Skip to content
Trimslate
SavedHelp

2010 Volkswagen

Golf

Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo

Volkswagen Golf: best and worst years
2010 Volkswagen Golf

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2010.

Photo© M 93CC BY-SA 3.0 deWikimedia Commons

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
DieselEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
DieselEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
140
Power to weight
0.047 hp/lb
Axle ratio
2.76
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
39 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
$2,450EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
315 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
3/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
44.6 mpg, reported by 12 driversabout 12.6 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
165 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
70 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
58 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
102 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
2,994 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
4
Owner complaints
69
Theft rate
0.4 per 1,000 produced (CY 2010 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL23%
  • AIR BAGS11%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10%
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9%
  • ENGINE7%
  • POWER TRAIN7%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 96 total.

Volkswagen Golf: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA18003Openopened Apr 18, 2018AIR BAGS

    Air Bag Clockspring Failure

  • PE11023opened Aug 2, 2011FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

    Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage

  • EA11003opened Feb 7, 2011FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

    High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

  • PE10034opened Aug 26, 2010FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

    High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

905 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • 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

  • Jan 6, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMVOS-26-01

    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 a test that is not reading any information from the battery data module (BDM) and will output:

  • Nov 18, 2025SUSPENSIONV4016012043146_4

    What is and what is not a leaking suspension strut.

  • Nov 17, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERV5718012042955_7

    Replace Door Lock and Cap.

  • and 897 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.