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NHTSA Safety Recalls

Volkswagen Golf Recalls by Year

Every model year from 2000 to 2021, ranked by how many recalls it carries.

Across 19 model years (2000–2021) the Volkswagen Golf has 110 NHTSA recalls. The worst year is 2015 with 12; the cleanest is 2021 with 1.

Model years
19

2000–2021

Total recalls
110
Worst year
2015

12 recalls

Cleanest year
2021

1 recalls

Recalls by model year

What gets recalled most on the Volkswagen Golf

  • AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE15
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE9
  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH7
  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER6
  • SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS6
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS5
  • FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL5
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING5

Reading these numbers

A high recall count is not the same as an unreliable car. Recalls are safety defects the manufacturer reports and repairs free; a maker that files many of them is often being more diligent, not less. Older model years also accumulate recalls simply by existing longer.

What matters for a specific car is whether its own VIN is covered by an open campaign. Check it on NHTSA's lookup or call 1-888-327-4236.