repaired · 2026 Q2
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
2018 Volkswagen Golf SportwagenProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, most often about the power train. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-615 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen has problems
12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Power train1 crash/fire/injury
2Air bags
2Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Structure
2Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
1Wheels
1Engine
1Fuel system, gasoline
1Fuel/propulsion system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 4 | 1 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Anti-theft: control module
Risk. Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal…
repaired · 2020 Q3
Springs: coil springs
Risk. If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q2
Anti-theft: control module
Risk. Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal…
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2019 Q4
Disc: caliper
Do not driveRisk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Golf Sportwagen year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Golf Sportwagen median. How we score
'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen safety ratings
2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen SW FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (13.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)Led to recall 24V-110
In owners' words
What Golf Sportwagen owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The clutch master cylinder failed at less than 37,000 miles and is not covered under the manufacturer's standard (for 2018 models) 72,000 mile warranty. I had to spend $500+ to replace the part at an independent mechanic. Fluid levels were fine and there were no leaks. Just a faulty part. I have…
My wife's Golf Sportwagen has a sort of whop whop noise evident at about 30 -35 MPH that gets a bit more pronounced at 60 MPH. The brakes seem fine. No pulling or pulsations in the brake pedal. They work well. The pads are not worn out and the discs have smooth, shiny surfaces. The car steers…
The vehicle went forward in Reverse and backward in Drive, multiple times in one day, observed by driver and passenger. Another vehicle was struck; no one was injured (fortunately). Dealer said they could not recreate the problem and nothing was wrong.
Own a 2018 Golf Sportwagen?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.