Volkswagen Golf r problems
The Volkswagen Golf (Mk7) is a C-segment car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen. It is the seventh generation in the Golf series and the successor to the Golf Mk6. It was introduced in Berlin on 4 September 2012, before a public launch at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Sales in Europe began with the model in November 2012.
Marketed in three-door and five-door hatchback, van, and estate forms, the Golf Mk7 shares the MQB platform with the third generation Audi A3, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia.
In November 2016, Volkswagen presented a facelift of the Golf Mk7. It was replaced in December 2019 by the Golf Mk8, which is built on the MQB Evo platform. Production of the e-Golf and the Golf Variant ended in mid-2020.
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Volkswagen Golf r model years
Common Volkswagen Golf r problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Volkswagen Golf R, several common problems have been identified:
- Thermostat Housing Issues:
- The thermostat housing in the MK7.5 Volkswagen Golf R is a common problem. This part, made of plastic, is prone to cracking or warping over time due to exposure to hot engine components. Owners are advised to check coolant levels regularly to detect early signs of coolant loss, which could prevent more costly issues. Repair costs for this issue can range from £300 to £400 in parts plus 4-5 hours of labor.
- Bonnet Latch, Cable & Handle Problems:
- Components related to the bonnet latch, cable, and interior handle are known to fail in the Golf R. Signs of issues include a stiff interior bonnet handle or difficulty closing the bonnet with normal force. Repairs for these components can cost around £30 for a used cable or £40 for a new aftermarket latch, plus labor. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to avoid being stranded due to a flat battery.
- Haldex System Maintenance:
- The Haldex system in the Golf R requires regular servicing every 3 years to prevent premature wear. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to reduced traction on the drive system. The Haldex pump provides oil pressure to actuate clutches for rear-wheel drive when needed. Servicing costs for the Haldex system typically range around £99+VAT for the full job and parts.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues to ensure the longevity and performance of the Volkswagen Golf R.
Is the Volkswagen Golf R reliable?
The 2024 Volkswagen Golf R has a predicted reliability score of 73 out of 100.
Do Golf R have issues?
VW Golf R Mk7 most common problems
Excessive oil consumption – Issues with the car's PCV could result in rear crank case seals to fail, but regular valve changes should stop this happening. Turbocharger failure – This was only really an issue with earlier cars.
How long do Golf R engines last?
How long do Volkswagen Golf engines last? A well cared for Golf engine can last as long as a decade, but the average engine that's encountered heavy use and potential wear and tear through its lifespan should last at least 5 years before it develops the need for a little TLC.
Is Golf R insurance high?
A car capable of such pace is never going to be cheap to insure, but compared to similarly fast models the Golf R is surprisingly affordable. It helps that it comes with VW's range of driver assistance systems that you get with the normal Golf.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Golf r years
We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Golf r cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volkswagen Golf r model years:
- Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Volkswagen Golf r 2015
- Volkswagen Golf r 2016
- Volkswagen Golf r 2018
- Volkswagen Golf r 2022
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Golf r model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Golf r years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volkswagen Golf r car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Golf r , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Golf r vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Golf r model years
A total of 8 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Golf r model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Golf r model years
There were a total of 25 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 356 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Golf r . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Golf r vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Volkswagen Golf r 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 3VW217AUXFM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: When I turn on the ignition it says on the screen Starting system fault please service the vehicle.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 3VW4T7AU2HM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I had a suction jet pump recall due on the car. I took it to the dealer to fix. Mind you, I have never had an issue with this car ever. Now about a week later from the car being in the shop I get an engine malfunction light that comes on due to the evap system. Vw dealership of cool springs has not worked with me on this at all and it is frustrating to say the least.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-06
- VIN: 3VW5T7AU5HM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The water pump in these vehicles are known defects, with class actions resulting. My water pump has failed at less than 70k miles. This results in engine overheating and possible failure. Luckily I was able to get the car off the road.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-29
- VIN: 3VW4T7AU1HM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car has been leaking fuel for over a year. Had to pay out of pocket to get it fixed and VW refused to refund cost of repairs even though there is now a recall over a year later acknowledging the issue.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 3VW217AU3HM
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: Failure of wheel speed sensor in front right wheel. This is the THIRD time I have had a wheel speed sensor fail on this car, which has 35,000 miles on it. Failure caused loss of power steering, airbags, abs, etc.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 3VW5T7AU5HM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have gear shift trim that has peeled and is extermely sharp in my vehicle. This had led to cutting my hands multiple times while accessing the center storage compartment. This is a known issue with GTIs and other Volkswagen trim manufacturing, yet Volkswagen refuses to replace the part in my VIN. The relevant Service Action Code is 34J7.
Volkswagen Golf r 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: 3VW917AU0FM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I was driving to my grandparents house and once i got to the house there was gasoline dripping from the back of car, from the area of the tank. "61821 SE VERIFICO UNIDAD CON LIQUEO DE GASOLINA , SE VERIFICO Y SE ENCONTRO CHARCOL CANISTER LLENO DE GASOLINA , SE HIZO TEST PLAN Y SE ENCONTRO VALVULA INTERNA DEL TANQUE DE LA GASOLINA TRANCADA Y ESTO OCASIONANDO LIQUEO DE GASOLINA , SE REMOVIO Y SE INSTALO TANQUE DE GASOLINA NUEVO Y CANISTER DE LOS GASES NUEVO Y VALVULA N80 NUEVA Y SE LIMPIARON TODAS LAS LINES DEL SISTEMA , SE HIZO TEST Y NO PRESENTO LIQUEO DE GASOLINA" - Mecanic
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-13
- VIN: 3VW117AU1HM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact became aware that the fuel had been consumed extremely quickly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 3VW4T7AU8HM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Starting January 2023, I had issues putting fuel in my car (symptoms align with the recall issued this year). I took it to VW and paid their diagnostic fee for them to say there’s nothing wrong with the car (approx. $170) continued to drive the car and eventually due to the issue, my fuel pump went out and I had to replace it. (See attached image). This time, I took the car to a local mechanic who charged a $100 diagnostic fee. All of this was prior to the recall this year and I am hoping for reimbursement on everything I spent trying to resolve this issue.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-30
- VIN: 3VW217AU4HM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: July 30,2024 I own a Golf 2017. My suction jet pump has failed. I cannot drive my car because I can't put gas into it. I need my car for work. The recall does not have the part available and it seems there hasn't been a part to fix this for a very long time. I'm really at a loss. What are my next steps? Should I report this to the Better Business Bureau? So far I've been on Volkswagen Of America's phone wait for 40 minutes. I've already taken my car to a dealership to have this problem verified. There were no warning messages.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-30
- VIN: 3VW217AU3HM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: On July 7, 2024, the fuel tank system on my car (2017 VW Golf) failed. I was unable to pump gas into the gas tank. Upon arrival back to my house, gas started leaking out of the backside of the car near the gas tank (I later found out from the VW service manager it was leaking out of the charcoal canister). I had the car towed ($173) to a local VW dealership the next morning, 7/8/24. It is now 7/30/24 and the car is still not fixed. I was without a car for two and a half weeks (7/7 to 7/24), then finally got a rental from the dealership that is costing me $40/day (totaling $240 as of today). According to the service manager at the VW dealership, VW engineers are saying the failure is not due to the fuel tank suction jet pump (which there is a current recall on but no fix available) but all the symptoms I experienced point to that part being the problem. The service manager said that VW will cover the cost of the repair under a PZEV warranty, not the fuel tank suction jet pump extended warranty/recall. The replacement parts are taking weeks for the dealership to receive and there was confusion/miscommunication about which parts were included or needed. My complaints are: 1) the length of time it's taking for the car to be fixed, 2) the amount of money it's costing me for towing, rental car and any other potential expenses related to this issue, and 3) if it's not the fuel tank suction jet pump that is the problem, then there's potentially a larger problem at play with the fuel tank system not included in the original recall.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 3VW217AU9HM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed suction jet pump. The contact was informed that the suction jet pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Volkswagen Golf r 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-25
- VIN: 3VW217AU3HM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: A recall was published on 02/14/2024 and remains unresolved. Since the safety risk of "leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire" it seems like this should be a priority. (Manufacturer Recall Number20UF, NHTSA Recall Number24V110)
Volkswagen Golf r 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-25
- VIN: 3VW217AU9FM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle had recall for "leaking fuel fire risk" Strong smell of fuel inside car. Manufacturer recall #20UF NHTSA recall 24V110 There has not been a fix yet available. Dealer (Team Volkswagen Merrillville IN) replaced the Jet fuel pump. Problem continued, VW engineering said bring the car back and replace the entire fuel tank. Completed. Problem returned 2 weeks later (XXX). While driving home from work noticed extremely strong fuel odor in car. Pulled off in a store parking lot, someone ran up and told me my car was leaking fuel. Gas was literally pouring out, I lost 1/4 tank of fuel on way home. The fuel was leaking under hood, under fuel tank area and under the rear passenger seat. I had the car towed to the dealer. Volkswagen does not have an actual fix for the problem. I should be given a replacement car due to Volkswagen being unable to correct this serious safety issue. What should I do, I am afraid to take the car back. I have videos and several pictures but unable to upload onto this website. Call [XXX] Crown Point Indiana INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Volkswagen Golf r 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-10
- VIN: 3VW217AU2FM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle, making it impossible to fill the fuel tank. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 73,780. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Latest 5 recalls Volkswagen Golf r
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 18 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen Golf r.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf r 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-27
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf r 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-27
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf r 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-06-21
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The strut mount may be deformed, loosening the bolted connections to the suspension strut mounting.
- Consequence: Loose suspension connections can cause steering instability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and/or left suspension strut mountings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40T3.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf r 2016
- Report Received Date: 2022-11-09
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Golf R vehicles. Incorrect front windshield wiper software was installed which may prevent the wipers from activating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."
- Consequence: Windshield wipers that cannot be activated may lead to reduced visibility for the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91EN.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf r 2022
- Report Received Date: 2022-11-02
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Golf R A8, Audi S3, RS3 Sedan, Q4 E-Tron SUV, A3 Sedan, and 2022-2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and ID4 vehicles. The rearview camera image may be blank or unresponsive when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear or when the park function is manually activated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Audi owners February 14, 2023. Volkswagen owners will receive an owner notification letter once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Volkswagen) 91EK and (Audi) 91EL.
Latest negative Volkswagen Golf r car reviews
Latest positive Volkswagen Golf r car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2013
Buy the manual shift. I thought the automatic in my GTI was great, but this manual is much nicer and gives a better driving experience. The power and acceleration of the R is fantastic. Great comfort and relative fuel economy is an added bonus.
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Vehicle year: 2018
My 2012 GTI (after an ‘84 and ‘96) was running fine but I felt like it was time for an upgrade. I wanted all the latest tech and was considering the Autobahn, but I wasn't a fan of the standard moonroof. So, I decided to go with the Golf R. After six months and 6k miles, I can confidently say that I absolutely love it! It has more performance than I could ever need, but it's nice to know that when I want to push it, the result is pure joy. I also appreciate having a comfortable, practical, low-profile hatchback that doesn't attract too much attention. If you're looking for a car that will turn heads, the Subaru WRX STI or Honda Civic R might be more your style. But if you want a car that's both fun and practical, the Golf R is the way to go!
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Vehicle year: 2017
Handles great! Awesome acceleration! Great electronics! This is such a super fun car! You can tell that you're in a Golf because some items are obviously spec'd for a lower price point. However, this much fun in a practical car cannot be passed up, and the lower price point for a VW is still on par with a similarly priced BMW. Only an Audi/Mercedes will get you truly better interior.
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Vehicle year: 2017
Hey there! I just wanted to share my updated review of the Golf R after owning it for a little over a year. Before this, I drove a 6-speed manual Ford Focus ST, ST3 with a moonroof for 3 and a half years. I was actually planning on getting the Ford Focus RS with AWD and 350 Hp, but ended up getting a LE Ford Focus RS RS in January 2018. I still have the Golf R though! The color selection on the RS was limited to grey, white, black, and nitrous blue. I knew that the interior of the VW was better, but I didn't know how much better until I actually bought the Golf R and had some seat time with it. The ride of the Ford Focus ST was pretty stiff and the RS was going to be 33% stiffer on the comfort setting; I wasn't looking forward to a rougher ride. But, the ride on the Golf R with the DCC mode set in comfort mode is very smooth and compliant. I was right on this one, some late Ford RS reviews compare the Ford RS ride to a pogo stick or a bucking bronc on anything but very smooth roads. But, the actual Ford RS ride isn't that bad. Okay, let's talk about the 2016 Golf R with Manual 6-speed transmission, DCC with Nav, and the Driver's Assistance Package. With DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control), there is a dramatic difference between the settings. I like the individual settings with most everything set on normal or comfort except for the sport exhaust sound. I like this setting because the Golf R remembers it between stops and starts and you don't have to always reselect it every time you start. I found the interior, especially how the devices function at night, to be a lot nicer with better feel and better night lighting. The interior is much higher level than first look, the back seats have 2 inches more room, the gas tank is 14.5 gallons compared to 12.4 in the ST and 13.9 in the RS. The mileage is great 22/31 rated, compared to ST 23/32 and RS 19/25. Long term, even with sporty driving, I get around 26 miles overall which makes for a very nice driving range. The rear seat passenger legroom is 35.4 inches which is 2 inches more than the Ford Focus ST. Hope this helps!The Golf R is a spacious car, offering 2 inches more room than the RS and ST. This means that even a 6 ft passenger can comfortably ride behind a 6 ft driver. Another great feature of the Golf R is that the seats fold almost completely flat, unlike the ST which has a 4 inch drop and doesn't fold flat. The RS doesn't fold flat either, but still folds enough. One of the best features of the Golf R is the Driver's Assistance Package, which includes several higher level safety items. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, lane keep assist, front and rear proximity sensors that help you when you are parking or backing up, and blind spot monitoring. The autonomous emergency braking system is also a great feature, as it brakes for you if the front sensors detect an impending collision. The rear traffic alert is also very useful, alerting you to cars coming up fast in the rear of your left or right. The turbo is another great feature of the Golf R, with power coming on at a very low 1,800 RPM and the boost being fairly linear. The power is great, and you have a lot of power in sixth gear. The Golf R also has amplified motor noises, which some people call fake, but can easily be turned off. In summary, the Golf R is a very fast and fun car, with high level accoutrements, good gas mileage, comfortable seats, and easy drivability. Plus, many of its features are automatic.The Ford Focus RS is a blast to drive, and I mostly use it for my daily commute. However, I recently purchased a limited edition 2018 Race Red model, which I absolutely love. I've made a few modifications to it, including a Diesel Geek Sigma 6 short shifter, 50% Luminar Tint, and front bumper and partial front hood PPL protection, as well as an Escort Red Line radar detector. While I initially thought the Golf R was the better choice, I now believe that the Focus RS is the best option for a manual shift hatchback. That being said, the Golf R is still a great car for longer trips and overall daily driving. It has a smoother ride and fewer rough edges than the Focus RS, and I haven't had any problems or maintenance costs in the two years I've owned it, with a 10,000 mile service interval. Additionally, the Golf R's stock exhaust is not as loud or flashy as the Focus RS, but it's still a fantastic all-around car.
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Vehicle year: 2016
Firstly, let me start by saying that the Golf R is in a league of its own and should not be compared to a GTI. This car competes with other high-performance vehicles such as STIs, EVOs, M235is, CLA45 AMGs, and Focus RSs. I was lucky enough to find the perfect one in deep pearl black with a 6-speed manual and no DCC/navigation, and I bought it the same day. The factory performance of this car is nothing short of stunning, and it's surprising what this car is really capable of based on its looks. In my honest opinion, there is no better performance car that you can buy for the money currently. The power and engine performance of this car are impressive, with 292hp/280tq reported by VW, but after testing the car on a dyno after the break-in period, the numbers were closer to 318hp/310tq. With the stage 1 package from APR, the car becomes a completely different predator, with 354hp and 379tq. The handling is excellent, even without the dynamic chassis control, and the traction is superb, using the same quattro system as the Audi S3. Overall, the Golf R is a fantastic car that I highly recommend.I've driven this car in all sorts of conditions - snow, gravel, ice, mud (unfortunately), and rain - and it handles them all with ease. The traction and grip are on par with the best AWDs out there. The interior is impressive, with carbon fiber accents, high-quality Italian leather, and sleek piano black trim. It feels like a luxury car, not just a VW. The gear shift and buttons all have a solid, well-crafted feel to them. The exterior is also great, with a sporty, lowered look and tasteful body kit. The quad exhaust tips add a touch of sexiness. Overall, I absolutely love this car and highly recommend it to anyone considering an STI, EVO, M235i, S3, or similar. VW has truly outdone themselves with this one, and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen Golf r?
Waino Roob 2025-10-22
Vehicle year: 2018
This is a true driver's hatch. However, there is one major design flaw that has resulted in my poor review. Please note that the front lower corners are openings which offer no protection to the components behind. I, along with others, have experienced incidences where roadside debris punctures the radiator resulting in a broken car. I recommend that buyers keep this in mind. Although there are several workarounds for this, it is not something that is part of the original design.
Shawn White 2025-10-21
Vehicle year: 2013
As a Subaru STi fan for the past decade, I decided to give this car a try and was pleasantly surprised. The interior is very comfortable, the steering is responsive, and the powerband is impressive compared to other cars in its market. However, after a few years of ownership, I experienced some issues with non-wear items breaking for no apparent reason. While the clutch is barely strong enough to manage stock power levels, and occasional minor slippage in higher gears is noticeable, the most reasonable upgrade/replacement to make the car dependable again costs around $1500, with most VW dealerships charging around $2000 for installation. Unfortunately, the paint is weaker than sketch paper, resulting in chipping galore, and the roof lining has separated from the foam. Surprisingly, this is a common issue among other R owners, and even the dealership admitted that it's pretty common in most models. Additionally, the rear bumper reflective marker just fell out, which was unexpected. Despite these issues, the performance of this car is awesome, and it feels great to drive. The engine and transmission respond positively to high revs, making for an enjoyable driving experience.
Chadd Rohan 2025-07-21
Vehicle year: 2017
This is a true driver's hatch. However, there is one major design flaw that has resulted in my poor review. Please note that the front lower corners are openings which offer no protection to the components behind. I, along with others, have experienced incidences where roadside debris punctures the radiator resulting in a broken car. I recommend that buyers keep this in mind. Although there are several workarounds for this, it is not something that is part of the original design.
Ricky Rempel 2025-04-11
Vehicle year: 2017
We purchased our 2017 Golf R as a weekend and road trip car, and I was extremely satisfied with its performance. I followed the recommended break-in period and was meticulous about maintenance. Recently, I decided to take it for a spirited drive on the highway, but unfortunately, the engine block cracked severely at only 7,701 miles. Despite having no modifications and everything being stock, Volkswagen falsely claimed that I had an aftermarket tune and refused to honor my warranty. However, I am confident in my case and have hired a lawyer to fight for my rights. I refuse to continue making payments for a faulty product and hope for a resolution soon.
Dennis Hammes 2024-11-23
Vehicle year: 2019
The standard seats were uncomfortable, especially considering the 40k price tag.