The Lemon Index2014 Volkswagen Golf.
The 2014 Volkswagen Golf is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 8 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 22, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 26 to 32 mpg combined. It's the best Volkswagen Golf year we track.
One of the most reliable. 4.5× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2019
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 22 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Golf year. 2014 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 14K to 61K miles on the car (13 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- airbags 2019
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- unknown or other 2018
Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- airbags 2018
Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Show all 5 recalls
- airbags 2016
Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- airbags 2015
In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 1285 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some vehicles fail to have any power or the check engine warning light is
- Tech Tips (Torque Converter/Flywheel/Flexplate installation): Incorrect torque converter
- Tech Tips (AC Compressor Replacement, Refrigerant Circuit Flushing Requirement): This document…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag clockspring failure2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2017–2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
In owners' words
Takata recall - I have called several dealerships in chicago since the recall in 2016 and still no one has the replacement. There could be dangerous consequences for not having this tested and corrected.
2014 Volkswagen Golf owner · NHTSA complaint 11004331
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 22; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2014 Volkswagen Golf problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (38%), engine (12%) and fuel or ev drive system (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Volkswagen Golf have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Volkswagen Golf get?
26 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2014 Volkswagen Golf have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2014 Volkswagen Golf cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 Volkswagen Golf have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works