2023 Volkswagen Golf r problems

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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.

2023 Volkswagen Golf r

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Common 2023 Volkswagen Golf r problems

The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R has been known to have some common problems that potential buyers should be aware of. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission, which can sometimes be problematic.

Another common problem is premature turbocharger failure, which has been reported in some models. Symptoms include loss of power, excessive exhaust smoke, and a check engine light. Regular maintenance and checks can help identify problems early.

Water pump leaks are also a concern in some Golf R models. The water pump can be prone to leaking, which can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly. Regular checks for coolant level and leaks are recommended.

The infotainment system in the Golf R can experience glitches such as freezing or unresponsive touch screens. Software updates usually resolve these issues.

There have been reports of creaking or knocking sounds from the suspension, particularly in earlier models. This might be due to worn suspension components or bushings.

Some Golf R owners have reported high oil consumption, which could be due to various factors such as driving style, engine condition, or maintenance history.

In addition to these common problems, there have been instances of the alternator failing in the 2023 Golf R. One owner reported that their alternator housing was purple and smoking, with belt material splattered onto the motor housing behind the alternator axis after only 5,000 miles.

In summary, while the Volkswagen Golf R is a high-performance vehicle with many appealing features, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when making their purchase decision. Regular maintenance, checks, and software updates can help mitigate many of these issues.

2023 Volkswagen Golf r engine

What is the common issue with Golf R?

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.

What is the recall on the 2023 Golf R?

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. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.

Is the Golf R reliable?

Is a used Volkswagen Golf R hatchback reliable? On the whole, owners report favourably on the Golf R. In our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, the standard Golf, in petrol form, finished 18th out of 28 cars in the family car category, with an overall score of 90.4%.

Is the 2023 Golf R fast?

At our test track, our Golf R test car with the seven-speed automatic transmission blasted to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, while the six-speed manual slows things down to 4.9 seconds.

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.

What is the recall on the 2023 Golf R?

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. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.

Is the 2023 Golf R fast?

At our test track, our Golf R test car with the seven-speed automatic transmission blasted to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, while the six-speed manual slows things down to 4.9 seconds.

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.

2023 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:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Power train problems
  • Steering problems
  • Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Volkswagen Golf r vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2023 Volkswagen Golf r complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Volkswagen Golf r.

2024-06-11

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-08
  • VIN: WVWAB7CD8PW
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: The car’s own navigation calibration system has been inoperable for at least eight months and is known issue to VW. The system incorrectly places the car’s location, gives false navigation directions based upon that false location, corrupts the navigation calibration of any linked phone, which prevents that phone from giving correct navigation directions through the phone. This issue is ongoing and VW has not offered any fix.
2024-06-11

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-11
  • VIN: WVWBB7CD1PW
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Golf R. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a stop light on an incline, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was a three-second delay before the vehicle responded. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle was almost rear-ended by a local fire truck that was responding to a call. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred over ten times since the vehicle was purchased in August 2023. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20.
2024-01-10

STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-10
  • VIN: WVWBB7CD8PW
  • Components: STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: The VW Golf current generation starting has “haptic” controls on the steering wheel and dash under the radio. As it stands right now you cannot make changes to radio, or cruise control without taking your eyes off th me road and look down at the steering wheel to find the button you are looking for. In most cars with normal buttons you learn where they are and can feel your way around them with having to look. The VW design of making the button touch sensitive makes it that if you would try to feel where it is located you would make other unwanted changes since all steering wheel controls are touch sensitive. Also the volume and hvac “haptic” controls under the radio screen are not illuminated, thus at night time making adjustments you again have to look at your steering wheel or look down and try to find in the darkness where the “haptic” sliding control is.
2023-05-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-05-26
  • VIN: WVWFB7CD2PW
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: These issues are related to unintentional use of controls on the steering wheel while driving. Pressing the blue “R” button on the left-side of the steering wheel initiates an immediate change in the Driving Mode. Driving Mode includes settings to the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, driver displays and dynamic safety systems. There is an orange warning panel in the Owner's Manual stating that this feature is active when driving. The “R” button is covered by my hand when holding the steering wheel in the 9 o’clock position. I often engage this function by mistake while driving due to the flawed ergonomic design of the steering wheel. There is a similar issue with the “View” buttons on the other side of the steering wheel.

2023 Volkswagen Golf r recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf r.

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.
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.
2022-09-21
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The radiator may not have been attached correctly to the intercooler, which can result in a damaged coolant hose.
  • Consequence: A damaged coolant hose can leak, causing the engine to overheat, and increasing the risk of fire. In addition, large amounts of coolant spilling onto the roadway can increase the risk of a crash to other vehicles.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect the radiator and replace any damaged parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19Q8.

Negative 2023 Volkswagen Golf r car reviews

  1. Richmond Bartoletti 2024-07-17

    The car is good, but unfortunately, the touch/swipe/wave controls ruin the user experience. The touch screen has a full one-second latency, and the rigid suspension makes it a fifty-fifty chance of changing temperature, air flow, media source, or playlist on the first try. This can be quite distracting from driving itself. The other half of the time, your finger lands on something else, or your hand waves by another sensor, leading to a different menu. The wheel is also a disappointment, with the heating touch-button being too close to the right thumb base, and the left thumb base can trigger driving mode change. This can be frustrating, especially when you are in your drive setting. The graphic touch-based user interface with layered menus is not ideal for a fast and hard driving mechanical construct where the user is in an unstable position. I was not expecting this from decent German engineering, and it held me back from buying an electric car. Other functions are acceptable, but there are a few hiccups present, which are not expected in this price range. For example, the engine hood rubber dampener flies out of position every fifty miles or so, the wireless phone charger overheats so much that the phone dies, and the base of the stick shifter heats up. The mirror does not turn down on reverse, even though the setting is on, and the system does not flag low tire pressure repeatedly and on all wheels (as low as 29 psi from recommended 45). The manual shifter took about a thousand miles to flow and not stick, but at five thousand miles now, it is almost as good as the best ones I've used.

Positive 2023 Volkswagen Golf r car reviews

  1. Kevin Homenick 2024-05-06

    I recently upgraded from a 2019 Golf R to the 2023 model and I'd like to share my thoughts on the two. Overall, the newer version is more comfortable, better equipped, and fancier than its predecessor. However, I do miss the fun factor of the older model. The virtual cockpit, while impressive, can be unnecessarily complicated and distracting. Adjusting the cabin temperature while driving can be confusing and unsafe as it requires taking your eyes off the road and your hand off the wheel. Unfortunately, the infotainment system can be unfriendly and detract from the overall driving experience. I'm hopeful that with time, I'll get used to it.

  2. Durward Quitzon 2024-05-04

    I really love this car! It's quick, fast, and fun to drive. It's also very inconspicuous and handles like a dream. Despite not driving conservatively, I'm still averaging 28 miles per gallon combined. Although some people have negative things to say about the infotainment system, I find it very straightforward once you get used to it. The car's multiple drive modes make it perfect for both sporty driving and comfortable daily commutes. The DSG is also incredibly fast and smooth, and with launch control, you can hit 60 MPH in just over 4 seconds (which is impressive for a car that gets 28 MPG). I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a wolf in sheep's clothing!

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Other years of Volkswagen Golf r

volkswagen golf r 2012 photo
Golf r 2012
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Golf r 2013
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volkswagen golf r 2015 photo
Golf r 2015
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volkswagen golf r 2016 photo
Golf r 2016
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volkswagen golf r 2017 photo
Golf r 2017
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volkswagen golf r 2018 photo
Golf r 2018
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2023 Volkswagen Golf r photo