Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Recalls (2015-2019)
The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen has been the subject of 9 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA across the 2015 to 2019 model years. They cluster mostly around the electrical system, steering, and fuel system. At least one is serious enough that NHTSA tells owners to stop driving the vehicle until it is fixed.
The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen scores 9 out of 100 (grade F), one of the heavier recall records among the vehicles we track. That score reflects how serious the recalls are rather than how many. 89% involve a critical safety system, 1 carried a do-not-drive warning, and 22% were issued in the last three years. How the score works.
Those 9 campaigns span 5 model years of the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. The single largest affected 10,225 vehicles, over service brakes. Some carry a do-not-drive warning, the most serious class of recall, which means NHTSA advises against driving the vehicle until the repair is done. A recall repair is free at a franchised dealer and most never expire, so an older open recall is still worth fixing. Beyond recalls, you can also see the most common Golf SportWagen problems owners report and its crash-test safety ratings.
The full record is below, grouped first by model year and then listed in detail. Each entry gives the defect NHTSA describes, the safety risk it creates, the manufacturer's remedy, the number of vehicles in that campaign, and the dates. A recall covers a whole production run, so a campaign listed for the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen may not apply to your exact vehicle, and one you have already had repaired will still appear in the history. To see what is actually open and unfixed on a specific car, check its 17-digit VIN.
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen recalls by model year
Recall activity by model year. Select a year to jump to its recalls below. Older years often carry more recalls simply because defects surface over time.
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen recalls by affected system
Which vehicle systems the recalls touch, using NHTSA's component groups. Select a system to see how it is recalled across every make and model.
Recalls by model year
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Recalls
5 recalls affect the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, involving the electrical system, fuel system, and tires.
2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Recalls
5 recalls affect the 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, involving the electrical system, steering, and fuel system. One carries a do-not-drive warning.
2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Recalls
4 recalls affect the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, involving the electrical system, steering, and fuel system.
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, involving the fuel system, air bags, and electrical system.
2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, involving the fuel system, unknown or other, and electrical system.
Every Volkswagen Golf SportWagen recall in detail
Select any recall to read the full defect, risk, and remedy text. Do Not Drive and Park Outside warnings stay visible without opening anything.
Fuel System
- Affected years
- 2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Vehicles in this recall
- 261,257
- Reported
- Feb 14, 2024
- Owners notified
- Jul 25, 2024
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
NHTSA campaign number 24V110000.
Electrical System
- Affected years
- 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Vehicles in this recall
- 62,538
- Reported
- Aug 30, 2023
- Owners notified
- Feb 1, 2024
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
Risk: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
NHTSA campaign number 23V604000.
Tires
- Affected years
- 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Vehicles in this recall
- 296,044
- Reported
- Oct 31, 2022
- Owners notified
- Nov 18, 2022
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audis customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
NHTSA campaign number 22V815000.
Air Bags
- Affected years
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Vehicles in this recall
- 1,216
- Reported
- Jul 27, 2022
- Owners notified
- Dec 16, 2022
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.
NHTSA campaign number 22V543000.
Unknown Or Other
- Affected years
- 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Vehicles in this recall
- 113
- Reported
- Sep 25, 2019
- Owners notified
- Nov 6, 2019
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible 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.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
NHTSA campaign number 19V679000.
Electrical System
- Affected years
- 2017-2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Vehicles in this recall
- 679,027
- Reported
- Aug 22, 2019
- Owners notified
- Nov 19, 2019
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
NHTSA campaign number 19V615000.
Suspension
- Affected years
- 2017-2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Vehicles in this recall
- 56,173
- Reported
- Mar 6, 2019
- Owners notified
- Apr 12, 2019
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
NHTSA campaign number 19V188000.
Electrical System
- Affected years
- 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Vehicles in this recall
- 33,168
- Reported
- Jul 11, 2018
- Owners notified
- Mar 19, 2019
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
NHTSA campaign number 18V464000.
Service Brakes
- Affected years
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
- Vehicles in this recall
- 10,225
- Reported
- Jun 1, 2018
- Owners notified
- Jun 29, 2018
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
NHTSA campaign number 18V369000.
Common questions about Volkswagen Golf SportWagen recalls
- Does the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA has 9 recall campaigns on record for the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen across the 2015 to 2019 model years. The most common areas are the electrical system, steering, and fuel system.
- How many times has the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen been recalled?
- The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen has 9 recall campaigns from the 2015 to 2019 model years. A single campaign often covers several model years at once, so the number of recalls is not the same as the number of years affected.
- What is the most serious Volkswagen Golf SportWagen recall?
- The most serious recall on record involves the service brakes, affecting 10,225 vehicles. NHTSA flagged it as do-not-drive, meaning owners should stop driving the vehicle until the repair is done. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Which Volkswagen Golf SportWagen model year has the most recalls?
- The 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen has the most, with 5 recall campaigns on record. Older model years often pick up more recalls over time, since defects can surface years after a car is built.
- How do I check if my Volkswagen Golf SportWagen has an open recall?
- Enter your 17-digit VIN on the recall check page. It returns the recalls tied to your exact vehicle straight from NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, with no expiration on most safety recalls.
Recall data comes from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. For how it is sourced and how the safety score is built, see the methodology and data sources. This page is a reference, not legal or safety advice.