NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Volkswagen Golf Safety Ratings
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 81 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A specific recall for fire risk, mandating owners park outside, marks the 2019 Volkswagen Golf's safety record. This directive, alongside five other recall campaigns and a modest defect sub-score, contribute to the model's NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, positioning it in the Average tier. While its crash-test performance was strong, these recall issues prevented a higher overall safety assessment.
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, sourced entirely 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 ranks 86 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.4% |
| Recalls on file | 6 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 81 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf?
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf, despite its 5 out of 5-star overall NHTSA rating, earns a Safety Index of 79/100, placing it in the Average band. The vehicle's crash protection is robust, contributing 61 out of 70 points to the overall score. Avoidance technology further bolsters the rating with 8.5 out of 10 points, reflecting the inclusion of standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control. However, the defect record significantly restricts the Golf's overall safety assessment. This model year accumulated six recall campaigns, yielding a sub-score of only 9.5 out of 20 in that category. Notable among these are a late-2019 "park-outside" wheel campaign and a subsequent ignition switch recall specifically impacting 2019 Golf variants. Additionally, a wide-ranging fuel system recall also included this vehicle. These numerous recalls collectively represent a substantial defect footprint for a single model year, directly impacting the 2019 Golf's Safety Index despite its otherwise strong crash-test performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Volkswagen Golf perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD earned 5 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA, with side protection receiving a 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars, matching the 4-star rollover protection score. Rollover risk was assessed at 13 percent, with the vehicle achieving a dynamic no-tip result in testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13679
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. The 2019 Volkswagen Golf carries six NHTSA recall campaigns covering the fuel system, the ignition switch, tire pressure monitoring, and the ignition anti-theft control module. One campaign, involving the front wheels, is designated park-outside, meaning owners were directed not to park the vehicle indoors pending remedy. Shoppers should verify all remedies are complete by VIN before purchase.
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 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
WHEELS19V879000
Risk: The excessive stress can cause steering, traction or other stability issues or breakage relating to the front wheels, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40P1. Note: The affected owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repairs have been made.
Reported 2019-12-11
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Volkswagen Golf?
NHTSA has logged 81 unverified owner complaints against the 2019 Golf. Alleged problem areas include the engine, powertrain, electrical system, and fuel and propulsion system. Three complaints allege crash involvement. All are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA, not established facts.
81 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Volkswagen Golf?
A critical safety alert for the 2019 Golf involves a park-outside recall, one of seven total recalls issued for the model year. Shoppers considering a used 2019 Golf must confirm that all outstanding campaigns, particularly the park-outside recall, have been remedied. A VIN lookup on NHTSA's website will identify any open recalls. Ensure the selling party provides documentation of completed repairs before purchase.
- The 2019 Golf carries a park-outside wheel recall issued in December 2019, one of the more serious recall designations NHTSA uses, and individual vehicles may still have this remedy outstanding.
- The defect-record sub-score of 9.5 out of 20 is the weakest component of the 79/100 Safety Index, driven by six recall campaigns specific to this model year, not by crash-test performance.
- NHTSA logged 81 unverified complaints on this model year, with the engine alone accounting for 37 of them, a concentration that used-market shoppers should note when reviewing a specific vehicle's history.
- Lane departure warning is listed as optional rather than standard on the 2019 Golf, meaning not every unit on the used market will carry that avoidance feature, and buyers should confirm the specific vehicle's equipment.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Volkswagen Golf places
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Volkswagen Golf safety questions
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Golf crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Volkswagen Golf, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Volkswagen Golf crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Volkswagen Golf 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 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Volkswagen Golf?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 81 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf. 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 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 13679), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volkswagen Golf 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 86 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.