2018 Volkswagen Golf Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 14%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf, 14% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,100 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.
“So what happen was ever since I got my 2018 GOLF gti autobahn dsg, I've experienced issues with the transmission, it jerks when slowing down from 2nd gear to first and sometimes from 4th through 1st. I took in the car to the dealership and they said nothing was wrong I took it to them multiple times and they still said nothing is wrong however I have showed them proof that there is something wrong with the car, I have a scanner tool and it shows that I have multiple codes for transmission and other stuff as well. The car has 7600 miles which is basically brand new considering its 2yrs old. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385067, filed 2020-12, 500 miles“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“Received a low coolant warning and then checked the coolant level. Coolant was low and was topped off. One week later the issue recurred as the coolant level and dropped below minimum levels again. Thermostat housing had a slow leak which was discovered by the dealer. This seems to be a flaw in the design of the thermostat housing as multiple owners are reporting the same issue with the same flaw in the thermostat housing.”
NHTSA complaint #11490647, filed 2022-10“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
- 11036874Aug 10, 2026Replacement instruction
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 11023844Sep 15, 2025For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50% of the repair or replacement of the Turbocharger by an authorized…
- 11023836Sep 15, 2025This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW…
- 11014950Feb 12, 2025CV Boot replacement
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 10238310Jun 21, 2023Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% |
| 2022 | 25 | 31% |
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 13 | 21% |
| 2018 | 4 | 14% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 14 | 11% |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 9 | 19% |
| 2011 | 21 | 19% |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 11% |
| 2003 | 2 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 7 | 6% |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 6% |
| 1998 | 4 | 22% |
| 1997 | 3 | 43% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 3 | 18% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1985 | 3 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf
10 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEngine
3 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 31, 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