Golf (Mk8)
Data covers 4 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 241 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0 TSI
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 315 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
Volkswagen Golf Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Volkswagen Golf, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf
On a used 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (64), the transmission and drivetrain (38) and the electrical system (35). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 64 owner complaints on the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 35 owner complaints on the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf about the engine, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf about the brakes.
Recalls (8)
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf GTI vehicles. A software error may delay or deactivate the rearview camera image, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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."
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.
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."
Show 3 older recalls
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.
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."
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Hatchback
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf complaints?
Owners have filed 183 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the transmission and the electrical system.
Is the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 183 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf have?
NHTSA has 183 owner complaints on file for the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Golf?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the transmission and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Golf have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2022-2025 Volkswagen Golf. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 183 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.