2018 Volkswagen Golf Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 10%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf, 10% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,250 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Coolant leak noticed underneat the engine. It run down to the oil pan dripping on the drive way. Took the car to the dealership for diagnosis. They said leak is coming from the thermostat housing. Mileage is now 73700. Vw powertrain warranty covers up to 72000.”
NHTSA complaint #11384548, filed 2020-12, 73,700 miles“After restarting hot engine after a brief stop, car might stumble during first attempt to accelerate, for example trying to enter traffic from a parking lot. This has happened several times and has been cause for alarm. The engine is running but feels as if it is not. This is not normal turbo lag and the problem clears after the first instance. I reported this to the dealer and their response is that they can't duplicate and there are no diagnostic codes set.”
NHTSA complaint #11110481, filed 2018-07, 2,800 miles“Vehicle intermittently stalls when coming to a stop in traffic while in gear. Has occurred on multiple separate occasions, but cannot be easily re-produced. When vehicle stalls it can be difficult to restart while in traffic and occurs without warning creating safety hazard. Usually there are no codes stored by the computer when this occurs, but check engine light has been noticed. Vehicle has been brought to dealership 3 different times for same issue. Upon first visit starter was replaced. Upon 2nd visit an oxygen sensor was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11484494, filed 2022-09Related service bulletins
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Suggested fuel additive
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034617Jun 4, 2026Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11030847Mar 27, 2026This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the…
- 11025438Oct 29, 2025Turbocharger repair or replace due to stuck wastegate.
- 11025452Oct 17, 2025Coolant Bleed Procedure
- 11025437Oct 14, 2025G12Evo can now be mixed with previous coolants.
- 11025432Oct 14, 2025EVAP and Leak Detection Pump replacement components.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 18% |
| 2022 | 10 | 12% |
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2020 | 1 | 17% |
| 2019 | 34 | 54% |
| 2018 | 3 | 10% |
| 2017 | 18 | 15% |
| 2016 | 18 | 21% |
| 2015 | 26 | 20% |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% |
| 2013 | 14 | 33% |
| 2012 | 11 | 23% |
| 2011 | 15 | 14% |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 1 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf
10 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology