NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Volkswagen Golf R Safety Ratings
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R presents a strong safety profile. NHTSA awarded it a 5 out of 5-star overall crash rating, a top score. This performance, combined with its solid defect record, contributes to a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing the vehicle in the Strong band. This assessment, based on published data, indicates a robust safety showing for a vehicle in the used market.
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R earned an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R ranks 48 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.4% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 48 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R?
A strong 5-star overall NHTSA result defines the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R 4 DR AWD, anchoring its Safety Index at 87 out of 100 in the Strong band. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points to this score. Avoidance technology adds 8.5 out of 10, supported by standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control; lane departure warning remains an optional feature. The defect record component scores 17.5 out of 20, reflecting two recall campaigns. These recalls address multi-model Volkswagen issues rather than engineering failures specific to the Golf R. The complaint pool is small, with six total reports, the most recent filed in 2026. This suggests ongoing real-world observation of the vehicle's safety profile. The combination of strong crash-test performance and a low complaint count presents a coherent safety picture for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R 4 DR AWD achieved an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Side protection is a particular strength for this model, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance test both yielded 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for the Golf R 4 DR AWD is calculated at 13 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13681
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2019 Golf R. One, issued in 2022, addresses tire pressure monitoring and regulating systems. The second, issued in 2021, covers an unknown or other category affecting a broad range of Volkswagen models. Neither campaign has been flagged as a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the data on file, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS22V815000
Risk: 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 Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Reported 2022-10-31
UNKNOWN OR OTHER21V321000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2021-05-05
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R?
Six owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Golf R, including one alleged crash. Top components cited in unverified allegations are Forward Collision Avoidance with two reports, followed by Back Over Prevention, Wheels, Electrical System, and Electronic Stability Control, each with one reported allegation.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R?
Shoppers considering a 2019 Golf R should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm both the tire pressure monitoring and the multi-model unknown-category campaigns have been remedied. Open recalls on a 7-year-old vehicle can sometimes remain uncompleted, and remedy status is the most actionable safety check available before purchase.
- The 2019 Golf R carries two open or previously issued recall campaigns, one targeting tire pressure monitoring and regulating systems and one covering an unknown or other category across multiple Volkswagen models - VIN-level verification of remedy completion is essential for used buyers.
- NHTSA crash testing gave this specific model year a 5-star overall result, with side protection scoring the maximum 5 stars and both frontal and rollover scoring 4 stars, placing crash protection at 61 out of 70 in the Safety Index.
- Forward collision warning is standard on this model year, but lane departure warning is listed as optional, meaning not every 2019 Golf R on the used market will carry that feature - buyers should confirm which avoidance technologies are present on the specific unit.
- Six unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with Forward Collision Avoidance the most frequently cited component at two allegations, and one reported crash among the six total filings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R places
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Volkswagen Golf R safety questions
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 13.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Golf R years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13681), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Golf R 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 48 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.