2021 Volkswagen Golf

7 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Aug 4, 2026Oakland, CASeat belts

   my car is 5 years old, only has 37291miles. Failed Component: Seat Belts (Right Rear Passenger Buckle) Description of Incident: The right rear passenger seat belt buckle assembly has suffered a complete mechanical latch failure. When attempting to insert the seat belt tongue into the buckle receptacle, the internal latching mechanism fails to engage, catch, or lock. The seat belt cannot be secured under any amount of pressure, rendering the entire passenger seating position completely unusable and unsafe. This is a premature component failure of a core, federally regulated safety restraint system on a vehicle with only 37,291 miles. The vehicle has not been involved in any prior collisions, and there is no physical damage or debris inside the buckle. The part has simply failed mechanically under normal, low-frequency usage. Crash/Injury/Fire: No crash or injury has occurred yet because the seating position is being left vacant due to the extreme safety risk. Nor was there any debris found by VW service technicians Remedy: The vehicle manufacturer (Volkswagen) has been notified of the component failure. Volkswagen corporate case number is 07656953.

   NHTSA complaint 11755119
2. Filed Apr 27, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Austin, TXElectrical system, Engine, Power train

   Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced intermittent drivability and shifting issues along with repeated EPC and check engine warnings. Diagnostic trouble code P0111 (intake air temperature plausibility) has been present along with other electrical and engine management faults. A Volkswagen dealership diagnosis indicated that the intake air temperature sensor and an additional engine insulation “hood blanket” component (not originally installed on the vehicle) are required to address the issue. These components were presented as necessary to correct the fault and resolve intermittent shifting behavior. The shifting issue is intermittent but occurs during normal driving and raises safety concerns due to unpredictable drivability and transmission behavior. The vehicle continues to exhibit warning lights and unresolved performance issues despite multiple repair attempts. The dealership has not identified a clear root cause, and prior repairs including sensor and EVAP-related components have not resolved the condition. Given the involvement of transmission-related drivability concerns and repeated unresolved electronic faults affecting engine performance, I am filing this complaint as a potential safety-related defect affecting normal vehicle operation.

   NHTSA complaint 11733997
3. Filed Jul 18, 2024Failure Jul 7, 2023Zionsville, INExterior lighting

   Headlight lens assembly of both headlights is cracking excessively. Upon review of online forums, this is happening frequently to many consumers. This impacts headlight output and looks to be manufacturing defect. Recently reported to dealer who indicated they have seen many of these recently and so far most have been handled by warranty but they would take pictures and submit. If this is known mfg defect why are their not proactive remedy/replacement?

   NHTSA complaint 11603172
4. Filed Feb 3, 2024Failure Feb 3, 2024Gurnee, ILService brakes

   I was almost rear ended because Hill hold assist did not disengage quickly. I’ve driven manual transmission for over 40 years and find this hill hold dangerous!

   NHTSA complaint 11569730
5. Filed Jan 25, 2024Failure Jan 25, 2024Gurnee, ILUnknown or other

   The last few months my schedule changed and I'm driving in the dark now. The auto dimming mirror does not function as expected, it is too slow in response to prevent glare and blinding from vehicles behind me. By the time the mirror decides to dim I'm already blinded from the glare and can no longer see what is in front of me. Also, since it does not dim to the edge I still get blinded from the glare around the perimeter of the mirror (there is no way to adjust this to prevent it). Since this mirror is also "rimless" (no plastic cover on the edge) the polished edge causes light refraction thereby blinding me in daylight. Currently the only way to prevent glare from the mirror is point it down to the floor rendering useless and dangerous.

   NHTSA complaint 11567687
6. Filed Jan 18, 2023Failure Jan 1, 2023Greenwich, CTAir bags, Electrical system, Service brakes

   Faulty door wiring harness leading driver side blinkers to stop working, windows randomly rolling down, rear collision detector errors, engine start/stop errors.

   NHTSA complaint 11502342
7. Filed Jul 23, 2022Failure Jun 15, 2022El Cajon, CAElectrical system, Steering

   red power steering system light turned on and flashed/beeped 3X. steering wheel locked up and I could not turn. I was on the freeway in the far right lane and managed to force push the steering wheel to the right and slowly merge over to the shoulder. Volks in Kearny Mesa confirmed issue with steering gear after inspection on 6/21/2022. The steering gear needs to be replaced as the first step. No symptoms prior to malfunction. I could have died if I was in any other lane as there was a lot of cars on the freeway. I got lucky.

   NHTSA complaint 11475447