Golf

42 UK vehicle recalls on record for this model, listed most recent first.

If your Golf is covered by any of these notices, contact your authorised VW dealer. All recall work is carried out free of charge.

Notices on record

VW Golf · DVSA register

All recall notices.

Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement

R/2025/357 · 22 Aug 2025

22 Aug 2025

Defect

Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.

Remedy

The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.

Build window

Built 6 Nov 2008 – 25 Jan 2013

~92 vehicles affected
Front belt webbing

R/2025/256 · 9 Jul 2025

9 Jul 2025

Defect

On Golf vehicles of a limited production period belt systems were fitted to front passenger seat that may not have been correctly attached to the anchoring point near the lower B pillar.

Remedy

On the affected vehicles the anchoring point of the belt system on the front passenger seat is inspected and dependant on results seat belt may need replacing.

Build window

Built 12 Feb 2024 – 11 Apr 2024

~6,081 vehicles affected
Front belt webbing

R/2025/257 · 9 Jul 2025

9 Jul 2025

Defect

On Golf vehicles of a limited production period belt systems were fitted to front passenger seat that may not have been correctly attached to the anchoring point near the lower B pillar.

Remedy

The anchoring point of the belt system on the front passenger seat is inspected and dependant on results seat belt may need replacing.

Build window

Built 2 Apr 2024

~8 vehicles affected
Analysis vehicle modification

R/2024/266 · 1 Mar 2024

1 Mar 2024

Defect

On affected vehicles the software specification of safety-related systems and component groups may not have been in line with the standard condition at the time

Remedy

On affected vehicles the system software will be checked and updated accordingly

Build window

Built 27 May 2016

~1 vehicles affected
Analysis vehicle modification

R/2024/266 · 1 Mar 2024

1 Mar 2024

Defect

On affected vehicles the software specification of safety-related systems and component groups may not have been in line with the standard condition at the time

Remedy

On affected vehicles the system software will be checked and updated accordingly

Build window

Built 23 May 2016

~1 vehicles affected
On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.

R/2024/014 · 12 Jan 2024

12 Jan 2024

Defect

On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.

Remedy

A check of the installation of the heat protection mat on affected vehicles will be conducted. If necessary the correct heat shield condition will be restored and in a damage case the damaged components will be replaced.� �

Build window

Built 6 Mar 2020 – 31 Aug 2022

~26,721 vehicles affected
Takata Front airbag

R/2023/178 · 13 Jun 2023

13 Jun 2023

Defect

The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.

Remedy

Replace airbag

Build window

Built 23 Jul 2008 – 27 Feb 2013

~125 vehicles affected
Takata Front airbag

R/2023/178 · 13 Jun 2023

13 Jun 2023

Defect

The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.

Remedy

Replace airbag

Build window

Built 6 Nov 2008 – 6 Nov 2012

~95 vehicles affected
THE BOLTED CONNECTION OF THE PULL ROD BETWEEN THE ELECTROMECHANICAL BRAKE SERVO AND BRAKE PEDAL COULD COME LOOSE

R/2021/320 · 10 Sep 2021

10 Sep 2021

Defect

The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.

Remedy

Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened

Build window

Built 13 Jan 2019 – 20 May 2021

~145 vehicles affected
FAULTY CRASH SENSORS FOR AIR BAG AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS MAY HAVE BEEN FITTED IN THE FRONT DOORS

R/2021/055 · 19 Feb 2021

19 Feb 2021

Defect

Faulty crash sensors for airbag and restraint systems may have been fitted in the front doors.

Remedy

The crash sensors in the front doors are to be checked and if necessary replaced.

Build window

Built 2 Sep 2020 – 8 Sep 2020

~124 vehicles affected
THE E-CALL SERVICE FUNCTION MAY NOT ALWAYS FUNCTION

R/2020/176 · 5 Jun 2020

5 Jun 2020

Defect

On affected vehicles the e-call service may not function

Remedy

Update the Online Control Unit software on affected vehicle.

Build window

Built 12 Mar 2020 – 8 May 2020

~4,630 vehicles affected
THE HOUSING BOLTS ON THE CAMSHELF ADJUSTER MAY COME LOOSE

R/2019/261 · 9 Aug 2019

9 Aug 2019

Defect

The housing bolts on the camshaft adjuster may come loose and break the pulley

Remedy

On the affected vehicles the camshaft adjuster has to be replaced

Build window

Affected build dates not specified

~472 vehicles affected
THE HOUSING BOLTS ON THE CAMSHELF ADJUSTER MAY COME LOOSE

R/2019/261 · 9 Aug 2019

9 Aug 2019

Defect

The housing bolts on the camshaft adjuster may come loose and break the pulley

Remedy

On the affected vehicles the camshaft adjuster has to be replaced

Build window

Built 17 Dec 2013 – 4 Dec 2014

~472 vehicles affected
DRIVER AIRBAG GENERATOR HOUSING COULD COME LOOSE

R/2019/019 · 24 Jan 2019

24 Jan 2019

Defect

Increased humidity may have got into the propellant of the gas generator for the drivers air bag.

Remedy

The gas generator of the front airbag on the driver side is replaced.

Build window

Built 1 Jan 2002 – 31 Dec 2002

~786 vehicles affected
REAR SEAT BENCH WELDED CONNECTION MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY PERFORMED

R/2018/352 · 12 Dec 2018

12 Dec 2018

Defect

The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.

Remedy

Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.

Build window

Built 1 May 2018 – 31 Aug 2018

~4,027 vehicles affected
HEAD RESTRAINT MAY BE INSECURE

R/2018/133 · 11 May 2018

11 May 2018

Defect

On a limited production period a burr may have developed on the locking bar of the head restraint guide.

Remedy

On affected vehicles the left head restraint guide on both front seats must be replaced.

Build window

Built 14 Feb 2018 – 31 Mar 2018

~2,881 vehicles affected
FRONT BRAKE DISCS MAY NOT BE CORRECT THICKNESS

R/2018/074 · 19 Mar 2018

19 Mar 2018

Defect

The front brake discs may not meet the required thickness dimension. Under extreme loads this could cause cracking which may lead to fractures.

Remedy

The front discs on affected vehicles will be checked for conformity and where necessary they will be replaced.

Build window

Built 19 Jan 2018 – 23 Jan 2018

~56 vehicles affected
STARTER MOTOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT

R/2018/062 · 7 Mar 2018

7 Mar 2018

Defect

On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.

Remedy

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.

Build window

Built 1 Mar 2011 – 30 Nov 2011

~16,625 vehicles affected
PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED

R/2018/031 · 2 Feb 2018

2 Feb 2018

Defect

There is a possible faulty weld to the gas generator. If the airbag is deployed there is a potential danger to the vehicle occupants by gas generator parts being ejected into the cabin.

Remedy

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the airbag inflator unit.

Build window

Built 1 Jul 2014 – 15 Nov 2014

~21 vehicles affected
REAR WHEEL BEARING HOUSINGS MAY BE INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY

R/2017/294 · 17 Nov 2017

17 Nov 2017

Defect

The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.

Remedy

Recall the 420 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.

Build window

Built 21 Aug 2017 – 29 Aug 2017

~420 vehicles affected
ABS/ESC SYSTEM MAY FAIL

R/2017/189 · 20 Jun 2017

20 Jun 2017

Defect

On vehicles with ABS/ESC the earth connection may be interrupted. This may cause failure of the ABS/ESC system

Remedy

On affected vehicles install new software. Where necessary a new ABS/ESC control unit will be fitted.

Build window

Built 1 Jun 2008 – 31 May 2010

~64,192 vehicles affected
AIRBAG/BELT TENSIONERS MAY NOT TRIGGER IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

R/2017/079 · 22 Mar 2017

22 Mar 2017

Defect

Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision

Remedy

On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.

Build window

Built 1 May 2016 – 31 Oct 2016

~3,879 vehicles affected
LIGHTS MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING

R/2017/040 · 23 Jan 2017

23 Jan 2017

Defect

It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.

Remedy

Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.

Build window

Built 1 Jun 2015 – 31 Oct 2016

~12,440 vehicles affected
FUEL MAY LEAK

R/2016/174 · 25 Jul 2016

25 Jul 2016

Defect

A tooling problem during manufacture could result in the cylinder head not being to specification. It is possible that the fuel rail could loosen and fuel leaks cannot be ruled out. The customer may notice a smell of fuel because of the leak. In the most unfavourable case it is thought possible the fuel could ignite in the engine compartment.

Remedy

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the cylinder head.

Build window

Built 1 Mar 2016 – 1 Apr 2016

~8 vehicles affected
CHILD LOCK MAY DISENGAGE

R/2016/145 · 23 Jun 2016

23 Jun 2016

Defect

The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.

Remedy

On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.

Build window

Built 25 Nov 2015 – 14 Apr 2016

~13,620 vehicles affected
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE COMPROMISED

R/2015/097 · 24 Jun 2015

24 Jun 2015

Defect

Front wheel bearing housings with insufficient hardness may have been fitted. This can lead to a fracture of a wheel bearing housing which can affected the directional control of the vehicle.

Remedy

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the casting dates of both front wheel bearing housings. Where the affected wheel bearing housings are found they will be replaced.

Build window

Built 1 Apr 2015 – 11 Apr 2015

~303 vehicles affected
FUEL MAY LEAK

R/2011/169 · 15 Dec 2011

15 Dec 2011

Defect

On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.

Remedy

Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.

Build window

Built 1 Jan 2009 – 15 Dec 2011

~33,719 vehicles affected
CLUTCH MAY OPERATE INADVERTENTLY WITH UNEXPECTED LOSS OF DRIVE

R/2009/110 · 14 Dec 2009

14 Dec 2009

Defect

In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.

Remedy

Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit.

Build window

Built 1 Sep 2008 – 31 Aug 2009

~3,514 vehicles affected
FIRE MAY OCCUR

R/2008/009 · 29 Jan 2008

29 Jan 2008

Defect

The contact resistance on the earth connection of the heating element for the additional air heater can exceed specification. This could lead to excessive heat developing in the connection area of the cable which could result in localised scorching. However if not rectified this could result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Recall all affected vehicles and check the torque on the earth connection.

Build window

Built 8 Jan 2007 – 9 Jan 2008

~10,436 vehicles affected
HEATING ELEMENT MAY OVERHEAT

R/2007/030 · 12 Feb 2007

12 Feb 2007

Defect

The additional air heater heating element earth connection may overheat and in the most unfavourable cases may lead to a fire.

Remedy

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the earth connection is sufficiently tight.

Build window

Built 6 Nov 2006 – 12 Jan 2007

~4,842 vehicles affected
BOLTS OF THE TANDEM FUEL PUMP COVER MAY BREAK

R/2004/211 · 3 Mar 2005

3 Mar 2005

Defect

It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.

Remedy

Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.

Build window

Built 1 Mar 2004 – 31 Aug 2004

~49,701 vehicles affected
BRAKE SERVO VACUUM PIPE MAY CRACK AND LEAK.

R/2003/014 · 26 Mar 2003

26 Mar 2003

Defect

The brake servo vacuum supply pipe may crack and leak. This could result in a loss of power assistance and require the driver to apply a lot more force to the brake pedal.

Remedy

Examine the condition of the vacuum supply pipe and fit an improved quality replacement where necessary.

Build window

Built 1 Feb 1998 – 31 Dec 1999

~69,541 vehicles affected
ANTI LOCK BRAKE CONTROL UNIT CONCERN

R/2002/030 · 9 May 2002

9 May 2002

Defect

There is a risk that an electrical fault in the anti lock brake control unit (ABS) can cause overheating of related electrical components. This may lead to fire damage and cause the service brake to revert to a non-anti lock mode of operation.

Remedy

Recall affected vehicles to check the part number and supplier code of the ABS control unit. Renew the ABS control unit where found necessary.

Build window

Built 1 Mar 2001 – 30 Sep 2001

~24,034 vehicles affected
RISK OF FAILURE OF REAR AXLE TRANSVERSE LINK.

R/2001/140 · 1 Dec 2001

1 Dec 2001

Defect

Moisture can enter the rear axle ball joints this moisture can start corrosion of the joints ultimately causing the joints to seize.

Remedy

Recall affected vehicles for replacement of ball joints and transverse links.

Build window

Built 1 Feb 1997 – 28 Feb 2000

~9 vehicles affected
PASSENGER AIRBAG CONCERN

R/2001/011 · 26 Feb 2001

26 Feb 2001

Defect

The passenger airbag may not release correctly because of a leak in the pressure reservoir of the gas generator.

Remedy

Recall affected vehicles and replace the front passenger airbag.

Build window

Built 1 Oct 2000 – 30 Nov 2000

~157 vehicles affected
CHILD SEAT SECURITY CONCERN

R/2001/006 · 22 Jan 2001

22 Jan 2001

Defect

Welding faults on the seams of the ISOFIX mounting bars may occur. The safe support of ISOFIX child seats can therefore not be guaranteed in a crash.

Remedy

Recall vehicles in order to re-weld the ISOFIX mounting bars.

Build window

Built 1 May 2000 – 30 Jun 2000

~173 vehicles affected
POSSIBLE FAILURE OF HEADLAMPS

R/1997/001 · 27 Feb 1997

27 Feb 1997

Defect

The wiring harness can cause the headlamp switch to overheat with consequent failure of the headlamps.

Remedy

Recall the affected vehicles for modification to the light switch cable and replacement of the headlamp switch.

Build window

Built 1 Nov 1994 – 28 Feb 1995

~9,700 vehicles affected
INSECURITY OF FAN BLADE

R/1996/008 · 12 Feb 1996

12 Feb 1996

Defect

The pulley on the engine cooling fan may loosen causing the fan motor to seize leading to a possible electrical overload with fire risk.

Remedy

Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified cooling fan and pulley.

Build window

Built 1 Jan 1994 – 31 Dec 1995

~2,054 vehicles affected
POSSIBILITY OF COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

R/1995/089 · 25 Jan 1996

25 Jan 1996

Defect

Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing on the heat exchanger. In consequence high temperature coolant

Remedy

Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam.

Build window

Built 1 Aug 1989 – 31 Aug 1991

~86,500 vehicles affected
FAILURE OF HEADLAMPS

R/1995/008 · 6 Sep 1995

6 Sep 1995

Defect

The headlamp switch may overheat and result in headlamp failure.

Remedy

Recall the affected vehicles for the fitting of a cable harness with control relay. In addition the light switch is to be replaced on Passat and Golf Ecomatic models as appropriate.

Build window

Built 1 Mar 1991 – 31 Aug 1992

~28,112 vehicles affected
BALL JOINT TO WISHBONE SECURITY

R/1994/069 · 14 Nov 1994

14 Nov 1994

Defect

As a result of an assembly fault the bolts securing the ball joints on the wishbone may loosen. In extreme cases this could result in loss of steering control.

Remedy

Recall the affected vehicles for a check on the torque of the ball joint mounting nuts/bolts. If any bolt is insufficiently torqued all three mounting bolts will be replaced.

Build window

Built 1 Jan 1994 – 31 Jan 1994

~76 vehicles affected
POSSIBLE INSECURITY OF THE WIRING LOOM

R/1992/024 · 26 May 1992

26 May 1992

Defect

One of several wiring looms located in the engine compartment may not be securely fixed. This could allow over a long time period the loom to chafe with the possibility of short circuiting and in extreme circumstances create a fire risk.

Remedy

Recall the affected vehicles. Fit protective sleeving to the loom in question and secure the assembly with clips.

Build window

Built 1 Aug 1991 – 28 Feb 1992

~6,895 vehicles affected

Data from the DVSA Vehicle Recall register (Crown Copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0). Last indexed: 2026-04-26.

These records are provided for reference. Contact your authorised VW dealer or check your vehicle registration at gov.uk/check-if-a-vehicle-has-outstanding-recalls to confirm current status.

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