The 2015 Volkswagen Golf cars have the most problems reported (162 problems). Table 1. Total number of problems by model year for Volkswagen Golf . Model Year Number of Problems 2023 Golf: 14 2022 Golf: 109 2021 Golf: 5 2020 Golf: 5 2019 Golf: 78 2018 Golf: 25 2017 Golf: 120 2016 Golf: 96 2015 Golf: 162 2014 Golf: 14 2013 Golf: 66 2012 Golf: Common problems with Volkswagen Golfs There are a number of common issues that can affect Volkswagen Golfs over time, including engine problems, electrical issues, transmission problems, oil leaks, and suspension problems. We'll take a look at each of these problems in detail below. Common Volkswagen Golf Problems and Solutions 4.1 Electrical issues (e.g. battery, alternator, wiring) 4.2 Engine issues (e.g. oil leaks, misfires, camshaft wear) 4.3 Transmission issues (e.g. clutch, gearbox, differential) 4.4 Suspension and steering issues (e.g. worn shocks, ball joints, tie rods) For the whole picture, you need to know about common problems with the VW Golf and how much they cost to repair, which is where this guide comes in. Known pain points for the Volkswagen Golf include: DSG gearbox issues. Suspension problems. Leaks. The Cooling System The water pump and thermostat are one unit, and the housing is plastic. Heat cycling of the engine forces the plastic to expand when it is hot and then contract when it cools, causing the housing to warp or crack over time. 3. Oil Pan The oil pan is made of plastic and has a plastic drain plug. The most common VW Golf issues are engine misfiring and rattling, suspension issues, transmission issues, issues with the turbocharger, and various issues associated with oil leaks. None of these should discourage you from considering the Golf as your next purchase as it is a really great package. Golf. Volkswagen Golf Problems. Find the most common issues based on car owner complaints. Get Your Car Fixed. Find a high quality auto repair shop or dealer near you. View Nearby Shops. Report a Problem. Share your car problem with the RepairPal community. Volkswagen Golf Common Problems and Solutions. If you have a Volkswagen Golf and have experienced rattling sounds when you start the engine then stops after driving a short distance only to have the rattling return, it's caused by the camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump. All vehicles have their own idiosyncrasies and problems. The 2020 Volkswagen Golf has 5 problems & defects reported by Golf owners. The worst complaints are AC / heater problems. CarComplaints.com : Car complaints, car problems and defect information The VW Golf has a notorious issue with its camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump. You should replace yours every 20k miles even if you can't hear that rattling sound, but that's what's causing it. Check our parts list for a replacement fuel pump and do the job yourself to save a lot of cash. OD8cIna.