2023 Volkswagen Golf 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 2023 Volkswagen Golf problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf, several common problems have been highlighted:
- Infotainment System Complexity: Owners have expressed frustration with the overly complex infotainment system in the Golf, particularly the lack of physical knobs for radio or HVAC controls. This complexity can be distracting and challenging to use while driving, impacting the overall driving experience.
- Lack of Physical Buttons: The transition to touch-based controls in the infotainment system has been a point of contention for some owners, who find the absence of physical buttons inconvenient and frustrating. The reliance on touch controls can make it difficult to operate certain functions while on the road.
- Electronic Issues: Some owners have reported problematic and unreliable electronic issues with the Golf, such as sensors not working, functions turning on and off unexpectedly, screens freezing, and unresponsive features. These electronic glitches can affect the overall functionality and reliability of the vehicle.
- Faulty Sound System and Keyless Entry: Complaints have been raised regarding issues with the Harman Kardon sound system, keyless entry, and other electronic components. Owners have reported malfunctions in these systems, leading to dissatisfaction with the overall quality and performance of these features.
- Teething Problems with Driver Assistance Systems: Early teething problems with the car's new driver assistance systems have been noted, affecting features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and emergency braking. These issues can impact the safety and convenience of driving the Golf.
- Software Glitches: Owners have experienced software glitches in the Golf, particularly with the new infotainment system and operating software. These glitches can lead to system malfunctions, unresponsiveness, and overall dissatisfaction with the technology integrated into the vehicle.
- Handling of Electronic Issues by Dealers: Some owners have expressed frustration with how dealers have handled electronic issues in the Golf. Reports indicate that dealers were unable to provide fixes for known problems, leaving owners with unresolved issues and a sense of dissatisfaction with the support received.
These common problems highlight various challenges faced by owners of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf, ranging from electronic malfunctions to usability issues with the infotainment system. Addressing these concerns is crucial to enhancing the overall ownership experience and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Is a Volkswagen Golf a reliable car?
Its reliability score was 90.4%. As a car brand, VW ranked 22nd out of 32 manufacturers. The largest concern is electric issues, of which 5% of owners that took part in the survey cited as something they've experienced with their Golf. Problems with the exhaust followed behind, with 3.3% of owners commenting on this.
Why is VW discontinuing the Golf?
Why is Volkswagen discontinuing the Golf? Because the future is electric! With the EU banning sales of diesel and petrol cars from 2035, and Volkswagen's own plans to be all-electric between 2033 and 2035, the shift to sustainable driving is essential. Thereby, the Golf needs an electric update.
How long will a VW Golf engine 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. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
Is A VW Golf worth it?
In short, it should certainly be on your hit list if you're looking for a posh family hatchback with lots of tech, refined on-road manners and a high-quality, practical interior. Head on over to the Volkswagen Golf deals or other new Volkswagen deals pages to see how much you can save through carwow.
Is a Volkswagen Golf a reliable car?
Its reliability score was 90.4%. As a car brand, VW ranked 22nd out of 32 manufacturers. The largest concern is electric issues, of which 5% of owners that took part in the survey cited as something they've experienced with their Golf. Problems with the exhaust followed behind, with 3.3% of owners commenting on this.
Why is VW discontinuing the Golf?
Why is Volkswagen discontinuing the Golf? Because the future is electric! With the EU banning sales of diesel and petrol cars from 2035, and Volkswagen's own plans to be all-electric between 2033 and 2035, the shift to sustainable driving is essential. Thereby, the Golf needs an electric update.
Will there be a 2023 VW Golf?
What's New for 2023? While the Golf R doesn't change much for 2023, Volkswagen has added a 20th Anniversary Edition model with visual changes including 20th-anniversary badging, blue "R" logos inside and out, and special puddle lights that illuminate a "20R" graphic on the ground.
How long will a VW Golf engine 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. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
2023 Volkswagen Golf car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Golf problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Back over prevention problems
- Engine problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Volkswagen Golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2023 Volkswagen Golf complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Volkswagen Golf.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- VIN: WVW9A7CD8PW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Back up camera not working due to infotainment system not working. Dealer is aware, says they are waiting for a software update.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-12
- VIN: WVW9A7CD3PW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: While driving, Front Safety System Light came on. Additionally, Drive System light came on and car would not go over 25-30 mph.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-18
- VIN: WVW9A7CD8PW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Infotainment system fails to start/load. Infotainment screen provides multiple error messages such and “component protection active” and/ or “you can activate this function at dealer” and subsequently becomes inoperable, including multiple safety related features: Back up/ rear view camera freezes image or does not turn on at all. Autonomous emergency braking (front assist) fail light comes on. Park distance control fail light comes on. Have been to the VW dealer on two different occasions for these issues specifically and the systems and problems not resolved. They reset/ updated the infotainment system at 1st visit. System failed again/ unresolved. Took back to dealer and they called VW corporate for help. Picked up from 2nd visit and systems promptly failed again. Online search suggests common, unresolved problem. Thank you for aiding consumers in resolving these safety issues
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-17
- VIN: WVW2A7CD7PW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The infotainment of the car with the navigation gave wrong directions and almost drove me into a canyon rather than the street. I took it to the dealership and left it there for two days and the problem was still there.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-14
- VIN: WVW9A7CDXPW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Having consistent issues with safety features and infotainment system that locks up with errors. Since new my VW Gti has been experiencing drivers' assistants' issues. At times the backup camera does not work. At times the the whole infotainment system will have various different errors that prevent any of the safety features to be turned on. The errors don't easily go away unless turning off the car and trying to restart it all.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-02
- VIN: WVW2A7CD0PW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The vehicle has a manual transmission and is equipped with a hill start assist feature. This holds the brake on a hill so the clutch and gear may be engaged and keep the car from rolling back. The feature in this vehicle does not release the brake when the vehicle starts moving forward and holds it for a set amount of time based on hill gradient. This had led to stalling of the vehicle, as the clutch and gear engagement process is completed before the brakes are released. This can be dangerous in traffic situations, especially in intersections.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-25
- VIN: WVWSA7CD4PW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: All 2022 & 2023 Volkswagen GTI & R models with manual transmissions are impacted by this safety issue. When making a stop on any amount of road grade/hill, the vehicle brakes fully engage and will not disengage when removing your foot from the brake pedal, or by engaging or disengaging the clutch, or by applying throttle. Upon releasing the brake pedal, there is a programmed waiting period of 2-3 seconds where the brakes remain fully engaged, and the vehicle is unable to move regardless of the driver input. Once the waiting period expires, the vehicle begins an uncontrolled roll-back and the driver is able to engage or release the clutch and apply throttle for forward movement. During this waiting period, after the brake pedal is released, any vehicle input will cause a stall. During this waiting period the vehicle brake lights have turned off so drivers behind you believe you have begun forward movement, and they are likely to rearend your vehicle. If you re-apply the brake pedal, the waiting period resets, and you must go through the 2-3 second waiting period again. This feature creates a danger of entering or crossing traffic because the driver cannot 'time' when they will have the ability to move the vehicle, it also creates a danger of stalling the vehicle on a hill or while entering traffic. While in traffic on an uphill gradient, the feature continually engages the brakes and creates waiting periods; this is the case even on an uphill gradient while on an interstate causing continual extended stops. The feature cannot be turned off by the driver. VW Dealerships are unable to turn off the feature. Aftermarket tuning companies are unable to disable this feature. Please cross check your records as this is not an isolated safety complaint regarding these vehicles. Previous model years had an option to turn on a hill-assist feature that held the vehicle from a roll back. The 2022-2023 model year feature creates a roll back and prevents driver inputs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-19
- VIN: WVWHA7CDXPW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The problem is Component Protection, When the car goes into Component Protection you lose A/C and defrost, crash protection, It has been see by a Volkswagen dealer.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-16
- VIN: WVWHA7CD7PW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: Vehicles infotainment system does not turn on at startup - several error messages for safety features by most importantly, rear camera does not work when infotainment system screen is down and requires the dealer to activate it or fully black screen. Took to VW three times and they cannot determine the issue. Says it’s a software issue, but also showing “low voltage” warnings in computer diagnostics. Audi, owned by Volkswagen, just issued a recall for infotainment systems disabling rear cameras due to low voltage issues. The symptoms are identical to the VW issues. This is Audi recall internally coded 91Ei and it impacted many makes and models. I believe the components are possibly shared and the recall needs to extend to the GTI as well. Contacted VW and they have been unresponsive to me. I have video of the issue that shows the issue in more detail. Also attached the work order from VW that noted “low voltage”.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-16
- VIN: WVWHA7CD7PW
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: 2023 GTI’s rear camera, cross traffic sensors and parking sensors not functioning as Infotainment system controls these systems, and is consistently blacking out and showing errors. Had VW in for several services and dealer told me it’s a VW Software issue. Hence, this issue is likely systemic. Considering it renders the backup camera intermittently non functional I consider this a big safety problem. VW needs to address this issue immediately and issue a TSB or a fix. Many owners having same issue. Taken vehicle to two dealer and they have told me it is a Volkswagen technology issue and is unsolvable unless VW fixes the software. Contacted Volkswagen - no response.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-15
- VIN: WVWSA7CD5PW
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: This car should be under an active recall for 2022/2023 Volkswagen GTI/R due to insecurely installed radiator. But it's not listed somehow. The radiator was loose and caused rupture in coolant hose, and loss of coolant.
Other years of Volkswagen Golf
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