Volkswagen Golf Mk8
from 2019
Based on 3 sources, each with its own reference date
Based on 3 sources, see the topics below
Key points to know
- Recalls
7 results 路 NHTSA, data up to and including 14/02/2024
- Complaint patterns
4 results 路 NHTSA, data up to and including 14/02/2024
- Manufacturer bulletins
8 results 路 NHTSA Manufacturer Communications, data up to and including 2026
- Safety rating
3 results 路 NHTSA SafetyRatings, data up to and including 2026
Recalls
Our EU Safety Gate feed only goes back to 17 July 2026
Show the full list (7)
Official item from NHTSA: suspension / rear / springs / coil springs
Campaign number: 19V188000.
Official item from NHTSA: electrical system / ignition / anti-theft / control module
Campaign number: 19V615000.
Official item from NHTSA: wheels
Campaign number: 19V879000.
Official item from NHTSA: tires / pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Campaign number: 22V815000.
Official item from NHTSA: electrical system / ignition / switch
Campaign number: 23V604000.
Official item from NHTSA: fuel system, gasoline
Campaign number: 24V110000.
Official item from NHTSA: back over prevention / sensing system / camera
Campaign number: 20V716000.
No recall found in EU Safety Gate, checked up to and including 2026
Complaint patterns
US complaint data
Official item from NHTSA: engine
37 of the 82 of all NHTSA complaints for this model year.
Official item from NHTSA: power train
17 of the 82 of all NHTSA complaints for this model year.
Official item from NHTSA: unknown or other component
13 of the 82 of all NHTSA complaints for this model year.
Official item from NHTSA: electrical system
11 of the 82 of all NHTSA complaints for this model year.
Manufacturer bulletins
Not a recognised defect, only a bulletin from the manufacturer
NHTSA manufacturer communications: GOLF
The manufacturer has published 595 technical bulletins about GOLF, mainly about EQUIPMENT (151 of 595), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (74 of 595), ENGINE (71 of 595). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: GOLF
The manufacturer has published 486 technical bulletins about GOLF, mainly about EQUIPMENT (103 of 486), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (66 of 486), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (62 of 486). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: GOLF
The manufacturer has published 425 technical bulletins about GOLF, mainly about EQUIPMENT (72 of 425), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (57 of 425), ENGINE (53 of 425). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: GOLF
The manufacturer has published 347 technical bulletins about GOLF, mainly about ENGINE (55 of 347), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39 of 347), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (32 of 347). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: GOLF
The manufacturer has published 264 technical bulletins about GOLF, mainly about ENGINE (50 of 264), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28 of 264), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (22 of 264). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: GOLF
The manufacturer has published 206 technical bulletins about GOLF, mainly about ENGINE (46 of 206), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26 of 206), SERVICE BRAKES (12 of 206). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: GOLF R
The manufacturer has published 120 technical bulletins about GOLF R, mainly about ENGINE (30 of 120), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (20 of 120), SERVICE BRAKES (10 of 120). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
NHTSA manufacturer communications: GOLF R
The manufacturer has published 57 technical bulletins about GOLF R, mainly about ENGINE (15 of 57), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 of 57), SERVICE BRAKES (7 of 57). These are messages from the manufacturer to the dealer network, for example repair instructions, software updates or warranty programmes. They are not recalls themselves and not a proven problem with this model. That also holds when the text mentions a recall. The count says nothing about the quality of this car.
Safety rating
American crash test (NHTSA)
NHTSA safety rating: GOLF
NHTSA scores the GOLF from model year 2019 at 5 out of 5 stars (front 4/5, side 5/5, rollover 4/5). This is an American test. It follows the NHTSA protocol and is not a worldwide safety score. Other countries test differently, for example Euro NCAP, and can reach another rating.
NHTSA safety rating: GOLF
NHTSA scores the GOLF from model year 2020 at 5 out of 5 stars (front 4/5, side 5/5, rollover 4/5). This is an American test. It follows the NHTSA protocol and is not a worldwide safety score. Other countries test differently, for example Euro NCAP, and can reach another rating.
NHTSA safety rating: GOLF
NHTSA scores the GOLF from model year 2021 at 5 out of 5 stars (front 4/5, side 5/5, rollover 4/5). This is an American test. It follows the NHTSA protocol and is not a worldwide safety score. Other countries test differently, for example Euro NCAP, and can reach another rating.
Insurance loss
Compared with the US average. Not a chance of defects
No insurance loss data found at IIHS/HLDI, checked through 2026
Inspection statistics for these model years
- 0 to 2 years: 32,999 inspections
- 3 to 5 years: 141,717 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 156,537 inspections
6 to 8 years: 156,537 inspections
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 13447 of the 156537 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 9664 of the 156537 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 7895 of the 156537 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 7444 of the 156537 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 4621 of the 156537 Czech inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (2)
0 to 2 years: 32,999 inspections
Official inspection point: Identification of the vehicle
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 416 of the 32999 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 255 of the 32999 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 147 of the 32999 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 133 of the 32999 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 122 of the 32999 Czech inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
3 to 5 years: 141,717 inspections
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 4569 of the 141717 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 3540 of the 141717 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 3320 of the 141717 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2544 of the 141717 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2408 of the 141717 Czech inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
- 3 to 5 years: 19,662 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 65,902 inspections
6 to 8 years: 65,902 inspections
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 11333 of the 65902 British MOT statistics, age 6-8 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 982 of the 6065 British MOT statistics, age 6-8 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 15046 of the 113904 British MOT statistics, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
3 to 5 years: 19,662 inspections
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2619 of the 19662 British MOT statistics, age 3-5 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 7347 of the 75007 British MOT statistics, age 3-5 yr.
Official item from DVSA MOT-statistiek
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1245 of the 13748 British MOT statistics, age 3-5 yr.
- 0 to 2 years: 207 inspections
- 3 to 5 years: 14,140 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 20,710 inspections
6 to 8 years: 20,710 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 3437 of the 20710 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1925 of the 20710 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 447 of the 20710 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 316 of the 20710 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 96 of the 20710 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (2)
0 to 2 years: 207 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 26 of the 207 Dutch inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 13 of the 207 Dutch inspection data, age 0-2 yr.
3 to 5 years: 14,140 inspections
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2046 of the 14140 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 890 of the 14140 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 320 of the 14140 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 107 of the 14140 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 35 of the 14140 Dutch inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
- 3 to 5 years: 1,220 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 20,369 inspections
6 to 8 years: 20,369 inspections
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2943 of the 20369 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 2123 of the 20369 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 1311 of the 20369 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Visibility
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 242 of the 20369 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Chassis and chassis attachments
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 175 of the 20369 Norwegian inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
3 to 5 years: 1,220 inspections
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 100 of the 1220 Norwegian inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 46 of the 1220 Norwegian inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension
Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 34 of the 1220 Norwegian inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
- 3 to 5 years: 2,294 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 5,897 inspections
6 to 8 years: 5,897 inspections
Official inspection point: Lighting and electrical equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 276 fail items across 5897 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels and suspension
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 231 fail items across 5897 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Test drive and visibility
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 231 fail items across 5897 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking systems
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 76 fail items across 5897 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Environmental nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 59 fail items across 5897 Finnish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
3 to 5 years: 2,294 inspections
Official inspection point: Test drive and visibility
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 79 fail items across 2294 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels and suspension
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 56 fail items across 2294 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting and electrical equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 28 fail items across 2294 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Environmental nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 19 fail items across 2294 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Other equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 16 fail items across 2294 Finnish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
- 3 to 5 years: 3,080 inspections
- 6 to 8 years: 11,907 inspections
6 to 8 years: 11,907 inspections
Official inspection point: Steering, suspension, wheels and tyres
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 1840 fail items across 11907 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 1286 fail items across 11907 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 1041 fail items across 11907 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Other equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 550 fail items across 11907 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Official inspection point: Nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 339 fail items across 11907 Irish inspection data, age 6-8 yr.
Show more age groups (1)
3 to 5 years: 3,080 inspections
Official inspection point: Steering, suspension, wheels and tyres
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 271 fail items across 3080 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Lighting equipment and parts of the electrical system
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 168 fail items across 3080 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Other equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 156 fail items across 3080 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Braking equipment
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 56 fail items across 3080 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
Official inspection point: Nuisance
Note: these are fail items, not tests. One car can fail on several items in the same test. This figure can therefore be higher than the share of cars that failed. 29 fail items across 3080 Irish inspection data, age 3-5 yr.
See the inspection statistics for all generations of Golf
Go to GolfInspections by country and age
This table shows, per age, how many cars of this model fail inspection, by country. An index of 100 is that country's average for that age.
| Age | Netherlands | United Kingdom | Czechia | Ireland | NO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | 17.4% failed (36 of 207) | No data | No data | No data | No data |
| 3-5 years | 20.9% failed (2960 of 14140) | 10.3% failed (11211 of 108417) | 1.8% failed (46 of 2636) | 16.8% failed (518 of 3080) | 13.9% failed (169 of 1220) |
| 6-8 years | 25.5% failed (5278 of 20710) | 14.7% failed (27361 of 185871) | 2.6% failed (261 of 9904) | 27.3% failed (3249 of 11907) | 26.4% failed (5381 of 20369) |
Czechia only counts serious defects, severity B or C. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Norway count every inspection with a real defect.
Finland is not in this table. Finland counts defect points, not cars with a defect.
Buyer knowledge and checklist
Before you buy: the inspection requirement in this country, plus a checklist for the test drive.
Periodic inspection: APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring, the Dutch periodic roadworthiness test): from 2 to 8 years old: every 2 years; diesel: annually from the first test onwards; other fuels: annually from 8 years old
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
What are the known problems with a Volkswagen Golf Mk8?
Recalls: 7 results (NHTSA, data up to and including 14/02/2024). Complaint patterns: 4 results (NHTSA, data up to and including 14/02/2024). Manufacturer bulletins: 8 results (NHTSA Manufacturer Communications, data up to and including 2026). Safety rating: 3 results (NHTSA SafetyRatings, data up to and including 2026). Each point is worked out below with its source and reference date.
Are there any known recalls for the Volkswagen Golf Mk8?
7 recalls recorded with NHTSA, data up to and including 14/02/2024. Reported in the United States: says nothing about the status in this country.
Which defects are found most often at inspection for a Volkswagen Golf?
Official inspection point: Axles, wheels, tyres, suspension. Note: this is a share of the cars tested in this age band. It is not a chance of defects and predicts nothing for this car. 3437 of the 20710 Dutch inspection data, age 6-8 yr. Dutch inspection data, data up to and including 03/09/2026. More age groups and categories are available in the inspection statistics on this page.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA (data up to and including 14/02/2024), CZ STK (data up to and including 03/07/2026), DVSA MOT-statistiek (data up to and including 2025), NHTSA Manufacturer Communications (data up to and including 2026), NHTSA SafetyRatings (data up to and including 2026), GDV Typklassenverzeichnis (data up to and including 2024), Dutch inspection data (data up to and including 03/09/2026), Norwegian inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025), Finnish inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025), Irish inspection data (data up to and including 31/12/2025). Every fact here has its own source and reference date.