Volkswagen Golf R by year
Compact cars. Every model year EPA has rated, with what owners and NHTSA have on file.
Owner complaints ran highest for the 2022 (91, most about power train) and lowest for the 2024 (12), among years with at least 10. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold, so a lower count doesn't mean a more reliable year.
| Year | Complaints | Most named part | Recall campaigns | NHTSA overall | Combined mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | Forward collision avoidance | 0 | – | 25 |
| 2025 | 0 | 1 | – | 25 | |
| 2024 | 12 | Service brakes | 1 | – | 23–25 |
| 2023 | 17 | Electrical system | 3 | – | 23–26 |
| 2022 | 91 | Power train | 5 | – | 23–26 |
| 2019 | 6 | Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 5 stars | 24–26 |
| 2018 | 9 | Power train | 4 | 5 stars | 24–25 |
| 2017 | 15 | Engine | 0 | 5 stars | 25 |
| 2016 | 12 | Electrical system | 4 | 5 stars | 25 |
| 2015 | 1 | Electronic stability control (ESC) | 0 | – | 26 |
| 2013 | 4 | Air bags | 0 | – | 22 |
| 2012 | 1 | Electrical system | 0 | – | 22 |
Complaints are unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales or for how long each year has been on the road: a newer year's lower count doesn't make it more reliable. NHTSA's overall rating is the lowest across the versions it tested that year. About the data