Model-year record

2012 Volkswagen Golf
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Complaints filed
49
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
6
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
29
EPA estimate
Known issues
Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (18% of 49 reports), followed by fuel system (16%).
+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 49 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11422285, ODI 10537374, ODI 10510419, ODI 11736484, ODI 11231324.
Individual complaint reports(49)
Showing the 49 most recent reportsAir BagsMay 2026 · ODI 11736484Details +Close −
Heated seats get extremely hot. Smell of burning. Possible to catch fire or burn people Vw patrick volkswagen auburn ma confirmed that electrical inspection to rule out seat recall No. No recall has been submitted yet When i first bought the car in 2025
- Reported
- May 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Service BrakesSep 2025 · ODI 11690351Details +Close −
ABS pump and module have failed according to my mechanic. ABS lights and traction control lights are on all the time. If I were to drive this car on the road, and I would have to make an emergency stop, my brakes would lock up and I would slide. This is an extreme safety hazard.
- Reported
- Sep 2025
- Incident date
- Mar 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMay 2022 · ODI 11465640Details +Close −
At first, my vehicle dashboard warning light came on saying I have 9 different lights out(headlight, high beam, brake light, turn signals, etc). I thought it was odd for all these to go out at once, so I took it to the dealership for them to look at it. They couldn’t find anything and gave it back. It went off for a while but then the warning lights came back on. I again took it to the dealership, they told me I would have to leave it for an unknown amount of time for them to look at it. I wasn’t able to do that because it was my only motive transportation. After looking online to see if anyone else had the same issue I found multiple people who said they have the same issue. The fuse box under the hood has begun to melt, which affected the green 30 fuse which was almost completely melted. I replaced that fuse with a new one and that fixed the warning lights. I feel it is still a safety issue because the fuse box is going to continue to melt which could produce a fire.
- Reported
- May 2022
- Incident date
- May 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJun 2021 · ODI 11422285 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
My vehicle struck a car from behind moving about 35 mph. Air bags did not deploy and I had a proceeding next injury. Why did the airbags not deploy? I have read that "A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury" for 2011-2014 Golf. I would like confirmation that this was supposed to happen, no airbag deployment. My car was totaled.
- Reported
- Jun 2021
- Incident date
- Jun 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Exterior LightingOct 2019 · ODI 11266012Details +Close −
INTERMITTENTLY, DASHBOARD MFD WOULD INDICATE THAT ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND PULLED OUT KEY. INSERTED KEY AND RESTARTED AND ALL WOULD BE FINE. GOT TO THE POINT THAT LIGHTS WERE IN FACT NOT WORKING. PULLED OUT FUSES AND WHEN I PULLED THE 30A FUSE (F16?) I NOTICED THE FUSE AND FUSE BOX WAS MELTED. I CLEANED THE CONTACTS ON THE FUSE WITH SANDPAPER AND A WIRE BRUSH. I ATTEMPTED TO USE THE BRUSH ON THE FUSE BOX BUT TO NO AVAIL. I INSERTED THE FUSE BACK IN AND THE LIGHTS WORKED. NEXT MORNING, I TURNED THE KEY ON AND MFD INDICATED ALL THE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FUSE BOX AND WIGGLED THE FUSE. WORKED ALL THE WAY TO AND FROM WORK. FOUND TWO VW FORUMS DISCUSSED THIS SAME ISSUE. MOST WERE TIGUANS. PICTURES ARE THE FUSE BOX AND THE FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS BEFORE I CLEANED THE FUSE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN I WAS WORKING ON IT.*DT *TR
- Reported
- Oct 2019
- Incident date
- Oct 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2019 · ODI 11231324Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUBLIN VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 6085 SCARLETT CT, DUBLIN, CA 94568, (925) 829-0800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,522.*BF *JB
- Reported
- Jul 2019
- Incident date
- Jul 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsNov 2018 · ODI 11155220Details +Close −
AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING
- Reported
- Nov 2018
- Incident date
- Nov 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemNov 2018 · ODI 11153634Details +Close −
VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT INTO A FAILURE MODE WHERE THROTTLE IS CUT SUDDENLY, ALMOST NO POWER. THEREAFTER CAR ONLY MOVES A MAXIMUM OF APPROXIMATELY 20MPH, MANY LIGHTS ARE ON INST. PANEL. IT CANNOT BE RESET WITHOUT SPECIALIZED DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT. THE CODES GENERATED ARE IN BOTH THE ENGINE COMPUTER AND THE ABS RELATED CONTROL UNIT. SINCE THEY ARE IN THE LATTER, THEY CANNOT BE CLEARED WITH TYPICAL OBDII CODE READERS EITHER. WITHOUT FULLY CLEARING THOSE CODES, THE THROTTLE IS NOT RESTORED. IT HAPPENED ON FREEWAY AT 65+ MPH. THIS IS 3RD TIME IT HAS HAPPENED IN LAST THREE MONTHS, EACH TIME WITH DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS ATTEMPTED. THE CAR WAS RECENTLY PURCHASED AND HAS NO ACCIDENT HISTORY OR ANY SERIOUS WORK BEYOND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, ALL DONE BY THE PRIOR OWNER ACCORDING TO THE FACTORY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE BY A VW DEALER. TROUBLE CODES INDICATE IT IS AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MALFUNCTION, AND BY THE THIRD INCIDENT A CODE ALSO INDICATED THERE WAS A DEFECT. ONLINE SEARCHES ALSO INDICATE EARLIER YEAR VW/AUDI MODELS WITH SIMILAR ENGINES AND THROTTLES WERE RECALLED FOR DEFECTIVE WIRING INVOLVING THE THROTTLE. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS APPROX. 10,000 MILES, AND FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 7,000 MILES. TO BE CLEAR, THE COMPLAINT IS ABOUT BOTH THE THROTTLE OR ITS WIRING AND THE FACTORY FAILURE MODE PROGRAMING. THE THROTTLE IMMEDIATELY GOES ALMOST DEAD IN THE FAILURE MODE. WHEN IT HAPPENS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, IT IS DIFFICULT OR SOMETIMES IMPOSSIBLE TO EVEN GET TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY IN ANY SAFE MANNER. THAT DESIGN IN ITSELF IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD ALSO BE MODIFIED TO ALLOW SAFE MANEUVERING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN TYPICAL FREEWAY AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
- Reported
- Nov 2018
- Incident date
- Nov 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainOct 2018 · ODI 11143467Details +Close −
DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FAILED AT 81,200 MILES RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. FAILURE WAS 21,200 MILES AFTER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND BEGAN TO SHIFT VERY STRANGELY, WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME AND PARK IT.
- Reported
- Oct 2018
- Incident date
- Oct 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJul 2018 · ODI 11113169Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. MOSS BROTHERS VOLKSWAGEN OF MORENO VALLEY (27750 EUCALYPTUS AVE, MORENO, VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 92555, (951) 485-4188) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 180-76-1675. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,986.
- Reported
- Jul 2018
- Incident date
- Jul 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
StructureAug 2017 · ODI 11012343Details +Close −
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE REACHES ABOVE 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT THE DRIVERS DOOR AND THE PASSENGERS DOOR WILL NOT LATCH CLOSED PROPERLY. IF YOU TRY TO CLOSE THE DOORS, THEY JUST BANG AGAINST THE FRAME AND SWING OPEN. ONCE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE DOOR COOLS DOWN, THE DOOR WILL EVENTUALLY LATCH. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT TILL MORNING TO PROPERLY CLOSE THEM SHUT. THE DEALERSHIP IS ASKING $600 TO REPAIR THIS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THESE DOORS SHOULD LOCK PROPERLY BEFORE DRIVING AWAY.
- Reported
- Aug 2017
- Incident date
- Aug 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJul 2017 · ODI 11011753Details +Close −
MY LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP STATED THERE IS A RECALL ON CERTAIN VW MODELS FOR THE CLOCK-SPRING LOCATED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, WHICH VW ATTRIBUTES TO THE CLOCK-SPRING. THEY TOLD ME THE 2012 GOLF TDI MODEL IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT APPARENTLY THIS CLOCK-SPRING PROBLEM IMPACTS OTHER MODELS. THEY WARNED THE PROBLEM WILL GET WORSE AND EVENTUALLY IMPACT THE STEERING, AIRBAG, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY QUOTED THE COST TO REPLACE THE CLOCK-SPRING IS $890. SO MY QUESTION IS CAN THE RECALL BE BROADENED TO INCLUDE 2012 GOLF TDIS AS WELL?
- Reported
- Jul 2017
- Incident date
- Jul 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJun 2017 · ODI 11000351Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL - RECEIVED NOTICE OVER 18 MONTHS AGO THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT A NEW AIRBAG IS AVAILABLE. WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG? THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED FOR THE PASSENGERS IN MY CAR.
- Reported
- Jun 2017
- Incident date
- Jun 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringMay 2017 · ODI 10983886Details +Close −
READING SOME ONLINE FORUMS, MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING A CREAKING SOUND COMING FROM COMPONENTS RELATED TO THE STEERING SYSTEM. IT OCCURS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE EXACT DIAGNOSIS IS NOT POSTED ON ANY OF THE FORUMS BUT IT DOES MAKE VW OWNERS NERVOUS. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION, REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED.
- Reported
- May 2017
- Incident date
- Apr 2017
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2016 · ODI 10899593Details +Close −
TAKATA RECALL I SPOKE WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO FIX CURRENTLY AVAILABLE DUE TO A LACK OF PARTS. FURTHERMORE, THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE TO DRIVING MY DEFECTIVE CAR AND THEY WILL NOT DISABLE THE FAULTY AIR BAG. SO I'M LEFT DRIVING A CAR THAT MAY KILL ME. I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE.
- Reported
- Aug 2016
- Incident date
- Aug 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsJul 2016 · ODI 10882668Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN APRIL OF 2016. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
- Reported
- Jul 2016
- Incident date
- Apr 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 2016 · ODI 10871728Details +Close −
GLOW PLUG LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE LOST POWER. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. TOW TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND OTHER PARTS. COST OF WARRANTY REPAIR WAS ABOUT $7000.00.
- Reported
- Jun 2016
- Incident date
- May 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMay 2016 · ODI 10871349Details +Close −
LIKE MANY OWNERS OF VOLKSWAGEN TDI VEHICLES, THE 1-2 SECOND HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP IS VERY UNNERVING. IT CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC OR CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. IT HAPPENS DAILY AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIX IT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. VW UPDATED THE SOFTWARE ON THE TRANSMISSION BUT THAT "FIX" DIDN'T LAST MORE THAN A FEW MONTHS.
- Reported
- May 2016
- Incident date
- May 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainApr 2016 · ODI 10854895Details +Close −
CV JOINTS FAILED AT UNDER 38K MILES ON AUTOMOBILE.
- Reported
- Apr 2016
- Incident date
- Apr 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMar 2016 · ODI 10845836Details +Close −
SMOG CONTROL FRAUD WITH DIESEL ENGINE
- Reported
- Mar 2016
- Incident date
- Apr 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJan 2016 · ODI 10822361Details +Close −
I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM LONG TRIP AND HAVE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COM ON AND DISAPPEARED BY SELF. I MADE APPOINTMENT FOR REGULAR 60K MAINTENANCE AND ADDRESSED LIGHT ISSUE AND DIRTY TAIL PIPE TO THE SAN TAN VW DEALER AND THEY RESPONSE WAS THAT "CAR IS DIESEL AND FOR DIESEL IS NORMAL TO SMOKE AND LIGHT WILL NOT COME AFTER SOFTWARE UPDATE. NOW AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED I HAVE DIAGNOSIS THAT WHOLE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACE (EXHAUST SYSTEM IS UNDER RECALL INVESTIGATION). ESTIMATE TO FIX EXHAUST IS $6000. VW OF AMERICA REFUSE TO FIX THE ISSUE, CAR IS NOW POLLUTING, SMOKING AND CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
- Reported
- Jan 2016
- Incident date
- Jan 2016
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemNov 2015 · ODI 10794651Details +Close −
MY ISSUE SEAMS SIMILAR TO A FILING LAST YEAR "10654071". I STARTED THE CAR TO LEAVE FROM WORK, AND I RECEIVE NINE SEPARATE EXTERIOR LIGHT FAULTS. IT AFFECTED BOTH THE FRONT RIGHT, LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR, SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, AND PLATE LIGHT. ALL STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. THERE WAS NO WARNING. AND NO FUSES WERE BLOWN. I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I WAS LUCKY THAT ONE HEADLIGHT CONTINUED TO WORK. THIS MADE FOR A VERY DIFFICUL.
- Reported
- Nov 2015
- Incident date
- Nov 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2015 · ODI 10764539Details +Close −
WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT, HEARD A SLIGHT RINGING SOUND AS THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN AND STALLED RIGHT AS WE STOPPED. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART AND THE "COILS" WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED IN THE DASH BOARD. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AS WE WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE PROBLEM WAS WITH A FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE WERE WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK AS THE FUEL WAS BEING TESTED FOR CONTAMINATION (WHICH THERE WAS NONE) AND WAITING APPROVAL FROM VOLKSWAGEN FOR APPROVAL UNDER WARRANTY COVERAGE. THIS IS THE SECOND PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM ON THIS CAR. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS PROBLEM WITH A LEAKING FUEL RAIL (LEAVING A PUDDLE OF DIESEL FUEL IN A PARKING LOT) WHICH WAS COVERED WITH A WARRANTY REPAIR WHILE ON A VACATION.
- Reported
- Sep 2015
- Incident date
- Sep 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 2015 · ODI 10723863Details +Close −
I WAS DRIVING ON I-55 AT APPROX. 60MPH AND THE GLOW PLUG INDICATOR LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. PULLED OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT AND SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN, AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE BACK ON, THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, HOWEVER I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME (APROX. 3 MILES). HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING MORNING, WHERE THE DEALER INDICATED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FOR THE DIRECT-RAIL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND CONTAMINATED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS WILL REQUIRE A REPLACEMENT OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, AND THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM, WHICH IS BEING COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER UNDER THE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY.
- Reported
- Jun 2015
- Incident date
- May 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJun 2015 · ODI 10723789Details +Close −
KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT TURN OFF.
- Reported
- Jun 2015
- Incident date
- Jun 2015
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemNov 2014 · ODI 10654071Details +Close −
WHEN STARTING MY GOLF TDI I RECEIVED SEVERAL WARNING MESSAGES ON THE CAR'S INFORMATION SCREEN TO CHECK TURNING LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE CAR. THE RIGHT HAND HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKELIGHTS WERE OUT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAULT WAS A MELTED FUSEBOX. THE INTERNAL WIRING OF THE FUSEBOX OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE PLASTIC OF THE BOX AND THE PLASTIC OF THE FUSE WITHOUT BREAKING THE CIRCUIT. ACCORDING TO MY REPAIR SHOP, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AFFLICTING AS MANY AS ONE MILLION VWS OF VARIOUS YEARS. I SAW THAT VW HAS INITIATED RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER MODELS, BUT NOT THE GOLF OR GOLF TDIS. THIS FAULT CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE PARTIAL OR TOTAL HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS, CREATING A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD FOR DRIVERS AND OTHER VEHICLES. *TR
- Reported
- Nov 2014
- Incident date
- Nov 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemAug 2014 · ODI 10627186Details +Close −
2012 VW GOLF TDI (DIESEL) VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER ON ACCELERATION FROM A STOPLIGHT AND BEGAN CLICKING. CHECK ENGINE AND GLOW PLUG LIGHTS FLASHED. POWER WAS REDUCED TO 15% AND LIMPED TO SHOULDER. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND ATTEMPTED RESTART. ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT NO IGNITION. TOWED TO DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. DEALER REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, TANK PUMP, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES, FUEL RAIL WITH BOTH SENSORS, ALL INJECTORS, FUEL RETURN LINES, FUEL FILTER, AND AUX FUEL PUMP. TANK AND FUEL LINES WERE FLUSHED AND CLEANED. ALL REPAIRS DONE UNDER VW 60K POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. *TR
- Reported
- Aug 2014
- Incident date
- Aug 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 2014 · ODI 10596795Details +Close −
DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY WHEN GLOW PLUG ICON ON DASH STARTED TO BLINK, LOST SIGNIFICANT ENGINE POWER. PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED WITH NOTHING ON DASH. QUICKLY, GLOW PLUG ICON STARTED BLINKING AGAIN, ALONG WITH A SOLID MOTOR ICON ON DASH. DROVE TO DEALERSHIP WITH 40MPH MAX POWER, AND AFTER TURNING CAR OFF, TECHNICIAN COULD NOT TURN CAR BACK ON. HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND SENT METAL SHARDS INTO FUEL SYSTEM, DESTROYING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. TECH SAYS HE'S SEEN 6 TDI WITH SAME ISSUE RECENTLY. VW IS COVERING 100% OF COST. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2014
- Incident date
- Jun 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMar 2014 · ODI 10567577Details +Close −
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE WAS SUCCESSFULLY RESTARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT WATER BUILDS UP IN THE AIR INTER COOLER CAUSING THE ENGINE TO HYDRO LOCK, THE CONTACT COULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A COLD WEATHER INTER COOLER TO PROPERLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 MILES. AZ *TR
- Reported
- Mar 2014
- Incident date
- Feb 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2014 · ODI 10562469Details +Close −
FIRST INCIDENT WAS 1/06/14. MY WIFE WAS A WEEK OVER HER DELIVERY DATE TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT TRIED TO TURN OVER BUT WOULDN'T START. EVENTUALLY CALLED DEALER WHO HAD HER TOW IT IN TO THEM. THE DEALER INFORMED HER OF MOISTURE IN INTERCOOLER PIPE WHICH THEY BLEW OUT WITH AN AIR HOSE AND CHARGED HER $48 (THEY SAID IT IS NORMALLY ABOUT $150). THEY INFORMED HER IT WAS DUE TO DRIVING SHORT DISTANCES & THE COLD WEATHER; THAT DIESELS NEEDED TO BE DRIVEN LONG DISTANCE ONLY. THE 2ND INCIDENT WAS 1/30/14. MY WIFE & NEWBORN WERE RUNNING ERRANDS IN TOWN WHEN THE CAR ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON & SHE PULLED OVER TO CHECK ON IT. THE CAR THEN WOULD NOT START & AGAIN HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER. THIS TIME THEY PULLED A BIG CHUNK OF ICE FROM INTER-COOLER PIPE AND SAID THE INTER-COOLER HAD TO BE REPLACED & COLD WEATHER KIT INSTALLED (EST. $1100). A QUICK SEARCH ON-LINE SHOWS THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM & VW HAS BEEN AWARE OF IT ON NORTH AMERICAN DIESELS FOR SEVERAL YEARS YET THEY HAVE FAILED TO INFORM NEW BUYERS OR FIX THE PROBLEM. ALSO MANY OWNERS WHO HAVE GOTTEN VW'S "FIX" (COLD WEATHER KIT) SAY IT HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. IF WE HAD KNOW THEIR DIESELS COULD NOT BE DRIVEN IN THE WINTER OR FOR SHORT DISTANCES WE DEFINITELY WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT ONE. LEAVING ANY ONE STRANDED IN THE WINTER IS BAD BUT LEAVING MY VERY PREGNANT WIFE & MY NEWBORN BABY IS SOMETHING I CAN'T PUT UP WITH. BECAUSE VW DOESN'T ADMIT TO HAVING A DESIGN FLAW I AM GOING TO HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR SOMETHING I HAVE NOW CONTROL OVER BUT VW DOES. ON TOP OF THAT I MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITHIN A WEEK DUE TO AN UNFORESEEN EVENT CALLED "WINTER" IF THEIR FIX DOESN'T WORK. IF KNOWING YOU HAVE A DESIGN FLAW IN YOUR VEHICLES THAT LEAVES OWNERS STRANDED AT THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME (WINTER) DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SAFETY ISSUE & DESERVE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION&ACCOUNTABILITY IF NOT A RECALL THEN I'M NOT SURE WHAT DOES. *TR
- Reported
- Feb 2014
- Incident date
- Jan 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel/Propulsion SystemSep 2013 · ODI 10544197Details +Close −
VEHICLE STALLED ON STREET AT STOP SIGN. WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED. METAL SHARDS CONTAMINATED FUEL RAIL, FUEL TANK, AND OTHER SYSTEMS.
- Reported
- Sep 2013
- Incident date
- Aug 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemAug 2013 · ODI 10537810Details +Close −
GLOW PLUG AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR APPEARED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN VICINITY OF THE M-10 FREEWAY IN DETROIT, MI. VEHICLE POWER UNEXPECTEDLY CUT OUT, FORCING ME TO MANEUVER OFF OF THE ROAD AT A SPEED LOWER THAN SURROUNDING TRAFFIC. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE ON 19 AUG FROM THE DEALER AND EXPERIENCED AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM IN VICINITY OF 9 MILE ROAD AND MIDDLEBELT IN FARMINGTON HILLS, MI. VW LATER INFORMED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ASSOCIATED WITH A FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TT
- Reported
- Aug 2013
- Incident date
- Aug 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2013 · ODI 10537374 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
THIS CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE CRASH. IMPACT WAS TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE PRIMARILY TO THE DOOR AND FRONT END. DESPITE THE SEVERITY OF THE IMPACT, NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR THE STEERING WHEEL. I SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE SHOULDER AND AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
- Reported
- Aug 2013
- Incident date
- Aug 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Fuel SystemJul 2013 · ODI 10524360Details +Close −
CAR PURCHASED NOVEMBER 2011. AUGUST 29, 2012 (MUCH <10,000 MILES) REPORTED ROUGH SHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO VOLKSWAGEN OF ALEXANDRIA. TOLD THAT EXPERIENCE WAS NORMAL. TRUSTED MECHANIC AND USED VEHICLE. MARCH 18, 2013--COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT. ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE MOVING AND ABRUPTLY BROUGHT CAR TO A STOP. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT PROMPTED RECALLS FOR THIS CAR IN AUSTRALIA, CHINA, AND JAPAN. BROUGHT INTO VOLKSWAGEN OF ALEXANDRIA AND TOLD PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO COMPUTER ERRORS CONTROLLING TRANSMISSION. JULY 10, 2013--(@15,000 MILES) CAR LOSES REASONABLE AMOUNT OF POWER, MAKES GRINDING NOISE, ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. BLOCKS FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF ALEXANDRIA. JUST ABLE TO MAKE IT IN. TECHNICIANS REPORT THAT A NUMBER OF FAULTS WERE REPORTED AND HAVE CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA TO ADVISE WHAT TO DO NEXT. ULTIMATELY THEY DECIDE THAT THE MECHATRONICS UNIT (PART OF TRANSMISSION) SHOULD BE REPLACED BUT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE SOON. ALEXANDRIA VOLKSWAGEN ADVISES ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK INTO MY POSESSION AND DRIVE IT AS IS UNTIL THE PART ARRIVES. THEY CLAIMED IT TO BE JUST A NOISE ISSUE. I OBJECT AND HAVE TO POINT OUT THE COMPLAINT ABOUT SEVERE LACK OF POWER AND PREVIOUS COMPLETE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION FAILURE (WHICH THEY CLAIMED TO BE UNRELATED). AFTER COMPLAINT TOLD I COULD RENT A CAR. FINALLY ABLE TO COMPLAIN MY WAY INTO A LOANER. I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS TACTIC FOR WAYS AROUND LEMON LAW LIABILITY. WAS ADVISED TO REPORT IT HERE. *TR
- Reported
- Jul 2013
- Incident date
- Mar 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJun 2013 · ODI 10515491Details +Close −
WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, I HEARD A RATTLE FROM THE ENGINE, FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF SOMETHING RATTLING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THEN FALLING OUT. THE ENGINE DIED IMMEDIATELY AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER. AFTER THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR THEY FOUND THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS FAULTY AND IT CAUSED THE WATER PUMP PULLEY TO COME OFF AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD, VALVES, COVER, WATER PUMP, AND TIMING BELT, IN ADDITION TO THE WATER PUMP PULLEY FALLING OFF. THE DEALER THEN TOLD ME THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND THAT THEY HAD MADE THE SAME REPAIR TO SEVERAL OTHER MODELS IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY ADVISED THERE WAS AN UPDATED WATER PUMP PART THAT HAD COMPONENTS MADE OF METAL RATHER THAN PLASTIC TO WITHSTAND THE ENGINE HEAT, WHICH WAS WHAT CAUSED MY WATER PUMP TO FAIL. ADDITIONALLY, MY VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT DAYS EARLIER AND THE DEALER NEGLECTED TO CHECK THE WATER PUMP OR ADVISE ME THAT IT MIGHT BE FAULTY, EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW AND ADMITTED LATER TO IT BEING A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2013
- Incident date
- Jun 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
StructureJun 2013 · ODI 10514757 · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
THE HATCHBACK EDGES ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLES HAVE A KNIFE POINT THAT IS JUST UNDER SIX FEET OFF THE GROUND. UNLOADING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE I MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE AND SUFFERED A PAINFUL PUNCTURE WOUND ON TOP OF MY HEAD. I FELL TO THE GROUND AND THE WOUND BLED PROFUSELY. THESE EDGES NEEDED TO BE ROUNDED OFF OR OTHERWISE BLUNTED. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2013
- Incident date
- Jun 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- 1 injuries
Vehicle Speed ControlMay 2013 · ODI 10514288 · crashDetails +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED THEN CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 08/15/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WHEN HE BACKED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY ON INCLINE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF AFTER GOING DOWN AN INCLINE AND AROUND THE CORNER.
- Reported
- May 2013
- Incident date
- Apr 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
Fuel SystemMay 2013 · ODI 10511389Details +Close −
FUEL PUMP FAILURE AT 7200 MILES (DESPITE USING DIESEL FUEL) RESULTING IN SHARDS OF METAL IN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND INABILITY TO DRIVE CAR, HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER LOOKING AT THE WEB, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN A NEWER TDI ENGINE. *TR
- Reported
- May 2013
- Incident date
- May 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMay 2013 · ODI 10510419 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY IN DALLAS. THERE WAS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA TWO LANES TO THE LEFT OF ME. HE APPARENTLY WANTED TO TAKE AN EXIT THAT WAS RAPIDLY COMING UP. HE HAD A DRESSER IN THE BED SO HE ASKED HIS WIFE IF IT WAS CLEAR TO CUT ACROSS ALL 5 LANES TO TAKE THE EXIT. I WAS TWO LANES OVER AND REAR ENDED HIM. HE BRAKE WHEN HE SAW ME AND I HAD LITTLE TIME TO REACT, SO I HIT HIM FRONT DISTRIBUTED TO REAR DISTRIBUTED. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I'VE BEEN A POLICE OFFICER FOR 17 YEARS AND A FIREFIGHTER EVEN LONGER AND KNOW HOW AIR BAGS WORK. SINCE I ESSENTIALLY REAR ENDED HIM, I KNOW I TRIPPED MORE THAN ONE AIRBAG SENSOR AT A TIME. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I ENDED UP WITH A CARDIAC BRUISE AND UPPER JOINT INJURIES. I CALLED VW CUSTOMER CARE AND SENT THEM PICTURES OF THE CAR. THEY THINK I WENT UNDER HIS TRUCK AND THAT'S WHY THE BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HIS TRUCK WAS STOCK WITH NO LIFT KIT OR ANYTHING, SO I WOULD HOPE MY BAGS WOULD DEPLOY, BUT THEY DIDN'T. I KNOW WE NOW TRACK IF A VEHICLE'S HEIGHT HAD BEEN ALTERERD ON ACCIDENT REPORTS IN TEXAS. I HAVE A FEW PICTURES OF THE CAR.
- Reported
- May 2013
- Incident date
- Apr 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Power TrainApr 2013 · ODI 10507390Details +Close −
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. STARTED MOTOR AND PLACE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE. A LOUD CLUNK NOISE WAS HEARD BUT BACKING UP WAS OK. THEN PLACED VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND THE SAME NOISE WAS HEARD AGAIN. THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO OPERATE ONLY IN THE TOP [HIGH] GEAR MODE. IT DOES NOT AUTO SHIFT THROUGH THE FULL GEAR RANGE. DRIVES FORWARD IN TOP GEAR ONLY. *TR
- Reported
- Apr 2013
- Incident date
- Apr 2013
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJan 2013 · ODI 10491554Details +Close −
ON 12/24/2012, RETURNING FROM A RESTAURANT WITH MY FAMILY, I HEARD A BANG AND MY ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT 35 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND ROLL OFF THE STREET. I FOUND OUT ON 12/26 THAT MY WATER PUMP HAD FALLEN APART, DESTROYING MY TIMING BELT AND ENGINE HEAD. SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH THE BUILD DATE OF MY CAR HAVE EXPERIENCED WATER PUMP FAILURES THAT DESTROY THE TIMING BELT AND CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURES. LUCKILY, I WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. VW CLAIMS TO NOT KNOW ABOUT "A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM." I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT NO SUPERSEDED PART IS BEING INSTALLED; THE SAME WATER PUMP PART IS BEING PUT BACK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD, PUMP, BELT, MISC BOLTS, ETC. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY SAFETY THAT THIS INCIDENT WILL RE-OCCUR. HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?5854747-CONSOLIDATED-WATER-PUMP-FAILURE-THREAD HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?5813173-GOLF-R-WATER-PUMP-MADNESS!!!! *TR
- Reported
- Jan 2013
- Incident date
- Dec 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemDec 2012 · ODI 10489003Details +Close −
THE CAR IS A 2012 VW GOLF TDI, PURCHASED AROUND APRIL OF 2012. IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 7500 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I WAS ON A SHORT DRIVE TO THE STORE AND BACK (5 MILES ROUND TRIP FROM HOME). ON THE WAY BACK, I HEARD A METAL GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND NOTICED A LACK OF POWER. I TURNED OFF THE RADIO TO CONFIRM THAT THE SOUND WAS COMING FROM MY NEW CAR AND IT WAS. AT THE NEXT STOP LIGHT, THE CAR DIED AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. I CONFIRMED THAT I STILL HAD DIESEL FUEL, AND SURE ENOUGH, I STILL HAD 1/4 TANK. SO I WAS NOT OUT OF FUEL. THE ENGINE WOULD CRANK, BUT NOT START. THANKFULLY THIS HAPPENED AT A STOP LIGHT INSTEAD OF ON THE HILLY INTERSTATE I TAKE TO WORK 20 MILES EACH DAY. ASIDE FROM HEARING THE METAL GRINDING SOUND FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS, I HAD NO WARNING. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER TOOK A FEW DAYS TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY FUEL PUMP. APPARENTLY, THE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED AND SHOT METAL SHARDS THROUGH MY ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. IT TOOK THE DEALER WELL OVER A WEEK TO REPLACE EVERY COMPONENT AND THE COST OF LABOR AND PARTS WAS OVER $10,000. THANKFULLY, VW COVERED THE REPAIR AS BEING UNDER WARRANTY. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH CONFIRMED THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER VW DIESEL ENGINES HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY, THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. BASED ON REPORTS I HAVE SEEN ONLINE, I CAN EXPECT ANOTHER FAILURE ANY DAY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER AND FORCE VW TO ISSUE A RECALL. I HAVE OWNED 5 VOLKSWAGENS IN THE PAST (OWN 2 RIGHT NOW) AND LOVE THEM, BUT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE AFTER THIS INCIDENT. *TR
- Reported
- Dec 2012
- Incident date
- Nov 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemNov 2012 · ODI 10486272Details +Close −
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD HAD JUST SHIFTED INTO 4TH GEAR CAME UP TO A RED LIGHT. I PRESSING IN THE CLUTCH AND STARTED TO SLOW DOWN STILL IN 4TH GEAR. THE RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN BEFORE I COULD SLOW DOWN MUCH AT ALL. I RELEASED THE CLUTCH WHEN I DID THIS THE ENGINE AND RPM INCREASED. I WAS STILL IN 4TH GEAR AND HARDLY ACCELERATING BUT IT FELT AS THOUGH I WAS IN SECOND GEAR. I KINDA FREAKED AND LOOKED TO MAKE SURE I WAS IN 4TH AND I WAS.THE CAR BEGAN TO RUN NORMAL SO I JUST BRUSHED IT OFF. I CAME TO ANOTHER RED LIGHT AND MADE A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND FLASH THE ORANGE COIL LOOKING LIGHT. IT COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. MY BROTHER CAME AND HELPED ME PUSH IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
- Reported
- Nov 2012
- Incident date
- Nov 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineOct 2012 · ODI 10480604Details +Close −
AT 2766 MILES I WAS CRUISING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON. THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE, I PULLED OFF TO THE SHOULDER, CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THE WATER PUMP SEIZED AND SERIOUSLY DAMAGED THE ENGINE. I WENT TO LOOK AND THERE WAS A BIG HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. HE TOLD ME THEY HAD TO ORDER NEW PISTON HEADS, RODS, ETC... BASICALLY, NEEDED TO REBUILD THE ENGINE. SPEAKING TO THE MECHANIC ACTUALLY WORKING ON THE CAR, HE SAID IT WOULD PROBABLY NEED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THEY QUICKLY REALIZED REPAIR WASN'T POSSIBLE AND HAD A NEW ENGINE EN ROUTE. AFTER A LITTLE SEARCHING ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO AT LEAST 5 OTHERS (THERE ARE MORE NOW). IT SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE WATER PUMP PULLEY. I AM MOST CONCERNED BECAUSE VW DENIED THEY HAD EVER HEARD OF THIS. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE WILL NOT SUFFER THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
- Reported
- Oct 2012
- Incident date
- Sep 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemAug 2012 · ODI 10472079Details +Close −
FUEL PUMP FAILURE, RANDOM POWER CUT OUT DUE TO FAULT MODE. SYSTEM FLASHES A GLOW PLUG LIGHT INSTEAD OF A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOT SIGNALING A OBVIOUS FAILURE. *TR
- Reported
- Aug 2012
- Incident date
- Aug 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemAug 2012 · ODI 10470560Details +Close −
AT 6,519 MILES, WHILE ABOUT TO ENTER THE ON-RAMP OF A LOCAL HIGHWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND GLOW PLUG INDICATOR LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I WAS ABLE TO VEER OFF THE ENTRANCE RAMP AND CONTINUE DOWN THE DOWN TO THE NEAREST SAFE PARKING LOT AREA; AS I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AREA, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. IT WOULD NOT RE-START, AND WE HAD TO ARRANGE FOR A TOW TO A FAMILY MEMBERS HOUSE THROUGH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. IN THE MORNING WE HAD A TOW TO OUR DEALER SET UP THROUGH VOLKSWAGEN ROADSIDE SERVICE, WHO WOULD NOT COVER THE ENTIRE COST OF THE TOW TO OUR PREFERRED DEALER, SO WE PAID THE DIFFERENCE OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET. I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER THAT THE FUEL PUMP (COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS HPFP) BASICALLY IMPLODED AND SENT METAL THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM, WHICH NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WE OWN TWO VOLKSWAGEN DIESEL (TDI) VEHICLES; THIS ONE, A 2012 GOLF TDI, AND A 2010 JETTA TDI. THEY ARE BOTH FILLED UP AT THE EXACT SAME PUMP FROM THE EXACT SAME STATION ABOUT 99% OF THE TIME. AT THE TIME THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE GOLF HAD 281 MILES ON THE CURRENT TANK OF DIESEL WHICH WAS FILLED UP ON 08/03/2012. I FILLED UP MY JETTA TDI AT THE SAME PUMP ON 08/06/2012, CURRENTLY HAVE OVER 230 MILES ON THAT TANK OF DIESEL, AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS. WE KEEP METICULOUS DOCUMENTATION OF OUR DIESEL USAGE, COST, ETC. WITH RECEIPTS AND OTHER LOGS, AND CAN SAFELY STATE THAT THIS WAS NOT DUE TO A MISTAKE ON OUR PART. RATHER, THIS IS A DESIGN FAILURE AND/OR OVERSIGHT ON THE PART OF BOTH VOLKSWAGEN AND BOSCH, THE HPFP MANUFACTURER. I AM A VETERAN MEMBER OF THE TDICLUB VW DIESEL ONLINE COMMUNITY, AND THERE IS EXTENSIVE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION THERE OF THESE REPEATED FAILURES. PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING THREADS FOR INFORMATION; HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=286380, HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=299854. *TR
- Reported
- Aug 2012
- Incident date
- Aug 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainAug 2012 · ODI 10470073Details +Close −
LEAVING A PARKING LOT, PUT THE GEAR INTO REVERSE AND WAS GOING FORWARD. PUT THE GEAR IN PARKING 3 X AND BACK TO REVERSE 3 X, BUT STILL GOING FORWARD. COULDN'T TURN OFF THE ENGINE. OPENED THE DOOR, AND AFTER MAYBE 10 MINUTES WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, GAVE IT A MINUTE AND THEN USE THE REVERSE GEAR AND IT WORKED. *TR
- Reported
- Aug 2012
- Incident date
- Jul 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2012 · ODI 10461255Details +Close −
WATER COMES TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE GAP BETWEEN THE LOWER EDGE OF THE PLASTIC INTERIOR DOOR PANEL AND THE METAL DOOR. THIS LEAK NOW OCCURS ON THE RIGHT REAR DOOR OF THIS 2012 VW GOLF. ON OTHER DOORS, WATER COMES OUT THROUGH THE PURPOSELY DESIGNED DRAIN HOLES ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE DOOR, AND THUS WATER DOES NOT COME INTO THE INTERIOR. THIS INCORRECT WATER FLOW INSIDE THE RIGHT REAR DOOR MAY CAUSE BODY DAMAGE AND ELECTRICAL HAZARD. WHEN I SPRAY LOW PRESSURE WATER TO THE BELT LINE AT A SELF CAR WASH BAY TO REPLICATE RAIN, WATER COMES OUT THROUGH THE GAP BETWEEN THE LOWER EDGE OF THE PLASTIC INTERIOR DOOR PANEL AND THE METAL DOOR AT A RATE FASTER THAN ONE DROP PER SECOND. PICTURES AND VIDEO LINK ARE HERE: HTTP://WWW.GOLF-6.COM/WERKSTATT/12132-IST-DIESES-WASSER-LECK-VON-VW-DESIGN.HTML. THE SAME KIND OF WATER LEAK OCCURRED ON THE LEFT FRONT DOOR OF MY 2011 VW GOLF. IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY IN 2011. THE CAUSE WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE SEALS INSIDE THE DOOR: SPEAKER SEAL, AND WINDOW LIFTER SEAL. FOR MY 2012 VW GOLF, HOWEVER, VW OF AMERICA AND VOLKSWAGEN AG ARE BEHAVING WEIRDLY. A VW DEALER SAID TO ME AFTER COMMUNICATING WITH VW OF AMERICA THAT VW DESIGNED GOLF TO LEAK WATER THAT WAY FROM MODEL YEAR 2012, WHICH IS HARD TO BELIEVE. VW OF AMERICA ADMITS THAT IT DOES NOT HAVE A VW DOCUMENT SUPPORTING THE DEALER'S CLAIM. HOWEVER, VW OF AMERICA DECLARED THAT THEY STILL SUPPORTS THE DEALER''S CLAIM. I ASKED VOLKSWAGEN AG WHETHER VW REALLY DESIGNED GOLF TO LEAK WATER THIS WAY FROM MODEL YEAR 2012. VOLKSWAGEN AG REFUSED TO ANSWER MY QUESTION FOR A STRANGE REASON: THEY WROTE THAT THEY DO NOT RESPOND TO YOUTUBE. WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE IS TO RESPOND TO A CUSTOMER'S QUESTION. THE YOUTUBE LINK WAS A SUPPLEMENTARY TOOL FOR MORE EFFICIENT COMMUNICATION. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2012
- Incident date
- Apr 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemApr 2012 · ODI 10454965Details +Close −
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA FAILS TO PROVIDE THEIR CUSTOMERS A FUSE DIAGRAM, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY IDENTIFY AND REPLACE A SIMPLE BLOWN FUSE. *TR WITHOUT A BASIC FUSE DIAGRAM, THE ONLY CHOICE FOR VW OWNERS NEEDING TO REPLACE A FUSE IS TO PULL FUSES ONE-BY-ONE AS THEY SEARCH FOR THE BLOWN FUSE. WITH MANY UNUSED SLOTS, SHOULD A FUSE BE INADVERTENTLY REPLACED IN THE INCORRECT SLOT, A CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM SUCH AS BRAKE LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, ABS BRAKE CONTROL, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HORN, ETC. CAN BE ACCIDENTALLY DISABLED WITHOUT ANY IMMEDIATE KNOWLEDGE ON THE PART OF THE OWNER. THIS HAPPENED IN MY CASE WHEN I WAS TRYING TO LOCATE THE 12-VOLT ACCESSORY FUSE. ALL OTHER AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURES PROVIDE FUSE ASSIGNMENT DIAGRAMS EITHER IN THEIR OWNER'S MANUALS OR, MORE TYPICALLY, ON THE BACK OF THE FUSE COMPARTMENT COVERS. THIS ENABLES THE OWNER TO QUICKLY IDENTIFY THE CORRECT FUSE, PULL AND INSPECT IT, AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW FUSE. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA'S CORPORATE OFFICE AND SPOKE WITH A SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CEO WHO WAS UNWILLING TO GIVE ME ANY EXPLANATION WHATSOEVER WHY VW REFUSES TO PROVIDE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. VW'S ADVICE IS TO "SHINE A FLASHLIGHT ON THE END OF THE FLAT FUSE AND TRY TO DETERMINE WHICH ONE IS BLOWN." IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO IDENTIFY A BLOWN FUSE IN THIS MANNER. SINCE THIS REPRESENTS A VERY REAL POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD TO EACH AND EVERY VW OWNER WHO NEEDS TO REPLACE A FUSE, NHTSA SHOULD IMMEDIATELY ISSUE A RECALL ON ALL VW MODELS, GOING BACK TO THE DATE VW INSTITUTED THIS ILL-ADVISED POLICY. NHTSA SHOULD REQUIRE THE COMPANY TO PLACE FUSE ASSIGNMENT DIAGRAMS ON THE INTERIOR OF THE FUSE BOXES. THIS WILL IMMEDIATELY AND COMPLETELY CORRECT THIS SAFETY DEFECT.
- Reported
- Apr 2012
- Incident date
- Apr 2012
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls(6)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Air BagsApr 2019 · 19V862000Details +Close −
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69R6, 69Q8, 69Q9, and 69Y5.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air BagsJun 2018 · 18V148000Details +Close −
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air BagsOct 2016 · 16V078000Details +Close −
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air BagsApr 2015 · 15V483000Details +Close −
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Fuel SystemMar 2011 · 11V490000Details +Close −
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Unknown Or Other · 18V329000Details +Close −
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
5 NHTSA investigations on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
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 mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.An Engineering Analysis has been opened to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a thorough review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 10762670, 10760644, 10758777, 10749901, 10748922
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 mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.This Recall Query has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA18-003) to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 107626
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 warning light is illuminated on the dash of the vehicle.If a vehicle with a failed SCCM were to be involved in a crash of sufficient severity to require deployment, the driver air bag may not deploy properly, or deploy at all.As the result of an Information Request response from Volkswagen, ODI determined that the same SCCM was used in several vehicle models and MYs including: 2010-2013 CC, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2013 Golf, 2012-2013 Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, 2010 and 2012-2014 Passat and 2011-2014 Tiguan.ODI identified a total of 29 NHTSA complaints across all affected vehicles potentially indicating a failed SCCM.Drivers often indicated that an audible noise was heard from the steering column when the unit failed. Some drivers also mentioned that there was a noticeable but minor resistance to turning of the steering wheel after the failure with noises coming from the steering column.The average failure mileage is approximately 30,500 miles and failures often occur outside of the factory warranty.There were no reported crashes or injuries identified in either the NHTSA or Volkswagen data as a result of SCCM failures.On July 30th, 2015 Volkswagen notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-483) to remedy the SCCMs in 415,825 MY2010-2014 vehicles.According to Volkswagen, the SCCM can become contaminated with human hair or similar fibers entering the unit between the steering wheel and steering column.Over time this can cause the electrical cable to tear and lose connection between the steering wheel and vehicle.Volkswagen will install a cover that attaches over the SCCM to help prevent contaminants from entering the unit.A new SCCM designed to reduce outside contamination intrusion was previously introduced into new vehicle production during the 2014 model year; accordingly vehicles equipped with the new design SCCM are not included in the recall.The recall action initiated by the manufacturer addresses the safety risks identified by the investigation.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10760644, 10758777, 10748922, 110734168, 10731545, 10721424, 10717651, 10715305, 10713742, 10713139, 10712295, 10711945, 10704830, 10704221, 10702926, 10702212, 10701406, 10691906, 10683944, 10682136, 10672715, 10670517, 10669312, 10628549, 10607240, 10575783, 10561143, 10552113, 10397670.
By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built from September 2009 through September 2011.According to Volkswagen, in U.S. applications of the above cited TDI vehicles including engine codes CJAA and CBEA, the fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2 in specific load and RPM conditions.This resonance creates additional stress on the fuel line which a small number of parts (based on the statistic spread of line strength) cannot withstand over its lifetime.As a contributing factor, VW indicated that a supplier used tube material with scratch marks from a grinding process during certain production periods.Lines manufactured in these periods were installed in vehicles produced in the following 10 months:December 2008, January-February 2009, October 2009, March-April 2010 and September-December 2010.Injector lines using this material exhibit a significantly higher failure rate.Dealers will replace injector line #2 in all vehicles built in these months.In addition, as a precautionary measure, all recalled vehicles will have vibration dampers installed on all four fuel injector lines.Analysis of NHTSA complaints, VW complaints, VW field reports and warranty claims found allegations of injector line leakage in 443 subject vehicles.The leaking line was not identified in 62 of the vehicles.For the 381 that did provide information about which injector lines were leaking and/or replaced, 358 (94%) involved an injector line #2 leak/repair.Almost three-quarters of the injector line #2 leak/repair incident vehicles were built in the 10 months identified by VW, which accounted for approximately one-quarter of the recalled vehicles.The failure rate for injector line #2 in vehicles built in the 10 months affected by the supplier line scratching issue is 6.0 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).The failure rate for injector line #2 in other production months of recalled vehicles is 0.8 IPTV.The leak/repair rates for the other injector lines are all well under 1 IPTV.The action taken by Volkswagen is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.
Crash-test ratings
2012 Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
- Not rated
2012 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Not rated
- Frontal
- Not rated
- Side
- Not rated
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 29 | 39 | 32 |
| Golf | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 29 | 37 | 32 |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 | 33 | 26 |
| Golf | 2.5L 5-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 24 | 31 | 26 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
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2012 Volkswagen Golf: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Volkswagen Golf?
Owners filed 49 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Volkswagen Golf. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 Volkswagen Golf?
The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (18% of complaints) and fuel system (16%).
How many recalls does the 2012 Volkswagen Golf have?
6 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 Volkswagen Golf, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Volkswagen Golf get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Volkswagen Golf between 26 and 32 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.