VIN REPORT

WVWAB7AJXCW2190632012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf

77of 100
Critical Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
6
6 campaigns found
Safety Grade
D
62/100 composite
Complaints
48
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
14 yrs
Made in GERMANY
AVOIDPurchase Verdict

2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 6 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 48 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

TAKATA26 MPG
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf

2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 6 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 48 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 6 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Fuel system recall)
  • 4 injuries reported across 48 owner complaints
  • Common owner-reported issues: stalling, check engine light, electrical problems
  • Safety Systems is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • Active or settled class action lawsuit on record for this model — VW/Audi TDI Dieselgate Emissions Defeat Device (2009–2016)
  • Manufacturer extended warranty program exists: VW Dieselgate settlement offered buybacks or extended emissions warranty. Most settlement programs have closed — verify status at vwcourtsetlement.com.
  • TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL — inflator can rupture and send metal shrapnel into the cabin. Do NOT drive until repaired.
Owner Complaint Intelligence

48 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (29%), Safety Systems (17%), Electrical (15%). Common issues: stalling, check engine light, electrical problems, airbag warning, steering issues. 4 crashes reported.

77
of 100
Critical Risk
Critical risk — critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue. Recommend independent inspection before purchase.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
5 Contributing Risk Factors
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Known manufacturer defect on record for this model
+19
Takata airbag recall — risk of shrapnel injury
+18
6 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Active or settled class action lawsuit
+8
Critical Alerts1
TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL — Do Not Drive
Campaign: 19V862000

Takata airbag inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin — this defect has caused at least 27 deaths and 400+ injuries worldwide. Do NOT drive this vehicle until this recall is repaired. Contact your dealer immediately.

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
VOLKSWAGEN
Model
Golf
Year
2012
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
5-cyl 2.480000L 170 hp
Transmission
Manual/Standard
Doors
2
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN AG
Assembly
WOLFSBURG, GERMANY
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: WOLFSBURG, GERMANY

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 WOLFSBURG, GERMANY

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

D
Score: 62/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety12/30
Complaint History30/30
60/100High
  • Airbag system recall
  • Fuel system recall
2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Low
  • 1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
Elevated
  • 4 recalls on same component: Safety Systems
  • Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Safety Systems
4 recalls8 complaints
Fuel System
1 recall7 complaints

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls6

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

92/100
Critical Deferred Risk
The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf has a documented systemic defect, and its engine/powertrain system is the most-reported owner issue. Confirm it was addressed and inspect thoroughly before purchase.
No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
KNOWN DEFECTCriticalKnown Model Defect
Failure timing unpredictable — defect may already be active
Volkswagen Dieselgate: TDI engines equipped with defeat device software to cheat EPA emissions tests
Documented systemic defect with class action or NHTSA investigation. These issues are often unrepaired at point of sale.
CASCADECriticalFailure Cascade
Cascade already triggered — downstream damage likely in progress
Have a specialist inspect all systems connected to the failed component before purchase
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalEngine/Powertrain
14 owner complaints · 29% of all filings
Inspect the engine/powertrain system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf
Owners of the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalSafety Systems
8 owner complaints · 17% of all filings · 2 crash-involved · 2 injuries
Inspect the safety systems system before purchase — the 2nd most-reported problem for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf
Owners of the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDHighElectrical
7 owner complaints · 15% of all filings
Inspect the electrical system before purchase — the 3rd most-reported problem for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf
Owners of the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
VERIFYCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify timing chain tensioner service history with the seller
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
VERIFYCriticalWater Pump
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify water pump service history with the seller
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
VERIFYHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Typical interval: 60,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify transmission fluid / service service history with the seller
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
VERIFYHighCoolant Flush
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify coolant flush service history with the seller
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
VERIFYModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify spark plugs (iridium/platinum) service history with the seller
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
VERIFYModerateFuel Injectors
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify fuel injectors service history with the seller
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

6 RECALLS
6found

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 6 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 6 recalls is ~76%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

76%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

VOLKSWAGEN Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
84%Fair

VOLKSWAGEN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
22mo
#18V329000
Invalid Date

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#18V148000
Jun 2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~80%

~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

#16V078000
Oct 2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~80%

~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

#15V483000
Apr 2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. 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. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~80%

~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

#11V490000
Mar 2011

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

SummaryVOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
Read full details...
ConsequenceDUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#19V862000
Apr 2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~80%

~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

LONG-STANDING OPEN
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
15.4yr open
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
11.3yr open
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
9.8yr open
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
8.2yr open
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
7.3yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

03/10/2011
6 total campaigns
Safety SystemsFuel System
5
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
1
Buyback/Refund
1
High-Effort Repairs
5 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.

Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix

RECALL DIDN'T FIX IT

Owner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components

100% of complaints about "FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL" were filed AFTER recall campaign 11V490000 (2011-03-10) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
100% post-recall
Recall: 2011-03-100 before · 20 after#11V490000

Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.

1 in 13

4 injuries reported across 48 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints48

Complaint Intelligence

48 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories

Engine/Powertrain
14
Safety Systems
2 crash2 inj8
Electrical
7
Other
1 crash7
Fuel System
7
Body/Structure
1 crash2 inj3
Brakes
1
Steering
1
2014
5
2015
4
2016
7
2017
4
2018
3
2019
2
2021
1
2022
1
2025
1
2026
1
80% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Accelerating +100%
2
Last 24 months
0
Prior 24 months
PEAKS SUMMER (JUN–AUG)

36% of complaints filed in Jun & Aug — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Engine stalling12
Fire/smoke4
Electrical failure4
Airbag failure1
Conditions Reported
Parking/low-speed (6)Highway/high-speed (6)Rain/wet (5)Startup (4)Cold weather (3)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

48 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

48found
4
Crashes
4
Injuries
ODI #11736484AIR BAGS,SEATS

Heated seats get extremely hot. Smell of burning. Possible to catch fire or burn people Vw patrick volkswagen auburn ma confirmed that electrical inspection to rule out seat recall No. No recall has been submitted yet When i first bought the car in 2025

ODI #11690351SERVICE BRAKES

ABS pump and module have failed according to my mechanic. ABS lights and traction control lights are on all the time. If I were to drive this car on the road, and I would have to make an emergency stop, my brakes would lock up and I would slide. This is an extreme safety hazard.

ODI #11465640ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

At first, my vehicle dashboard warning light came on saying I have 9 different lights out(headlight, high beam, brake light, turn signals, etc). I thought it was odd for all these to go out at once, so I took it to the dealership for them to look at it. They couldn’t find anything and gave it back. It went off for a while but then the warning lights came back on. I again took it to the dealership, they told me I would have to leave it for an unknown amount of time for them to look at it. I wasn’t able to do that because it was my only motive transportation. After looking online to see if anyone else had the same issue I found multiple people who said they have the same issue. The fuse box under the hood has begun to melt, which affected the green 30 fuse which was almost completely melted. I replaced that fuse with a new one and that fixed the warning lights. I feel it is still a safety issue because the fuse box is going to continue to melt which could produce a fire.

ODI #11422285AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

My vehicle struck a car from behind moving about 35 mph. Air bags did not deploy and I had a proceeding next injury. Why did the airbags not deploy? I have read that "A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury" for 2011-2014 Golf. I would like confirmation that this was supposed to happen, no airbag deployment. My car was totaled.

ODI #11266012EXTERIOR LIGHTING

INTERMITTENTLY, DASHBOARD MFD WOULD INDICATE THAT ALL EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND PULLED OUT KEY. INSERTED KEY AND RESTARTED AND ALL WOULD BE FINE. GOT TO THE POINT THAT LIGHTS WERE IN FACT NOT WORKING. PULLED OUT FUSES AND WHEN I PULLED THE 30A FUSE (F16?) I NOTICED THE FUSE AND FUSE BOX WAS MELTED. I CLEANED THE CONTACTS ON THE FUSE WITH SANDPAPER AND A WIRE BRUSH. I ATTEMPTED TO USE THE BRUSH ON THE FUSE BOX BUT TO NO AVAIL. I INSERTED THE FUSE BACK IN AND THE LIGHTS WORKED. NEXT MORNING, I TURNED THE KEY ON AND MFD INDICATED ALL THE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FUSE BOX AND WIGGLED THE FUSE. WORKED ALL THE WAY TO AND FROM WORK. FOUND TWO VW FORUMS DISCUSSED THIS SAME ISSUE. MOST WERE TIGUANS. PICTURES ARE THE FUSE BOX AND THE FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS BEFORE I CLEANED THE FUSE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN I WAS WORKING ON IT.*DT *TR

ODI #11231324AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUBLIN VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 6085 SCARLETT CT, DUBLIN, CA 94568, (925) 829-0800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,522.*BF *JB

ODI #11155220AIR BAGS

AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING

ODI #11143467POWER TRAIN

DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FAILED AT 81,200 MILES RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERABLE. FAILURE WAS 21,200 MILES AFTER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND BEGAN TO SHIFT VERY STRANGELY, WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME AND PARK IT.

ODI #11113169ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. MOSS BROTHERS VOLKSWAGEN OF MORENO VALLEY (27750 EUCALYPTUS AVE, MORENO, VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 92555, (951) 485-4188) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 180-76-1675. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,986.

ODI #11012343STRUCTURE

WHEN THE TEMPERATURE REACHES ABOVE 80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT THE DRIVERS DOOR AND THE PASSENGERS DOOR WILL NOT LATCH CLOSED PROPERLY. IF YOU TRY TO CLOSE THE DOORS, THEY JUST BANG AGAINST THE FRAME AND SWING OPEN. ONCE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE DOOR COOLS DOWN, THE DOOR WILL EVENTUALLY LATCH. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT TILL MORNING TO PROPERLY CLOSE THEM SHUT. THE DEALERSHIP IS ASKING $600 TO REPAIR THIS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THESE DOORS SHOULD LOCK PROPERLY BEFORE DRIVING AWAY.

ODI #11011753STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

MY LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP STATED THERE IS A RECALL ON CERTAIN VW MODELS FOR THE CLOCK-SPRING LOCATED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, WHICH VW ATTRIBUTES TO THE CLOCK-SPRING. THEY TOLD ME THE 2012 GOLF TDI MODEL IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BUT APPARENTLY THIS CLOCK-SPRING PROBLEM IMPACTS OTHER MODELS. THEY WARNED THE PROBLEM WILL GET WORSE AND EVENTUALLY IMPACT THE STEERING, AIRBAG, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY QUOTED THE COST TO REPLACE THE CLOCK-SPRING IS $890. SO MY QUESTION IS CAN THE RECALL BE BROADENED TO INCLUDE 2012 GOLF TDIS AS WELL?

ODI #11000351AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL - RECEIVED NOTICE OVER 18 MONTHS AGO THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT A NEW AIRBAG IS AVAILABLE. WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG? THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED FOR THE PASSENGERS IN MY CAR.

ODI #10983886STEERING

READING SOME ONLINE FORUMS, MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING A CREAKING SOUND COMING FROM COMPONENTS RELATED TO THE STEERING SYSTEM. IT OCCURS WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE EXACT DIAGNOSIS IS NOT POSTED ON ANY OF THE FORUMS BUT IT DOES MAKE VW OWNERS NERVOUS. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION, REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED.

ODI #10899593AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL I SPOKE WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO FIX CURRENTLY AVAILABLE DUE TO A LACK OF PARTS. FURTHERMORE, THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE TO DRIVING MY DEFECTIVE CAR AND THEY WILL NOT DISABLE THE FAULTY AIR BAG. SO I'M LEFT DRIVING A CAR THAT MAY KILL ME. I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE.

ODI #10882668AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN APRIL OF 2016. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

ODI #10871728FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

GLOW PLUG LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE LOST POWER. ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. TOW TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND OTHER PARTS. COST OF WARRANTY REPAIR WAS ABOUT $7000.00.

ODI #10871349POWER TRAIN

LIKE MANY OWNERS OF VOLKSWAGEN TDI VEHICLES, THE 1-2 SECOND HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP IS VERY UNNERVING. IT CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC OR CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. IT HAPPENS DAILY AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO FIX IT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. VW UPDATED THE SOFTWARE ON THE TRANSMISSION BUT THAT "FIX" DIDN'T LAST MORE THAN A FEW MONTHS.

ODI #10854895POWER TRAIN

CV JOINTS FAILED AT UNDER 38K MILES ON AUTOMOBILE.

ODI #10845836ENGINE

SMOG CONTROL FRAUD WITH DIESEL ENGINE

ODI #10822361FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM LONG TRIP AND HAVE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COM ON AND DISAPPEARED BY SELF. I MADE APPOINTMENT FOR REGULAR 60K MAINTENANCE AND ADDRESSED LIGHT ISSUE AND DIRTY TAIL PIPE TO THE SAN TAN VW DEALER AND THEY RESPONSE WAS THAT "CAR IS DIESEL AND FOR DIESEL IS NORMAL TO SMOKE AND LIGHT WILL NOT COME AFTER SOFTWARE UPDATE. NOW AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED I HAVE DIAGNOSIS THAT WHOLE EXHAUST SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACE (EXHAUST SYSTEM IS UNDER RECALL INVESTIGATION). ESTIMATE TO FIX EXHAUST IS $6000. VW OF AMERICA REFUSE TO FIX THE ISSUE, CAR IS NOW POLLUTING, SMOKING AND CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.

ODI #10794651ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

MY ISSUE SEAMS SIMILAR TO A FILING LAST YEAR "10654071". I STARTED THE CAR TO LEAVE FROM WORK, AND I RECEIVE NINE SEPARATE EXTERIOR LIGHT FAULTS. IT AFFECTED BOTH THE FRONT RIGHT, LEFT REAR, RIGHT REAR, SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, AND PLATE LIGHT. ALL STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. THERE WAS NO WARNING. AND NO FUSES WERE BLOWN. I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENED, I WAS LUCKY THAT ONE HEADLIGHT CONTINUED TO WORK. THIS MADE FOR A VERY DIFFICUL.

ODI #10764539ENGINE

WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT, HEARD A SLIGHT RINGING SOUND AS THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN AND STALLED RIGHT AS WE STOPPED. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART AND THE "COILS" WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED IN THE DASH BOARD. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AS WE WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE PROBLEM WAS WITH A FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE WERE WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK AS THE FUEL WAS BEING TESTED FOR CONTAMINATION (WHICH THERE WAS NONE) AND WAITING APPROVAL FROM VOLKSWAGEN FOR APPROVAL UNDER WARRANTY COVERAGE. THIS IS THE SECOND PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM ON THIS CAR. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS PROBLEM WITH A LEAKING FUEL RAIL (LEAVING A PUDDLE OF DIESEL FUEL IN A PARKING LOT) WHICH WAS COVERED WITH A WARRANTY REPAIR WHILE ON A VACATION.

ODI #10723863FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING ON I-55 AT APPROX. 60MPH AND THE GLOW PLUG INDICATOR LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. PULLED OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT AND SHUT THE VEHICLE DOWN, AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE BACK ON, THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, HOWEVER I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME (APROX. 3 MILES). HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING MORNING, WHERE THE DEALER INDICATED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FOR THE DIRECT-RAIL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND CONTAMINATED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS WILL REQUIRE A REPLACEMENT OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, AND THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM, WHICH IS BEING COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER UNDER THE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY.

ODI #10723789UNKNOWN OR OTHER

KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT TURN OFF.

ODI #10654071ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHEN STARTING MY GOLF TDI I RECEIVED SEVERAL WARNING MESSAGES ON THE CAR'S INFORMATION SCREEN TO CHECK TURNING LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE CAR. THE RIGHT HAND HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKELIGHTS WERE OUT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAULT WAS A MELTED FUSEBOX. THE INTERNAL WIRING OF THE FUSEBOX OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE PLASTIC OF THE BOX AND THE PLASTIC OF THE FUSE WITHOUT BREAKING THE CIRCUIT. ACCORDING TO MY REPAIR SHOP, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AFFLICTING AS MANY AS ONE MILLION VWS OF VARIOUS YEARS. I SAW THAT VW HAS INITIATED RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER MODELS, BUT NOT THE GOLF OR GOLF TDIS. THIS FAULT CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE PARTIAL OR TOTAL HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS, CREATING A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD FOR DRIVERS AND OTHER VEHICLES. *TR

ODI #10627186FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

2012 VW GOLF TDI (DIESEL) VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER ON ACCELERATION FROM A STOPLIGHT AND BEGAN CLICKING. CHECK ENGINE AND GLOW PLUG LIGHTS FLASHED. POWER WAS REDUCED TO 15% AND LIMPED TO SHOULDER. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND ATTEMPTED RESTART. ENGINE TURNED OVER BUT NO IGNITION. TOWED TO DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. DEALER REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, TANK PUMP, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINES, FUEL RAIL WITH BOTH SENSORS, ALL INJECTORS, FUEL RETURN LINES, FUEL FILTER, AND AUX FUEL PUMP. TANK AND FUEL LINES WERE FLUSHED AND CLEANED. ALL REPAIRS DONE UNDER VW 60K POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. *TR

ODI #10596795FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY WHEN GLOW PLUG ICON ON DASH STARTED TO BLINK, LOST SIGNIFICANT ENGINE POWER. PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED WITH NOTHING ON DASH. QUICKLY, GLOW PLUG ICON STARTED BLINKING AGAIN, ALONG WITH A SOLID MOTOR ICON ON DASH. DROVE TO DEALERSHIP WITH 40MPH MAX POWER, AND AFTER TURNING CAR OFF, TECHNICIAN COULD NOT TURN CAR BACK ON. HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND SENT METAL SHARDS INTO FUEL SYSTEM, DESTROYING THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. TECH SAYS HE'S SEEN 6 TDI WITH SAME ISSUE RECENTLY. VW IS COVERING 100% OF COST. *TR

ODI #10567577POWER TRAIN

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE WAS SUCCESSFULLY RESTARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT WATER BUILDS UP IN THE AIR INTER COOLER CAUSING THE ENGINE TO HYDRO LOCK, THE CONTACT COULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A COLD WEATHER INTER COOLER TO PROPERLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 MILES. AZ *TR

ODI #10562469ENGINE

FIRST INCIDENT WAS 1/06/14. MY WIFE WAS A WEEK OVER HER DELIVERY DATE TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT TRIED TO TURN OVER BUT WOULDN'T START. EVENTUALLY CALLED DEALER WHO HAD HER TOW IT IN TO THEM. THE DEALER INFORMED HER OF MOISTURE IN INTERCOOLER PIPE WHICH THEY BLEW OUT WITH AN AIR HOSE AND CHARGED HER $48 (THEY SAID IT IS NORMALLY ABOUT $150). THEY INFORMED HER IT WAS DUE TO DRIVING SHORT DISTANCES & THE COLD WEATHER; THAT DIESELS NEEDED TO BE DRIVEN LONG DISTANCE ONLY. THE 2ND INCIDENT WAS 1/30/14. MY WIFE & NEWBORN WERE RUNNING ERRANDS IN TOWN WHEN THE CAR ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON & SHE PULLED OVER TO CHECK ON IT. THE CAR THEN WOULD NOT START & AGAIN HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER. THIS TIME THEY PULLED A BIG CHUNK OF ICE FROM INTER-COOLER PIPE AND SAID THE INTER-COOLER HAD TO BE REPLACED & COLD WEATHER KIT INSTALLED (EST. $1100). A QUICK SEARCH ON-LINE SHOWS THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM & VW HAS BEEN AWARE OF IT ON NORTH AMERICAN DIESELS FOR SEVERAL YEARS YET THEY HAVE FAILED TO INFORM NEW BUYERS OR FIX THE PROBLEM. ALSO MANY OWNERS WHO HAVE GOTTEN VW'S "FIX" (COLD WEATHER KIT) SAY IT HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. IF WE HAD KNOW THEIR DIESELS COULD NOT BE DRIVEN IN THE WINTER OR FOR SHORT DISTANCES WE DEFINITELY WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT ONE. LEAVING ANY ONE STRANDED IN THE WINTER IS BAD BUT LEAVING MY VERY PREGNANT WIFE & MY NEWBORN BABY IS SOMETHING I CAN'T PUT UP WITH. BECAUSE VW DOESN'T ADMIT TO HAVING A DESIGN FLAW I AM GOING TO HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR SOMETHING I HAVE NOW CONTROL OVER BUT VW DOES. ON TOP OF THAT I MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITHIN A WEEK DUE TO AN UNFORESEEN EVENT CALLED "WINTER" IF THEIR FIX DOESN'T WORK. IF KNOWING YOU HAVE A DESIGN FLAW IN YOUR VEHICLES THAT LEAVES OWNERS STRANDED AT THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME (WINTER) DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SAFETY ISSUE & DESERVE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION&ACCOUNTABILITY IF NOT A RECALL THEN I'M NOT SURE WHAT DOES. *TR

ODI #10544197FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VEHICLE STALLED ON STREET AT STOP SIGN. WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED. METAL SHARDS CONTAMINATED FUEL RAIL, FUEL TANK, AND OTHER SYSTEMS.

ODI #10537810FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

GLOW PLUG AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR APPEARED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN VICINITY OF THE M-10 FREEWAY IN DETROIT, MI. VEHICLE POWER UNEXPECTEDLY CUT OUT, FORCING ME TO MANEUVER OFF OF THE ROAD AT A SPEED LOWER THAN SURROUNDING TRAFFIC. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE ON 19 AUG FROM THE DEALER AND EXPERIENCED AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM IN VICINITY OF 9 MILE ROAD AND MIDDLEBELT IN FARMINGTON HILLS, MI. VW LATER INFORMED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ASSOCIATED WITH A FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TT

ODI #10537374AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

THIS CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE CRASH. IMPACT WAS TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE PRIMARILY TO THE DOOR AND FRONT END. DESPITE THE SEVERITY OF THE IMPACT, NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR THE STEERING WHEEL. I SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE SHOULDER AND AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

ODI #10524360FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

CAR PURCHASED NOVEMBER 2011. AUGUST 29, 2012 (MUCH <10,000 MILES) REPORTED ROUGH SHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO VOLKSWAGEN OF ALEXANDRIA. TOLD THAT EXPERIENCE WAS NORMAL. TRUSTED MECHANIC AND USED VEHICLE. MARCH 18, 2013--COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT. ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE MOVING AND ABRUPTLY BROUGHT CAR TO A STOP. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT PROMPTED RECALLS FOR THIS CAR IN AUSTRALIA, CHINA, AND JAPAN. BROUGHT INTO VOLKSWAGEN OF ALEXANDRIA AND TOLD PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO COMPUTER ERRORS CONTROLLING TRANSMISSION. JULY 10, 2013--(@15,000 MILES) CAR LOSES REASONABLE AMOUNT OF POWER, MAKES GRINDING NOISE, ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. BLOCKS FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF ALEXANDRIA. JUST ABLE TO MAKE IT IN. TECHNICIANS REPORT THAT A NUMBER OF FAULTS WERE REPORTED AND HAVE CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA TO ADVISE WHAT TO DO NEXT. ULTIMATELY THEY DECIDE THAT THE MECHATRONICS UNIT (PART OF TRANSMISSION) SHOULD BE REPLACED BUT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE SOON. ALEXANDRIA VOLKSWAGEN ADVISES ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK INTO MY POSESSION AND DRIVE IT AS IS UNTIL THE PART ARRIVES. THEY CLAIMED IT TO BE JUST A NOISE ISSUE. I OBJECT AND HAVE TO POINT OUT THE COMPLAINT ABOUT SEVERE LACK OF POWER AND PREVIOUS COMPLETE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION FAILURE (WHICH THEY CLAIMED TO BE UNRELATED). AFTER COMPLAINT TOLD I COULD RENT A CAR. FINALLY ABLE TO COMPLAIN MY WAY INTO A LOANER. I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS TACTIC FOR WAYS AROUND LEMON LAW LIABILITY. WAS ADVISED TO REPORT IT HERE. *TR

ODI #10515491POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, I HEARD A RATTLE FROM THE ENGINE, FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF SOMETHING RATTLING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THEN FALLING OUT. THE ENGINE DIED IMMEDIATELY AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER. AFTER THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR THEY FOUND THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS FAULTY AND IT CAUSED THE WATER PUMP PULLEY TO COME OFF AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD, VALVES, COVER, WATER PUMP, AND TIMING BELT, IN ADDITION TO THE WATER PUMP PULLEY FALLING OFF. THE DEALER THEN TOLD ME THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND THAT THEY HAD MADE THE SAME REPAIR TO SEVERAL OTHER MODELS IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY ADVISED THERE WAS AN UPDATED WATER PUMP PART THAT HAD COMPONENTS MADE OF METAL RATHER THAN PLASTIC TO WITHSTAND THE ENGINE HEAT, WHICH WAS WHAT CAUSED MY WATER PUMP TO FAIL. ADDITIONALLY, MY VEHICLE WAS IN FOR A REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT DAYS EARLIER AND THE DEALER NEGLECTED TO CHECK THE WATER PUMP OR ADVISE ME THAT IT MIGHT BE FAULTY, EVEN THOUGH THEY KNEW AND ADMITTED LATER TO IT BEING A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. *TR

ODI #10514757STRUCTURE1 INJURY

THE HATCHBACK EDGES ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLES HAVE A KNIFE POINT THAT IS JUST UNDER SIX FEET OFF THE GROUND. UNLOADING THE CAR IN THE GARAGE I MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE AND SUFFERED A PAINFUL PUNCTURE WOUND ON TOP OF MY HEAD. I FELL TO THE GROUND AND THE WOUND BLED PROFUSELY. THESE EDGES NEEDED TO BE ROUNDED OFF OR OTHERWISE BLUNTED. *TR

ODI #10514288VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCRASH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED THEN CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 08/15/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR STUCK WHEN HE BACKED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY ON INCLINE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF AFTER GOING DOWN AN INCLINE AND AROUND THE CORNER.

ODI #10511389FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

FUEL PUMP FAILURE AT 7200 MILES (DESPITE USING DIESEL FUEL) RESULTING IN SHARDS OF METAL IN THE FUEL SYSTEM AND INABILITY TO DRIVE CAR, HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER LOOKING AT THE WEB, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN A NEWER TDI ENGINE. *TR

ODI #10510419AIR BAGS,STRUCTURECRASH1 INJURY

I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY IN DALLAS. THERE WAS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA TWO LANES TO THE LEFT OF ME. HE APPARENTLY WANTED TO TAKE AN EXIT THAT WAS RAPIDLY COMING UP. HE HAD A DRESSER IN THE BED SO HE ASKED HIS WIFE IF IT WAS CLEAR TO CUT ACROSS ALL 5 LANES TO TAKE THE EXIT. I WAS TWO LANES OVER AND REAR ENDED HIM. HE BRAKE WHEN HE SAW ME AND I HAD LITTLE TIME TO REACT, SO I HIT HIM FRONT DISTRIBUTED TO REAR DISTRIBUTED. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I'VE BEEN A POLICE OFFICER FOR 17 YEARS AND A FIREFIGHTER EVEN LONGER AND KNOW HOW AIR BAGS WORK. SINCE I ESSENTIALLY REAR ENDED HIM, I KNOW I TRIPPED MORE THAN ONE AIRBAG SENSOR AT A TIME. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I ENDED UP WITH A CARDIAC BRUISE AND UPPER JOINT INJURIES. I CALLED VW CUSTOMER CARE AND SENT THEM PICTURES OF THE CAR. THEY THINK I WENT UNDER HIS TRUCK AND THAT'S WHY THE BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HIS TRUCK WAS STOCK WITH NO LIFT KIT OR ANYTHING, SO I WOULD HOPE MY BAGS WOULD DEPLOY, BUT THEY DIDN'T. I KNOW WE NOW TRACK IF A VEHICLE'S HEIGHT HAD BEEN ALTERERD ON ACCIDENT REPORTS IN TEXAS. I HAVE A FEW PICTURES OF THE CAR.

ODI #10507390POWER TRAIN

VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. STARTED MOTOR AND PLACE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE. A LOUD CLUNK NOISE WAS HEARD BUT BACKING UP WAS OK. THEN PLACED VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND THE SAME NOISE WAS HEARD AGAIN. THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO OPERATE ONLY IN THE TOP [HIGH] GEAR MODE. IT DOES NOT AUTO SHIFT THROUGH THE FULL GEAR RANGE. DRIVES FORWARD IN TOP GEAR ONLY. *TR

ODI #10491554POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

ON 12/24/2012, RETURNING FROM A RESTAURANT WITH MY FAMILY, I HEARD A BANG AND MY ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AT 35 MPH. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND ROLL OFF THE STREET. I FOUND OUT ON 12/26 THAT MY WATER PUMP HAD FALLEN APART, DESTROYING MY TIMING BELT AND ENGINE HEAD. SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH THE BUILD DATE OF MY CAR HAVE EXPERIENCED WATER PUMP FAILURES THAT DESTROY THE TIMING BELT AND CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURES. LUCKILY, I WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. VW CLAIMS TO NOT KNOW ABOUT "A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM." I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT NO SUPERSEDED PART IS BEING INSTALLED; THE SAME WATER PUMP PART IS BEING PUT BACK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEAD, PUMP, BELT, MISC BOLTS, ETC. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY SAFETY THAT THIS INCIDENT WILL RE-OCCUR. HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?5854747-CONSOLIDATED-WATER-PUMP-FAILURE-THREAD HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?5813173-GOLF-R-WATER-PUMP-MADNESS!!!! *TR

ODI #10489003FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE CAR IS A 2012 VW GOLF TDI, PURCHASED AROUND APRIL OF 2012. IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 7500 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I WAS ON A SHORT DRIVE TO THE STORE AND BACK (5 MILES ROUND TRIP FROM HOME). ON THE WAY BACK, I HEARD A METAL GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND NOTICED A LACK OF POWER. I TURNED OFF THE RADIO TO CONFIRM THAT THE SOUND WAS COMING FROM MY NEW CAR AND IT WAS. AT THE NEXT STOP LIGHT, THE CAR DIED AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. I CONFIRMED THAT I STILL HAD DIESEL FUEL, AND SURE ENOUGH, I STILL HAD 1/4 TANK. SO I WAS NOT OUT OF FUEL. THE ENGINE WOULD CRANK, BUT NOT START. THANKFULLY THIS HAPPENED AT A STOP LIGHT INSTEAD OF ON THE HILLY INTERSTATE I TAKE TO WORK 20 MILES EACH DAY. ASIDE FROM HEARING THE METAL GRINDING SOUND FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS, I HAD NO WARNING. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER TOOK A FEW DAYS TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY FUEL PUMP. APPARENTLY, THE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED AND SHOT METAL SHARDS THROUGH MY ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. IT TOOK THE DEALER WELL OVER A WEEK TO REPLACE EVERY COMPONENT AND THE COST OF LABOR AND PARTS WAS OVER $10,000. THANKFULLY, VW COVERED THE REPAIR AS BEING UNDER WARRANTY. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH CONFIRMED THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER VW DIESEL ENGINES HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY, THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. BASED ON REPORTS I HAVE SEEN ONLINE, I CAN EXPECT ANOTHER FAILURE ANY DAY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER AND FORCE VW TO ISSUE A RECALL. I HAVE OWNED 5 VOLKSWAGENS IN THE PAST (OWN 2 RIGHT NOW) AND LOVE THEM, BUT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE AFTER THIS INCIDENT. *TR

ODI #10486272FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD HAD JUST SHIFTED INTO 4TH GEAR CAME UP TO A RED LIGHT. I PRESSING IN THE CLUTCH AND STARTED TO SLOW DOWN STILL IN 4TH GEAR. THE RED LIGHT TURNED GREEN BEFORE I COULD SLOW DOWN MUCH AT ALL. I RELEASED THE CLUTCH WHEN I DID THIS THE ENGINE AND RPM INCREASED. I WAS STILL IN 4TH GEAR AND HARDLY ACCELERATING BUT IT FELT AS THOUGH I WAS IN SECOND GEAR. I KINDA FREAKED AND LOOKED TO MAKE SURE I WAS IN 4TH AND I WAS.THE CAR BEGAN TO RUN NORMAL SO I JUST BRUSHED IT OFF. I CAME TO ANOTHER RED LIGHT AND MADE A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND FLASH THE ORANGE COIL LOOKING LIGHT. IT COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. MY BROTHER CAME AND HELPED ME PUSH IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *TR

ODI #10480604ENGINE

AT 2766 MILES I WAS CRUISING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON. THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE, I PULLED OFF TO THE SHOULDER, CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THE WATER PUMP SEIZED AND SERIOUSLY DAMAGED THE ENGINE. I WENT TO LOOK AND THERE WAS A BIG HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. HE TOLD ME THEY HAD TO ORDER NEW PISTON HEADS, RODS, ETC... BASICALLY, NEEDED TO REBUILD THE ENGINE. SPEAKING TO THE MECHANIC ACTUALLY WORKING ON THE CAR, HE SAID IT WOULD PROBABLY NEED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THEY QUICKLY REALIZED REPAIR WASN'T POSSIBLE AND HAD A NEW ENGINE EN ROUTE. AFTER A LITTLE SEARCHING ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO AT LEAST 5 OTHERS (THERE ARE MORE NOW). IT SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE WATER PUMP PULLEY. I AM MOST CONCERNED BECAUSE VW DENIED THEY HAD EVER HEARD OF THIS. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE WILL NOT SUFFER THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

ODI #10472079FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

FUEL PUMP FAILURE, RANDOM POWER CUT OUT DUE TO FAULT MODE. SYSTEM FLASHES A GLOW PLUG LIGHT INSTEAD OF A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOT SIGNALING A OBVIOUS FAILURE. *TR

ODI #10470560FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ENGINE

AT 6,519 MILES, WHILE ABOUT TO ENTER THE ON-RAMP OF A LOCAL HIGHWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND GLOW PLUG INDICATOR LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I WAS ABLE TO VEER OFF THE ENTRANCE RAMP AND CONTINUE DOWN THE DOWN TO THE NEAREST SAFE PARKING LOT AREA; AS I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AREA, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. IT WOULD NOT RE-START, AND WE HAD TO ARRANGE FOR A TOW TO A FAMILY MEMBERS HOUSE THROUGH OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. IN THE MORNING WE HAD A TOW TO OUR DEALER SET UP THROUGH VOLKSWAGEN ROADSIDE SERVICE, WHO WOULD NOT COVER THE ENTIRE COST OF THE TOW TO OUR PREFERRED DEALER, SO WE PAID THE DIFFERENCE OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET. I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER THAT THE FUEL PUMP (COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS HPFP) BASICALLY IMPLODED AND SENT METAL THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM, WHICH NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WE OWN TWO VOLKSWAGEN DIESEL (TDI) VEHICLES; THIS ONE, A 2012 GOLF TDI, AND A 2010 JETTA TDI. THEY ARE BOTH FILLED UP AT THE EXACT SAME PUMP FROM THE EXACT SAME STATION ABOUT 99% OF THE TIME. AT THE TIME THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE GOLF HAD 281 MILES ON THE CURRENT TANK OF DIESEL WHICH WAS FILLED UP ON 08/03/2012. I FILLED UP MY JETTA TDI AT THE SAME PUMP ON 08/06/2012, CURRENTLY HAVE OVER 230 MILES ON THAT TANK OF DIESEL, AND HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS. WE KEEP METICULOUS DOCUMENTATION OF OUR DIESEL USAGE, COST, ETC. WITH RECEIPTS AND OTHER LOGS, AND CAN SAFELY STATE THAT THIS WAS NOT DUE TO A MISTAKE ON OUR PART. RATHER, THIS IS A DESIGN FAILURE AND/OR OVERSIGHT ON THE PART OF BOTH VOLKSWAGEN AND BOSCH, THE HPFP MANUFACTURER. I AM A VETERAN MEMBER OF THE TDICLUB VW DIESEL ONLINE COMMUNITY, AND THERE IS EXTENSIVE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION THERE OF THESE REPEATED FAILURES. PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING THREADS FOR INFORMATION; HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=286380, HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=299854. *TR

ODI #10470073POWER TRAIN

LEAVING A PARKING LOT, PUT THE GEAR INTO REVERSE AND WAS GOING FORWARD. PUT THE GEAR IN PARKING 3 X AND BACK TO REVERSE 3 X, BUT STILL GOING FORWARD. COULDN'T TURN OFF THE ENGINE. OPENED THE DOOR, AND AFTER MAYBE 10 MINUTES WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, GAVE IT A MINUTE AND THEN USE THE REVERSE GEAR AND IT WORKED. *TR

ODI #10461255ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

WATER COMES TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE GAP BETWEEN THE LOWER EDGE OF THE PLASTIC INTERIOR DOOR PANEL AND THE METAL DOOR. THIS LEAK NOW OCCURS ON THE RIGHT REAR DOOR OF THIS 2012 VW GOLF. ON OTHER DOORS, WATER COMES OUT THROUGH THE PURPOSELY DESIGNED DRAIN HOLES ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE DOOR, AND THUS WATER DOES NOT COME INTO THE INTERIOR. THIS INCORRECT WATER FLOW INSIDE THE RIGHT REAR DOOR MAY CAUSE BODY DAMAGE AND ELECTRICAL HAZARD. WHEN I SPRAY LOW PRESSURE WATER TO THE BELT LINE AT A SELF CAR WASH BAY TO REPLICATE RAIN, WATER COMES OUT THROUGH THE GAP BETWEEN THE LOWER EDGE OF THE PLASTIC INTERIOR DOOR PANEL AND THE METAL DOOR AT A RATE FASTER THAN ONE DROP PER SECOND. PICTURES AND VIDEO LINK ARE HERE: HTTP://WWW.GOLF-6.COM/WERKSTATT/12132-IST-DIESES-WASSER-LECK-VON-VW-DESIGN.HTML. THE SAME KIND OF WATER LEAK OCCURRED ON THE LEFT FRONT DOOR OF MY 2011 VW GOLF. IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY IN 2011. THE CAUSE WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE SEALS INSIDE THE DOOR: SPEAKER SEAL, AND WINDOW LIFTER SEAL. FOR MY 2012 VW GOLF, HOWEVER, VW OF AMERICA AND VOLKSWAGEN AG ARE BEHAVING WEIRDLY. A VW DEALER SAID TO ME AFTER COMMUNICATING WITH VW OF AMERICA THAT VW DESIGNED GOLF TO LEAK WATER THAT WAY FROM MODEL YEAR 2012, WHICH IS HARD TO BELIEVE. VW OF AMERICA ADMITS THAT IT DOES NOT HAVE A VW DOCUMENT SUPPORTING THE DEALER'S CLAIM. HOWEVER, VW OF AMERICA DECLARED THAT THEY STILL SUPPORTS THE DEALER''S CLAIM. I ASKED VOLKSWAGEN AG WHETHER VW REALLY DESIGNED GOLF TO LEAK WATER THIS WAY FROM MODEL YEAR 2012. VOLKSWAGEN AG REFUSED TO ANSWER MY QUESTION FOR A STRANGE REASON: THEY WROTE THAT THEY DO NOT RESPOND TO YOUTUBE. WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE IS TO RESPOND TO A CUSTOMER'S QUESTION. THE YOUTUBE LINK WAS A SUPPLEMENTARY TOOL FOR MORE EFFICIENT COMMUNICATION. *TR

ODI #10454965ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA FAILS TO PROVIDE THEIR CUSTOMERS A FUSE DIAGRAM, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY IDENTIFY AND REPLACE A SIMPLE BLOWN FUSE. *TR WITHOUT A BASIC FUSE DIAGRAM, THE ONLY CHOICE FOR VW OWNERS NEEDING TO REPLACE A FUSE IS TO PULL FUSES ONE-BY-ONE AS THEY SEARCH FOR THE BLOWN FUSE. WITH MANY UNUSED SLOTS, SHOULD A FUSE BE INADVERTENTLY REPLACED IN THE INCORRECT SLOT, A CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM SUCH AS BRAKE LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, ABS BRAKE CONTROL, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, HORN, ETC. CAN BE ACCIDENTALLY DISABLED WITHOUT ANY IMMEDIATE KNOWLEDGE ON THE PART OF THE OWNER. THIS HAPPENED IN MY CASE WHEN I WAS TRYING TO LOCATE THE 12-VOLT ACCESSORY FUSE. ALL OTHER AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURES PROVIDE FUSE ASSIGNMENT DIAGRAMS EITHER IN THEIR OWNER'S MANUALS OR, MORE TYPICALLY, ON THE BACK OF THE FUSE COMPARTMENT COVERS. THIS ENABLES THE OWNER TO QUICKLY IDENTIFY THE CORRECT FUSE, PULL AND INSPECT IT, AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW FUSE. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA'S CORPORATE OFFICE AND SPOKE WITH A SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND CEO WHO WAS UNWILLING TO GIVE ME ANY EXPLANATION WHATSOEVER WHY VW REFUSES TO PROVIDE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. VW'S ADVICE IS TO "SHINE A FLASHLIGHT ON THE END OF THE FLAT FUSE AND TRY TO DETERMINE WHICH ONE IS BLOWN." IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO IDENTIFY A BLOWN FUSE IN THIS MANNER. SINCE THIS REPRESENTS A VERY REAL POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD TO EACH AND EVERY VW OWNER WHO NEEDS TO REPLACE A FUSE, NHTSA SHOULD IMMEDIATELY ISSUE A RECALL ON ALL VW MODELS, GOING BACK TO THE DATE VW INSTITUTED THIS ILL-ADVISED POLICY. NHTSA SHOULD REQUIRE THE COMPANY TO PLACE FUSE ASSIGNMENT DIAGRAMS ON THE INTERIOR OF THE FUSE BOXES. THIS WILL IMMEDIATELY AND COMPLETELY CORRECT THIS SAFETY DEFECT.

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

CriticalEGR issue detected

Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines

CriticalTIMING CHAIN issue detected

Valve and piston damage — timing chain/belt failure causes immediate catastrophic engine damage at any speed

HighFUEL PUMP issue detected

Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways

HighABS issue detected

Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for VOLKSWAGEN Golf — recall years marked in red
0611050100201820162015201920122014201620182020202220242026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 48 total NHTSA complaints filed over 12 years, with the worst year being 2013 (11 complaints, including 3 crash reports).

The amber reliability line averaged 97/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 88/100 in 2013.

The red dashed lines mark recall issuance — the first recall came 3 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2 years (2013, 2021) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage

2 known programs match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN

VERIFY WITH DEALEREXTENDED WARRANTYTSA 23BE
VW/Audi 2.0T TSI Timing Chain Extended Coverage
Engine – 2.0T TSI Timing Chain Tensioner / Chain
COVERAGE:10 years / 100,000 miles (extended under Technical Service Bulletin)

EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 2.0T TSI engines suffer from premature timing chain wear caused by a faulty chain tensioner. The symptom is a rattling noise on cold start. VW and Audi extended coverage for the timing chain system and issued revised parts under Technical Service Action 23BE.

HOW TO CLAIM: Contact VW or Audi dealer with your VIN. Reference TSA 23BE / TSB 2011-01-11. If outside coverage, the repair involves replacing the chain, tensioner, and guides — typically $1,500–$2,500 at an independent specialist.
VERIFY WITH DEALEREXTENDED WARRANTY
VW/Audi DSG 7-Speed (DQ200) Extended Warranty Program
Transmission – DQ200 7-Speed Dry DSG
COVERAGE:5 years / 60,000 miles (extended program — verify with dealer)

The DQ200 dry 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission exhibits shuddering, jerking, bucking at low speeds, and mechatronic unit failures. VW acknowledged widespread issues and extended coverage on the mechatronic unit and clutch pack under a customer satisfaction program.

HOW TO CLAIM: Visit a VW or Audi dealer and request mechatronic unit inspection and DSG software update 0AM. If shuddering or harsh engagement persists after the software update, the mechatronic unit or clutch pack should be replaced under warranty.

Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.

Details & Analysis
Financial

Repair Cost Intelligence

Estimated repair costs for known VOLKSWAGEN Golf defects — quantify your risk in dollars

EmissionsHigh
$0–$2,500
2–8 hrs labor

TDI diesel Dieselgate

VW/EPA consent decree buyback and fix program concluded in 2019. Affected 2.0L vehicles were either bought back or received the approved emissions modification. Verify fix was applied before purchase.

Estimates based on RepairPal averages, ASE mechanic surveys, and NHTSA investigation data. Actual costs vary by region and shop.

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$2,350
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$2,400
Annual Maintenance
14-yr-old vehicle avg
$0
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$32,750

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$50,864
~$848/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$11,750
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$9,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$17,500
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $50,864 (~$848/mo). Repair risk buffer is elevated due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

6 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$3,000
Active or settled class action lawsuit for this model−$1,800
5 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$2,000
Total recommended deduction−$6,800

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

2 critical inspection items must be resolved before purchase. Do not skip these checks.
CRITICAL
Verify this vehicle has received the EPA-approved emissions fix or was bought back
VW TDI Dieselgate vehicles without the EPA fix may fail emissions in California, NY, and other CARB states. Confirm modification was performed at a VW dealer and obtain written documentation.
CRITICAL
Verify Takata airbag recall has been completed
Takata inflators can rupture and send shrapnel into the cabin — fatalities have occurred. Confirm repair with NHTSA VIN lookup before purchase.
HIGH
Inspect for egr issue detected — ask for repair records
Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HIGH
Inspect for timing chain issue detected — ask for repair records
Valve and piston damage — timing chain/belt failure causes immediate catastrophic engine damage at any speed
HIGH
Inspect for fuel pump issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
HIGH
Have a specialist inspect: Volkswagen Dieselgate
Volkswagen Dieselgate: TDI engines equipped with defeat device software to cheat EPA emissions tests
HIGH
Have a specialist inspect: VW settled with US owners for $14.7 billion — one of the largest auto class action settlements in history
VW settled with US owners for $14.7 billion — one of the largest auto class action settlements in history
HIGH
Have a specialist inspect: Affected owners received buyback offers and extended emissions warranty
Affected owners received buyback offers and extended emissions warranty
HIGH
Verify recall UNKNOWN OR OTHER has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 E
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans a
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL has been repaired
Recall on record for: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS,SEATS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: SERVICE BRAKES
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

27%
18-month
47%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 47%

27% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
  • Active class action lawsuit — legal pressure often accelerates recalls

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for WVWAB7AJXCW219063. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,450–$1,850/yr
~$121–$154/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
14-year-old vehicle: −18% (depreciated ACV lowers full-coverage cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

VOLKSWAGEN has been fined $19000M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2017: Criminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate.

2016$14700MDieselgate settlement — defeat device software in TDI engines to cheat EPA emissions tests
2017$4300MCriminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate

Safer Alternatives to Consider

Based on the risk level of this 2012 VOLKSWAGEN Golf, these Similar Vehicle Class alternatives have significantly better safety records

2017–2022 Toyota equivalent classNO CLASS ACTIONS

Toyota models consistently rank in the bottom quartile for NHTSA complaint density across all segments

2018–2022 Honda equivalent classNO CLASS ACTIONS

Honda models have below-average recall rates and no known systemic powertrain defects in recent years

2016–2022 Mazda equivalent classNO CLASS ACTIONS

Mazda has the industry's lowest complaint-per-vehicle rate in multiple consecutive NHTSA reporting years

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINWVWAB7AJXCW219063
Model Year2012
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelGolf
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors2
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionManual/Standard

Engine

Engine Cylinders5
Displacement (L)2.480000
Horsepower170

Manufacturer

ManufacturerVOLKSWAGEN AG
Assembly CityWOLFSBURG
Assembly CountryGERMANY

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)WVW
Check Digit (Char 9)X
Model Year Code (Char 10)C
Plant Code (Char 11)W
Sequence (Chars 12–17)219063

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count6
NHTSA Complaint Count48

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

W
1
V
2
W
3
A
4
B
5
7
6
A
7
J
8
X
9
C
10
W
11
2
12
1
13
9
14
0
15
6
16
3
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
W
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
V
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
W
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
AB7AJ
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
X
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
C
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
W
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
219063
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Germany
From VIN position 1 (W)
Model Year Character
"C" → 2012
Could also be 1982
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/2/2026, 3:26:30 AM.