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Volkswagen Golf safety recalls

Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the Volkswagen Golf since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.

Recalls for the Volkswagen Golf. Also see car recalls by year and make.

Last updated
Records analysed
43 recalls matched to this model
Methodology
View methodology
  • Recalls since 1992 43 launched 1992 to 2025
  • Most recent 22 August 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/357
  • Recalls 2016 to 2025 26 launched in those ten years
  • Busiest year 2018 5 recalls launched

Does a recall affect your Volkswagen Golf?

Not every Volkswagen Golf is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.

Volkswagen Golf recalls by year

Recalls launched each year, 1992 to 2026

2018 had the most, with 5. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.

Volkswagen Golf safety recalls by year of launch
Year Recalls
’92 1
’93 0
’94 1
’95 1
’96 2
’97 1
’98 0
’99 0
’00 0
’01 3
’02 1
’03 1
’04 0
’05 1
’06 0
’07 1
’08 1
’09 1
’10 0
’11 1
’12 0
’13 0
’14 0
’15 1
’16 2
’17 4
’18 5
’19 2
’20 1
’21 4
’22 2
’23 1
’24 2
’25 3
’26 0

Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated

Every Volkswagen Golf recall, newest first

2025 3 recalls

Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement

Launched 22 August 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/357 Manufacturer ref. DS69

Defect
Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Remedy
The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.
Vehicles affected
92 Golf vehicles
Built
6 Nov 2008 to 25 Jan 2013

Front belt webbing

Launched 9 July 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/257 Manufacturer ref. 69PP

Defect
On Golf vehicles of a limited production period belt systems were fitted to front passenger seat that may not have been correctly attached to the anchoring point near the lower B pillar.
Remedy
The anchoring point of the belt system on the front passenger seat is inspected and dependant on results seat belt may need replacing.
Vehicles affected
8 Golf vehicles
Built
2 Apr 2024

Front belt webbing

Launched 9 July 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/256 Manufacturer ref. 69PD

Defect
On Golf vehicles of a limited production period belt systems were fitted to front passenger seat that may not have been correctly attached to the anchoring point near the lower B pillar.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the anchoring point of the belt system on the front passenger seat is inspected and dependant on results seat belt may need replacing.
Vehicles affected
6,081 Golf vehicles
Built
12 Feb 2024 to 11 Apr 2024

2024 2 recalls

Analysis vehicle modification

Launched 1 March 2024 DVSA recall R/2024/266 Manufacturer ref. 012J

Defect
On affected vehicles the software specification of safety-related systems and component groups may not have been in line with the standard condition at the time
Remedy
On affected vehicles the system software will be checked and updated accordingly
Vehicles affected
1 Golf vehicle
Built
23 May 2016 and 27 May 2016

On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.

Launched 12 January 2024 DVSA recall R/2024/014 Manufacturer ref. 47U4

Defect
On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.
Remedy
A check of the installation of the heat protection mat on affected vehicles will be conducted. If necessary the correct heat shield condition will be restored and in a damage case the damaged components will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
26,721 across everything the recall covers
Built
6 Mar 2020 to 31 Aug 2022

2023 1 recall

Takata Front airbag

Launched 13 June 2023 DVSA recall R/2023/178 Manufacturer ref. 69EJ

Defect
The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Remedy
Replace airbag
Vehicles affected
227 Golf vehicles
Built
23 Jul 2008 to 27 Feb 2013
DVSA lists it as
“GOLF”, “GOLF CABRIO”

2022 2 recalls

The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand

Launched 7 April 2022 DVSA recall R/2022/086 Manufacturer ref. 93N4

Defect
The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.
Remedy
An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for high-voltage battery.
Vehicles affected
1,868 across everything the recall covers
Built
23 Jan 2019 to 10 Feb 2022
DVSA lists it as
“GOLF 8”

Engine compartment covers could come loose from their attachment

Launched 22 March 2022 DVSA recall R/2022/074 Manufacturer ref. 10H5

Defect
On affected vehicles engine compartment covers were fitted that regardless of use (very sporty driving style or poor road condition) and operating period could come loose from their attachment.
Remedy
On all affected vehicles the engine compartment cover has to be removed.
Vehicles affected
7,579 across everything the recall covers
Built
5 Sept 2020 to 17 Feb 2022
DVSA lists it as
“GOLF 8”

2021 4 recalls

Driver's air bag may not deploy correctly if activated

Launched 21 October 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/403 Manufacturer ref. 69CO

Defect
Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.
Vehicles affected
64 across everything the recall covers
Built
19 Oct 1999 to 22 Dec 2000
Also covers
DVSA lists it as
“GOLF CABRIOLET”

Driver's air bag may not deploy correctly if activated

Launched 11 October 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/404 Manufacturer ref. 69AR

Defect
Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.
Vehicles affected
300 across everything the recall covers
Built
22 May 1998 to 22 Dec 1999
Also covers
DVSA lists it as
“GOLF CABRIOLET”

The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal could come loose

Launched 10 September 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/320 Manufacturer ref. 47R3

Defect
The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.
Remedy
Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened
Vehicles affected
145 across everything the recall covers
Built
13 Jan 2019 to 20 May 2021

Faulty crash sensors for air bag and restraint systems may have been fitted in the front doors

Launched 19 February 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/055 Manufacturer ref. 69BU

Defect
Faulty crash sensors for airbag and restraint systems may have been fitted in the front doors.
Remedy
The crash sensors in the front doors are to be checked and if necessary replaced.
Vehicles affected
124 Golf vehicles
Built
2 Sept 2020 to 8 Sept 2020

2020 1 recall

The E-call service function may not always function

Launched 5 June 2020 DVSA recall R/2020/176 Manufacturer ref. 91AF

Defect
On affected vehicles the e-call service may not function
Remedy
Update the Online Control Unit software on affected vehicle.
Vehicles affected
4,630 Golf vehicles
Built
12 Mar 2020 to 8 May 2020

2019 2 recalls

The housing bolts on the camshelf adjuster may come loose

Launched 9 August 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/261 Manufacturer ref. 15H2

Defect
The housing bolts on the camshaft adjuster may come loose and break the pulley
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the camshaft adjuster has to be replaced
Vehicles affected
472 across everything the recall covers
Built
17 Dec 2013 to 4 Dec 2014
Also covers

Driver airbag generator housing could come loose

Launched 24 January 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/019 Manufacturer ref. 69X3

Defect
Increased humidity may have got into the propellant of the gas generator for the drivers air bag.
Remedy
The gas generator of the front airbag on the driver side is replaced.
Vehicles affected
786 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 2002 to 31 Dec 2002

2018 5 recalls

Rear seat bench welded connection may not be correctly performed

Launched 12 December 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/352 Manufacturer ref. 72H8

Defect
The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.
Remedy
Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.
Vehicles affected
4,027 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 May 2018 to 31 Aug 2018

Head restraint may be insecure

Launched 11 May 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/133 Manufacturer ref. 72H5

Defect
On a limited production period a burr may have developed on the locking bar of the head restraint guide.
Remedy
On affected vehicles the left head restraint guide on both front seats must be replaced.
Vehicles affected
2,881 across everything the recall covers
Built
14 Feb 2018 to 31 Mar 2018

Front brake discs may not be correct thickness

Launched 19 March 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/074 Manufacturer ref. 46H4

Defect
The front brake discs may not meet the required thickness dimension. Under extreme loads this could cause cracking which may lead to fractures.
Remedy
The front discs on affected vehicles will be checked for conformity and where necessary they will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
56 across everything the recall covers
Built
19 Jan 2018 to 23 Jan 2018
Also covers

Starter motor may malfunction and overheat

Launched 7 March 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/062 Manufacturer ref. 27F9

Defect
On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
Vehicles affected
16,625 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Mar 2011 to 30 Nov 2011

Passenger airbag may not deploy as intended

Launched 2 February 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/031 Manufacturer ref. 69U6

Defect
There is a possible faulty weld to the gas generator. If the airbag is deployed there is a potential danger to the vehicle occupants by gas generator parts being ejected into the cabin.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the airbag inflator unit.
Vehicles affected
21 Golf vehicles
Built
1 Jul 2014 to 15 Nov 2014
DVSA lists it as
“GOLF”, “GOLF ESTATE”, “GOLF SV”

2017 4 recalls

Rear wheel bearing housings may be incorrectly manufactured and could fail prematurely

Launched 17 November 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/294 Manufacturer ref. 42I2

Defect
The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.
Remedy
Recall the 420 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.
Vehicles affected
420 across everything the recall covers
Built
21 Aug 2017 to 29 Aug 2017

ABS/ESC system may fail

Launched 20 June 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/189 Manufacturer ref. 45F2

Defect
On vehicles with ABS/ESC the earth connection may be interrupted. This may cause failure of the ABS/ESC system
Remedy
On affected vehicles install new software. Where necessary a new ABS/ESC control unit will be fitted.
Vehicles affected
64,192 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jun 2008 to 31 May 2010

Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident

Launched 22 March 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/079 Manufacturer ref. 69P4

Defect
Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Remedy
On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.
Vehicles affected
3,879 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 May 2016 to 31 Oct 2016

Lights may fail without warning

Launched 23 January 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/040 Manufacturer ref. 97CH

Defect
It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.
Vehicles affected
12,440 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jun 2015 to 31 Oct 2016

2016 2 recalls

Fuel may leak

Launched 25 July 2016 DVSA recall R/2016/174 Manufacturer ref. 15F7

Defect
A tooling problem during manufacture could result in the cylinder head not being to specification. It is possible that the fuel rail could loosen and fuel leaks cannot be ruled out. The customer may notice a smell of fuel because of the leak. In the most unfavourable case it is thought possible the fuel could ignite in the engine compartment.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the cylinder head.
Vehicles affected
8 Golf vehicles
Built
1 Mar 2016 to 1 Apr 2016

Child lock may disengage

Launched 23 June 2016 DVSA recall R/2016/145 Manufacturer ref. 58C9

Defect
The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.
Remedy
On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.
Vehicles affected
13,620 across everything the recall covers
Built
25 Nov 2015 to 14 Apr 2016

2015 1 recall

Directional control may be compromised

Launched 24 June 2015 DVSA recall R/2015/097 Manufacturer ref. 40L2

Defect
Front wheel bearing housings with insufficient hardness may have been fitted. This can lead to a fracture of a wheel bearing housing which can affected the directional control of the vehicle.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the casting dates of both front wheel bearing housings. Where the affected wheel bearing housings are found they will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
303 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Apr 2015 to 11 Apr 2015
Also covers

2011 1 recall

Fuel may leak

Launched 15 December 2011 DVSA recall R/2011/169 Manufacturer ref. 23K2

Defect
On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.
Remedy
Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.
Vehicles affected
33,719 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 2009 to 15 Dec 2011

2009 1 recall

Clutch may operate inadvertently with unexpected loss of drive

Launched 14 December 2009 DVSA recall R/2009/110 Manufacturer ref. 37E8

Defect
In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit.
Vehicles affected
3,514 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Sept 2008 to 31 Aug 2009

2008 1 recall

Fire may occur

Launched 29 January 2008 DVSA recall R/2008/009 Manufacturer ref. 87B4

Defect
The contact resistance on the earth connection of the heating element for the additional air heater can exceed specification. This could lead to excessive heat developing in the connection area of the cable which could result in localised scorching. However if not rectified this could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles and check the torque on the earth connection.
Vehicles affected
10,436 across everything the recall covers
Built
8 Jan 2007 to 9 Jan 2008
Also covers

2007 1 recall

Heating element may overheat

Launched 12 February 2007 DVSA recall R/2007/030

Defect
The additional air heater heating element earth connection may overheat and in the most unfavourable cases may lead to a fire.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the earth connection is sufficiently tight.
Vehicles affected
4,842 Golf vehicles
Built
6 Nov 2006 to 12 Jan 2007

2005 1 recall

Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break

Launched 3 March 2005 DVSA recall R/2004/211 Manufacturer ref. 20K9

Defect
It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
49,701 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Mar 2004 to 31 Aug 2004

2003 1 recall

Brake servo vacuum pipe may crack and leak.

Launched 26 March 2003 DVSA recall R/2003/014 Manufacturer ref. 47H8

Defect
The brake servo vacuum supply pipe may crack and leak. This could result in a loss of power assistance and require the driver to apply a lot more force to the brake pedal.
Remedy
Examine the condition of the vacuum supply pipe and fit an improved quality replacement where necessary.
Vehicles affected
69,541 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Feb 1998 to 31 Dec 1999
Also covers

2002 1 recall

Anti lock brake control unit concern

Launched 9 May 2002 DVSA recall R/2002/030 Manufacturer ref. 45B1

Defect
There is a risk that an electrical fault in the anti lock brake control unit (ABS) can cause overheating of related electrical components. This may lead to fire damage and cause the service brake to revert to a non-anti lock mode of operation.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles to check the part number and supplier code of the ABS control unit. Renew the ABS control unit where found necessary.
Vehicles affected
24,034 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Mar 2001 to 30 Sept 2001

2001 3 recalls

Risk of failure of rear axle transverse link.

Launched 1 December 2001 DVSA recall R/2001/140 Manufacturer ref. 42C7

Defect
Moisture can enter the rear axle ball joints this moisture can start corrosion of the joints ultimately causing the joints to seize.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles for replacement of ball joints and transverse links.
Vehicles affected
9 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Feb 1997 to 28 Feb 2000
Also covers

Passenger airbag concern

Launched 26 February 2001 DVSA recall R/2001/011 Manufacturer ref. 69D5

Defect
The passenger airbag may not release correctly because of a leak in the pressure reservoir of the gas generator.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles and replace the front passenger airbag.
Vehicles affected
157 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Oct 2000 to 30 Nov 2000
Also covers

Child seat security concern

Launched 22 January 2001 DVSA recall R/2001/006 Manufacturer ref. 1J5

Defect
Welding faults on the seams of the ISOFIX mounting bars may occur. The safe support of ISOFIX child seats can therefore not be guaranteed in a crash.
Remedy
Recall vehicles in order to re-weld the ISOFIX mounting bars.
Vehicles affected
173 vehicles
Built
1 May 2000 to 30 Jun 2000

1997 1 recall

Possible failure of headlamps

Launched 27 February 1997 DVSA recall R/1997/001

Defect
The wiring harness can cause the headlamp switch to overheat with consequent failure of the headlamps.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles for modification to the light switch cable and replacement of the headlamp switch.
Vehicles affected
9,700 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Nov 1994 to 28 Feb 1995
Also covers
  • Volkswagen Vento

1996 2 recalls

Insecurity of fan blade

Launched 12 February 1996 DVSA recall R/1996/008

Defect
The pulley on the engine cooling fan may loosen causing the fan motor to seize leading to a possible electrical overload with fire risk.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified cooling fan and pulley.
Vehicles affected
2,054 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 1994 to 31 Dec 1995

Possibility of coolant leakage into passenger compartment

Launched 25 January 1996 DVSA recall R/1995/089

Defect
Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing on the heat exchanger. In consequence high temperature coolant
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam.
Vehicles affected
86,500 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Aug 1989 to 31 Aug 1991
Also covers

1995 1 recall

Failure of headlamps

Launched 6 September 1995 DVSA recall R/1995/008

Defect
The headlamp switch may overheat and result in headlamp failure.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles for the fitting of a cable harness with control relay. In addition the light switch is to be replaced on Passat and Golf Ecomatic models as appropriate.
Vehicles affected
28,112 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Mar 1991 to 31 Aug 1992
Also covers

1994 1 recall

Ball joint to wishbone security

Launched 14 November 1994 DVSA recall R/1994/069

Defect
As a result of an assembly fault the bolts securing the ball joints on the wishbone may loosen. In extreme cases this could result in loss of steering control.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles for a check on the torque of the ball joint mounting nuts/bolts. If any bolt is insufficiently torqued all three mounting bolts will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
76 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jan 1994 to 31 Jan 1994
Also covers
  • Volkswagen Vento

1992 1 recall

Possible insecurity of the wiring loom

Launched 26 May 1992 DVSA recall R/1992/024

Defect
One of several wiring looms located in the engine compartment may not be securely fixed. This could allow over a long time period the loom to chafe with the possibility of short circuiting and in extreme circumstances create a fire risk.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles. Fit protective sleeving to the loom in question and secure the assembly with clips.
Vehicles affected
6,895 Golf vehicles
Built
1 Aug 1991 to 28 Feb 1992

Data sources and methodology

Datasets used on this page
Figures Source Period Records Updated
Safety recalls Vehicle safety recalls Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Derived statistics UK Motoring 		January 1992 to September 2026 43 recalls matched to this model 15 September 2026
  • Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the Volkswagen Golf. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
  • Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
  • Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
  • Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.
How we calculate these figures All data sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.