2019 Volkswagen E-golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).
The original Golf Mk1 was a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling models, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019.
Initially, most Golfs were 3-door hatchbacks. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979–2002, Cabriolet, 2011–present), and a Golf-based saloon, called the Jetta, Vento (from 1992) or Bora (from 1999). The Golf covers economy to high-performance market segments.
The Golf has won awards, including the World Car of the Year in 2009, with the Mk6 and in 2013 with the Mk7. Along with the Renault Clio and the Vauxhall Astra, the Golf is one of only three cars to have won European Car of the Year twice, in 1992 and 2013. The Golf has made the annual Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times. The Mk7 won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2015, and the Mk1 GTI also won the award in 1985. The Mk4 won for the best-selling car in Europe in 2001.
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Common 2019 Volkswagen E-golf problems
The Volkswagen e-Golf, a fully electric vehicle produced from 2014 to 2020, has faced several common problems, particularly in earlier models. Here are the most serious issues reported by owners:
- Charging Equipment Problems: Some owners have reported difficulties with the onboard charging system, including slow charging or charging failure. This issue can be inconvenient and potentially hinder the vehicle's usability, especially for those who rely on the e-Golf for daily commuting.
- Infotainment Glitches: The e-Golf's infotainment system has occasionally shown signs of malfunction, such as freezing or failure to boot up. While not a critical safety issue, these glitches can be frustrating for drivers and passengers alike.
- Brake System Concerns: A few reports have mentioned problems with the brake system, including noise and less responsive braking. This issue can affect the overall driving experience and potentially compromise the vehicle's safety.
- Front Assist Problems: Volkswagen's collision avoidance technology, Front Assist, has been detected to falsely detect objects that don't exist, causing the system to suddenly apply the brakes.
- Recall Issues: The standard Golf of this period, which could also affect the e-Golf, has had three recalls issued for issues such as a programming issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit, door child locks disengaging without driver knowledge, and front-wheel bearing housings with insufficient hardness. These recalls address safety concerns and should be rectified before purchasing a used e-Golf.
Despite these issues, the Volkswagen e-Golf has generally proven to be a reliable electric vehicle, especially in later model years. With improvements made over time, Volkswagen has addressed earlier issues, leading to a more dependable and well-rounded vehicle. However, it is essential to be aware of these potential concerns when considering one of the Volkswagen e-Golf years to avoid.
How reliable is the VW e-Golf?
Reliability Survey, the e-Golf managed an impressive third-place finish out of 14 cars in the electric car category. As a brand, Volkswagen came 22nd out of 32 manufacturers featured.
Why did Volkswagen stop making the e-Golf?
At the time, VW also confirmed that it wasn't looking into coming out with a new version of the e-Golf with the Mk 8 Golf, as the brand was looking to expand on its ID lineup of EVs. While VW was quick to discontinue the e-Golf to switch its focus to ID-badged EVs, the model could be making a comeback in the future.
What is the battery life of the 2019 e-Golf?
125 miles
The 2019 Volkwagen eGolf, now in its second generation, is offered in two trims: SE and SEL Premium. Both models are powered by a 134-horsepower equivalent (100kW) electric motor that draws from a 35.8 kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack. When fully charged it can travel 125 miles.
What is the battery warranty on the 2019 e-Golf?
The battery has a limited warranty that covers eight years or 100,000 miles (whichever occurs first).
2019 Volkswagen E-golf car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen E-golf problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Volkswagen E-golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2019 Volkswagen E-golf complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Volkswagen E-golf.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-25
- VIN: WVWKR7AU6KW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The charging pin actuator fails, preventing the vehicle from charging. This was confirmed by the dealer. I had brought the vehicle in multiple times before for the same symptoms.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-06
- VIN: WVWKR7AU7KW
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car would not start and gave a "Error: Electrical system. Stop!" Warning in the dash. Volkswagen tells me it needs a battery replacement.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WVWKR7AU8KW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR WAS LAST DRIVEN 9/16/2020 AROUND 5:30PM. IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 90 MILES LEFT AS AN ESTIMATED BATTERY CHARGE. IT WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. ON 9/17 3:20PM OR SO I WALKED OUT OF MY HOUSE AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I OPENED THE CAR DOOR AND HEARD AN ALERT AND THE DISPLAY SAID ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ERROR. I TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF A FEW TIMES, NOTICED A LIGHT SMELL INSIDE THE CAR. I CONTINUED TO GET THE ELECTRICAL ERROR MESSAGE. I CALLED FOR VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, TOOK THE CAR SEATS OUT, AND WHILE WAITING TO BE CONNECTED TO ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE I HEARD A SMALL POP SOUND AND A LITTLE SMOKE COME FROM THE HOOD AREA. MY HUSBAND CALLED 9-1-1. WITHIN ABOUT 5 MINUTES, WE HEARD MORE POPPING, SAW MORE SMOKE, AND THEN SAW FLAMES COMING FROM BENEATH THE CAR. A FIRE ENGINE ARRIVED AND WORKED ON PUTTING OUT THE FIRE. THE BATTERY HEATED/SMOKED/FLARED UP FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS UNTIL IT WAS DEEMED SAFELY OUT, AND FIREFIGHTERS LEFT. AS OF NOW, 3:30PM ON 9/18/2020, THERE ARE STILL FLARE UPS ON THE BATTERY AND IT IS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS INVESTIGATION AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Negative 2019 Volkswagen E-golf car reviews
Positive 2019 Volkswagen E-golf car reviews
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Hi there! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your 2016 SE as a commuter! It's great to hear that you're impressed with the acceleration and the spacious interior. It's also fantastic that you're getting around 100 miles range and that the Level 1 charger is working well for you. I can understand that there may be some glitches with the iPhone app and carnet software, but it's good to hear that they have some nice features. Thanks for sharing your experience with us! If you ever need any help or advice, don't hesitate to reach out.
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I purchased this car about a year and a half ago and I have absolutely fallen in love with it. It handles incredibly well around corners and the acceleration is impressively fast, giving me tons of confidence when making turns on busy roads. Using this car for all of our local trips has saved us thousands of dollars. I can honestly say that driving any gas-powered car is now a disappointment. However, there are a few points to keep in mind. Firstly, this car is a commuter car and is not designed for long journeys. We use it to commute to work every day, run errands, and for weekend fun around town. Think of it like a pair of comfortable everyday shoes: you can wear the same pair every day, they are comfortable, they do their job, they are stylish, but you might not want to wear them for everything. Let them be your everyday shoes that you love, but don't get mad when you realize they don't work for running marathons or climbing mountains. Secondly, you have to get used to the EV lifestyle. You need to get used to plugging in your car pretty much every night (depending on your commute) to make sure you have enough charge to go wherever you need to go. However, planning ahead can save you tons of pain. Know what you're doing the next day so you can map out how far you're going. What is the distance to and from? Does your destination have a charger? Should you throw your charger in the trunk to plug in? Did you plug in the distance into Google maps before heading out? Are there any fast chargers near my destination in case I need a little more juice? Little things like that have saved me a lot of trouble. And stopping for a quick charge really isn't a huge nuisance if you factor in all that time you don't spend at the gas pump anymore. I would say that 90% of my trips I don't even need to think about charging, I can go and come back without even thinking; I can go about 130-150km on a full charge.However, planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to taking advantage of charging stations and going a little further. By doing a few minutes of research the day before, you can save yourself hours. It's important to appreciate the car for what it is: an affordable EV. While the range may not be as good as the Teslas or newer EV models coming out, this car was a fraction of the price of any other EV. At the time of purchase, it was about 60% cheaper than a used Tesla. It's also important to have access to a gas-powered car. By getting a more affordable EV, you are sacrificing range and the convenience of being able to fill up a gas tank and continue on. If you want to do a road trip, consider trading with someone who has a gas car or make sure one of your family's cars is gas-powered. Car maintenance is next to none, with only a few things to keep an eye on such as your tires, windshield wiper fluid, wipers, air filter, and brakes. All of which are easily done by yourself. This car saves you time and money in more ways than most people realize.There are routine inspections that you can do with a VW dealership every 10,000km. Although it costs $200-300, it is still a fraction compared to the maintenance costs of any gas car (oil changes, brakes, belts, tubes, clips, fluids, anything else that breaks down, etc). The regenerative braking system is amazing. Once you get used to what VW calls 'B Mode', which is the strongest version of this car's regenerative braking modes, you won't be able to go back. This car can stop/slow down much quicker than most cars which is not only safer, but makes driving a whole new experience. The second you take your foot off the accelerator, the car starts slowing down quite rapidly. I've actually driven a Tesla before and I like the e-golf version better, I find it less aggressive and more smooth. This has saved me from accidents and also just becomes a new, natural, smoother way to drive. No more head bobs from pressing the brake too soft or heavy. The fact that it absorbs the energy and puts it back into the battery is just a bonus. Overall, I love this car.
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When using the heater, it will drain the battery and reduce the range to around 60 miles. To improve my mileage, I turn off the heater and use regeneration stage 1 when I'm not accelerating in traffic. The only other high voltage battery usage is for the AC. If I need more time on the battery while driving around town, I slow down. That's why this car gives more miles in the city than on the highway. Currently, my only issue is the battery capacity, but I plan to buy a car with better battery capacity soon.
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Congratulations on your new car! I'm glad to hear that you're adjusting well to your first electric vehicle. Charging can be a bit of a learning curve, but it sounds like you're getting the hang of it. It must be a relief to not have to go to the gas station anymore! I understand your initial concerns about the car being discontinued, but it's great that you were able to take advantage of the mark downs and tax credits. Plus, since it shares many parts with other Golf models that will still be in production, you can rest assured that you'll be able to find replacement parts if needed. And with amazing torque, it sounds like you're in for a fun ride! Enjoy your new car!
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Great value! It's comfortable, economical, and feels very solid. The acceleration is incredible and the visibility is great. Plus, the sound system is really nice.
Other years of Volkswagen E-golf
Are you having problems with your 2019 Volkswagen E-golf?
Hilbert Heidenreich 2025-09-03
I purchased (leased) this car brand new and drove it for three years, putting approximately 36,000 miles on it. The car has many pros, including its amazing appearance, smooth driving experience, and excellent functionality. It possesses all the benefits of the Golf, such as exceptional handling, comfortable seating in both the front and back, a great view of the road, and a surprising amount of space for both passengers and cargo. You don't realize how well-balanced this car is until you compare it to almost any other car. The electric charging feature saved me a significant amount of money. Additionally, the car was very reliable. However, there were some cons. The range was a little over 80 miles in the summer and under 60 miles in the winter, even with the heater frequently turned off. As this was my only car, the limited range was a significant, lifestyle-altering issue. Fortunately, fast chargers began popping up in Portland during my ownership, which made life a bit easier. The charging cord melted, and it took several days to replace it under warranty. It was also frustrating to have to take the car for maintenance every 10K miles and get charged dealership fees for a simple electric check. About two years in, I attempted to sell the car, but the leasing agreement made the process extremely difficult, and I eventually gave up. VW Credit was a pain from beginning to end. At the end of the lease, they charged me a $350 fee for returning the vehicle, which felt like they had me by the neck from the time I signed the agreement. They were going to take advantage of me and didn't care if I would be a returning customer. If you meet the following conditions, I highly recommend this car: it is the second car in your household, you avoid VW Credit, you install a Level 2 Charger at your home, and you live in an area that is friendly towards electric vehicles. If you meet these conditions, I think you will LOVE this car!
Junior Feest 2025-07-12
I really enjoyed driving the e-Golf! It exceeded my expectations with its handling and acceleration, making it a cute and agile option for both city roads and highways. Plus, the prospect of only paying $1.4 for my 45-mile daily commute is very promising. However, I wouldn't recommend this model year to others due to a few pain points. Firstly, the CarNet service, which allows you to lock/unlock the car, activate A/C, and manage charging schedules, has never been able to communicate with my car. This renders the service completely useless. Secondly, the delay charging feature, which is essential for utilizing the low electric rate in California, often fails to work. This has resulted in me waking up to an uncharged battery and having to drive with ECO+ mode, which turns off the AC/Heater and can be quite uncomfortable. Despite these issues, I still think the e-Golf is a great car.
Torey Yost 2025-06-22
Congratulations on your new car! Although it may not have the best gas mileage for Los Angeles, it handles beautifully and can easily go over potholes and bumps. I understand your concerns about the distance and charging, but I'm sure with regular charging you'll be able to make it to work and back. Thank you for sharing your experience and I hope you continue to enjoy your car!
Freddie Johnston 2025-03-18
I purchased an e-golf in 2016 as an early adopter. While the reviews were accurate in that it has limited range, it is still a good drive. I had confidence in the quality of the manufacturer, but unfortunately, I experienced several charging issues over the years. Thankfully, my local dealership resolved the problems under warranty after several visits. However, just after the 5-year warranty expired with only 30,000 miles on the clock, my e-golf stopped charging and the dealership recommended a $4,000 fix. Unfortunately, even after the fix, the car still won't charge. While electric cars are known for requiring little maintenance, it seems that they are not very serviceable. If you encounter problems, the dealerships may not know how to fix them and may ask you to pay for expensive replacement parts that may not even solve the problem. VW of America may not stand behind the quality of their vehicles, and if you have a problem car (even after just 5 years), you may have to keep throwing money at it or scrap it. It's important to be aware of these issues before purchasing an electric vehicle.
Sidney Spinka 2025-02-01
Despite encountering some issues with my car, I am confident that it will be resolved soon. After experiencing an electronic error, I had to have it towed to a dealership 3 miles away. Although the only person who could work on it quit, I remained optimistic and took it to a dealership in Denver. While they were unable to diagnose the issue, they sent it to Oxnard for further inspection. Although I am still waiting for updates on my car's status, I am confident that it will be resolved soon. I have come across similar complaints on forums, but I trust that my car will be fixed and I will be able to sell it.