Volkswagen Golf reliability

The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.

Fix: An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for high-voltage battery.

Recalled models: GOLF 8 · 1,868 vehicles

On affected vehicles engine compartment covers were fitted that regardless of use (very sporty driving style or poor road condition) and operating period could come loose from their attachment.

Fix: On all affected vehicles the engine compartment cover has to be removed.

Recalled models: GOLF 8 · 7,579 vehicles

Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.

Recalled models: GOLF CABRIOLET · 64 vehicles

Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.

Recalled models: GOLF CABRIOLET · 300 vehicles

The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.

Fix: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened

Recalled models: GOLF · 145 vehicles

Faulty crash sensors for airbag and restraint systems may have been fitted in the front doors.

Fix: The crash sensors in the front doors are to be checked and if necessary replaced.

Recalled models: GOLF · 124 vehicles

On affected vehicles the e-call service may not function

Fix: Update the Online Control Unit software on affected vehicle.

Recalled models: GOLF · 4,630 vehicles

The housing bolts on the camshaft adjuster may come loose and break the pulley

Fix: On the affected vehicles the camshaft adjuster has to be replaced

Recalled models: GOLF · 472 vehicles

Increased humidity may have got into the propellant of the gas generator for the drivers air bag.

Fix: The gas generator of the front airbag on the driver side is replaced.

Recalled models: GOLF · 786 vehicles

The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.

Fix: Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.

Recalled models: GOLF · 4,027 vehicles

On a limited production period a burr may have developed on the locking bar of the head restraint guide.

Fix: On affected vehicles the left head restraint guide on both front seats must be replaced.

Recalled models: GOLF · 2,881 vehicles

The front brake discs may not meet the required thickness dimension. Under extreme loads this could cause cracking which may lead to fractures.

Fix: The front discs on affected vehicles will be checked for conformity and where necessary they will be replaced.

Recalled models: GOLF · 56 vehicles

On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.

Recalled models: GOLF · 16,625 vehicles

There is a possible faulty weld to the gas generator. If the airbag is deployed there is a potential danger to the vehicle occupants by gas generator parts being ejected into the cabin.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the airbag inflator unit.

Recalled models: GOLF · 21 vehicles

The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.

Fix: Recall the 420 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.

Recalled models: GOLF · 420 vehicles

On vehicles with ABS/ESC the earth connection may be interrupted. This may cause failure of the ABS/ESC system

Fix: On affected vehicles install new software. Where necessary a new ABS/ESC control unit will be fitted.

Recalled models: GOLF · 64,192 vehicles

Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision

Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.

Recalled models: GOLF · 3,879 vehicles

It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.

Recalled models: GOLF · 12,440 vehicles

A tooling problem during manufacture could result in the cylinder head not being to specification. It is possible that the fuel rail could loosen and fuel leaks cannot be ruled out. The customer may notice a smell of fuel because of the leak. In the most unfavourable case it is thought possible the fuel could ignite in the engine compartment.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the cylinder head.

Recalled models: GOLF · 8 vehicles

The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.

Fix: On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.

Recalled models: GOLF · 13,620 vehicles

Front wheel bearing housings with insufficient hardness may have been fitted. This can lead to a fracture of a wheel bearing housing which can affected the directional control of the vehicle.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the casting dates of both front wheel bearing housings. Where the affected wheel bearing housings are found they will be replaced.

Recalled models: GOLF · 303 vehicles

On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.

Fix: Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.

Recalled models: GOLF · 33,719 vehicles

In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit.

Recalled models: GOLF · 3,514 vehicles

The contact resistance on the earth connection of the heating element for the additional air heater can exceed specification. This could lead to excessive heat developing in the connection area of the cable which could result in localised scorching. However if not rectified this could result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and check the torque on the earth connection.

Recalled models: GOLF · 10,436 vehicles

The additional air heater heating element earth connection may overheat and in the most unfavourable cases may lead to a fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the earth connection is sufficiently tight.

Recalled models: GOLF · 4,842 vehicles

It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.

Recalled models: GOLF · 49,701 vehicles

The brake servo vacuum supply pipe may crack and leak. This could result in a loss of power assistance and require the driver to apply a lot more force to the brake pedal.

Fix: Examine the condition of the vacuum supply pipe and fit an improved quality replacement where necessary.

Recalled models: GOLF · 69,541 vehicles

There is a risk that an electrical fault in the anti lock brake control unit (ABS) can cause overheating of related electrical components. This may lead to fire damage and cause the service brake to revert to a non-anti lock mode of operation.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles to check the part number and supplier code of the ABS control unit. Renew the ABS control unit where found necessary.

Recalled models: GOLF · 24,034 vehicles

Moisture can enter the rear axle ball joints this moisture can start corrosion of the joints ultimately causing the joints to seize.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles for replacement of ball joints and transverse links.

Recalled models: GOLF · 9 vehicles

The passenger airbag may not release correctly because of a leak in the pressure reservoir of the gas generator.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the front passenger airbag.

Recalled models: GOLF · 157 vehicles

Welding faults on the seams of the ISOFIX mounting bars may occur. The safe support of ISOFIX child seats can therefore not be guaranteed in a crash.

Fix: Recall vehicles in order to re-weld the ISOFIX mounting bars.

Recalled models: GOLF · 173 vehicles

The wiring harness can cause the headlamp switch to overheat with consequent failure of the headlamps.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for modification to the light switch cable and replacement of the headlamp switch.

Recalled models: GOLF · 9,700 vehicles

The pulley on the engine cooling fan may loosen causing the fan motor to seize leading to a possible electrical overload with fire risk.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified cooling fan and pulley.

Recalled models: GOLF · 2,054 vehicles

Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing on the heat exchanger. In consequence high temperature coolant

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam.

Recalled models: GOLF · 86,500 vehicles

The headlamp switch may overheat and result in headlamp failure.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitting of a cable harness with control relay. In addition the light switch is to be replaced on Passat and Golf Ecomatic models as appropriate.

Recalled models: GOLF · 28,112 vehicles

As a result of an assembly fault the bolts securing the ball joints on the wishbone may loosen. In extreme cases this could result in loss of steering control.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for a check on the torque of the ball joint mounting nuts/bolts. If any bolt is insufficiently torqued all three mounting bolts will be replaced.

Recalled models: GOLF · 76 vehicles

One of several wiring looms located in the engine compartment may not be securely fixed. This could allow over a long time period the loom to chafe with the possibility of short circuiting and in extreme circumstances create a fire risk.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles. Fit protective sleeving to the loom in question and secure the assembly with clips.

Recalled models: GOLF · 6,895 vehicles