The Lemon IndexGolf R two-door
2012–2013256 hpat 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 243 lb-ftat 2,400–5,200 rpm
- 0–60 mph
- 5.9 sCar and Driver test
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
- Price new
- $33,9902012, excluding destination
Volkswagen Golf R: performance, engines and what owners say
Pictured: the Mk7 / Mk7.5 Golf R (2015).
AI illustration, not photos of a specific car. Free to use under CC BY 4.0: credit The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Download and credit text
Golf R two-door Mk6 · 2012–2013
256horsepower
5.90–60 mph, sec
256 hp, 6-speed manual only, all-wheel drive. Two or four doors.
Golf R DSG Mk7 / Mk7.5 · 2015–2017
292horsepower
4.50–60 mph, sec
155mph top speed
292 hp (288 for 2019), manual or DSG, all-wheel drive.
Golf R (2025 update) Mk8 · 2025
328horsepower
4.10–60 mph, sec
315 hp with a manual through 2024; 328 hp and DSG only for 2025.
Mk6 Golf R · 2012–2013
How fast is the Mk6 Golf R?
3- and 5-door hatchback, 2012–2013. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
Golf R four-door
2012–2013256 hpat 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 243 lb-ftat 2,400–5,200 rpm
- 0–60 mph
- 5.8 sMotor Trend test
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive
- Price new
- $34,7952013 base four-door, excluding destination; in 2012 the four-door came only with sunroof and navigation ($36,090)
The engine: VW EA113 2.0 TSI (Golf R)
2.0-liter inline-4, turbo
Output256 hp, 243 lb-ft
Power peak6,000 rpm
TurboBorgWarner K04, up to 17 psi
InternalsReinforced block, stronger connecting rods
Known issues
- Coolant pump noise and hard starts (service action)Maker bulletin
VW found that the coolant pump caused engine-bay noise and hard starts on some 2012–2013 Golf Rs.
Fix: Dealer replaces the coolant pump for free (Service Action 19J5).
- No other known patternOwner-reported
Owners filed only five NHTSA complaints for 2012–2013 Golf Rs, and none shows a repeating engine failure.
Engine sources
- Volkswagen of America: 2012 Golf R press kit
- Wikipedia: List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (EA113 2.0 TFSI, code CDL)
- Volkswagen Service Action 19J5: 2012 and 2013 MY Golf R coolant pump (Mar 2014, via NHTSA)
- NHTSA owner complaints: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R
- NHTSA owner complaints: 2013 Volkswagen Golf R
What owners say on YouTube
The Golf R YouTube study is queued: the 200 most-watched videos, their tone and what owners praise and complain about show here when it lands.
Should you buy a Mk6 Golf R?
- New, the Golf R two-door cost $33,990 (2012, excluding destination).
- Few owner complaints so far: 5 to NHTSA for 2012–2013.
- Maker fix: Coolant pump noise and hard starts (service action). Dealer replaces the coolant pump for free (Service Action 19J5).
- Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the Golf R yet.
Mk7 / Mk7.5 Golf R · 2015–2019
How fast is the Mk7 / Mk7.5 Golf R?
5-door hatchback, 2015–2019. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
Golf R DSG
2015–2017292 hpat 5,500 rpm (the 2015 kit says 5,400 rpm)
- Torque
- 280 lb-ftat 1,800–5,500 rpm
- 0–60 mph
- 4.5 sCar and Driver test · Maker: 4.9 s
- Top speed
- 155 mphlimited
- Gearbox
- 6-speed DSG dual-clutch, all-wheel drivethe only gearbox for 2015
- Price new
- $36,5952015 with DSG, excluding destination
Golf R manual
2016–2017292 hpat 5,500 rpm
- Torque
- 280 lb-ftat 1,800–5,500 rpm
- 0–60 mph
- 5.1 sCar and Driver test · Maker: 5.3 s
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual, all-wheel drivenew for 2016
- Price new
- $35,6502016, plus $820 destination; DSG $1,100 more
Golf R (Mk7.5)
2018–2019292 hp2018, at 5,500 rpm; VW rates the 2019 at 288 hp
- Torque
- 280 lb-ftat 1,800–5,500 rpm
- 0–60 mph
- 4.8 sCar and Driver test
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG, all-wheel drive7-speed DSG new for 2018
- Price new
- $39,7852018 with manual, plus $895 destination; DSG $40,885
The engine: VW EA888 Gen 3 2.0 TSI (Golf R)
2.0-liter inline-4, turbo
Output288–292 hp, 280 lb-ft
Displacement1,984 cc
HeadExhaust passages run through the water-cooled head
R-specific partsOwn head, exhaust valves, pistons, injection and turbo vs. GTI
Known issues
- Turbo wastegate sticks (class settlement)Maker bulletin
Rust can seize the turbo wastegate rod on 2015–2019 Golf Rs, setting code P2563 or P00AF. VW denies a defect but settled a class action.
Fix: VW pays 50% of a turbo repair for 8.5 years or 85,000 miles (VWP-25-16); TSB 21-25-01 first tries freeing the rod.
- Fuel hose recall (2018)Recall
On some 2018 Golf Rs, the fuel hose connector in the engine bay can come loose and leak fuel, raising fire risk.
Fix: Dealer secures the fuel line connection for free (NHTSA 18V-864).
2 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2015–2019) - Coolant leaks at the water pumpOwner-reported
A few owners told NHTSA of coolant leaks that dealers traced to the water pump and thermostat housing.
3 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2015–2019)
Engine sources
- Volkswagen of America: 2016 Golf R press kit
- Volkswagen of America: 2015 Golf R press kit
- Volkswagen of America: 2019 Golf R press kit
- Volkswagen TSB 21-25-01: Turbocharger wastegate stuck, P2563/P00AF (Mar 2025, via NHTSA)
- Volkswagen VWP-25-16: Turbocharger limited warranty extension, class action (Sep 2025, via NHTSA)
- Volkswagen: Kimball turbocharger class settlement dealer FAQ (Sep 2025, via NHTSA)
- NHTSA recall 18V-864: 2018 Golf R fuel hose connector
- NHTSA owner complaints: 2016 Volkswagen Golf R
- NHTSA owner complaints: 2017 Volkswagen Golf R
What owners say on YouTube
The Golf R YouTube study is queued: the 200 most-watched videos, their tone and what owners praise and complain about show here when it lands.
Should you buy a Mk7 / Mk7.5 Golf R?
- New, the Golf R DSG cost $36,595 (2015 with DSG, excluding destination).
- Most owner complaints: the 2017 (15). Fewest: the 2015 (1). Raw counts, not per car sold.
- Maker fix: Turbo wastegate sticks (class settlement). VW pays 50% of a turbo repair for 8.5 years or 85,000 miles (VWP-25-16); TSB 21-25-01 first tries freeing the rod.
- Budget for fuel hose recall (2018): 2 owner complaints mention it. Dealer secures the fuel line connection for free (NHTSA 18V-864).
- 9 recall campaigns across 2015–2019. Check a VIN before you buy.
- Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the Golf R yet.
Mk8 Golf R · 2022–2025
How fast is the Mk8 Golf R?
5-door hatchback, 2022–2025. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
Golf R manual
2022–2024315 hpat 5,900 rpm
- Torque
- 280 lb-ftat 1,900 rpm
- 0–60 mph
- 4.9 sCar and Driver test
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive2024 was the last manual year
- Price new
- $44,0902022, plus $1,095 destination
Golf R DSG
2022–2024315 hpat 5,600 rpm
- Torque
- 295 lb-ftat 2,000 rpm
- 0–60 mph
- 3.9 sCar and Driver test
- Gearbox
- 7-speed DSG dual-clutch, all-wheel drive
- Price new
- $44,8902022, plus $1,095 destination
Golf R (2025 update)
2025328 hpat 5,850 rpm
- Torque
- 295 lb-ftat 2,000 rpm
- 0–60 mph
- 4.1 sCar and Driver test
- Gearbox
- 7-speed DSG dual-clutch, all-wheel driveno manual
- Price new
- $47,100plus $1,225 destination
Golf R Black Edition
2025328 hp
Gloss-black wheels, black brake calipers and carbon-fiber trim; same 328 hp.
- 0–60 mph
- 4.1 sMotor Trend test
- Package price
- $48,415plus $1,225 destination
The engine: VW EA888 evo4 2.0 TSI (Golf R)
2.0-liter inline-4, turbo
Output315–328 hp, 280–295 lb-ft
Power peak5,600–5,900 rpm
InjectionDirect, 5,076 psi (was 2,900 psi)
Built inGyőr, Hungary
Known issues
- Engine cover recall (2022)Recall
Hard acceleration could loosen the engine cover on 2022 Golf Rs; it can touch hot parts and melt, raising fire risk.
Fix: Dealer removes the cover, then fits an updated one for free (NHTSA 22V-163).
- Coolant hose recall (2022–2023)Recall
The radiator may not be fixed to the intercooler correctly, which can damage a coolant hose and let the engine overheat.
Fix: Dealer inspects the radiator and replaces damaged parts for free (NHTSA 22V-707).
- Thermostat fault code P00B7Maker bulletin
Some 2022–2024 Golf Rs set P00B7 (low coolant flow) and the check-engine light. VW says not to replace parts first.
Fix: Dealer updates the engine computer software (TSB 01-25-05).
Engine sources
- Volkswagen of America: 2023 Golf R press kit
- Volkswagen of America: 2022 Golf R press kit
- Volkswagen of America: 2025 Golf R press kit
- NHTSA recall 22V-163: 2022 Golf GTI and Golf R engine cover
- NHTSA recall 22V-707: 2022-2023 Golf R and GTI radiator / coolant hose
- Volkswagen TSB 01-25-05: ECM update for thermostat performance, P00B7 (Sep 2025, via NHTSA)
- Volkswagen TSB 01-25-05 update: adds 2023 Golf R (Feb 2026, via NHTSA)
What owners say on YouTube
The Golf R YouTube study is queued: the 200 most-watched videos, their tone and what owners praise and complain about show here when it lands.
Should you buy a Mk8 Golf R?
- New, the Golf R (2025 update) cost $47,100 (plus $1,225 destination).
- Most owner complaints: the 2024 (12). Fewest: the 2023 (6). Raw counts, not per car sold.
- Recall: Engine cover recall (2022). Dealer removes the cover, then fits an updated one for free (NHTSA 22V-163).
- Recall: Coolant hose recall (2022–2023). Dealer inspects the radiator and replaces damaged parts for free (NHTSA 22V-707).
- 7 recall campaigns across 2022–2025. Check a VIN before you buy.
- Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the Golf R yet.
Compare the Golf R
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Golf R vs Subaru WRX STISee it →All sources (27)
- Volkswagen of America: 2012 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Wikipedia: List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (EA113 2.0 TFSI, code CDL) Wikipedia (fallback)
- 0-60specs.com: Volkswagen Golf R 0-60 times (magazine named for each run) 0-60specs.com (Car and Driver, Motor Trend runs)
- Volkswagen of America: 2013 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen Service Action 19J5: 2012 and 2013 MY Golf R coolant pump (Mar 2014, via NHTSA) Maker bulletin
- NHTSA owner complaints: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R NHTSA complaints
- NHTSA owner complaints: 2013 Volkswagen Golf R NHTSA complaints
- Volkswagen of America: 2016 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen of America: 2017 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen of America: 2015 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen of America: 2018 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen of America: 2019 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen TSB 21-25-01: Turbocharger wastegate stuck, P2563/P00AF (Mar 2025, via NHTSA) Maker bulletin
- Volkswagen VWP-25-16: Turbocharger limited warranty extension, class action (Sep 2025, via NHTSA) Maker bulletin
- Volkswagen: Kimball turbocharger class settlement dealer FAQ (Sep 2025, via NHTSA) Maker bulletin
- NHTSA recall 18V-864: 2018 Golf R fuel hose connector NHTSA recall
- NHTSA owner complaints: 2016 Volkswagen Golf R NHTSA complaints
- NHTSA owner complaints: 2017 Volkswagen Golf R NHTSA complaints
- Volkswagen of America: 2023 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen of America: 2024 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen of America: 2022 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen of America: 2025 Golf R press kit Volkswagen
- Volkswagen of America: Volkswagen announces 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R pricing (Feb 2025) Volkswagen
- NHTSA recall 22V-163: 2022 Golf GTI and Golf R engine cover NHTSA recall
- NHTSA recall 22V-707: 2022-2023 Golf R and GTI radiator / coolant hose NHTSA recall
- Volkswagen TSB 01-25-05: ECM update for thermostat performance, P00B7 (Sep 2025, via NHTSA) Maker bulletin
- Volkswagen TSB 01-25-05 update: adds 2023 Golf R (Feb 2026, via NHTSA) Maker bulletin
Showing the years only ().Showing every year.
Owner complaints to NHTSA
No Lemon Index for the Golf R: the index is complaints per car sold, and sales by trim aren't published. These are raw counts.
Mk6: 5 complaints for 2012–2013.
Mk7 / Mk7.5: 43 complaints for 2015–2019.
Mk8: 28 complaints for 2022–2025.
20121
20134
20151
201612
201715
20189
20196
202210
20236
202412
What they're about
Mk6 · 2012–2013
Air bags3
Fuel/propulsion system1
Engine1
Electrical system1
Suspension1
Mk7 / Mk7.5 · 2015–2019
Engine8
Power train7
Electrical system6
Service brakes5
Fuel/propulsion system5
Mk8 · 2022–2025
Electrical system8
Service brakes7
Forward collision avoidance6
Steering4
Power train4
Recalls
- 16V337000 Equipment2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 16V464000 Latches/Locks/Linkages2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 22V543000 Air Bags2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 22V831000 Visibility/Wiper2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 18V803000 Seats2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 18V864000 Fuel System, Gasoline2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 20V561000 Unknown Or Other2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 21V321000 Unknown Or Other2018–2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 22V815000 Tires2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 22V163000 Engine2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 22V542000 Visibility2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 22V707000 Engine And Engine Cooling2022–2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 22V823000 Back Over Prevention2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 24V480000 Back Over Prevention2022–2024
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 23V437000 Suspension2023
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- 25V638000 Seat Belts2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Source: NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov). Check a VIN for open recalls on one car.
Quick answers
How fast is the Volkswagen Golf R (2025 update)?
The Mk8 Golf R (2025 update) makes 328 hp and 295 lb-ft. Car and Driver measured 0–60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
What engine does the Volkswagen Golf R have?
The Mk8 Golf R (2022–2025) uses the VW EA888 evo4 2.0 TSI (Golf R), a 2.0-liter inline-4, turbo. Older generations: Mk6: VW EA113 2.0 TSI (Golf R); Mk7 / Mk7.5: VW EA888 Gen 3 2.0 TSI (Golf R).
Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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