AND A WIRE BRUSH. I ATTEMPTED TO USE THE BRUSH ON THE FUSE BOX BUT TO NO AVAIL. I INSERTED THE FUSE BACK IN AND THE LIGHTS WORKED. NEXT MORNING, I TURNED THE KEY ON AND MFD INDICATED ALL THE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FUSE BOX AND WIGGLED THE FUSE. WORKED ALL THE WAY TO AND FROM WORK. FOUND TWO VW FORUMS DISCUSSED THIS SAME ISSUE. MOST WERE TIGUANS. PICTURES ARE THE FUSE BOX AND THE FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS BEFORE I CLEANED THE FUSE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN I WAS WORKING ON IT.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11266012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,522 milesLivermore, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUBLIN VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 6085 SCARLETT CT, DUBLIN, CA 94568, (925) 829-0800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,522.*BF
NHTSA complaint #11231324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,543 milesDerry, NH
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING
NHTSA complaint #11155220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,200 milesDeland, FL
POWER TRAIN
DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FAILED AT 81,200 MILES RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. FAILURE WAS 21,200 MILES AFTER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND BEGAN TO SHIFT VERY STRANGELY, WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME AND PARK IT.
NHTSA complaint #11143467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,986 milesMenifee, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. MOSS BROTHERS VOLKSWAGEN OF MORENO VALLEY (27750 EUCALYPTUS AVE, MORENO, VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 92555, (951) 485-4188) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 180-76-1675. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,986.
NHTSA complaint #11113169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,986 milesMenifee, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. MOSS BROTHERS VOLKSWAGEN OF MORENO VALLEY (27750 EUCALYPTUS AVE, MORENO, VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 92555, (951) 485-4188) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 180-76-1675. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,986.
NHTSA complaint #11113169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesRutland, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE REACHES ABOVE 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT THE DRIVERS DOOR AND THE PASSENGERS DOOR WILL NOT LATCH CLOSED PROPERLY. IF YOU TRY TO CLOSE THE DOORS, THEY JUST BANG AGAINST THE FRAME AND SWING OPEN. ONCE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE DOOR COOLS DOWN, THE DOOR WILL EVENTUALLY LATCH. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT TILL MORNING TO PROPERLY CLOSE THEM SHUT. THE DEALERSHIP IS ASKING $600 TO REPAIR THIS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THESE DOORS SHOULD LOCK PROPERLY BEFORE DRIVING AWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11012343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesDayton, OH
AIR BAGS
MY LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP STATED THERE IS A RECALL ON CERTAIN VW MODELS FOR THE CLOCK-SPRING LOCATED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, WHICH VW ATTRIBUTES TO THE CLOCK-SPRING. THEY TOLD ME THE 2012 GOLF TDI MODEL IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT APPARENTLY THIS CLOCK-SPRING PROBLEM IMPACTS OTHER MODELS. THEY WARNED THE PROBLEM WILL GET WORSE AND EVENTUALLY IMPACT THE STEERING, AIRBAG, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY QUOTED THE COST TO REPLACE THE CLOCK-SPRING IS $890. SO MY QUESTION IS CAN THE RECALL BE BROADENED TO INCLUDE 2012 GOLF TDIS AS WELL?
NHTSA complaint #11011753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesDayton, OH
STEERING
MY LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP STATED THERE IS A RECALL ON CERTAIN VW MODELS FOR THE CLOCK-SPRING LOCATED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, WHICH VW ATTRIBUTES TO THE CLOCK-SPRING. THEY TOLD ME THE 2012 GOLF TDI MODEL IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT APPARENTLY THIS CLOCK-SPRING PROBLEM IMPACTS OTHER MODELS. THEY WARNED THE PROBLEM WILL GET WORSE AND EVENTUALLY IMPACT THE STEERING, AIRBAG, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY QUOTED THE COST TO REPLACE THE CLOCK-SPRING IS $890. SO MY QUESTION IS CAN THE RECALL BE BROADENED TO INCLUDE 2012 GOLF TDIS AS WELL?
NHTSA complaint #11011753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesDayton, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP STATED THERE IS A RECALL ON CERTAIN VW MODELS FOR THE CLOCK-SPRING LOCATED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, WHICH VW ATTRIBUTES TO THE CLOCK-SPRING. THEY TOLD ME THE 2012 GOLF TDI MODEL IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT APPARENTLY THIS CLOCK-SPRING PROBLEM IMPACTS OTHER MODELS. THEY WARNED THE PROBLEM WILL GET WORSE AND EVENTUALLY IMPACT THE STEERING, AIRBAG, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY QUOTED THE COST TO REPLACE THE CLOCK-SPRING IS $890. SO MY QUESTION IS CAN THE RECALL BE BROADENED TO INCLUDE 2012 GOLF TDIS AS WELL?
NHTSA complaint #11011753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Granger, IN
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - RECEIVED NOTICE OVER 18 MONTHS AGO THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT A NEW AIRBAG IS AVAILABLE. WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG? THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED FOR THE PASSENGERS IN MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11000351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesDayton, OH
STEERING
READING SOME ONLINE FORUMS, MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING A CREAKING SOUND COMING FROM COMPONENTS RELATED TO THE STEERING SYSTEM. IT OCCURS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE EXACT DIAGNOSIS IS NOT POSTED ON ANY OF THE FORUMS BUT IT DOES MAKE VW OWNERS NERVOUS. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION, REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #10983886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mountain View, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I SPOKE WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO FIX CURRENTLY AVAILABLE DUE TO A LACK OF PARTS. FURTHERMORE, THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE TO DRIVING MY DEFECTIVE CAR AND THEY WILL NOT DISABLE THE FAULTY AIR BAG. SO I'M LEFT DRIVING A CAR THAT MAY KILL ME. I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10899593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Overland Park, KS
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN APRIL OF 2016. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10882668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesWillow Park, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GLOW PLUG LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE LOST POWER. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. TOW TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND OTHER PARTS. COST OF WARRANTY REPAIR WAS ABOUT $7000.00.
NHTSA complaint #10871728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH
POWER TRAIN
LIKE MANY OWNERS OF VOLKSWAGEN TDI VEHICLES, THE 1-2 SECOND HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP IS VERY UNNERVING. IT CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC OR CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. IT HAPPENS DAILY AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIX IT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. VW UPDATED THE SOFTWARE ON THE TRANSMISSION BUT THAT "FIX" DIDN'T LAST MORE THAN A FEW MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #10871349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesPleasantville, NY
POWER TRAIN
CV JOINTS FAILED AT UNDER 38K MILES ON AUTOMOBILE.
NHTSA complaint #10854895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
ENGINE
SMOG CONTROL FRAUD WITH DIESEL ENGINE
NHTSA complaint #10845836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM LONG TRIP AND HAVE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COM ON AND DISAPPEARED BY SELF. I MADE APPOINTMENT FOR REGULAR 60K MAINTENANCE AND ADDRESSED LIGHT ISSUE AND DIRTY TAIL PIPE TO THE SAN TAN VW DEALER AND THEY RESPONSE WAS THAT "CAR IS DIESEL AND FOR DIESEL IS NORMAL TO SMOKE AND LIGHT WILL NOT COME AFTER SOFTWARE UPDATE. NOW AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED I HAVE DIAGNOSIS THAT WHOLE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACE (EXHAUST SYSTEM IS UNDER RECALL INVESTIGATION). ESTIMATE TO FIX EXHAUST IS $6000. VW OF AMERICA REFUSE TO FIX THE ISSUE, CAR IS NOW POLLUTING, SMOKING AND CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10822361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,550 milesWest View, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY ISSUE SEAMS SIMILAR TO A FILING LAST YEAR "10654071". I STARTED THE CAR TO LEAVE FROM WORK, AND I RECEIVE NINE SEPARATE EXTERIOR LIGHT FAULTS. IT AFFECTED BOTH THE FRONT RIGHT, LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR, SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, AND PLATE LIGHT. ALL STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. THERE WAS NO WARNING. AND NO FUSES WERE BLOWN. I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I WAS LUCKY THAT ONE HEADLIGHT CONTINUED TO WORK. THIS MADE FOR A VERY DIFFICUL.
NHTSA complaint #10794651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.