Model year

2023 Volkswagen Golf

Hatchback, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Nov 16, 2022 to Mar 27, 2024.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints11Close to the median 2023 hatchback
Severity index0.02023 hatchbacks average 7.8
First 24 months11Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2023 Volkswagen Golf peaked in 2023, with 6 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

0246202220236202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

55% of complaints about the 2023 Volkswagen Golf name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
6
Back-over prevention
3
Engine and cooling
2
Driver assistance
2
Lighting
1
Fuel system
1
Powertrain
1
Brakes
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2023 Volkswagen Golf

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2023 Volkswagen Golf

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

11 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Mar 27, 2024Failure Jan 1, 2024Turner, MEElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    Back up camera not working due to infotainment system not working. Dealer is aware, says they are waiting for a software update.

    NHTSA complaint 11579671
  2. Filed Feb 5, 2024Failure Jan 12, 2024Southold, NYElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    While driving, Front Safety System Light came on. Additionally, Drive System light came on and car would not go over 25-30 mph.

    NHTSA complaint 11569945
  3. Filed Dec 10, 2023Failure Oct 18, 2023Tampa, FLElectrical system, Warnings, Automatic emergency braking

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11559395
  4. Filed Oct 27, 2023Failure Oct 17, 2023El Cajon, CAUnknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11552167
  5. Filed Oct 3, 2023Failure Sep 14, 2023Port Jervis, NYElectrical system, Warnings

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11547917
  6. Filed Sep 5, 2023Failure Aug 2, 2023APO, ILPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11542557
  7. Filed Aug 25, 2023Failure Aug 25, 2023Renton, WAService brakes

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11540744
  8. Filed May 26, 2023Failure Nov 19, 2022Powderly, TXRearview system braking, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11523930
  9. Filed Dec 26, 2022Failure Dec 16, 2022Somers, CTRearview system braking, Warnings, Electrical system

    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”.

    NHTSA complaint 11498915
  10. Filed Dec 24, 2022Failure Dec 16, 2022Somers, CTRearview system braking, Warnings

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11498753
  11. Filed Nov 16, 2022Failure Nov 15, 2022Crofton, MDEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11493796
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

46 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • TT 91 24 01 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Addressing Cybersecurity or Vehicle Hack concerns
  • Dealer 34N4 Oct 4, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the shift knob could become detached during use. If this happens, the shift knob can be replaced immediately and this issue does not affect the drivability of the vehicle. The gears can continue to be…
  • Circular 34N4 Oct 5, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    In certain vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the shift knob could become detached during use. If this happens, the shift knob can be replaced immediately and this issue does not affect the drivability of the vehicle. The gears can continue to be…
  • V171905201285566 Sep 28, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VW Engine oil quality standards
  • V871808204903919 Sep 5, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Flushing an R1234YF A/C circuit using a flush machine
  • V271901201189425 Sep 7, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology
  • V0018092053065_4 Sep 5, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
  • PDITECHCHECKq Jul 17, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
  • PDITECHCHECKp Jun 13, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
  • PDITECHCHECKo May 29, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
  • PDITECHCHECKn May 7, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
  • PDITECHCHECKm Apr 10, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
  • PDITECHCHECKl Feb 11, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
  • TT 001601_6 Aug 3, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Helpline & Parts Dept. contact information.
  • V171901201285565 Aug 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
  • SM 36-2023 Jul 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
  • V461902201517332 Jul 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Brake Disc (rotor) instruction for resurfacing following Volkswagen Warranty Policy & Procedure Manual.
  • V461901201024530 Jul 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    How to handle Brake noise or Pulsation during Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI)
  • V271901201189424 Jun 28, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
  • V271503201607612 Jul 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Diagnostic assistance for excessive static current draw
  • V171901201285564 Jul 10, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
  • V4622022067177_2 Jul 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Brake repair or replacement instruction.
  • V371802203397511 Jun 21, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
  • V3416022034406_6 Jun 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.
  • V2719012011894_2 Jun 28, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Battery Testing and Charging using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000 Vas Charger
  • V171901201285563 Jun 20, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards, updated to include model year 2024.
  • V171806201781318 Jun 20, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet.
  • V171803203720116 Jun 26, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Correct engine oil level during Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI)
  • VCarNetCE Jun 13, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Notifying customers they can take advantage of complimentary safe and secure after their complimentary software update
  • V011812201460319 Jun 27, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Software Version Management (SVM) instruction.
  • V011615201481517 Jun 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Gasoline quality information in regards to gasoline engine performance.
  • V001713203384619 Jun 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Gasoline fuel additive
  • V0116132033805_8 Jun 15, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Diagnostic Aid for engine misfire.
  • Dealer 40S9 Jun 6, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Dealer Letter to announce Service Action 40S9 / Suspension Strut Mountings
  • Circular 40S9 Jun 7, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    During strut assembly, an issue may have caused a deformation of the strut mount. If the strut mount is deformed, it can lead to improper torque on one of the bolted connections on the right or left suspension strut mounting. Inspect and, if necessary, repl…
  • V171901201285562 May 30, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
  • V001807203693521 May 30, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Handling instruction for accessory pack components during perfect delivery inspection (PDI).
  • VWM1407 Nov 10, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This communication contains important information and SAGA claim entry requirements for interim AdBlue refills under the Carefree Maintenance and VW Care Maintenance plans for Model Year 2015 and newer VW models with Diesel Engines.
  • VWM1403 Jun 25, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? Diesel Engines Model Year 2015 and Newer
  • VWM1402 Jun 25, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? Gasoline Engines Model Year 2015 and Newer
  • VOS-23-10 Apr 20, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Instructional document regarding the installation of a hotfix for the ODIS service software. Hotfix is to be used after an ECM Replacement
  • V171901201285560 Apr 24, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
  • V941901201152119 Dec 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Update model year applicability to include 2023.
  • V271901201189422 Dec 6, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
  • V171901201285556 Dec 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Engine Oil Quality Standards updated to include the latest Engine Oil attachments (excludes Routan & ID.4).
  • V9422022066761_2 Dec 12, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Park Assist Sensors Providing False Warnings. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.