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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2012–2026

Volkswagen Golf R recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns and 79 owner complaints for the Volkswagen Golf R, covering model years 2012 to 2026. The 2017 model year drew the most complaints (15), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Volkswagen Golf R VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 16 recall campaigns on file
  • 79 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 12 model years with data (2012–2026)
  • most complaints: 2017 (15 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (15 complaints)
  • latest recall 25V638000 (reported Sep 24, 2025)
  • 1 complaint reporting a crash (1.3%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 4 complaints reporting an injury (5.1%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Volkswagen Golf R complaints by model year

11 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2017 model year has the most complaints: 15 of 79, or 19.0%. Next come 2016 (12) and 2024 (12). The fewest are for 2015, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Volkswagen Golf R owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2012–2026Column chart of 79 complaints across 15 model years. The highest is 2017 with 15. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2012: 1 complaint120122013: 4 complaints420132014: 0 complaints20142015: 1 complaint120152016: 12 complaints1220162017: 15 complaints1520172018: 9 complaints920182019: 6 complaints620192020: 0 complaints20202021: 0 complaints20212022: 10 complaints1020222023: 6 complaints620232024: 12 complaints1220242025: 0 complaints20252026: 3 complaints32026
Volkswagen Golf R complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Volkswagen Golf R complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201210000
201340000
201510000
2016120020
2017150020
201890000
201961000
2022100000
202360000
2024120000
202630000
All model years791040

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Volkswagen Golf R components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 15 complaints (19.0% of all 79), followed by Service Brakes (15) and Forward Collision Avoidance (12).

Components named most often in Volkswagen Golf R complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Volkswagen Golf R complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System1519.0%
Service Brakes1519.0%
Forward Collision Avoidance1215.2%
Power Train1113.9%
Unknown or Other1113.9%
Engine1012.7%
Fuel/Propulsion System78.9%
Steering45.1%
Wheels45.1%
Air Bags33.8%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)33.8%
Exterior Lighting33.8%
Vehicle Speed Control33.8%
Back Over Prevention22.5%
Structure22.5%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Volkswagen Golf R recalls

16 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Golf R, newest first. The 16 campaigns cover model years 2016 to 2025. The 2022 model year appears in the most campaigns (5).

  • 16 recall campaigns
Volkswagen Golf R recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2016: 4 campaigns2017: no campaigns2018: 4 campaigns2019: 2 campaigns
2020: no campaigns2021: no campaigns2022: 5 campaigns2023: 3 campaigns2024: 1 campaign2025: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 25V638000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Front › Retractor

    Model year 2025

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 GTI, Golf R, Audi A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, S5, S6 Sportback E-Tron, 2026 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron vehicles. The torsion bar in one or both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.

    Consequence:
    In a crash, a damaged torsion bar in a retractor could fail. If this happens, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace one or both front seat belts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2025, and October 31, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834 or Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 69UM; Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 694T. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 26, 2025.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 24V480000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Software

    Model years 2022–2024

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 23V437000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut

    Model year 2023

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The strut mount may be deformed, loosening the bolted connections to the suspension strut mounting.

    Consequence:
    Loose suspension connections can cause steering instability, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the right and/or left suspension strut mountings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40T3.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 22V831000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Body Control Module › Software; Visibility/Wiper

    Model year 2016

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Golf R vehicles. Incorrect front windshield wiper software was installed which may prevent the wipers from activating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

    Consequence:
    Windshield wipers that cannot be activated may lead to reduced visibility for the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91EN.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 22V823000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Display Function

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners February 14, 2023. Volkswagen owners will receive an owner notification letter once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Volkswagen) 91EK and (Audi) 91EL.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 22V815000

    Reported

    Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems

    Model year 2019

    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 tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

    Consequence:
    An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 22V707000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly

    Model years 2022–2023

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The radiator may not have been attached correctly to the intercooler, which can result in a damaged coolant hose.

    Consequence:
    A damaged coolant hose can leak, causing the engine to overheat, and increasing the risk of fire. In addition, large amounts of coolant spilling onto the roadway can increase the risk of a crash to other vehicles.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the radiator and replace any damaged parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19Q8.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 22V543000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model year 2016

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 22V542000

    Reported

    Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The touch switch for the sunroof may be too sensitive, allowing it to be inadvertently pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

    Consequence:
    A sunroof switch that is inadvertently pressed can result in unintended auto-closure of the sunroof, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the roof module switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 60F6.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 22V163000

    Reported

    Engine

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf GTI and Golf R vehicles. Certain driving situations, such as high acceleration driving maneuvers, may loosen the engine design cover.

    Consequence:
    A loose engine design cover may contact hot surfaces in the engine compartment and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will remove the engine design cover, free of charge. Once parts become available, Volkswagen will provide a free updated engine design cover under a separate Service Action. Owner notification letters were mailed by March 29, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10H5.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Show 6 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 21V321000

    Reported

    Unknown or Other

    Model years 2018–2019

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

    Consequence:
    Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 20V561000

    Reported

    Unknown or Other

    Model year 2018

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

    Consequence:
    Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 18V864000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model year 2018

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles. The fuel hose quick connector may detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay, resulting in a fuel leak.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the fuel line connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Bi.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V803000

    Reported

    Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly

    Model year 2018

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.

    Consequence:
    If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. 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 72H8 (VW) and 72H9(Audi).

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 16V464000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    Model year 2016

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016. Vibrations, such as those created by opening and closing a vehicle door, may cause the rear child door locks to disengage, allowing a child to open a rear door while inside the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 58C9.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 16V337000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2016

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Golf R vehicles manufactured March 17, 2016 to March 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a Federal Certification Label that lists an incorrect rear axle weight limit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

    Consequence:
    The listed weight limit is low enough that the vehicle owner may ignore the weight limits and overload the vehicle and exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01B5.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Volkswagen Golf R questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Volkswagen Golf R have?

NHTSA lists 16 vehicle recall campaigns for the Volkswagen Golf R, covering model years 2012 to 2026. The most recent, 25V638000, was reported on September 24, 2025 and is filed under “Seat belts”. The 2022 model year is covered by the most campaigns (5).

Which Volkswagen Golf R model year has the most complaints?

The 2017 model year, with 15 of the 79 complaints in NHTSA’s file (19.0%). The next are 2016 (12) and 2024 (12). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Volkswagen Golf R complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 15 complaints, or 19.0% of all 79. Service Brakes (15) and Forward Collision Avoidance (12) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Volkswagen Golf R?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Volkswagen dealer.

How many Volkswagen Golf R complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 79 complaints, 1 report a crash, 0 a fire, 4 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Volkswagen models

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The Volkswagen models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Volkswagen VIN decoder with every Volkswagen model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Volkswagen models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.