The Lemon Index2019 Volkswagen Golf.
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 237 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 601, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 24 to 32 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Golf year is 2014.
Lemon alert. 6× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2014
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 284 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Golf year. 2019 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 0K to 1K miles on the car (227 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 0K–0K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 0K–1K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 0K–0K miles
Recalls 6
- fuel system, gasoline 2024
Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- electrical 2023
The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
- tires 2022
The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously.
Show all 6 recalls
- wheels 2019
The front wheel bearings may have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel bolts, or wheel bearings.
- electrical 2019
A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park.".
- suspension 2019
The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
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 603 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Water leaks from the sunroof/overhead light console area, Park distance to sensitive to…
- Update to model year applicability
- Under certain conditions, the engine may stall at very low speeds (such as while the vehicle…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647)2023–2024
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedVehicle stalling - manual transmission2019–2020
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 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–3300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Petition for defect investigation into the excessive stalling problem the owners and operators of the 2019 volkwagen gti suffer as compared to similar class and Model year vehicles from other manufacturers.
2019 Volkswagen Golf owner · NHTSA complaint 11245721
More owner reports
The engine would stall when approaching a stop. Sometimes engine would also stall at low speeds
NHTSA complaint 11219913
Whether the car is in gear or not the vehicle will stall out. When vehicle is in gear and clutch is fully depressed the vehicle will stall. Does not matter if it is 1st gear or reverse the same will happen.
NHTSA complaint 11218180
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 601; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Golf year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2019 Volkswagen Golf problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (70%), transmission & drivetrain (32%) and fuel or ev drive system (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have?
6 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf get?
24 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 Volkswagen Golf problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 200 and 1,200 miles. The middle report was at 500 miles, from 227 complaints.
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 32% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $3300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Volkswagen Golf have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Golf year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2020 and 2013.
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