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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2013–2019

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 172 owner complaints for the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, covering model years 2013 to 2019. The 2015 model year drew the most complaints (59), 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 SportWagen VIN

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

  • 9 recall campaigns on file
  • 172 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 6 model years with data (2013–2019)
  • most complaints: 2015 (59 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (37 complaints)
  • latest recall 24V110000 (reported Feb 14, 2024)
  • 8 complaints reporting a crash (4.7%)
  • 1 complaint reporting a fire (0.6%)
  • 10 complaints reporting an injury (5.8%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2015 model year has the most complaints: 59 of 172, or 34.3%. Next come 2016 (51) and 2017 (38). The fewest are for 2013, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2013–2019Column chart of 172 complaints across 7 model years. The highest is 2015 with 59. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2013: 1 complaint120132014: 0 complaints20142015: 59 complaints5920152016: 51 complaints5120162017: 38 complaints3820172018: 12 complaints1220182019: 11 complaints112019
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201311000
2015591150
2016512000
2017383030
2018121020
2019110000
All model years17281100

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

Most-reported Volkswagen Golf SportWagen components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 37 complaints (21.5% of all 172), followed by Air Bags (36) and Suspension (29).

Components named most often in Volkswagen Golf SportWagen complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Volkswagen Golf SportWagen complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System3721.5%
Air Bags3620.9%
Unknown or Other3218.6%
Suspension2916.9%
Engine2313.4%
Power Train148.1%
Fuel/Propulsion System137.6%
Structure137.6%
Fuel System, Gasoline95.2%
Vehicle Speed Control95.2%
Steering74.1%
Service Brakes52.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling42.3%
Visibility/Wiper31.7%
Back Over Prevention21.2%

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 SportWagen recalls

9 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Golf SportWagen, newest first. The 9 campaigns cover model years 2015 to 2019. The 2018 and 2019 model years appear in the most campaigns (5 each).

  • 9 recall campaigns
  • 1 “Do Not Drive” advisory
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen recall campaigns covering each model year
2015: 3 campaigns2016: 3 campaigns2017: 4 campaigns2018: 5 campaigns2019: 5 campaigns
Highlighted: the model years with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 24V110000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model years 2015–2019

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. 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 VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 23V604000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model year 2019

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.

    Consequence:
    Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. NHTSA campaign 19V679000

    Reported

    Unknown or Other

    Model year 2015

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible 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.

    Consequence:
    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 repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 19V615000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module; Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device

    Model years 2017–2019

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

    Consequence:
    Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 19V188000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs

    Model years 2017–2019

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.

    Consequence:
    If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 18V464000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module; Steering › Column Locking › Anti-Theft Device

    Model years 2015–2018

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

    Consequence:
    Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 18V369000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper

    Model year 2018

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.

    Consequence:
    A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.

    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 SportWagen questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen have?

NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns for the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, covering model years 2013 to 2019. The most recent, 24V110000, was reported on February 14, 2024 and is filed under “Fuel system, gasoline”. The 2018 and 2019 model years are covered by the most campaigns (5 each).

Which Volkswagen Golf SportWagen model year has the most complaints?

The 2015 model year, with 59 of the 172 complaints in NHTSA’s file (34.3%). The next are 2016 (51) and 2017 (38). 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 SportWagen complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 37 complaints, or 21.5% of all 172. Air Bags (36) and Suspension (29) 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 SportWagen?

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 SportWagen complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 172 complaints, 8 report a crash, 1 a fire, 10 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

8 models · most complaints first

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.