2018 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 2018 Volkswagen Golf r problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Volkswagen Golf R 2018, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Failure:
- The water pump and thermostat housing are a common unit in the MK7.5 Golf R. Made of plastic, this part is prone to cracking or warping due to exposure to hot engine components, leading to coolant leaks, overheating, and potential engine damage.
- Owners should regularly monitor coolant levels and be vigilant for early signs of coolant loss to prevent more severe issues. Repairs can cost around £300-400 in parts plus 4-5 hours of labor if out of warranty.
- It is recommended to have this repair done by a reputable Volkswagen specialist to save on labor costs.
- Bonnet Latch, Cable, and Handle Issues:
- Components like the bonnet latch, cable, and interior handle are susceptible to failure. Symptoms include a stiff interior bonnet handle or difficulty closing the bonnet properly.
- Replacement parts can cost around £30 for a used cable or £40 for a new aftermarket latch, with additional labor costs.
- Regular usage of the car is advised to ensure the battery remains charged, especially if there are signs of bonnet latch issues to avoid being stranded due to a flat battery.
- Haldex System Maintenance:
- The Haldex system requires regular oil changes and servicing every 3 years to maintain optimal performance and prevent premature wear.
- Neglecting Haldex servicing can lead to reduced traction on the drive system and potential internal damage.
- The cost of a Haldex service typically ranges around £99+VAT, and it is crucial for maintaining the functionality and longevity of the system.
These common problems with the Volkswagen Golf R 2018 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and proactive monitoring to address issues promptly and ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
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.
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.
Can you daily drive a Golf R?
Intake, exhaust, ECU and DSG software tuning, suspension, brakes, aesthetics, the list goes on and on and on. With a few modifications and the right expertise, the Golf R can be transformed into the perfect daily driver. The intake is one of the easiest modifications to do, which makes it a first for many.
Will Golf R hold its value?
The combination of desirable VW badge and exceptional driving dynamics has meant strong demand for Golf R models on the secondhand market. And while the fast flagship sells in greater numbers than the GTI, our experts predict that the popular R will retain at least 50 percent of its new value after three years.
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.
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 Golf R good on fuel?
And so, it seems, do miles when you're driving a car that has a lot going for it. As you'll have read above, the Golf R's performance and fuel economy have struck an impressive balance, averaging more than 35mpg to this point, while offering the potential to thoroughly excite on back roads.
How much engine does a Golf R 2018 have?
2.0L I-4
Retail Price
| Engine | 2.0L I-4 |
|---|---|
| MPG | Up to 21 city / 29 highway |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 6-spd man w/OD |
| Power | 292 @ 5400 rpm |
2018 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:
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Volkswagen Golf r vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Volkswagen Golf r complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Volkswagen Golf r.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-18
- VIN: WVWVF7AU6JW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: After starting the car and then beginning to drive, the transmission falls into neutral when it should have shifted from 1st to 2nd gear. In order to recover, the driver has to stop applying the accelerator and then wait a second or two for the rpm’s to approach idle rates before the transmission will re-engage. It is not repeatable, and is sporadic but always when first driving the car after it has been recently started. This has occurred about 5times in 35k and is happening more often. I have taken it to the dealer multiple times but they dismiss the concern because they haven’t yet been able to repeat it. This bad shift / loss of power is dangerous when trying to initially accelerate and merge into traffic.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-18
- VIN: WVWVF7AU8JW
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Golf R. The contact stated that the headlights had become significantly dim while driving due to moisture accumulation inside the headlights housing. The contact stated that the failure had reduced the visibility of the roadway while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the manufacturer had advised to drive 30 minutes after starting the vehicle to allow the moisture to evaporate, as per TSB Number: 94-19-01. The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the headlights were designed to collect condensation. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-05
- VIN: WVWVF7AUXJW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: When driving the car it occasionally slips into neutral when it should be making the 1st to 2nd shift. Happens rarely; about 12-15 times in 60K miles. More common after filling up with gas, but has happened at other times. Very dangerous as one pulls out to merge into traffic to have the car do this when trying to accelerate. Acceleration is moderate and not flooring it when this happens. I know of 3-4 others on VW forum reporting the same issue. Again, this is potentially DANGEROUS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-16
- VIN: WVWVF7AU1JW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Around 5 times now over the last year or two, most recently yesterday, the (DSG automatic) transmission has dropped out of gear into neutral when pulling away from a stop. Note that the shifter was not moved and did not move - but the transmission pops out of gear. Every time this has been when pulling pretty gently away from a stop sign or intersection.. It has happened both when the car was cold, and also after driving 15 miles. Yesterday was a highly dangerous situation - I was making a left turn out of a gas station across 4 lanes of traffic, and when it dropped to neutral was left rolling across the lanes with revs up and in neutral gear unable to accelerate. This was when it occurred to me that this could cause serious injury or death. I asked about this behavior on a VW owners forum, and so far have one response from another owner saying the same thing has happened to him 15-20 times (also a 2018 R) and his dealer says is "normal". I've not talked to my dealer yet. So does not appear to be unique to me. - No warning indicators - Not taken to dealer yet - Component - dual clutch automatic transmission (DSG) - Safety - Highly dangerous loss of gear/ability to accelerate out of path of oncoming traffic. - Available for inspection on request
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-10
- VIN: WVWWF7AU6JW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: EXITING A PARKING LOT WITH A 15% INCLINE @3MPH MERGING INTO THE ROAD, THE FRONT PARK ASSIST SENSORS BEEPED AND THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED BRAKES INSTEAD OF ACCELERATING. THE ENGINE STALLED SINCE I HAD THE CLUTCH FULLY RELEASED, INCOMING TRAFFIC HAD TO STOP WHEN THEY NOTICED THE VEHICLE NOT MOVING. PARKPILOT SYSTEM WILL OFTEN MISREAD THE ROAD AS AN OBSTACLE AND APPLY BRAKES ON ITS OWN, SPECIALLY BELOW THE 3MPH SPEED. IT COULD BE A COMBINATION OF THE RIDE HEIGHT OF THIS VEHICLE AND THE LAYOUT OF REGULAR PARKING LOTS IN THE US.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-03
- VIN: WVWVF7AU7JW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FRONT COLLISION WARNING SOUNDS WHEN LEAVING PARKING LOTS WITH SMALL DIP WHERE THE ROAD MEETS THE EXIT. 25% OF THE TIME MY EMERGENCY BRAKES ACTIVATE STOPPING THE CAR WHEN I WANT TO EXIT. THE CAR THINKS THE ROAD IS AN OBSTACLE BECAUSE OF THE DIP. THIS HAPPEN OFTEN AND IN DIFFERENT PARKING LOTS. VERY DANGEROUS SINCE YOU'RE ENTERING A ROAD WAY AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-11
- VIN: WVWWF7AU6JW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BACKUP CAMERA MAY NOT DISPLAY UPON SHIFTING TO REVERSE - I HAD AN ANDROID PHONE PROJECTING AN ANDROID AUTO SESSION. WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, STATIONARY AT A PARKING LOT, I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH AND SHIFTED TO REVERSE. THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM DID NOT SHOW THE BACKUP CAMERA NOR A WARNING POPUP OF AN ERROR - IT JUST DISPLAYED THE MEDIA SCREEN. I TRIED 3 TIMES MORE - THE 2ND TIME THE INFOTAINMENT DISPLAY SHOWED "PARKPILOT IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE". PICTURE IS ATTACHED. VIDEO IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-14
- VIN: WVWWF7AU0JW
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE CAR WHILE DRIVING ON A 55MPH DIVIDED HIGHWAY AND 1/2 TANK OF GAS INDICATED. WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES OF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND BACK ROADS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE IT TO A SERVICE STATION, ~1/8 TANK OF GAS WAS INDICATED BY GAUGE, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING AFTER ONLY 1 STUMBLE. HEAVY SMELL OF RAW GASOLINE INSIDE OF CAR AND UNDER HOOD. NO PUDDLE OF GAS WAS OBSERVED UNDER CAR. THE LOCAL POLICE WERE CALLED OUT AND CONFIRMED NO CURRENTLY LEAKING GAS BEFORE AAA WOULD DISPATCH A TOW TRUCK. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SELLING DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND A CLAMP NOT CONNECTED BETWEEN HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL HOSE. I WAS TOLD THIS FAULT WOULD CAUSE AN INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL TO BE SHOWN BUT DEALER WOULD NOT CONFIRM IT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE LOST GASOLINE. THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD THE FUEL RECALL PERFORMED BY THE SAME DEALER AND DEALER SAID THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED PROPERLY AND THIS FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED. WHEN CAR WAS RETUNED AFTER PUMP REPLACEMENT, INTERIOR OF CAR AND ENGINE STILL SMELLED OF GASOLINE BUT CAR SEEMED TO BE DRIVING NORMALLY.
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-27
- VIN: WVWVF7AU2JW
- Components: WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: AFTER A RAIN THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE PAD STICKS TO THE OUTBOARD ROTOR. THE PAD BINDS TO THE ROTOR CAUSING THE BRAKE TL SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE BACKING OUT.OF PARK.
2018 Volkswagen Golf r recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf r.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
- Consequence: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
- Consequence: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles. The fuel hose quick connector may detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay, resulting in a fuel leak.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the fuel line connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20Bi.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf and Golf R vehicles, and Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles. The rear seat frame head restraint guide sleeves may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame.
- Consequence: If the guide sleeves are incorrectly welded, in the event of a crash, the rear seat head restraints may have reduced stability, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners, and dealers will inspect the guide sleeves for incorrect welds, replacing the rear seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 28, 2018. 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 72H8 (VW) and 72H9(Audi).
Negative 2018 Volkswagen Golf r car reviews
Positive 2018 Volkswagen Golf r car reviews
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Context: Hi there! I'm an older guy with an age-appropriate wife who can drive stick (priceless! It was recommended as part of the pre-nup). I live in the snowiest city in the USA and have owned or leased various cars and SUVs, including BMWs and Audis with AWD. However, my Golf R is unique and very easy to drive. I've had it for 8 months now and have already clocked up 7200 miles on the odometer. The only complaint I have is the ground clearance, which comes into play with the snow drifts that the snow plows leave at the end of my driveway. But, I have no issues driving in the snow since I have snow tires on 17-inch rims for the winter. It's nice to have multiple driving modes, and they genuinely alter the driving dynamics. The car is comfortable to be a passenger in any of the seats. My wife hated to ride in the BMWs and found them needlessly difficult to drive, and I had to agree. The R is fast without being unruly, and it has excellent handling with a comfortable ride. However, if you value your spine and dental work, avoid the potholes! This is my first car with a touch screen, so I'm not an expert, but I'm not a fan. I prefer buttons and knobs since you don't have to take your eyes off the road to work them. The touch screen is overly sensitive for my taste since you do not have to actually touch it to activate it; getting within an 1/8 of an inch will trigger it. The electronics play nice with my iPhone, but that particular feature seems to be the deciding factor for car buying now. The R is pricey when compared to the base GTI, but the price difference is small when looking at a GTI with the same suite of electronics. It's a bargain compared to its Audi S3 fraternal twin and trumps it because of the available M6. The GTI has a very nice ride and handling, but the R is radically better. If you cannot afford an R and have to opt for the GTI, do NOT test drive the R. Update 4/7/2020. 14,000 miles. It still runs great and is lots of fun to drive. It gets 30 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg mixed. The rear brakes needed some attention.The GPS lost connection to the antenna after a commercial car wash, but it was fixed under warranty. I haven't experienced any issues on wet or snowy roads, and I always run snow tires in the winter. I've tried using 87, 89, 91, and 93 octane, and while there was no knocking with the lower grade, I did notice a drop in performance. As of 4/12/2022, the car has 25,000 miles on it. The front brakes needed attention, but otherwise, there were no issues. Recently, I sold the car to my son to replace his aging Audi A4. He's been driving it in our Buffalo winter and loves it. He notes a considerable improvement in performance, but mentions that it's a bit noisier.
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I had two GTI's before this car and I absolutely loved them. I decided to go for even more power and I must say, it's more than I need but super fun to drive. The technology in this car is great and I really enjoy driving it. The suspension is sporty so you do feel the road, which I personally like, but it's best to avoid potholes. Update: May 2021 - I still LOVE the car, but I have had to put the suspension DCC in Comfort mode as the potholes have caused damage to two tires and one rim. If you live in an area with good roads, it won't be an issue, but unfortunately, I live in LA...
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I cross shopped this with much more expensive cars. Once I started driving it, I was blown away. It's quick, but not incredibly fast. It handles, but isn't the best handling car. That being said, it all blends together into an incredibly balanced and engaging vehicle that makes driving to work a rush. The interior is beautifully finished. The seats are comfortable and the navigation system has some fun features. The stereo is pretty good. I couldn't really point out a fault.
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The Golf R is a car that some people may not fully appreciate at first glance. Sure, it may seem like a lot to spend $41K on a VW Golf, and it may not turn heads like some other cars out there. But don't let its unassuming appearance fool you - it's a real powerhouse. For those who value performance, it can easily compete with many so-called sports cars. In fact, if you compare its acceleration, handling, and braking statistics to those of the last generation C5 Corvette, you'll see that it more than holds its own. Plus, it's equipped with the same engine and transmission as the Audi S3 and TTS, but at a much more affordable price point. And unlike some other Similarly, it would be great if the navigation system could be used independently of the radio. Maybe VW could take a cue from Honda on this one.
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I have been interested in this vehicle for almost two years. When the 2017 model came out with DCC, I did some more research and finally decided to buy it. The ride home from the dealership on I-95 left a smile on my face that lasted until the next day, when I got an even bigger smile after understanding more about the systems. The car is incredibly quick and goes exactly where you want it to. The seats are very comfortable, even after spending over four hours in the vehicle on the second day. The tech may be a little intimidating at first, as the vehicle has almost every conceivable bit of information at your fingertips. VW's carnet is much better than Onstar. The fender sound system is absolutely outstanding. I decided to lease mine because of my previous experience with VW products. They all developed
Other years of Volkswagen Golf r
Are you having problems with your 2018 Volkswagen Golf r?
Waino Roob 2025-10-22
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.