Common Problems with the Volkswagen Golf

The versatile and sporty Volkswagen Golf has continued to grow in popularity since it was introduced in 1974, partly due to its ability to defy class boundaries - it fits in just as well with premium models as conventional family cars.

The Golf has won a 10 Best Cars Award from Car & Drive every year for 16 consecutive years from 2007 to 2022, and Parkers named the Mk7 version the Used Car of the Year 2023. These accolades are impressive, but they only provide half the story. 

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

• Timing chain failure

What’s wrong with the Volkswagen Golf?

VW Golf owners often search for information about the following problems.

Volkswagen Golf automatic gearbox problems

Over time, the gearbox in automatic Golf models can wear out and start to judder intermittently. This is a sign of failure in the mechatronic unit, also known as the control centre of the gearbox.

Look out for the following symptoms:

• Loss of power when changing gear

• Juddering or shaking that happens intermittently, with or without dashboard warning lights

• Missed odd or even gear ratios

• Oil leaks

The average price of an automatic gearbox repair for a Volkswagen Golf is £500.19 when booked through FixMyCar.

Volkswagen Golf central locking problem

The Mk5 golf, in particular, is known for having central locking issues. Specifically, when the key fob is pressed, it doesn’t lock/unlock all the doors. You can usually repair this problem by replacing the door lock modules.

When you take your car to a mechanic, they may plug it into an OBD scanner to search for error codes and check whether there is an issue with the key fob before suggesting an appropriate repair.

VW Golf central locking system repairs cost £235.48 on average when you book through FixMyCar.

Volkswagen Golf clutch problems

You’re more likely to encounter clutch problems in older Golf models, mainly if they’ve been used as a first car. Before deciding whether to purchase, you should check the biting point and see whether you notice any clutch slipping on a test drive.

Hydraulic issues are relatively common, often from the master or slave cylinder. This guide explains how to tell if your car needs a new clutch.

On average, a VW Golf clutch repair booked through FixMyCar costs £486.64.

Volkswagen Golf DSG gearbox problems

DSG stands for direct-shift gearbox. It is a dual-clutch system used by some manufacturers in the Volkswagen Group, offering an alternative to conventional automatic gearboxes.

The most common issues with a DSG are:

• Mechatronic failures

• Mechatronic leaks

• Bad solenoid valves

• Juddering and shaking

• Faulty gear selector

One of the best ways to keep a direct-shift gearbox in good condition is to service it regularly - approximately every 40,000 miles.

Volkswagen Golf check engine light

The check engine - or engine management - light can indicate many problems, from a loose fuel tank cap to something more serious, like a damaged throttle body or faulty mass air flow sensor.

Read this guide to find out all the reasons why your engine management light might be on and what you can do to fix it.

The average price of diagnosing a VW Golf check engine light is £63.82, according to FixMyCar’s data.

Volkswagen Golf 1991 to 1997 problems

The Mk1 Golf came out in 1974, and the Mk2 went on sale in 1983. Since few cars are on the road today from these years, we’re starting with the Mk3 Golf. 

1. Leaking fluid

Older Golf models are known for developing coolant and oil leaks. Significant leaks are easy to spot and diagnose, but smaller ones can go unnoticed, so you should inspect your engine regularly for signs of escaping fluid.

Coolant comes in various colours, including blue, green and pink. Oil ranges from amber (when it is clean) to brown. Find out how to identify and fix leaks here.

The average Volkswagen Golf leak repair price on FixMyCar is £84.32.

2. Engine misfiring

A common cause of engine misfiring in Mk3 Golfs is worn ignition wires (also known as leads). These are electrical cables used in older combustion engines to supply the spark plugs with voltage. You can expect to pay between £50-200 for new leads.

Learn about other causes of engine misfiring in this guide.

3. Gear shifting issues

Changing gears in high-mileage Golfs with automatic transmissions is sometimes tricky due to worn parts. 

Other symptoms may include:

• Slipping gears

• Low or leaking transmission fluid

• The car doesn’t respond when in gear

• Grinding, clunking or whining noises

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to resolve this issue without a complete transmission replacement. The best thing to do is book an automatic transmission diagnostic test to find the source of the problem and determine whether it can be fixed.

The average price of a VW Golf automatic transmission diagnostic is £95.54.

4. Reverse gear failure

Automatic Golfs aren’t the only ones to suffer from transmission problems - manual models are prone to reverse gear failure and are known for being generally noisy. 

If your car won’t go into reverse gear, there are a few possible reasons:

• Faulty shifter cable

• Failing transmission

• Low transmission fluid

The first thing to do is check the transmission fluid level, topping up as needed. See if you can spot any leaks; the same problem will happen again if you fail to repair them.

Once you’ve determined that low transmission fluid isn’t to blame, the next step is to contact a mechanic for a diagnosis. 

According to our data, the average cost of a transmission problem repair for a VW Golf is £255.22.

Volkswagen Golf 1991 to 1997 recalls

Volkswagen Golf 1998 to 2003 problems

1. Window regulator faults

There are two window-related issues to keep an eye out for in the Mk4 Golf. The first is about the plastic clips that hold the glass to the frame, which are notoriously weak and prone to breaking, preventing you from opening the window. 

Fortunately, it’s cheap and easy to replace these clips, and you can purchase aftermarket parts made from metal to prevent the issue from recurring.

The second problem is more serious. The cable responsible for moving the window mechanism is also weak - if it breaks, you may have to replace the entire window winder mechanism, which involves taking the door apart. 

The average window repair price for a VW Golf is £139.58.

2. Noisy suspension

Two components are known for causing suspension noises when worn: the anti-roll bar bushes and the rear axle bushes. In both cases, a replacement is required to fix the noise and ensure the suspension system works correctly.

Learn about how a car's suspension system works in this guide.

On average, Volkswagen Golf suspension repairs cost £139.62 when you book through FixMyCar.

3. Poor acceleration

When your car feels sluggish, it can have numerous causes. The most likely culprit for this generation of the Golf is the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Over time, it can become caked in oil, preventing it from sending a correct reading to the engine control unit (ECU).

It may be possible to fix this issue by cleaning the MAF sensor. To do this, you need to take the engine inlet apart and remove the sensor before soaking it in a specialist throttle body cleaner. You could also use isopropyl alcohol.

If you don’t feel confident cleaning the sensor, one of our mechanics will gladly help. However, cleaning it may not always work - if your car still feels sluggish, the next step is to replace it.

4. Seized windscreen wiper mechanism

The windscreen wiper mechanism of the Mk4 Golf often seizes up. Removing the mechanism, clearing the corrosion, sealing it with paint and refitting it may solve the problem, but doing so can be time-consuming and fiddly. 

The other option is to replace the mechanism.

5. Worn ignition coils

The ignition coils on Golf models produced post-2001 are known to fail. You can tell when they are going wrong because you will experience rough idling, which means your car won’t feel smooth, and the RPMs will behave erratically, jumping up and down. You may also notice that your engine sounds particularly noisy.

The other problem these symptoms are indicative of is a blocked MAF sensor. If you haven’t cleaned or replaced yours recently, it’s worth checking this component before replacing the coils.

The average price of an ignition coil replacement for a VW Golf is £188.19 when you book through FixMyCar.

Volkswagen Golf 1997 to 2003 recalls

Volkswagen Golf 2004 to 2008 problems

1. Dual mass flywheel failure

Most Mk5 Golf models (manual and automatic) use a dual mass flywheel (DMF) designed to reduce engine vibrations. 

Unfortunately, the DMF in cars of this generation is known to fail, and the repair is expensive when it does. Since it is time-consuming and involves removing many of the same components, a mechanic will often recommend replacing your clutch simultaneously.

When the dual mass flywheel starts to fail, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Grinding noise when idling 

• Rattling from the gearbox

• Excessive engine vibrations

On average, a clutch and dual mass flywheel replacement costs £1,036.86 when you book through FixMyCar.

2. Broken rear springs and weak shock absorbers

It’s easy to detect both of these issues because they have a visible impact on the appearance of a car. When the springs go, the vehicle will have an uneven stance, and if the shock absorbers (also known as dampers) need replacing, you should be able to spot excessive wear on the inside of the rear tyres. Another common sound is a droning noise from the rear.

Find out how suspension systems work here.

3. Air conditioning failure

A few things can go wrong with the Mk5 Golf’s aircon system, some of which can be pricey to fix. If the aircon isn’t working, the best-case scenario is that the high-pressure switch is faulty and needs replacing; this should be a cheap and quick job.

Otherwise, the compressor or condenser might need replacing, a common pain point for Golfs of this generation. Listen for any unusual noises from the aircon system and check whether it’s blowing cold air before deciding whether to purchase a second-hand model.

The average price of an air conditioning service for a Volkswagen Golf is £101.08. A service will identify any problems with the aircon system and determine how best to fix them.

4. Worn TDI turbo

On high-mileage TDI diesel models, the turbocharger is known to wear out, and unfortunately, it’s an expensive component to replace.

Signs of turbo failure include:

• Louder acceleration

• Loss of power

• A smoky exhaust

• Whistling under acceleration

• Engine dashboard light illuminated

A turbo replacement for a VW Golf costs £680.34 on average when you book through FixMyCar.

5. Rust

It has been many years since the Mk5 Golf came out, meaning models of this generation are susceptible to the damaging effects of rust that accumulate over time. The most vulnerable areas are the front and rear wings and the sills.

If you fancy giving a repair a go, this guide explains how to fix car rust. Alternatively, book a professional rust removal.

Volkswagen Golf 2004 to 2008 recalls

Volkswagen Golf 2009 to 2012 problems

1. Worn suspension bushes

Many drivers of the Mk6 Golf report knocking noises from the suspension, often caused by worn bushes. Other signs of suspension issues include difficulty steering, a less comfortable ride, and a drifting or pulling sensation when taking corners.

The average price for repairing the front suspension bushes on a Volkswagen Golf is £212.55, while the average price for the rear bushes is £246.33.

2. Fuel leaks

Leaking fuel is a common problem in the 2.0 TDI diesel version. Look for puddles of fuel under the car, a strong smell of fuel in the cabin, rough idling and hard starts. Corroded pipes or a faulty fuel injection system can cause leaks.

On average, you can expect to pay £244.58 for a fuel injection system repair when you book through FixMyCar.

3. Blocked DPF

This issue is another that exclusively affects diesel models. The diesel particulate filter, responsible for capturing and removing exhaust soot, is prone to blockages when it doesn’t reach high enough temperatures to undergo a regeneration cycle.

You can prevent DPF blockages by taking your car on a longer journey, ideally on a motorway, once a week.

The average price of a VW Golf DPF clean booked on FixMyCar is £211.53.

4. Stretched timing chain

Petrol models are notorious for using oil quickly, especially when they have high mileage. Running for too long with low oil can cause the timing chain to stretch, requiring an expensive replacement. The worst-case scenario is that the problem isn’t caught in time, and the timing belt snaps, causing massive engine damage.

Listen for any rattling noises when you start the engine, as this could indicate a problem with the chain. Typically, timing chains need replacing every 80,000 to 120,000 miles.

Replacing the timing chain on a VW Golf costs £752.58 on average when you use FixMyCar.

5. DSG automatic gearbox issues

DSG gearboxes are famously unreliable, primarily if they aren’t serviced at the correct intervals. When they go wrong, it is often caused by a component in the mechatronic system or the solenoid valves, and you’re likely to experience juddering, shaking, difficulty changing gear and grinding noises.

Volkswagen Golf 2009 to 2012 recalls

Volkswagen Golf 2013 to 2020 problems

1. Smell of fuel

TDI engines sometimes suffer from a cracked fuel filter valve caused by heat. Another common issue that creates the smell of fuel is a loose sediment drain screw. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix both problems by replacing the components.

2. Damp interior

Some early Mk7 models suffer from water leaking through the front doors, damping the carpets, which eventually leads to foul smells and mould. The issue is caused by a speaker housing that was cracked during manufacturing and can be fixed by replacing the front speakers.

The average price of a VW Golf leak repair on FixMyCar is £84.32.

3. Foggy headlight lenses

The Mk7 Golf is fitted with acrylic headlight lenses prone to UV light damage, making them cloudy. It’s worth noting that the chemicals used in many hand car washes can have a similar effect. 

A headlamp restoration kit may fix the worst of the fogging; otherwise, you’ll have to replace the headlamp units.

4. Premature timing chain failure

If there’s one component you don’t want to fail while driving, it’s the timing chain. When it snaps during use, it causes severe engine damage, often too expensive to warrant a repair, especially in older second-hand cars.

The following symptoms indicate your timing chain might be on its way out:

• A rattling or slapping noise from under the bonnet

• Rough idling

• Engine misfiring 

• Contaminated engine oil

• Check engine light

This guide explains how to find out whether your car has a timing chain or timing belt.

As mentioned earlier, timing chains usually need replacing every 80,000 to 120,000 miles. However, the chain in some Mk7 engines is known to snap prematurely, so you should never ignore the signs that it’s time for a replacement.

5. Faulty handbrake

Some Golf drivers have reported an issue where the electronic parking brake doesn’t immediately release when pulling away or the hill assist function doesn’t work. Most of the time, these issues occur in vehicles that haven’t benefited from main dealer specialist servicing, and they can often be fixed with a simple software update.

General handbrake repairs for a VW Golf cost £210.79 on average when you book through FixMyCar.

6. Electrical issues

Electrical niggles are reasonably common, particularly in the sat-nav and entertainment systems.

The average price of a VW Golf electrical fault diagnosis on FixMyCar is £67.66.

Volkswagen Golf 2013 to 2020 recalls

Volkswagen Golf 2021 to 2023 problems

Few common problems have emerged for the latest iteration of the Golf because it has only been around for a few years. Here’s everything we know so far.

1. Infotainment system glitches

The touchscreen infotainment system is sometimes slow to respond or fails to respond at all. A software update may fix the problem.

If you’re having issues with any of the electrical systems in your Golf, contact an auto electrician for expert advice.

2. Faulty crash sensors

Volkswagen issued a recall due to faulty crash sensors for the airbag and restraint system fitted to some vehicles' front doors. 124 cars were affected by the recall and had their sensors replaced.

Volkswagen Golf 2021 to 2023 recalls

Is the Volkswagen Golf reliable?

The Volkswagen Golf has a strong reputation for reliability, but there are significant variations between different engines and configurations. Generally speaking, manual petrol models are the most reliable. 

However, in a recent WhatCar? Reliability Survey, the Golf came 28th out of 29 models in the family car category, showing that its standards may be declining compared to rivals.

Diesel models earned a reliability score of 92.5%, with petrol engines coming slightly behind at 90.4%. These aren’t bad scores by any stretch of the imagination, but they are not as impressive as the BMW 1 Series’ result of 100%.

If you’re having trouble with your Volkswagen Golf, FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price, whatever you need.

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