2019 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 2019 Volkswagen Golf r problems
The Volkswagen Golf R 2019 is a high-performance hatchback that offers a thrilling driving experience. However, like any vehicle, it can have certain issues that owners have reported. Here are some common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R, based on complaints from owners:
- DSG Automatic Gearbox Problems: Some early 2019 Golf R models may have issues with the DSG automatic gearbox. These problems can include jerky or rough gear changes, and in some cases, temperamental behavior. It's essential to check that the gearbox changes smoothly and there are no signs of these issues when test driving the car.
- Timing Chain Issues: Petrol engines in the Golf R have been known to have problems with the timing chain, which can snap prematurely and cause significant engine damage. Regular servicing and maintenance can help prevent this issue, and a full service history is critical.
- High Oil Consumption: Some Golf R models can suffer from high oil consumption, which can lead to engine damage if the oil level gets too low. Regularly checking the oil level and maintaining it between services is crucial to prevent any engine damage.
- Electrical Niggles: Faults with the navigation and entertainment system, as well as other electrical issues, have been reported on some 2019 Golf R models. It's essential to check that all the electrics work as they should, including the interior and exterior lights, warning lights, and other electrical accessories.
- Thermostat Housing Issues: The thermostat housing is a known issue in the Golf R, with build-up on the intake valves and a PCV system that can clog. These issues typically occur within the first 120,000 miles, and replacing the intake manifold is the usual solution.
- Haldex and DSG Fluids: Regularly changing the Haldex and DSG fluids is essential to maintain the Golf R's performance and reliability.
- Factory Rims: Some of the factory rims, especially the 19-inch rims, can be fragile, particularly on poor roads.
- Door Electrical Harness Failure: A few owners have reported issues with the door electrical harness, which can cause the engine control module to falsely alert for an open door while driving. This issue is typically covered under warranty.
- Minor Niggles: Some owners have reported minor issues such as blown fuses, hlove box hinge detaching, and right side mirror needing replacing due to a non-functioning blind spot light.
In summary, while the Volkswagen Golf R 2019 is a high-performance hatchback that offers an exhilarating driving experience, it's essential to be aware of these common problems and check for them when buying a used Golf R. Regular servicing and maintenance can help prevent many of these issues, and a full service history is critical.
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 DSG reliable?
Are DSG gearboxes reliable? DSG gearboxes have proven themselves to be very reliable both in six, and seven-speed variants.
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.
2019 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:
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Wheels problems
- Electrical system problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Volkswagen Golf r vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2019 Volkswagen Golf r complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Volkswagen Golf r.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-02
- VIN: WVWWA7AU3KW
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Design defect - impossible to disable active cruise control, and use regular/traditional cruise control. If adaptive cruise control sensor becomes dirty, it does not work, and there’s no option to use regular cruise control. This is a design flaw which VW rectified with new (2021+) models. VW should offer a software update to correct this defect, to allow a driver to toggle between ACC and traditional cruise control.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-20
- VIN: WVWWA7AU0KW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The issue was the key fob was not detected. I put my bag in the front seat of the car and shut the door, I then put my 19month old son in her car seat and shut the door. When I shut the rear car door the hazard lights flashed as if the car had locked. I went to the driver door and tried to open the car door and it wouldn’t open. Despite the key being in the car (with batteries I never had any notices about a low battery) my son was now locked in the car. Luckily the fire department responded quickly, the key worked fine upon recovery but it took front start to end 30mins for my son to get out of the car. If we had been in a hot parking lot or somewhere else in the country this could’ve been potentially dangerous for any child.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-08
- VIN: WVWWA7AU2KW
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: During annual state inspection on 7/8/22, tech found that the right rear wheel (19" VW Pretoria Gloss Black Alloy Wheels) was bent on both the inside and outside. Unsafe to drive. Wheel had to be replaced. Do not recall hitting any pothole or road hazard that might have caused this damage to the wheel. Apparently, other owners of this model car have also experienced bent rims. This may be a manufacturing defect or a design flaw, in that the wheels cannot withstand the forces transmitted from stock low profile tires (235/35ZR-19).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-07
- VIN: WVWVA7AUXKW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE VEHICLE'S FUSE SYSTEM. THE GOLF R CAME WITH NO SPARE TIRE BUT AN AIR PUMP, WHICH NEEDS TO BE POWERED BY THE 12V DC POWER OF THE VEHICLE. BUT WHEN I USE THIS ORIGINAL AIR PUMP, THE FUSE OF THE 12V DC POWER BURNS OUT. THIS HAPPENED FOR SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I HAD THE CAR IN OCTOBER, 2019. THE DEALER CAN ONLY GIVE ME NEW FUSE TO REPLACE THE BROKEN ONE. MANY GOLF R'S OWNERS MET THIS SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I THINK THERE IS SOME ISSUES WITH THEIR FUSE SYSTEM DESIGN.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-25
- VIN: WVWVA7AU1KW
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FOUR TIMES OVER THE LAST WEEK WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH STRAIGHT DOWN A RESIDENTIAL ROAD, I EXPERIENCED AN UNEXPECTED ENGAGEMENT OF THE FRONT COLLISION WARNING, AND ONE OF THOSE FOUR TIMES, 4 DAYS AGO, I ADDITIONALLY EXPERIENCED AN UNEXPECTED ENGAGEMENT OF THE FRONT ASSIST EMERGENCY BRAKING WHICH CAUSED ME ALARM, AS THE SPEED DROPPED DRAMATICALLY FROM 35 MPH TO 20 MPH, AND I HAD TO BE SURE NO CARS WERE BEHIND ME TO CAUSE A REAR-END COLLISION. IN NONE OF THESE SITUATIONS WERE THERE ANY HAZARDS ON THE ROAD TO AVOID: CARS, PEDESTRIANS, OBJECTS. IN ALL OF THESE SITUATIONS, CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED AT 35 MPH. THE SENSOR IS NOT DIRTY. THE ERROR IS NOT CONSISTENT IN THE TIMING OF WHEN IT HAPPENS. WHEN THE FRONT ASSIST EMERGENCY BRAKING ENGAGED, THE FRONT COLLISION WARNING DID NOT APPEAR UNTIL ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER, WHEN THE ROAD WAS ALSO CLEAR AND MY SPEED WAS 35 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FROM AUGUST 2020 THAT DESCRIBES MY SITUATION ALMOST EXACTLY: HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2020/VW-FRONT-ASSIST-CLASS-ACTION-LAWSUIT-BRAKING.SHTML I HAVE NOT TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AS OF YET, BUT BASED UPON SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE, I DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO DO MORE THAN PROFESSIONALLY SHRUG.
2019 Volkswagen Golf r recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2019 Volkswagen Golf r.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- 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.
Negative 2019 Volkswagen Golf r car reviews
Positive 2019 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 put 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, no issues with driving in snow thanks to the snow tires on 17-inch rims that I use during 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 because 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, getting within an 1/8 of an inch will trigger it. The electronics play nice with my iPhone, which is not a big deal for me, 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 previously owned a 2016 GTI before upgrading to my 2018 Golf R. While there are some differences between the two, the R feels more refined and has serious horsepower, making it very stable in all weather conditions. Although it may feel heavier and less eager off the line, once underway, there is no comparison. I often hear people say that it's expensive, but for the same performance in anything else, you're going to pay the same price. I was able to get mine out the door for about $40k. Some people compare it to the Civic Type R, but the R is much better in the real world. It has better all-weather capability, can be had with a DSG-type transmission, and looks more sophisticated. I've owned a few BMW 3-series cars, but I would take this over any of those except the M3 (which is almost twice the price). The steering is precise, although it does lack some feel. The DSG transmission is lightning quick in race mode and is smooth as silk. It's just plain better than the manual - end of story. The engine is very smooth and docile when you want it to be. I get 29 MPG routinely on my 30-mile commute and 34 if I'm steady state on the interstates. In Normal mode, it's a great daily driver. In Race mode, it opens up the exhaust valves and snarls eagerly. Race mode is intoxicating, but gas mileage drops dramatically and tire wear goes up :). Although there are a few negative comments, such as the engine could sound more like a performance engine without the fake sound, and the passenger seat should be power adjustable for the price, the R is an excellent car overall. It's a strange thing that the center console does not open, but the little compartment is there, you just can't get to it.Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I noticed that you recently purchased an aftermarket tray and kit for your car's armrest. It's a shame that VW didn't include this feature from the start, but I'm glad you were able to find a solution. I completely agree that the R model should look more special, considering it's VW's highest performing model and the only one made in Germany for the US market. It sounds like you've found the perfect balance between a daily car and a performance car with your R, and I'm happy to hear that you haven't had any mechanical issues with your GTI either. Thanks for sharing your experience with me!
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I've been driving my 2019 Golf R for almost four years and more than 60,000 km with very few to no issues at all. The car is fantastic - it's fun, comfortable, practical, and loaded with the latest hi-tech equipment. It's absolutely great when driven in Canadian winters. The only downside is the 19
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I absolutely love this car! Back in December 2016, I purchased a 2017 GTI after being told I couldn't test drive the Golf R by every VW dealer in the Washington DC metro area. At the time, I thought the car was just hyped up by the manufacturer and dealers to get people to pay sticker or close to sticker. However, two years later, I became employed by a local VW dealer and had the chance to take the 2019 R for a spin. I was blown away and knew I had to have it. In July, I finally purchased a 2019 Golf R DSG in Lapiz Blue with only 6 miles on it. Since then, I've put 6,200 miles on it and have nothing but good things to say. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is excellent and provides amazing traction, even in wet conditions. Launch control is a blast and the car handles curves like a dream. Plus, the equipment level of the Golf R is top notch with its digital cockpit, adaptive cruise control, and other driver assistance features. I thought about tuning my R, but the stock performance is so impressive that I feel tuning the car would be overkill and get me in way too much trouble. For now, I'm keeping it stock and enjoying every minute behind the wheel!The warranty for the Golf R is a very generous 6 years/72,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, which gives it an advantage over its competition. The build quality is excellent, and the cabin has a premium feel to it. The interior even has a higher quality smell to it, which makes it feel more expensive than the GTI. The added performance alone is worth the premium, but the overall package of exhilarating performance, superior build quality, German built pedigree, and high level of standard equipment make the Golf R an impressive car. One thing to be careful of is that this car is very sensitive to the octane level in the gas. To avoid any problems, always use Top Tier 93 octane gas and be consistent with where you buy your fuel from. As a side note, the Golf R gets around 18-20 mpg in mostly city driving with a very aggressive driving style, but you can do much better (around 28-30) if you can restrain your right foot.
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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 ruined one rim. If you live in an area with good roads, it won't be an issue, but unfortunately, I live in LA...
Other years of Volkswagen Golf r
Are you having problems with your 2019 Volkswagen Golf r?
Dennis Hammes 2024-11-23
The standard seats were uncomfortable, especially considering the 40k price tag.
Logan Weber 2024-10-15
As a long-time GTI/GLI driver, I have always appreciated the value for money that these cars offer, especially the GTI. However, when I first heard about the Golf R a couple of years ago, I couldn't help but dream of owning one. Recently, that dream became a reality and I was excited to get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, after an hour or two of driving, I found myself feeling disappointed. While the Golf R has its strengths, it's important for GTI owners to understand that there are some downsides to upgrading. For one, the handling of the GTI is unmatched and the fuel efficiency is hard to beat. With the Golf R, you can feel the extra weight in the back where the AWD mechanisms are working, which can make it feel like you're hauling a trailer. Additionally, the fuel efficiency is not as impressive as the GTI's, which can be frustrating. That being said, the Golf R does have some advantages, such as improved tracking and a great navigation system. However, it's important to note that there are some differences between the two cars, such as the need to bring your own spare tire with the Golf R and the front end cruise control accident assist that may take some getting used to. Overall, while the Golf R is a great car, it's important to consider all factors before making the switch from the GTI.In concept, it's a great car. However, after about 30 minutes in, I found myself wanting to go back to my old GTI (fortunately my wish was granted). I want to clarify that this is not a knock on the car, but rather a warning to GTI drivers who are considering this as a GTI upgrade. The Golf R is a different car with different strengths and weaknesses, some of which I couldn't accept.
Allen Murazik 2024-10-08
After 2,000 miles, I have to say that I'm not a fan of this car. Unfortunately, everything rattles, from the back seat to the front passenger seat, and even the middle armrest. There's even something rattling in the ceiling and behind the back armrest. The front driver side window also rattles, which can be quite annoying. Additionally, I've noticed that every time I try to enter something on Google maps using the keyboard, a nonsensical message about the keyboard pops up, preventing me from using it for a few seconds. If the passenger uses the touchscreen while I'm driving, the screen freezes and displays a message about safety, which can be distracting. While it's not particularly fast or quick, it does have some good features on paper.