Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2014 Volkswagen Golf with NHTSA between 2015 and 2023.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 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 — 9
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Golf. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 73
43% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Volkswagen Golf
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2014 Volkswagen Golf
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
428.6%
Median failure at 32,730 miles
Other & Unspecified
214.3%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
214.3%
Median failure at 82,975 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
214.3%
Median failure at 34,272 miles
Engine & Cooling
214.3%
Median failure at 127,000 miles
Brakes
17.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,085 mi
Electrical System
17.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
114.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
342.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
114.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
228.6%
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.
Aug 2015peak 3Aug 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 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...
Recalls on the 2014 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.
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 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 201406819,024 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with a factory installed block heater, the block heater could overheat while in use. This could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the block heater. Owners are advised to stop using the block heater in the interim.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 16,085 milesPortland, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (CHARLES MAUND VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 6900 BURNET RD, AUSTIN, TX 78757, PHONE NUMBER: (512) 458-1111) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED BUT A LITTLE OVER A YEAR LATER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS REPLACED BUT ANOTHER YEAR LATER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED A THIRD TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY AT 40 MPH, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING THE DEER. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SKIDDED AND THE ABS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHAT THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,085.
NHTSA complaint #11231957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Pasadena, CA
ENGINE
My vehicle has (2) serpentine belts, and (2) Belt Tensioners. (1) Tensioner is for the belt that engages the Water Pump, Alternator, Power Steering and then has (3) Idler Pulleys. The other one is the AC Tensioner, that belt routes from the AC Compressor to the Crank and the AC Tensioner. The AC Compressor is a dual belt pulley. So the AC Tensioner is suppling the power for the Accessory Belt to spin, and operate the cooling system, charging system, and power steering. Recently the Accessory Belt ripped, and since the belts and the tensioners have yet to be serviced, I planned on doing both tensioners and belts. Upon replacing the components with new ones, the AC tensioner rubs against the Accessory Belt, which will def cause the belt to rip. Further investigating, I saw the original AC Tensioner has a cut out on the side of the housing made, so that the Accessory Belt will not rub against it and spin freely. I called VW Service, O Reillys, Auto Zone, Advanced Auto, and none of the tensioners have the cut out, they all have the same tensioner that is being sold. So what do I do now? Vehicle is not drivable, and without the correct part, this vehicle is unable to safely drive. Once that belt rips, cooling system won’t work, charging system and power steering. My vehicle has almost 200K and is mechanically sound, I maintain the maintenance on this vehicle to a T. Yet I am unable to purchase a part that is needed to ensure this vehicle continues to operate safely, due to a complete engineering design mistake. In which it seems to be completely covered up, because how many people will really service the tensioner. Well I did, and I would like my vehicle to run again, seeing as how the manufacturer decided to make this shortcut, and cross there fingers and hope no issues arose
NHTSA complaint #11541789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Van Nuys, CA
POWER TRAIN
While driving on the freeway the car stopped accelerating and would only rev when gas pedal was pressed. I coasted to the fast lane shoulder and put on hazard lights. CHP had to stop freeway traffic to push me to the side of the freeway. Car eventually restarted and let me put into gear. I drove to Auto repair store and they scanned car. Code U0103 came back: No communication with gear shift module.
NHTSA complaint #11465862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Van Nuys, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on the freeway the car stopped accelerating and would only rev when gas pedal was pressed. I coasted to the fast lane shoulder and put on hazard lights. CHP had to stop freeway traffic to push me to the side of the freeway. Car eventually restarted and let me put into gear. I drove to Auto repair store and they scanned car. Code U0103 came back: No communication with gear shift module.
NHTSA complaint #11465862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Van Nuys, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on the freeway the car stopped accelerating and would only rev when gas pedal was pressed. I coasted to the fast lane shoulder and put on hazard lights. CHP had to stop freeway traffic to push me to the side of the freeway. Car eventually restarted and let me put into gear. I drove to Auto repair store and they scanned car. Code U0103 came back: No communication with gear shift module.
NHTSA complaint #11465862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesPasadena, CA
ENGINE
I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH A P0106 CODE. IT CONTINUOUSLY COMES OFF AND ON. I HAVE HAD THE MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACED, I HAVE HAD THE INTAKE CLEANED AND RELATABLE PARTS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AT RANDOM TIMES, AND WILL JUST GO AWAY ON IT'S OWN. I HAVE READ THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO UPDATE THE ECM WHICH HAS THEN FIXED THE ISSUE. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE AN EXPENSE TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE FOR AN UPDATE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11353090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesPasadena, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH A P0106 CODE. IT CONTINUOUSLY COMES OFF AND ON. I HAVE HAD THE MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACED, I HAVE HAD THE INTAKE CLEANED AND RELATABLE PARTS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AT RANDOM TIMES, AND WILL JUST GO AWAY ON IT'S OWN. I HAVE READ THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO UPDATE THE ECM WHICH HAS THEN FIXED THE ISSUE. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE AN EXPENSE TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE FOR AN UPDATE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11353090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,272 milesMooresville, IN
POWER TRAIN
THE SLAVE CYLINDER WENT BAD ITS PORING FLUID OUT IT COMPLETELY FAILED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT HAS EXACTLY 34,272 MILES IT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AT THAT MILEAGE AND AGE I KNOW OF 3 OTHER PEOPLE AROUND THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO BECAUSE ITS STARTING TO LOOK LIKE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL IF IT HAD WENT OUT COMPLETELY ON THE HIGHWAY SINCE AN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER WOULDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO SINCE YOU CANT CHANGE GEARS
NHTSA complaint #11254699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,085 milesPortland, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (CHARLES MAUND VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 6900 BURNET RD, AUSTIN, TX 78757, PHONE NUMBER: (512) 458-1111) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED BUT A LITTLE OVER A YEAR LATER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS REPLACED BUT ANOTHER YEAR LATER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED A THIRD TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY AT 40 MPH, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING THE DEER. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SKIDDED AND THE ABS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHAT THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,085.
NHTSA complaint #11231957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,730 milesSanta Barbara, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL A VW DEALER SERVICE INVOICE STATES THEY COMPLETED THE RECALL ON THIS CAR, BUT YOUR WEBSITE SAYS IT IS INCOMPLETE, ACCORDING TO MY VIN. VW OF AMERICA SENT ME RECALL NOTICES IN MARCH & APRIL OF 2018. COMMUNITY VW, SANTA MARIA, CA 93456 [805 348-3221] INVOICE DATE: 12/19/17 CUSTOMER NUMBER: 50792 TECHNICIAN NUMBER: 34657 I WOULD LIKE TO VERIFY THAT THE WORK WAS ACTUALLY DONE. IS THERE AN IDENTIFYING MARK, LABEL OR NUMBER THAT I CAN SEE SOMEWHERE ON THE AIRBAG? THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11122097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington Heights, IL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. JENNINGS VOLKSWAGEN, LOCATED AT 201 WAUKEGAN ROAD, GLENVIEW, IL, WAS CONTACTED AND REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR UNLESS THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT NHTSA APPROVED THEIR REMEDY AS PERMANENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
NHTSA complaint #11019620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesNEW Bedford, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #11011794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS IN CHICAGO SINCE THE RECALL IN 2016 AND STILL NO ONE HAS THE REPLACEMENT. THERE COULD BE DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT HAVING THIS TESTED AND CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #11004331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. IN APRIL 2016 I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FROM VOLKSWAGEN REGARDING THE TAKATA AIRBAGS. AT THAT TIME, I CALLED TO SET-UP AN APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WASN'T A FIX FOR IT YET. I'VE CALLED INTERMITTENTLY OVER THE PAST YEAR AND HAVE RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE. I CALLED AGAIN ON MAY 17TH, TO ASK ABOUT THE STATUS AND RECEIVED YET THE SAME RESPONSE. WHEN I MENTIONED THAT I KNOW PEOPLE WHO HAVE HONDA'S--WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED--WHOSE AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, SHE SAID THAT HONDA OWNERS, HAVE DIED AS A RESULT OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENTS, WHEREAS VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS HAVEN'T. I REPLIED THAT I INTERPRETED THAT TO MEAN THAT VOLKSWAGEN ARE DRAGGING THEIR FEET BECAUSE NO ONE HAS DIED, AND IT'LL TAKE A DEATH IN ORDER FOR THEM TO COME UP WITH A FIX, WHICH OF COURSE WAS DENIED.
NHTSA complaint #10986174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,950 milesSanta Clarita, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON THE FREEWAY, IN THE FAST LANE, AT 70 MPH WHEN THERE WAS A BLINKING YELLOW WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH. THE LIGHT RESEMBLES AN ELECTRICAL COIL AND IS REFERRED TO AS A GLOW PLUG LIGHT. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY STALLED. I PUT ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS BUT WAS UNABLE TO GET TO THE RIGHT DUE TO TRAFFIC AND A DEAD ENGINE. AS A RESULT WE HAD TO STOP IN THE CENTER DIVIDER. IT TOOK 45 MIN FOR THE TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE. THIS WHILE TRAFFIC FLEW BY. THE FAULT WAS IDENTIFIED AS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) FAILURE BY THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10746265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.