Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 136 owner complaints and 9 recalls on file for the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen (2015–2019). The 2017 Golf Sportwagen has the most serious complaints, most often about suspension.

Complaints
136
Recalls
9
Model years
5
Worst year
2017

Complaints by model year

43201540201634201792018102019
NHTSA complaints per Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen — 34 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Suspension
  2. 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen — 43 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
  3. 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen — 40 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Airbags
  4. 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen — 10 complaints; top problem: Suspension

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2019 (10 complaints).

Every Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2019 Golf Sportwagen100005Suspension
2018 Golf Sportwagen91025Transmission & Drivetrain
2017 Golf Sportwagen343034Suspension
2016 Golf Sportwagen401003Airbags
2015 Golf Sportwagen430133Electrical System

Most common Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    30 complaints
  • Suspension
    29 complaints
  • Engine
    24 complaints
  • Airbags
    23 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    19 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    11 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    9 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    7 complaints
  • Steering
    5 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    3 complaints

Complaint trend

202020212022202320242026
Complaints about the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen received by NHTSA each month.

Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen recalls

  • Recall 24V110000Feb 14, 2024261,257 vehiclesModel years 2015–2019

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 23V604000Aug 30, 202362,538 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V815000Oct 31, 2022296,044 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V543000Jul 27, 20221,216 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 19V679000Sep 25, 2019113 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

  • Recall 19V615000Aug 22, 2019679,027 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

  • Recall 19V188000Mar 6, 201956,173 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V464000Jul 11, 201833,168 vehiclesModel years 2015–2018

    Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

  • Recall 18V369000Jun 1, 201810,225 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2018

    Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Other Volkswagen models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology