
Closest available photo (2020 model year); you're viewing the 2019.
Overview
- Body
- Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Powertrain
- GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel
- RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Engine & performance
- HP
- 147
- Power to weight
- 0.044 hp/lb
- Axle ratio
- 3.39
- Cyl
- 4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Aspiration
- TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Start-stop system
- NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Efficiency
- MPG Hwy
- 37 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG City
- 29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG Comb
- 32 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel $/yr
- $1,950EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- CO₂
- 274 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Eco Score
- 7/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Smog score
- 7/10
- Elec. Range
- 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- SmartWay certified
- Yes
Dimensions & capacity
- Length
- 167 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
- Width
- 71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
- Height
- 57 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
- Wheelbase
- 104 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
- Curb Weight
- 3,305 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Safety NHTSA, model year
⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.
- Overall crash rating
- ★★★★★
- Rollover rating
- ★★★★★
- Stability control (ESC)
- Standard
- Forward-collision warning
- Standard
- Lane-departure warning
- Optional
- Recalls
- 6
- Owner complaints
- 81
Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year
- ENGINE32%
- POWER TRAIN15%
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER11%
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10%
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8%
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE4%
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 114 total.
Volkswagen Golf: best and worst yearsFederal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year
RQ23007opened Dec 12, 2023FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
DP19003opened Sep 3, 2019POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Vehicle Stalling - Manual Transmission
Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year
518 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year
May 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0026012081638_1
Difference between Component fluid leakage and seepage
Mar 30, 2026EXTERIOR LIGHTINGV9419012011521_21
Moisture Accumulation
Mar 27, 2026ENGINEVOS-26-21
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the error message ERP0204E could occur during perform initial operation, software configuration, SVM updates for any control module(s) etc.
Mar 25, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV0018092053065_6
Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
Mar 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV9422022066761_4
Damage Inspection of Park assist sensors
Mar 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-15
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct multiple test plans: All basic settings test for the following components - Fill and bleed cooling system issue, N493, J338, Camshaft, V465 etc. Use this test for all the basic setting. You will need to select the component you need to run the basic settings. But there are also stand-alone tests for each of those components.
Mar 5, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERV5515032021354_9
Paint color and/or finish of the engine compartment may not match the exterior paint color
Mar 2, 2026AIR BAGSDC_VW_CF_Airbag
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
- and 510 more
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Warranty manufacturer terms, by make
- Basic
- 4 yr / 50k mi
- Powertrain
- 4 yr / 50k mi
- Roadside assistance
- 3 yr / 36k mi
- Maintenance
- 2 yr / 20k mi
- EV battery
- 8 yr / 100k mi
Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.