NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2022 Volkswagen Golf R Safety Record
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 5 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R has not been subjected to NHTSA's crash-test regimen, leaving its occupant protection unrated. Consequently, a Safety Index score cannot be computed for this model year. The federal record indicates a Light recall and complaint burden band. This includes 5 recall campaigns addressing issues such as back-over prevention, cooling system integrity, sunroof functionality, and engine concerns. Additionally, there are 10 unverified owner complaints on file, none of which report crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities. The absence of crash-test data precludes any assessment of this vehicle's crashworthiness.
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries 5 recall campaigns, and is classified in the Light recall and complaint burden band, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Light |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R?
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R has no federal crash-test ratings, a notable absence in its safety profile. Its federal record consists solely of recall and owner-complaint data. This model year is marked by 5 recalls, indicating early production adjustments across several systems. Two separate campaigns addressed back-over prevention. Other recalls targeted the cooling system assembly, a sunroof switch, and specific engine behavior. Beyond these official actions, 10 unverified owner complaints have been filed. These complaints predominantly concern the Forward Collision Avoidance system and various Electrical System issues. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been reported in connection with these complaints. The Golf R's overall regulatory activity falls into the "Light burden" band, but this classification reflects regulatory volume, not crash protection. For reference, the 2019 Golf R achieved a Safety Index score of 87. That score, however, is specific to the 2019 model year and does not apply to the 2022 iteration.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R have any recalls?
The 5 recall campaigns cover back-over prevention software, back-over prevention display function, a radiator assembly that may not have been properly secured, a sunroof touch switch concern, and an engine condition tied to certain driving situations. NHTSA has not issued a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the data provided for this model year, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE24V480000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-06-27
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V823000
Risk: 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
Reported 2022-11-02
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY22V707000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2022-09-21
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY22V542000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2022-07-27
ENGINE22V163000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2022-03-16
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R?
Ten owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Golf R. The most frequently alleged components are Forward Collision Avoidance with 5 reports, Electrical System with 4, and Steering with 3. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations and have not been confirmed as defects by NHTSA or Volkswagen.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R?
Any used 2022 Golf R should be checked by VIN at nhtsa.gov before purchase to confirm whether all 5 recall campaigns have been remedied on that specific vehicle. Unresolved recalls are corrected by dealers at no charge to the owner.
- NHTSA issued two separate back-over prevention recalls for the 2022 Golf R, one addressing software and one addressing display function, making VIN-level verification of remedy status especially important for this specific model year.
- A 2022-specific radiator assembly recall noted the component may not have been properly secured, a concern that does not appear in adjacent model years covered by the same platform.
- The 10 unverified owner complaints include 5 alleging issues with Forward Collision Avoidance, the highest single-component complaint concentration in the 2022 Golf R's NHTSA record.
- The 2019 Golf R holds an NHTSA Safety Index of 87, but that score is specific to the 2019 model year and provides no crash-safety information about the untested 2022 model year.
FAQ2022 Volkswagen Golf R safety questions
Was the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 5 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Golf R 2022.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- 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.