Volkswagen Golf
The 2021 Volkswagen Golf offers average reliability, but a critical **steering** system failure is a significant ownership concern.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2021 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 29 | 36 | 32 | 8.11 | 6.53 | 7.35 |
| 2020 | 28 | 36 | 31 | 8.4 | 6.53 | 7.59 |
| 2019 | 29 | 37 | 32 | 8.11 | 6.36 | 7.35 |
| 2018 | 24 | 33 | 28 | 9.8 | 7.13 | 8.4 |
| 2017 | 25 | 35 | 29 | 9.41 | 6.72 | 8.11 |
| 2016 | 25 | 35 | 29 | 9.41 | 6.72 | 8.11 |
| 2015 | 25 | 35 | 29 | 9.41 | 6.72 | 8.11 |
| 2014 | 23 | 30 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.84 | 9.05 |
| 2013 | 24 | 31 | 26 | 9.8 | 7.59 | 9.05 |
| 2012 | 24 | 31 | 26 | 9.8 | 7.59 | 9.05 |
| 2011 | 23 | 33 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.13 | 9.05 |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | hatchback | 4 | 1.4 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2020 | hatchback | 4 | 1.4 | Regular | Manual 6-spd | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2019 | hatchback | 4 | 1.4 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2018 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2017 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2016 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2015 | hatchback | 4 | 1.8 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2014 | hatchback | 5 | 2.5 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2013 | hatchback | 5 | 2.5 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2012 | hatchback | 5 | 2.5 | Regular | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2011 | hatchback | 5 | 2.5 | Regular | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | Trim | Note | Base price | pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Golf | — | — | Trim: Golf |
| 2020 | — | Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, USB Connection | — | Note: Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, USB Connection |
| 2019 | S, SE | — | $21,845 | Base price: $21,845, Trim: S, SE |
| 2018 | S, SE | — | $20,910 | Base price: $20,910, Trim: S, SE |
| 2017 | S, Wolfsburg | — | $19,895 | Base price: $19,895, Trim: S, Wolfsburg |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | Keyless ignition | Steering location | Seat rows | GVWR | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel | bodyAndInterior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | 273 | 17.4 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 103.8 | 16 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 103.8 | 16 | 16 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2019 | 5 | — | — | — | — | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 103.8 | — | — | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | — | — | — | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 103.8 | 15 | 15 | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | — | — | — | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 103.8 | 15 | 15 | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2016 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 5 | 4 | 380 | 15.2 | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | laneCenteringAssist | rearCamera | autoReverseSystem | rearCrossTrafficAlert | adaptiveDrivingBeam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2021 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2020 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2019 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | standard |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2018 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — | standard |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2017 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | standard | standard | — | standard |
| 2016 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2016 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — | 2015 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | 2014 Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — | 2013 Volkswagen Golf 2 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | 4 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | 4 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Model year reports
2021
NewestThe 2021 Volkswagen Golf offers average reliability, but a critical **steering** system failure is a significant ownership concern.
2020
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf offers a balanced driving experience but demands careful pre-purchase inspection due to documented issues with its electrical system and potential for sudden power loss.
2019
Approach the 2019 Volkswagen Golf with caution; its 'Below Average' reliability verdict is driven by significant engine stalling issues.
2018
Approach the 2018 Volkswagen Golf with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant concerns with the fuel system, posing a fire risk.
2017
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf is a practical hatchback with engaging driving dynamics, but its 'Below Average' reliability verdict, driven by significant fuel system and engine concerns, demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
2016
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf is a practical hatchback with engaging driving dynamics, but its 'Below Average' reliability verdict and significant number of recalls, particularly concerning the fuel system, warrant careful consideration.
2015
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf is a practical hatchback with engaging driving dynamics, but its 'Below Average' reliability verdict, driven by significant fuel system and electrical concerns, demands careful inspection.
2014
The 2014 Volkswagen Golf is a practical hatchback with a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, primarily due to significant **airbag** system concerns.
2013
The 2013 Volkswagen Golf presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its **engine** and **fuel/propulsion system**, which can lead to sudden failures.
2012
The 2012 Volkswagen Golf presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant safety recalls and numerous complaints concerning its airbag system and critical engine/fuel components.
2011
The 2011 Volkswagen Golf offers engaging driving dynamics but is hampered by a 'Below Average' reliability verdict, primarily due to significant issues with its fuel system, especially in diesel models.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Volkswagen Golf?
Carfocal currently has 11 published Golf reports, covering 2011 through 2021. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2021 Volkswagen Golf offers average reliability, but a critical **steering** system failure is a significant ownership concern.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.
Is the Volkswagen Golf reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Volkswagen Golf. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2021 volkswagen golf offers average reliability, but a critical **steering** system failure is a significant ownership concern. and the 2021 volkswagen golf's value proposition is tempered by its average reliability and the significant risk associated with potential **steering** system failures. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
11 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Golf?
Across Carfocal's published Golf guides, recurring problem areas include Electrical System (Wiring Harness), Brake Pads and Rotors, and Steering Gear. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Electrical System (Wiring Harness), Brake Pads and Rotors, and Steering Gear.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 11
- Years tracked
- 11
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints