Common Problems with the Volkswagen Golf
FixMyCar explores common problems with the Volkswagen Golf and average repair costs.
Book a car repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Friday August 15 2025
10 min read
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.
What’s wrong with the Volkswagen Golf?
Drivers commonly search online 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 on FixMyCar is £455.15.
Volkswagen Golf central locking problem
The Mk5 golf 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.
VW Golf central locking system repairs cost £130.65 on average.
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 £562.72.
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.
The average price of diagnosing a VW Golf check engine light is £81.57, according to FixMyCar’s data.
Volkswagen Golf recent recalls
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2024/014 | 12.01.24 | 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/2021/320 | 10.09.21 | 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. |
| R/2021/055 | 19.02.21 | Faulty crash sensors for airbag and restraint systems may have been fitted in the front doors. |
| R/2020/176 | 05.06.20 | On affected vehicles the e-call service may not function |
| R/2018/352 | 12.12.18 | The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded. |
| R/2018/133 | 11.05.18 | On a limited production period a burr may have developed on the locking bar of the head restraint guide. |
| R/2018/074 | 19.03.18 | The front brake discs may not meet the required thickness dimension. Under extreme loads this could cause cracking which may lead to fractures. |
Volkswagen Golf 2008-2012 problems
Drivers have encountered the following problems with the sixth-generation Golf.
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.
What repair is needed for worn suspension bushes, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
The average repair price for front suspension bushes on a Volkswagen Golf is £230.26.
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.
What repair is needed for a fuel leak, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
The average price of a VW Golf leak diagnosis on FixMyCar is £88.43.
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.
What repair is needed for a blocked DPF and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
The average price of a VW Golf DPF clean on FixMyCar is £204.84.
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 chain 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.
This guide explains how to tell whether your car has a timing chain or belt.
What repair is needed for a stretched timing chain, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
Replacing the timing chain on a VW Golf costs £830.16 on average.
5. DSG automatic gearbox issues
DSG gearboxes are famously unreliable if they aren’t serviced at the correct intervals. When they go wrong, it's 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.
What repair is needed for DSG gearbox issues, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
It's best to prevent problems from happening in the first place by sticking to the gearbox service schedule. The average price of a DSG service on FixMyCar is £262.29.
Volkswagen Golf 2012-2020 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.
What repair is needed for the smell of fuel, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
Fortunately, it’s easy to fix both problems by replacing the components. You can expect to pay around £60-£120 for a fuel filter replacement,
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.
What repair is needed for a damp interior, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
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 diagnostic on FixMyCar is £88.43.
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. Find out how to clean your car's headlights here.
What repair is needed for foggy headlights, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
A headlamp restoration kit may fix the worst of the fogging; otherwise, you’ll have to replace the headlamp units. The average light repair price for a Golf on FixMyCar is £81.52.
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
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.
What repair is needed for timing chain failure, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
The average timing chain replacement price for a Golf is £830.16.
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.
What repair is needed for a faulty handbrake, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
VW Golf handbrake repairs cost £97.18 on average when you book through FixMyCar.
Volkswagen Golf 2020-present problems
The latest iteration of the Golf is less reliable than its predecessors, and Volkswagen has issued numerous recalls. 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.
What repair is needed for infotainment system glitches, and how much does it cost for a VW Golf?
If you’re having issues with any of the electrical systems in your Golf, contact an auto electrician for expert advice. The average price of an electrical fault diagnosis is £71.33.
Is the Volkswagen Golf reliable?
The results of What Car?'s recent Reliability Survey suggest that the Volkswagen Golf isn't particularly reliable compared to its closest competitors:
Diesel Mk8 Golf: 25th out of 25 models in the family car class with a score of 70.4%.
Petrol Mk8 Golf: 22nd out of 25 models with 84.1%.
The main issues identified by the survey were with the electrical and infotainment systems.
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- Common Problems
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