2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen problems
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).
The original Golf Mk1 was a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling models, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019.
Initially, most Golfs were 3-door hatchbacks. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979–2002, Cabriolet, 2011–present), and a Golf-based saloon, called the Jetta, Vento (from 1992) or Bora (from 1999). The Golf covers economy to high-performance market segments.
The Golf has won awards, including the World Car of the Year in 2009, with the Mk6 and in 2013 with the Mk7. Along with the Renault Clio and the Vauxhall Astra, the Golf is one of only three cars to have won European Car of the Year twice, in 1992 and 2013. The Golf has made the annual Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times. The Mk7 won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2015, and the Mk1 GTI also won the award in 1985. The Mk4 won for the best-selling car in Europe in 2001.
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Common 2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, several common problems have been reported:
- Panoramic Roof Leaking: Owners have reported issues with the panoramic roof leaking in the 2016 and 2015 Golf SportWagen models. This problem can lead to water entering the vehicle, potentially causing damage to the interior and electronics.
- Taillight Failure: Some owners of the 2018 Golf SportWagen have experienced taillight failures. This issue can compromise the visibility of the vehicle to other drivers, posing a safety concern, especially in low-light conditions.
- Keyless Entry Failure: In the 2018 Golf SportWagen, there have been reports of keyless entry system failures. This can result in inconvenience for owners who rely on keyless entry for easy access to their vehicle.
- Electronic Squealing Sound at Start-Up: Owners of the 2019 Golf SportWagen have reported hearing electronic squealing sounds at start-up. This noise can be disruptive and may indicate underlying electrical issues that require attention.
- Coil Spring Breakage: A significant problem affecting the 2018-2019 Atlas, 2015 Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Jetta models is the potential breakage of coil springs. This issue can lead to unsettling noises, a sagging rear end, and in extreme cases, puncture a tire, posing a serious safety hazard.
These reported problems highlight various issues that owners of the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen have faced. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of the vehicle.
Is VW Golf SportWagen reliable?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, compared to an average of 11% for compact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
Why did VW discontinue the SportWagen?
Production of the VW SportWagen and Alltrack Comes to an End
After the 2019 model year, Volkswagen is discontinuing sales of the Golf SportWagen and the Golf Alltrack in the United States. The automaker has decided to place more of a focus on the new SUV models that will soon be hitting showrooms.
How long will a Golf SportWagen last?
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles.
How much horsepower does a 2019 VW Golf SportWagen have?
Front-wheel-drive versions of the Golf SportWagen are powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower. Opting for all-wheel drive on the base S model nets a more powerful 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 170 horsepower.
2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Golf sportwagen problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- VIN: 3VWY57AU6KM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Gulf Sportwagen. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The contact was concerned about the vehicle catching fire. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-10
- VIN: 3VW117AU3KM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The grab handles to not remain flush to interior roofliner. The springs or appartatus is defective. All four handles hang down (some were never used). Passengers and drivers hit their head on these handles when entering or exiting the vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-30
- VIN: 3VWY57AU6KM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle restarted after 15 minutes but then stalled again. While driving 45 MPH on three other occasions, the vehicle stalled. The check starting system message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The contact called another local dealer, Volkswagen Lee’s Summit (2225 NE Independence Ave., Lee's Summit, MO 64064) and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was contacted but the contact was awaiting a call back. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTS Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-03
- VIN: 3VWT57AUXKM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-24
- VIN: 3VWY57AU0KM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while the vehicle was being inspected by a certified mechanic, the contact was informed that the coil springs were fractured. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-17
- VIN: 3VW117AU2KM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The right rear coil spring fractured at the lower control end of the coil. This model was subject to a recall (19V188000) for premature fracture of the coil spring. However, according to VW this recall did not affect the VIN of our vehicle. Suspect that the recall either should have included our VIN or that the replacement springs have a similar material defect.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-27
- VIN: 3VW117AU8KM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HORN. It takes great effort to sound the horn on this model VW. I am the original owner, and took it to two (2) VW dealers and they said that it works properly, but then again, they pressed very hard to make it work, and not how a normal driver would use it. For me and other drivers however, normal pressure on the horn will not sound it. I have driven many cars over the years (I am 63 and started driving 15-1/2) and I find this dangerous. I am in a Facebook group of VW Golf Sportwagen & Alltrack (similar car) owners, and many other owners state the same issue, and that it is dangerous. I have an older 1998 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T Wagon, which the horn performs much better. You can tap it and it goes "beep" like to communicate "thanks" (or other) to drivers, pedestrians, etc., or press normally and it goes "HONK". The horn on the 2019 Golf Sportwagon often doesn't sound when pressed, and it is a serious safety issue for me and my family. My wife has witnessed this multiple times and thinks it dangerous too. It is a serious flaw of this vehicle and I wish I had reported it sooner. Here are some comments from other Facebook users (same vehicle / model / year): "It is about the sensitivity of the pressure switch. Takes too much force to engage and it's not easy to modulate it.", "The horn is horrible. I have hit it in panic and it doesn't blow. If there is a VCDS code to shange it, please share." "Same behaviour on my 2017 VW Alltrack"; "Yep - another thing I don't like about this car. I have to remove one hand from the control rim if I have a situation where another car is about to hit me"; "I smash the steering wheel and it honks". I live in NYC and haven't yet, but will ask a Police officer or fireman to try to sound it. I haven't reported it to my Insurance, and no OBD-II codes or check engine lights -- supposedly this is "normal". This has been this way since Aug 27 2019 when I purchased the car, and hasn't improved or gotten better. END
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-10
- VIN: 3VW117AU0KM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: The vehicle suddenly shut off while going 60 mph on the highway, and a 'Check Starter System' message appeared before a message that indicated that I need to stop the vehicle appeared. Vehicle was able to restart and the same issue occurred again less than 1 mile down the road. My safety was at risk due to the loss of power, that on another road or a highway on ramp, could have caused a collision due to the loss of speed I experienced. There were no prior warnings until the loss of power. The manufacturer service center was unable to replicate the issue or make any corrective action.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-19
- VIN: 3VW217AU3KM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE MOTOR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. SOMETIMES THERE WILL BE A LOSS PF ENGINE POWER AND A 'STUTTERING' AND JERKING JUST BEFORE THE STALL OCCURS, BUT NOT ALWAYS. AT FASTER SPEEDS THERE IS A HARD THUMP AND SUDDEN DECELERATION. MY CAR HAS STALLED 14 TIMES WHILE IN MOTION AT SPEEDS FROM 20 MPH TO 60 MPH SINCE I STARTED COUNTING (THERE HAVE BEEN MORE STALLS THAN THIS). THE CAR ALSO NOW STALLS AT STOP LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, OR SIMPLY WHILE IDLING IN NEUTRAL (I HAVE VIDEO OF THE MOTOR SHUTTING OFF). THE ISSUE FIRST APPEARED AT ABOUT 310 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ON 19 AUGUST 2019. THE CAR NOW HAS ONLY 372 MILES ON IT. ALL STALLS HAVE OCCURRED WHILE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN IN A STRAIGHT LINE, ON BOTH LOCAL ROADS AND A STATE ROUTE HIGHWAY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WHEN THESE STALLS OCCUR. THERE HAVE BEEN THREE NEAR-ACCIDENTS SINCE THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. CAR WAS PURCHASED 29 JULY 2019, VEHICLE HAD 122 MILES ON IT FROM DELIVERY FROM A PENNSYLVANIA DEALER TO MY DEALER IN MARYLAND.
2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. 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 VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
- Consequence: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
- Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
- Consequence: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Negative 2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen car reviews
Positive 2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen car reviews
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This car is extremely well-built and solid. It's a sporty, fun car to drive with good acceleration thanks to the turbo stratified injection. The car has lots of cargo room, a great radio, and excellent fuel economy. I think it's a wonderful car that's worth twice the asking price. Even after five years, this car has exceeded my expectations. It gets great fuel mileage (averaging 40+ mpg on the highway) and still has plenty of power when you engage the turbo. The only negative thing I've experienced is that my headlights have small cracks, but that's not the car's fault. Unfortunately, the dealer didn't cover it under warranty and I suspect it was caused by someone backing into my car at the dealership. Despite this, I've had no other problems with the car and I'm actually looking to purchase another 2018 Golf Sportwagen SE.
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I'm thrilled to share that I recently purchased my third manual transmission VW wagon! Since I needed all-wheel drive, I assumed I would have to upgrade to the All Track. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the standard TSI model also offers all-wheel drive as '4 motion', along with a six-speed manual transmission. While it may not be as powerful as my previous TDI, this 2019 4 Motion 6 speed manual transmission is still peppy and handles great! Additionally, the tornado red color is stunning and a refreshing change from my previous white and black models.
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This car is amazing! It's a sports car with a work horse heart, which means I can use it to haul everything I need. Plus, if I add a roof rack, it's like having a pickup truck! It handles great, takes curves fast, and accelerates like a dream thanks to its super DSG transmission perfectly matched to the engine. I think you'll really enjoy it. In fact, I recently averaged over 38 MPG in a 60 mile highway trip this week!
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As a loyal VW driver/owner, I fell in love with my wife's loaded TDI Jetta Sportwagen years ago and never got over it when she traded it in. The handling and pep were just amazing, so when it came time to replace my trusty Rabbit, I knew I had to get a Golf Sportwagen. I was lucky enough to snag a base model for well under MSRP. This car is so much fun to drive, it's peppy and the turbo plus that signature VW handling make it a joy to drive. The acceleration is ample and the handling makes me long for some curvy country roads or hills. I would have preferred the manual, but I'm more than happy with the automatic. It's a practical family car that can haul a ton of groceries, sports gear or musical instruments quite easily with multiple kids in the car. Add a roof rack and you've got a lot of space for extras. The mileage is respectable, 22-24 city, 37-38 highway. You don't really need 4motion. It looks much cooler than crossovers in its class. Think of this as an entry level Audi (more so if you get the loaded version). The interior is groovy, I actually like the cloth a bit better than the leatherette. The driver's seat is really comfortable and the sound system is good, not amazing. The Apple Carplay and display is a fantastic feature for iPhone users and a major upgrade for me, though probably standard for many cars by now. The heating and cooling is ample and I don't miss all the bells and whistles or sunroof much at all. If you want a no-frills fun to drive car, you can't lose with the Sportwagen. I would absolutely test drive an electric version if they make one.
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Your Sportwagen sounds like a fantastic car! It's fun to drive, economical, and great looking. I love how people are always complimenting you on how nice it is. It's fast, comfortable, and has great handling. The Tornado Red and AllTrak drive make it a real keeper.
Other years of Volkswagen Golf sportwagen
Are you having problems with your 2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen?
Randal Schuster 2024-11-14
It's understandable to feel skeptical about the Golf wagon, especially with some of the issues that have been reported. However, it's important to note that many of these problems are not unique to VW and are common among other manufacturers using similar technology. That being said, it's always a good idea to be prepared for any potential expenses, such as addressing Direct Injection carbon issues. It's also worth noting that some quality control issues have been reported, but these are not necessarily indicative of the overall quality of the car. If you're considering the 4 motion, keep in mind that the fuel economy may not be as good as you'd expect for a small car. Additionally, some drivers have reported discomfort with the seats on longer trips. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you may want to consider the older Golf or Jetta wagons with the 2.5 engines, which have been praised for their reliability and overall quality.
Markus Stracke 2024-04-15
The road noise inside the vehicle is excessively loud. The addition of floor, firewall, roof, and door insulation would have greatly improved the driving experience. Despite reaching out to VW Customer Care, I did not receive any helpful feedback on how to reduce the road noise intrusion at my own expense. It is not recommended to take this car on long drives.