*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Back over prevention › WarningsCrash
While turning (right hand turn) slowly into parking space, vehicle engine unexpectedly reved and accelerated causing vehicle to jump curb and strike fixed object (tree). Foot was not/not on the accelerator but rather on brake yet acceleration was so rapid vehicle could not be stopped prior to striking curb and fixed object. Filing HHTSA report due to research indicating similar incidents of unanticipated rapid acceleration at slow speeds for VW Golf models.
Jun 19, 2026Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control
Design defect - impossible to disable active cruise control, and use regular/traditional cruise control. If adaptive cruise control sensor becomes dirty, it does not work, and thereâs no option to use regular cruise control. This is a design flaw which VW rectified with new (2021+) models. VW should offer a software update to correct this defect, to allow a driver to toggle between ACC and traditional cruise control.
Sep 2, 2023Unknown or other
The issue was the key fob was not detected. I put my bag in the front seat of the car and shut the door, I then put my 19month old son in her car seat and shut the door. When I shut the rear car door the hazard lights flashed as if the car had locked. I went to the driver door and tried to open the car door and it wouldnât open. Despite the key being in the car (with batteries I never had any notices about a low battery) my son was now locked in the car. Luckily the fire department responded quickly, the key worked fine upon recovery but it took front start to end 30mins for my son to get out of the car. If we had been in a hot parking lot or somewhere else in the country this couldâve…
Jul 20, 2023Wheels
During annual state inspection on 7/8/22, tech found that the right rear wheel (19" VW Pretoria Gloss Black Alloy Wheels) was bent on both the inside and outside. Unsafe to drive. Wheel had to be replaced. Do not recall hitting any pothole or road hazard that might have caused this damage to the wheel. Apparently, other owners of this model car have also experienced bent rims. This may be a manufacturing defect or a design flaw, in that the wheels cannot withstand the forces transmitted from stock low profile tires (235/35ZR-19).
Jul 8, 2022Electrical system
THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE VEHICLE'S FUSE SYSTEM. THE GOLF R CAME WITH NO SPARE TIRE BUT AN AIR PUMP, WHICH NEEDS TO BE POWERED BY THE 12V DC POWER OF THE VEHICLE. BUT WHEN I USE THIS ORIGINAL AIR PUMP, THE FUSE OF THE 12V DC POWER BURNS OUT. THIS HAPPENED FOR SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I HAD THE CAR IN OCTOBER, 2019. THE DEALER CAN ONLY GIVE ME NEW FUSE TO REPLACE THE BROKEN ONE. MANY GOLF R'S OWNERS MET THIS SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I THINK THERE IS SOME ISSUES WITH THEIR FUSE SYSTEM DESIGN.
May 7, 2021 · 8,000 milesService brakes
FOUR TIMES OVER THE LAST WEEK WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH STRAIGHT DOWN A RESIDENTIAL ROAD, I EXPERIENCED AN UNEXPECTED ENGAGEMENT OF THE FRONT COLLISION WARNING, AND ONE OF THOSE FOUR TIMES, 4 DAYS AGO, I ADDITIONALLY EXPERIENCED AN UNEXPECTED ENGAGEMENT OF THE FRONT ASSIST EMERGENCY BRAKING WHICH CAUSED ME ALARM, AS THE SPEED DROPPED DRAMATICALLY FROM 35 MPH TO 20 MPH, AND I HAD TO BE SURE NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME TO CAUSE A REAR-END COLLISION. IN NONE OF THESE SITUATIONS WERE THERE ANY HAZARDS ON THE ROAD TO AVOID: CARS, PEDESTRIANS, OBJECTS. IN ALL OF THESE SITUATIONS, CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED AT 35 MPH. THE SENSOR IS NOT DIRTY. THE ERROR IS NOT CONSISTENT IN THE TIMING OF WHEN IT HAPPENS.…
Sep 25, 2020 · 9,900 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.