10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,126 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Volkswagen Golf engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Volkswagen Golf Owner Comments

problem #3

Aug 152014

Golf 4-cyl Diesel

  • 32,378 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2012 VW Golf tdi (diesel) vehicle began losing power on acceleration from a stoplight and began clicking. Check engine and glow plug lights flashed. Power was reduced to 15% and limped to shoulder. Shut off engine and attempted restart. Engine turned over but no ignition. Towed to dealer who confirmed that high pressure fuel pump had failed. Dealer replaced high pressure fuel pump, tank pump, high pressure fuel lines, fuel rail with both sensors, all injectors, fuel return lines, fuel filter, and aux fuel pump. Tank and fuel lines were flushed and cleaned. All repairs done under VW 60K powertrain warranty.

- Glendale, CA, USA

problem #2

Mar 182013

Golf 4-cyl Diesel

  • 13,000 miles
Car purchased November 2011. August 29, 2012 (much <10,000 miles) reported rough shifting of automatic transmission to Volkswagen of alexandria. Told that experience was normal. Trusted mechanic and used vehicle. March 18, 2013--complete transmission failure while driving in a parking lot. Engine shut off while moving and abruptly brought car to a stop. This is the same problem that prompted recalls for this car in australia, china, and Japan. Brought into Volkswagen of alexandria and told problem was related to computer errors controlling transmission. July 10, 2013--(@15,000 miles) car loses reasonable amount of power, makes grinding noise, engine light appears. Blocks from Volkswagen of alexandria. Just able to make it in. Technicians report that a number of faults were reported and have contacted VW of America to advise what to do next. Ultimately they decide that the mechatronics unit (part of transmission) should be replaced but will not be available soon. Alexandria Volkswagen advises me to take the vehicle back into my posession and drive it as is until the part arrives. They claimed it to be just a noise issue. I object and have to point out the complaint about severe lack of power and previous complete engine/transmission failure (which they claimed to be unrelated). After complaint told I could rent a car. Finally able to complain my way into a loaner. I have read about this tactic for ways around lemon law liability. Was advised to report it here.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #1

Apr 292013

Golf 4-cyl

  • 6,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while driving approximately 2 mph, the vehicle erroneously accelerated then crashed into a parked vehicle. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and stated that they would send someone to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 6,000. Updated 08/15/13 the consumer stated the accelerator stuck when he backed down the driveway on incline. The vehicle accelerated by itself after going down an incline and around the corner.

- Castleton, NY, USA

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