2013 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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Common 2013 Volkswagen Golf r problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Volkswagen Golf R 2013, several common problems have been reported:
- Limited Features Compared to European Models: Some owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the features of the 2012-2013 Golf R compared to European counterparts. Features like LED Tail Lights, Automatic Headlights, and DSG were mentioned as missing in the U.S. models, which were available in European versions of the car.
These issues highlight some of the common concerns reported by owners of the Volkswagen Golf R 2013 model.
What is the common issue with Golf R?
Carbon buildup: The Volkswagen Golf R is known to experience carbon buildup in the intake valves, which can lead to engine misfires and reduced performance. Water pump failure: Some Volkswagen Golf R owners have reported water pump failure, which can cause overheating and engine damage.
Is a Golf from 2013 reliable?
Petrol models received a reliability rating of 90.4%, while diesel ones 92.5%. As a whole, this generation of Golf should be more reliable than the rival Skoda Scala, but less reliable than the current Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla. As a car brand, Volkswagen placed 22nd out of 32 manufacturers featured.
How long will a Golf R engine 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 the 2013 Golf R fast?
Golf R A true drivers car
This car is super fast, handles fantastic and the all wheel drive is icing on the cake. This car is not a good choice for the average driver,its got a hard ride and not much back seat for passengers.
Is a Golf from 2013 reliable?
Petrol models received a reliability rating of 90.4%, while diesel ones 92.5%. As a whole, this generation of Golf should be more reliable than the rival Skoda Scala, but less reliable than the current Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla. As a car brand, Volkswagen placed 22nd out of 32 manufacturers featured.
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 the 2013 Golf R fast?
Golf R A true drivers car
This car is super fast, handles fantastic and the all wheel drive is icing on the cake. This car is not a good choice for the average driver,its got a hard ride and not much back seat for passengers.
Is 2014 Golf R reliable?
The hot Golf R should be as reliable as any other Golf
Or are you looking to sell your car? The Volkswagen Golf has earned a solid reputation for reliability over the past three decades, and the R is likely to live up to this.
2013 Volkswagen Golf r car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Golf r problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Volkswagen Golf r vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2013 Volkswagen Golf r complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Volkswagen Golf r.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-17
- VIN: WVWPF7AJ0DW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Failed click-spring in the steering wheel- the airbags and horn are out of commission.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- VIN: Wvwpf7aj5dw
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Clock spring failure with airbag error light on, and steering controls & horn not functioning. Car previously had clock spring fixed under recall in Aug 2016 (car mileage 55,619), and now had the exact same issue occur in Nov 2021 at 79,596 mi. Original recall did not fix issue, service records available.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-25
- VIN: Wvwpf7aj4dw
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 7 times now, I have heard a “pop” while turning the steering wheel & the airbag light has come on. The horn will not work after this happens. Each time, it has occurred at low speed, whilst making a turn or merely backing out of my driveway. 6 times of the 7 times, I have taken it to the Hansel VW dealership in Santa Rosa, CA & they have told me it was the clockspring in the steering column & they have replaced it. The 1st time, it was replaced under the vehicle’s warranty, 4 of the other times it was replaced under the parts warranty. On 3/18/20, the part was out of warranty & I had to pay for it, but was not charged for labor. On 9/25/21, I was backing out of my driveway, when it occurred for a SEVENTH time. As I have recently relocated, I will be taking it to the Niello VW dealership in Sacramento on 10/6/21 for repair. I am in the process of contacting VW of America Dates of clockspring replacement: 01/28/2015 05/05/2017 03/06/2018 05/29/2018 03/18/2020 07/27/2020 10/06/2020 (scheduled)
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-12-30
- VIN: WVWPF7AJ5DW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURED RESULTING IN A SHARP LOOSE PIECE OF STEEL. THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, AND THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE AN UNEXPECTED METALLIC NOISE. THIS LOOSE PIECE COULD HAVE RUPTURED THE TIRE AND CAUSED A SAFETY ISSUE OR ACCIDENT. THE REPAIR SHOP DEEMED THE CAR NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO SAFETY. I PAID TO HAVE BOTH REAR SPRINGS AND SPRING PADS REPLACED. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 51K MILES. THIS IS A SURPRISING FAILURE AND I WAS CONCERNED FOR MY AND OTHER OWNER'S SAFETY. THIS SAME EXACT FAILURE IS THE SUBJECT OF AN NHTSA RECALL FOR 2015 AND LATER VW GOLFS, THE SAME MODEL I HAVE. I CONTACTED VW AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR.
Negative 2013 Volkswagen Golf r car reviews
Positive 2013 Volkswagen Golf r car reviews
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I absolutely adored this car and would have kept it forever if I didn't need more space in the back for passengers. I could talk about how much I loved it for hours, but why not take it for a test drive and fall in love with it yourself?
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The Golf R has a light feel when driving, with sharp handling and quick turn-in, and the rear of the car changes direction quickly. The wheelbase is correct, and the brakes are very good with no drama and no fade. The feel is good, and there are no problems with 50,000 km tire wear thanks to the all-wheel drive, with no torque steer when driving the car hard. Power is excellent from idle to redline, and the car is very stable in corners. The real leather seats are all leather, unlike other cars with leather centers and pleather sides. The door panels, dash, and steering wheel are all high quality. I cannot find anything negative to say. Compared to other hatchback cars, the interior is much better, and there are no issues with torque steer or driveline problems. When you get in and drive the car, it is a pleasant mix of power, handling, and fun. It's a car that's hard to compare. Before you buy a CUV or SUV, drive this car - it really sets the bar very high.
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The PERFECT commuter car. It has all the appearance of maturity, but it's also silly enough for any true car guy.
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I've been the proud owner of my 2013 Golf R since 2017, and it has been an absolute joy to drive. With around 59,000 miles on it when I bought it, the car was in excellent condition. I've owned a few other small, quick automobiles in the past, including a 2000 and 2007 GTI and a circa 1980's RX7, but the Golf R is easily the best car I've ever owned. When I first learned about the R32 and later the R, I knew that I had to have one. Living in New England, I find that winters are so much more fun in an AWD vehicle. I considered the WRX, but I'm just not the type to have a hood scoop on my car, and the interiors are poor. The lines of the 2013 Golf R are simple and beautiful, and I've found the 2L turbo to be somewhat bulletproof in my experience. After I bought the car, I brought it to the local VW shop to have APR stage 1 installed. Funnily enough, the previous owner had already had it installed, but it had been shut off by the dealership for the sale. For only $200, they turned it on, and told me the engine should be making around 310 hp. I absolutely love this car. It's quick as hell, corners like a dream, and is surefooted in a way that my GTI's never were. Third gear on a freeway on-ramp is a blast, and zero to 60, or better yet, 0 to 100, has never been so much fun. In a typical New Hampshire winter, I have had no problem driving anywhere under all conditions. I have never been stuck or stranded. One slight problem can be the ride height, when the snow reaches about 8-10 inches it can take some maneuvering to
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The car has been rock solid reliable and a fun back road abuser. You'll find that it's front-drive biased, but once you learn its handling secrets, you'll discover its true capabilities. Remember to do all your turning before your braking, as with any front-wheel drive car.
Other years of Volkswagen Golf r
Are you having problems with your 2013 Volkswagen Golf r?
Gino Gulgowski 2024-06-14
I recently purchased a used R at a decent price, which I had been wanting for a long time. I have owned several VWs in the past, but I tend to switch cars every 18 months or so. I have always bought them new and never had any issues with them. However, this used R had some electrical issues that affected my experience. For instance, the sunroof would open on its own, which was a problem when it rained while the car was parked. Additionally, there was an O2 sensor issue that caused the CEL to light up, but the ECM could not read it. I took it to the shop, but they could not find anything wrong with it. I ended up having to pay $290 for a new O2 sensor. I also had to replace the battery, and the headlight programming stopped working. The only thing that kept me happy was the engine power. Unfortunately, I had to replace the clutch after going stage 1, and the OEM clutch was weak. The maintenance costs were also high, even if I did it myself. If you plan on taking it to the shop, be prepared to spend hundreds of dollars for even the simplest things. For instance, labor for a new clutch could easily cost a grand. If you do it yourself, you will need special tools and new nuts and bolts, as everything for VW seems to require new bolts every time you unscrew it.