Volkswagen Golf recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 44 safety recalls naming the Volkswagen Golf, launched from 1992 to 2026. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
Volkswagen Golf recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 44
- 1992 to 2026
- Latest recall
- 16 October 2026
- R/2026/360
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Volkswagen Golf recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
48VS - Steering rack bolt replacement
R/2026/360, launched 16 October 2026. Also covers the Tiguan, Touran
Defect: On vehicles of a limited production period corrosion can cause a tear of a bolt head on the steering rack. This can result in a loss of steering functionality.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the affected bolted connection of the steering rack is replaced on the right-hand side of the subframe.
Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
R/2025/357, launched 22 August 2025. Also covers the Beetle, Crafter, Eos, Fox, Passat, Polo, Sharan, Transporter, Us Passat, XL1, up!
Defect: Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Remedy: The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.
Front belt webbing
R/2025/257, launched 9 July 2025, 8 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On Golf vehicles of a limited production period belt systems were fitted to front passenger seat that may not have been correctly attached to the anchoring point near the lower B pillar.
Remedy: The anchoring point of the belt system on the front passenger seat is inspected and dependant on results seat belt may need replacing.
Front belt webbing
R/2025/256, launched 9 July 2025, 6,081 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On Golf vehicles of a limited production period belt systems were fitted to front passenger seat that may not have been correctly attached to the anchoring point near the lower B pillar.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the anchoring point of the belt system on the front passenger seat is inspected and dependant on results seat belt may need replacing.
Analysis vehicle modification
R/2024/266, launched 1 March 2024, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the software specification of safety-related systems and component groups may not have been in line with the standard condition at the time
Remedy: On affected vehicles the system software will be checked and updated accordingly
On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.
R/2024/014, launched 12 January 2024, 26,721 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, Passat
Defect: On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.
Remedy: A check of the installation of the heat protection mat on affected vehicles will be conducted. If necessary the correct heat shield condition will be restored and in a damage case the damaged components will be replaced.
Takata Front airbag
R/2023/178, launched 13 June 2023. Also covers the Beetle, Crafter, Eos, Fox, Passat, Polo, Sharan, Tiguan, Transporter, Us Passat (A3), XL1 (6Z), up!
Defect: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Remedy: Replace airbag
THE FUSE IN THE HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEM OF PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES WAS IN SOME CASES PRODUCED WITH TOO LITTLE SO-CALLED FIRE SAND
R/2022/086, launched 7 April 2022, 1,868 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, Passat, Tiguan
Defect: The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire sand.
Remedy: An additional protective insulating mat is to be fitted to the switching unit for high-voltage battery.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVERS COULD COME LOOSE FROM THEIR ATTACHMENT
R/2022/074, launched 22 March 2022, 7,579 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, T-Roc, Tiguan
Defect: On affected vehicles engine compartment covers were fitted that regardless of use (very sporty driving style or poor road condition) and operating period could come loose from their attachment.
Remedy: On all affected vehicles the engine compartment cover has to be removed.
DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY IF ACTIVATED
R/2021/403, launched 21 October 2021, 64 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Passat
Defect: Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.
DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY IF ACTIVATED
R/2021/404, launched 11 October 2021, 300 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Passat
Defect: Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.
THE BOLTED CONNECTION OF THE PULL ROD BETWEEN THE ELECTROMECHANICAL BRAKE SERVO AND BRAKE PEDAL COULD COME LOOSE
R/2021/320, launched 10 September 2021, 145 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, Passat
Defect: The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.
Remedy: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened
FAULTY CRASH SENSORS FOR AIR BAG AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS MAY HAVE BEEN FITTED IN THE FRONT DOORS
R/2021/055, launched 19 February 2021, 124 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Faulty crash sensors for airbag and restraint systems may have been fitted in the front doors.
Remedy: The crash sensors in the front doors are to be checked and if necessary replaced.
THE E-CALL SERVICE FUNCTION MAY NOT ALWAYS FUNCTION
R/2020/176, launched 5 June 2020, 4,630 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the e-call service may not function
Remedy: Update the Online Control Unit software on affected vehicle.
THE HOUSING BOLTS ON THE CAMSHELF ADJUSTER MAY COME LOOSE
R/2019/261, launched 9 August 2019, 472 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Polo
Defect: The housing bolts on the camshaft adjuster may come loose and break the pulley
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the camshaft adjuster has to be replaced
DRIVER AIRBAG GENERATOR HOUSING COULD COME LOOSE
R/2019/019, launched 24 January 2019, 786 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Bora, Passat, Transporter
Defect: Increased humidity may have got into the propellant of the gas generator for the drivers air bag.
Remedy: The gas generator of the front airbag on the driver side is replaced.
REAR SEAT BENCH WELDED CONNECTION MAY NOT BE CORRECTLY PERFORMED
R/2018/352, launched 12 December 2018, 4,027 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Atreon, Passat, T-Roc
Defect: The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.
Remedy: Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.
HEAD RESTRAINT MAY BE INSECURE
R/2018/133, launched 11 May 2018, 2,881 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Passat, Touran
Defect: On a limited production period a burr may have developed on the locking bar of the head restraint guide.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the left head restraint guide on both front seats must be replaced.
FRONT BRAKE DISCS MAY NOT BE CORRECT THICKNESS
R/2018/074, launched 19 March 2018, 56 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Tiguan
Defect: The front brake discs may not meet the required thickness dimension. Under extreme loads this could cause cracking which may lead to fractures.
Remedy: The front discs on affected vehicles will be checked for conformity and where necessary they will be replaced.
STARTER MOTOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT
R/2018/062, launched 7 March 2018, 16,625 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Beetle, Eos, Jetta, Passat, Scirocco, Sharan, Tiguan, Touran
Defect: On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.
PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED
R/2018/031, launched 2 February 2018, 21 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: There is a possible faulty weld to the gas generator. If the airbag is deployed there is a potential danger to the vehicle occupants by gas generator parts being ejected into the cabin.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the airbag inflator unit.
REAR WHEEL BEARING HOUSINGS MAY BE INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD FAIL PREMATURELY
R/2017/294, launched 17 November 2017, 420 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Arteon, Passat
Defect: The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.
Remedy: Recall the 420 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.
ABS/ESC SYSTEM MAY FAIL
R/2017/189, launched 20 June 2017, 64,192 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Eos, Jetta, Scirocco, Touran
Defect: On vehicles with ABS/ESC the earth connection may be interrupted. This may cause failure of the ABS/ESC system
Remedy: On affected vehicles install new software. Where necessary a new ABS/ESC control unit will be fitted.
AIRBAG/BELT TENSIONERS MAY NOT TRIGGER IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT
R/2017/079, launched 22 March 2017, 3,879 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Crafter, Passat, Scirocco, Tiguan, Touran, Transporter, up!
Defect: Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.
LIGHTS MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING
R/2017/040, launched 23 January 2017, 12,440 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Passat, Sportsvan, Tiguan, Touran
Defect: It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.
FUEL MAY LEAK
R/2016/174, launched 25 July 2016, 8 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: A tooling problem during manufacture could result in the cylinder head not being to specification. It is possible that the fuel rail could loosen and fuel leaks cannot be ruled out. The customer may notice a smell of fuel because of the leak. In the most unfavourable case it is thought possible the fuel could ignite in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the cylinder head.
CHILD LOCK MAY DISENGAGE
R/2016/145, launched 23 June 2016, 13,620 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Passat, Polo, Tiguan, up!
Defect: The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.
Remedy: On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE COMPROMISED
R/2015/097, launched 24 June 2015, 303 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Passat
Defect: Front wheel bearing housings with insufficient hardness may have been fitted. This can lead to a fracture of a wheel bearing housing which can affected the directional control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the casting dates of both front wheel bearing housings. Where the affected wheel bearing housings are found they will be replaced.
FUEL MAY LEAK
R/2011/169, launched 15 December 2011, 33,719 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Eos, Passat, Scirocco, T5, Tiguan
Defect: On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.
Remedy: Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.
CLUTCH MAY OPERATE INADVERTENTLY WITH UNEXPECTED LOSS OF DRIVE
R/2009/110, launched 14 December 2009, 3,514 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Caddy, Eos, Jetta, Passat, Scirocco, Touran
Defect: In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit.
FIRE MAY OCCUR
R/2008/009, launched 29 January 2008, 10,436 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Jetta
Defect: The contact resistance on the earth connection of the heating element for the additional air heater can exceed specification. This could lead to excessive heat developing in the connection area of the cable which could result in localised scorching. However if not rectified this could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and check the torque on the earth connection.
HEATING ELEMENT MAY OVERHEAT
R/2007/030, launched 12 February 2007, 4,842 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The additional air heater heating element earth connection may overheat and in the most unfavourable cases may lead to a fire.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check that the earth connection is sufficiently tight.
BOLTS OF THE TANDEM FUEL PUMP COVER MAY BREAK
R/2004/211, launched 3 March 2005, 49,701 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Bora, Lupo, New Beetle, Passat, Polo, Sharan, Touran
Defect: It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.
BRAKE SERVO VACUUM PIPE MAY CRACK AND LEAK.
R/2003/014, launched 26 March 2003, 69,541 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Bora
Defect: The brake servo vacuum supply pipe may crack and leak. This could result in a loss of power assistance and require the driver to apply a lot more force to the brake pedal.
Remedy: Examine the condition of the vacuum supply pipe and fit an improved quality replacement where necessary.
ANTI LOCK BRAKE CONTROL UNIT CONCERN
R/2002/030, launched 9 May 2002, 24,034 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Bora, New Beetle
Defect: There is a risk that an electrical fault in the anti lock brake control unit (ABS) can cause overheating of related electrical components. This may lead to fire damage and cause the service brake to revert to a non-anti lock mode of operation.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles to check the part number and supplier code of the ABS control unit. Renew the ABS control unit where found necessary.
RISK OF FAILURE OF REAR AXLE TRANSVERSE LINK.
R/2001/140, launched 1 December 2001, 9 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Bora
Defect: Moisture can enter the rear axle ball joints this moisture can start corrosion of the joints ultimately causing the joints to seize.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles for replacement of ball joints and transverse links.
PASSENGER AIRBAG CONCERN
R/2001/011, launched 26 February 2001, 157 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Bora
Defect: The passenger airbag may not release correctly because of a leak in the pressure reservoir of the gas generator.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace the front passenger airbag.
CHILD SEAT SECURITY CONCERN
R/2001/006, launched 22 January 2001, 173 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Welding faults on the seams of the ISOFIX mounting bars may occur. The safe support of ISOFIX child seats can therefore not be guaranteed in a crash.
Remedy: Recall vehicles in order to re-weld the ISOFIX mounting bars.
POSSIBLE FAILURE OF HEADLAMPS
R/1997/001, launched 27 February 1997, 9,700 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Vento
Defect: The wiring harness can cause the headlamp switch to overheat with consequent failure of the headlamps.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for modification to the light switch cable and replacement of the headlamp switch.
INSECURITY OF FAN BLADE
R/1996/008, launched 12 February 1996, 2,054 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Corrado, Passat
Defect: The pulley on the engine cooling fan may loosen causing the fan motor to seize leading to a possible electrical overload with fire risk.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified cooling fan and pulley.
POSSIBILITY OF COOLANT LEAKAGE INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
R/1995/089, launched 25 January 1996, 86,500 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Jetta
Defect: Operation of the vehicle for prolonged periods with the cooling system at very high temperatures can result in cooling system damage which in rare instances may cause rupturing on the heat exchanger. In consequence high temperature coolant
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a bypass valve to the heat exchanger inlet and a non-return valve to the system. At the same time the heat exchanger box will be lined with absorbent foam.
FAILURE OF HEADLAMPS
R/1995/008, launched 6 September 1995, 28,112 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Passat
Defect: The headlamp switch may overheat and result in headlamp failure.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitting of a cable harness with control relay. In addition the light switch is to be replaced on Passat and Golf Ecomatic models as appropriate.
BALL JOINT TO WISHBONE SECURITY
R/1994/069, launched 14 November 1994, 76 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Vento
Defect: As a result of an assembly fault the bolts securing the ball joints on the wishbone may loosen. In extreme cases this could result in loss of steering control.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for a check on the torque of the ball joint mounting nuts/bolts. If any bolt is insufficiently torqued all three mounting bolts will be replaced.
POSSIBLE INSECURITY OF THE WIRING LOOM
R/1992/024, launched 26 May 1992, 6,895 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: One of several wiring looms located in the engine compartment may not be securely fixed. This could allow over a long time period the loom to chafe with the possibility of short circuiting and in extreme circumstances create a fire risk.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles. Fit protective sleeving to the loom in question and secure the assembly with clips.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a Volkswagen Golf, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a Volkswagen dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.