NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Volkswagen Golf
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback - not a sedan despite its classification here - that has long served as the benchmark for the affordable European-flavored small car segment. Aimed at driving enthusiasts and practical-minded buyers who want a refined, planted feel without stepping into a luxury brand, the Golf occupies a unique space in the US market where it competes on sophistication as much as utility.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Volkswagen Golf as one of the most well-rounded and driver-focused compact hatchbacks available in the United States, praising its composed handling, quality interior materials, and practical packaging. Most consider it a benchmark for the segment in terms of refinement, though some note that its relatively modest sales volume can make the ownership experience feel niche compared to mainstream rivals.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13679
Index breakdown
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 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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
81 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.