2019 Volkswagen Golf: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2019 Volkswagen Golf: 6 recalls, 63 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.

Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #19V188000 · 2019 · 56,173 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 golf sportwagen, 2019 jetta, 2015-2019 golf, and 2018-2019 tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs May prematurely fracture.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019.
Electrical, Steering Vehicle recall #19V615000 · 2019 · 679,027 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 gti, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 golf, 2012-2019 beetle and beetle convertible, 2017-2019 golf sportwagen and 2011-2018 jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts May enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019.
Wheels Vehicle recall #19V879000 · 2019 · 8 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 jetta gli, golf alltrack, and golf gti vehicles. The front wheel bearings May have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel bolts, or wheel bearings.
Why it matters: The excessive stress can cause steering, traction or other stability issues or breakage relating to the front wheels, and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019.
Tires Vehicle recall #22V815000 · 2022 · 296,044 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen tiguan lwb, golf sportswagen a7, golf alltrack, golf r gp, Audi q3, Audi a3 cabriolet, 2019-2020 jetta nf, jetta gli, golf gti, atlas, golf a7, Audi a3, 2020-2021 atlas cross sport, and 2021 atlas fl vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system May not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four…
Why it matters: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V604000 · 2023 · 62,538 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 golf, golf alltrack, golf sportwagen, 2019-2020 golf gti, and jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch May fail, especially in high temperature environments.
Why it matters: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #24V110000 · 2024 · 261,257 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi a3 sedan, 2015-2019 Audi a3 cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen jetta gli, 2018 golf sportwagen gp, 2018-2019 golf sportwagen a7, 2015-2017 golf sportwagen, 2015-2020 golf gti, and 2015-2020 golf a7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel May flow into the evaporative emissions…
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for vw owners were mailed on August 13, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (34): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (29), warning light on (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), hard / delayed shifting (4).
- Other / unknown (11): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), warning light on (3).
- Fuel & propulsion (7): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5).
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf has 63 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 34 Golf model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 42). Complaints peaked in 2019 (39 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 0 years old, at a median of 556 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (29 complaints, 6 recalls), 2020 (6 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2019 Volkswagen Golf problems?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (34), transmission & drivetrain (13), other / unknown (11).
What gas mileage does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.4 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2019 Volkswagen Golf repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.