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NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

5Recalls
9Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN

The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is a compact wagon aimed at buyers who want European driving refinement with genuine everyday practicality. Slotting into the compact segment as a wagon body style, it targets commuters, small families, and enthusiasts who prioritize cargo flexibility without sacrificing a composed, engaging driving experience. The 2019 model year represents the final chapter of this generation in the US market.

VERDICT

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Golf SportWagen as one of the more refined and driver-focused options in the compact wagon segment, praising its composed handling, upscale interior feel, and practical cargo space. Most consider it a strong all-around choice for buyers who want European character in a versatile, everyday package, though they note the segment itself is narrow and competition is limited.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 13.4%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13682

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record15/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE24V110000

Risk: 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

Reported 2024-02-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH23V604000

Risk: 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.

Reported 2023-08-30

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 Audi’s 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE19V615000

Risk: 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.

Reported 2019-08-22

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS19V188000

Risk: 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.

Reported 2019-03-06

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 3Engine 3Unknown Or Other 2Suspension 2Fuel System 1Gasoline 1

Rivals in Sedan (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13682), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 2019. Class rank 71 of 119 in Sedan 2019. Methodology · Disclosure