What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2015–2019) Golf R?

Golf R owners have made 1 complaint about the 2015–2019 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 3rd out of 46 VW generations in overall reliability, with plenty of interior concerns.

Common 2015-2019 Volkswagen Golf R Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Golf R owners have to deal with.

  1. Front Assist Problems

    VW's collision avoidance technology is detecting objects that don't exist. When that happens it slams on the brakes and ends up putting unsuspecting occupants in harm's way. A lawsuit wants the automaker to do more than simply suggest that …

    Continue reading article "Front Assist Problems" Red warning light of VW's collision avoidance technology

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

    Continue Red warning light of VW's collision avoidance technology

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2015–2019) Golf R Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1 complaint

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 3rd in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 46 eligible generations.

Recent 1st Generation (2015–2019) Golf R News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A new class-action says VW's front assist technology applies the brakes randomly and without warning.

    Customers who complain are typically given two not-so-great options, live with it and document the malfunctions or disable the feature entirely.

    The Missouri-based class-action says that's unacceptable and wants VW to take ownership of the problem. That includes covering any related repairs or costs associated with the system malfunctioning under warranty.

    keep reading article "Volkswagen's Front-Assist Emergency Braking Can Activate For No Reason, Says Lawsuit"

  2. A defective quick connector might allow fuel supply lines to detatch from the engine of over 500 Golf R cars.

    Volkswagen is recalling the cars because when detached, the lines stop supplying fuel to the crankshaft (very important) and start depositing it onto hot engine surfaces (very dangerous).

    The same connectors are being recalled in the Audi A3 and TT. Maybe it’s time to go back to the drawing board on this quick connector design?

    keep reading article "Quick Connecters Are Allowing Fuel Lines to Detach"

  3. The head restraint guide that keeps it attached to the seat frame may not have been properly welded in 169 VW vehicles.

    This is the second welding-related recall this year. They also recalled the Tiguan’s shock absorbers back in May. What in the weld is going on at these factories?

    About the Recall ∞

    • Recalled are 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf, Golf R, Audi A3 Sedan and RS3 vehicles that need the rear seat frames replaced._
    • In the last couple months a petition was handed to safety regulators because of weld concerns in the Jeep Wrangler, Subaru had to recall the brand new Ascent for missing welds, and even Maserati’s sub-frames are breaking because of welding mistakes.
    keep reading article "Head Restraint Weld Might Not Hold it to the Seat Frame"