2010 Volkswagen Golf
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2010 Volkswagen Golf. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Volkswagen IS recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi A3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin during november 2011. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
70 complaints3 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
The ABS control module (Continental MK60EC1, part number 1K0 907 379 AH) in my 2010 Volkswagen Golf has failed. The vehicle's ABS and electronic stability control are inoperative. The failed module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. On October 26, 2026…
The ABS control module (Continental MK60EC1, part number 1K0 907 379 AH) in my 2010 Volkswagen Golf has failed. The vehicle's ABS and electronic stability control are inoperative. The failed module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. On October 26, 2026, an authorized Volkswagen dealer inspected the vehicle with the factory diagnostic system and confirmed the failure: the module stores fault 01130 (ABS operation, implausible signal, recorded 16 times) and fault 16352 (control module faulty, recorded 31 times and currently present as "static" — the module reporting itself defective). These are the same two faults Volkswagen attributes in Safety Recall 16V913000 to an insufficient PCU ground connection inside this module, which can cause it to fail during ABS or ESC activation. Without ABS/ESC, the vehicle has longer stopping distances and no stability control in an emergency maneuver or on wet roads, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control. My vehicle was excluded from recall 16V913000 only because its serial number falls after the recall's 2010 Golf range, so it never received the recall's software update or module replacement — the module still runs its original factory software (version 0107, which predates the recall). The dealer confirmed the module is faulty but declined to request coverage from Volkswagen, citing the vehicle's age. The manufacturer itself has not inspected the vehicle. I am asking NHTSA to review whether the 16V913000 population should include vehicles with this identical module failure.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After…
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle due to the ABS and ESC warning lights being illuminated. The contact…
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle due to the ABS and ESC warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure with the ESC and ABS warning lights being illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
Shortly after acquiring this car, an airbag light appeared on the dashboard after my sister adjusted the passenger side seat. The airbag indicator showed that it was off afterward, despite my sister being adequate weight to require the airbag. Continued problems ensued when the seat would show that…
Shortly after acquiring this car, an airbag light appeared on the dashboard after my sister adjusted the passenger side seat. The airbag indicator showed that it was off afterward, despite my sister being adequate weight to require the airbag. Continued problems ensued when the seat would show that it was occupied (airbag on and seatbelt chime when unbuckled, even though there was no one in the seat). Now this happens sporadically, and it is unknown whether the airbag will be operational or not whenever I start the car. Often, turning the car off then back on will allow for the airbag to show it is on for a passenger. I have seen in other locations online that this is an issue that has affected other people online with this model of car.
- Power train
I call my call Inspector Gadget because it shifts on it's own. I could be braking and it leaps forward as if I put it in 4th or 5th gear. I heard of gears "slipping" but it is the reverse - it's rev's on it's own and speed increases. I was told it might be the manifold but I can't get that confirmed from auto mechanic and it won't pass smog now.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
ABS warning lights intermittently for many months- go on and off along with airbag warning frequently- several mechanics could not diagnose. Recently brake warning lights came on at same time as ABS and airbag warnings. Brake system checked out fine. On replacement of wheel speed ABS sensor…
ABS warning lights intermittently for many months- go on and off along with airbag warning frequently- several mechanics could not diagnose. Recently brake warning lights came on at same time as ABS and airbag warnings. Brake system checked out fine. On replacement of wheel speed ABS sensor, discovered central ABS control module error (dtc 01130). VW had already issued a safety recall ( 45F2) for the ABS sensor in several 2009 and 2010 jetta/golf, but in a limited vin range. they refuse to acknowledge the problem in this 2010 gold IS the fault of the faulty ABS control module found in other 2010 golf cars and refuse to honor recall or to log problem.
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
ABS control module failure. Lost of ABS system, stability control system and air bag system. This happens at 4 years of ownership.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen golf. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated, which was a safety concern. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was then taken to heritage volkswagen…
TL* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen golf. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated, which was a safety concern. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was then taken to heritage volkswagen catonsville (6624 baltimore national pike, baltimore, md 21228), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer stated that the vin was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 95,000. *tt *tr
- Seat belts
2010 volkswagen golf. Consumer writes in regards to seatbelt defect with no warranty support. *Ld the consumer stated the seat belt would not retract. *js
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system
I filed a vehicle buyback with volkswagens vehicle buyback program in february of 2016. I waited and called back and forth trying to find out about my vehicle and if it was going to get bought back. Volkswagen kept telling me my documents were invalid and I had to re-do them each time and send them…
I filed a vehicle buyback with volkswagens vehicle buyback program in february of 2016. I waited and called back and forth trying to find out about my vehicle and if it was going to get bought back. Volkswagen kept telling me my documents were invalid and I had to re-do them each time and send them back and wait longer for a response. On 08/23/2017, they made me reset my claim because they supposedly "filed me in the wrong category". After that, all my documents finally got accepted, and have been "under review" for the past 9 months. They have been reviewing my documents and haven't been moving forward with my case for almost 2 years and my car has been sitting in my driveway waiting to be turned in. I am afraid to drive it because of the possible health effects it might have on me and my surroundings but volkswagen IS being negligent and ignoring my claim, even though it IS 100% valid because I have owned my car since 2014. Please look into this claim with care and help me figure this out. It has been a very hard struggle for me and I am just dreading to get this over with.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Had to replace the map sensor 3 times in 2 years. Manifold problem. There are no recalls for this vehicle but the problem persists. Had to pay $700 each time to fix.
- Air bags
Takata recall. The dealer does not have the parts. It has been more than a year now. I need to be able to drive that car without risking my life every day.
- Air bags
Takata recall - official recall IS dated february 9, 2016. We still have not received any information about this, including a way to remedy this potentially life-threatening issue.
- Air bags
Tamara recall. the manufacturer has failed to replace the airbag even though it presents a potential serious safety hazard. I would like an update from the manufacturer regarding the repair and date I can take my vehicle to the dealer. it IS has been too long with no fix identified. this IS unacceptable.
- Air bags
Takata recall... I'm in zone a, texas, and my car has still not been fixed! When and how will I be called up to get these fixed? I'm keeping the car until mid-2018.
- Air bags
"Takata recall". several months ago, I received a recall notification for a takata airbag in my vehicle. since then, I have been unable to determine a schedule for airbag replacement. the nhtsa website references a "schedule" & "priority" for replacement of takata airbags, but my vehicle IS not…
"Takata recall". several months ago, I received a recall notification for a takata airbag in my vehicle. since then, I have been unable to determine a schedule for airbag replacement. the nhtsa website references a "schedule" & "priority" for replacement of takata airbags, but my vehicle IS not listed. the only schedule information I have found on the nhtsa website indicates that older vehicles in hot & humid conditions are at higher risk. priority 1 vehicles on the nhtsa list indicate that failure IS more likely in priority 1 locations after 6-9 years. my vehicle IS more than 6 years old & has spent most of it's life where it was purchased, in virginia beach, virginia within a few miles of corrosive salt water in the atlantic ocean. several friends, clients & family have refused to ride in my vehicle due to its' airbag recall & proximity to high heat & humidity. I am also concerned about my personal safety. when IS my vehicle eligible for airbag repair?
- Engine
The main (rear) engine oil seal IS leaking with only 51,000 miles on the odometer. I believe this IS a defect of the engine oil seal or improperly mounted from the VW factory. there has been numerous complaints of this problem with VW owners. The cost of this repair should be fully covered by volkswagen of america.
- Air bags
VW should put customers in loaners until the airbags are safely replaced. it's not right to send someone a notice, stating their airbag may malfunction and kill you without offering a safe means of transportation. we also have a honda CRV and they have provided a loaner until the airbag IS replaced.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Engine failure on road. service IS claiming it IS a fuel pump issue.... High pressure fuel pump.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
While driving the vehicle simply shut off. I turned on hazzards, put car into park, restarted, put car back into drive and drove away. This was on the I-35 frontage road and I could have easily been rearended / killed. Happened one other time on the bqe in new york several months prior. After the…
While driving the vehicle simply shut off. I turned on hazzards, put car into park, restarted, put car back into drive and drove away. This was on the I-35 frontage road and I could have easily been rearended / killed. Happened one other time on the bqe in new york several months prior. After the first incident I was told by the authorized service dept. "Probably a glitch, won't happen again." waiting for a third incident where I'm not so lucky.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I was stopped at a red light preparing to make a left hand turn when I noticed that the engine started making a rattling noise. after the light turned green, I proceeded to make my turn and after exiting the intersection the vehicle started to hesitate and eventually stalled. I pulled to the side…
I was stopped at a red light preparing to make a left hand turn when I noticed that the engine started making a rattling noise. after the light turned green, I proceeded to make my turn and after exiting the intersection the vehicle started to hesitate and eventually stalled. I pulled to the side of the road safely and tried to restart the vehicle but it would not start. I called aaa and my local VW dealer and had the car towed there for repair. I was told that the high pressure diesel fuel pump failed and that it would be replaced as a "goodwill" by VW since my car was just out of the 5 year 60K warranty. to my knowledge, the entire fuel system was replaced with the exception of the fuel tank itself which was cleaned. everything was taken care of by VW with no charge to me, and a loaner car was provided. *tr
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, diesel
2010 volkswagen golf. consumer writes in regards to fuel system malfunction. *smd the consumer stated in july 2013, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled on the highway. When she took the vehicle to dealer, for a diagnoses, they informed her, the fuel system had completely malfunctioned and sent…
2010 volkswagen golf. consumer writes in regards to fuel system malfunction. *smd the consumer stated in july 2013, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled on the highway. When she took the vehicle to dealer, for a diagnoses, they informed her, the fuel system had completely malfunctioned and sent metal shards throughout the entire fuel system. A couple of months later, the ac wasn't functioning properly. It was taking 10-15 minutes to get cold. It was determined the air compressor was failing and needed to be replaced along with the receiver and expansion valve. *Jb
- Structure
The head liner in my VW golf IS falling apart around the rear dome light. the material has separated from the roof and IS blocking my rear view. This IS a four year old car with under 70,000 miles on it. VW has refused to cover it under my warranty. *tr
- Seat belts · Seats
I drive a 2010 VW golf tdi. it has been used as a work vehicle just to drive back and forth for all of its life except recently and kept extremely clean on the inside. the rear seat belts have only been used for the last 3 months when my daughter moved into a toddler seat. the rear passenger seat belt IS defective and will not wind back up now being unusable. *tr
- Engine · Fuel system, diesel · Vehicle speed control
Had just refueled vehicle a day prior when on lunch break vehicle lost power while driving. Upon entering a heavily congested intersection the vehicle lost power and stalled causing steering, braking and control to be compromised. Started vehicle to move out of heavy traffic and drove directly to…
Had just refueled vehicle a day prior when on lunch break vehicle lost power while driving. Upon entering a heavily congested intersection the vehicle lost power and stalled causing steering, braking and control to be compromised. Started vehicle to move out of heavy traffic and drove directly to an automotive repair shop. Upon inspection the repair facility discovered metal particles throughout fuel system causing unsafe driving conditions listed above including stalling and loss of control. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of…
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel mounted controls.The loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag will result in illumination of the air bag warning light and will prevent operation of the front driver air bag in a crash of sufficient severity requiring a commanded deployment.In November 2017, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ17-009) after the agency received 90 complaints alleging failure of the clockspring in the subject models.Several of the complaints allege failure of the clockspring after receiving the recall remedy.The majority of the complaints allege the same failure mode without being included in the original recall, 15V-483.In its March 2018 response to ODI's Information Request under the Recall Query, Volkswagen provided approximately 700 consumer complaints and field reports on the recalled vehicles.These reports allege clockspring failure similar to the NHTSA reports described above.To date, NHTSA has received approximately 154 allegations of clockspring failure since the recall has launched.The total of 852 reports shown in the table above eliminates 6 duplicative reports received by ODI and the manufacturer.An Engineering Analysis has been opened to further evaluate the scope and effectiveness of the remedy associated with 15V-483 and perform a thorough review of the design changes implemented by Volkswagen and its suppliers to address this issue.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11080741, 11079877, 11079805, 11079124, 11076709, 11076645, 11076297, 11076249, 11076133, 11075756, 11075726, 11075358, 11075259, 11075055, 11074920, 11074565, 11073090, 11072745, 11072457, 11072089, 11071933, 11071880, 11071630, 11071592, 11067396, 11067061, 11066738, 11066601, 11066511, 11065909, 11065871, 11065262, 11064701, 11064564, 11064544, 11064531, 11063961, 11063501, 11063095, 11062772, 11062464, 11062353, 11062344, 11061463, 11061310, 11061311, 11060735, 11058154, 11057519, 11057477, 11057341, 11056793, 11056243, 11056063, 11055639, 11054279, 11052812, 11052678, 11052384, 11052228, 11051336, 11051155, 11051074, 11048803, 11047037, 11044226, 11043653, 11039142, 11033893, 11033330, 11032548, 11025475, 11025356, 11024647, 11023423, 11020570, 11020312, 11019415, 11019067, 11015441, 11015431, 11014595, 11014016, 11013709, 11013415, 11012596, 11011753, 11006668, 11006521, 11006307, 11006181, 11005301, 11003865, 11001780, 11001783, 11001334, 10994184, 10993360, 10993524, 10992490, 10985926, 10983678, 10981220, 10980831, 10980941, 10980549, 10979418, 10971152, 10967344, 10967155, 10959968, 10958624, 10957279, 10956488, 10949129, 10947562, 10945122, 10936498, 10936543, 10933950, 10927311, 10925421, 10924034, 10915612, 10915569, 10911171, 10902066, 10898733, 10896537, 10896510, 10895526, 10893938, 10891686, 10864967, 10863742, 10861984, 10851242, 10822505, 10821562, 10818403, 10795068, 10794402, 10788738, 10787804, 10782544, 10780725, 10780145, 10779145, 10776477, 10775448, 10763492, 10763423, 10763289, 10762670, 10760644, 10758777, 10749901, 10748922
- Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped…
By letter dated October 3, 2011, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will conduct a safety recall to address a defect in approximately 168,275 model year (MY) 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf, and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI Common Rail Clean Diesel engine (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-490).The recalled Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles were built from May 2008 through September 2011, the Golf vehicles were built from May 2009 through September 2011, and the Audi A3 vehicles were built from September 2009 through September 2011.According to Volkswagen, in U.S. applications of the above cited TDI vehicles including engine codes CJAA and CBEA, the fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2 in specific load and RPM conditions.This resonance creates additional stress on the fuel line which a small number of parts (based on the statistic spread of line strength) cannot withstand over its lifetime.As a contributing factor, VW indicated that a supplier used tube material with scratch marks from a grinding process during certain production periods.Lines manufactured in these periods were installed in vehicles produced in the following 10 months:December 2008, January-February 2009, October 2009, March-April 2010 and September-December 2010.Injector lines using this material exhibit a significantly higher failure rate.Dealers will replace injector line #2 in all vehicles built in these months.In addition, as a precautionary measure, all recalled vehicles will have vibration dampers installed on all four fuel injector lines.Analysis of NHTSA complaints, VW complaints, VW field reports and warranty claims found allegations of injector line leakage in 443 subject vehicles.The leaking line was not identified in 62 of the vehicles.For the 381 that did provide information about which injector lines were leaking and/or replaced, 358 (94%) involved an injector line #2 leak/repair.Almost three-quarters of the injector line #2 leak/repair incident vehicles were built in the 10 months identified by VW, which accounted for approximately one-quarter of the recalled vehicles.The failure rate for injector line #2 in vehicles built in the 10 months affected by the supplier line scratching issue is 6.0 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV).The failure rate for injector line #2 in other production months of recalled vehicles is 0.8 IPTV.The leak/repair rates for the other injector lines are all well under 1 IPTV.The action taken by Volkswagen is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by…
The Office of Defects Investgation (ODI) opened EA11-003 on February 7, 2011, based on 160 complaints to ODI and Volkswagen involving high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and Golf and Audi A3 TDI vehicles and questions regarding fuel sample results provided by Volkswagen as part of its response to PE10-034.During EA11-003, ODI analyzed design information, field experience and test data for MY 2009 through 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf and Touareg and Audi A3 and Q7 vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Volkswagen has not identified any design or manufacturing defects in the subject TDI Clean Diesel pumps and has stated that the subject pumps were designed, tested and approved for use in the United States market, with substantial design margins for fuels that are out of specification.Volkswagen believes that misfueling with gasoline is the primary cause of HPFP drivetrain failures in the field.Only the Q7 vehicles were built with misfuel protection devices.In May 2013 Volkswagen initiated a service campaign to install misfuel protection devices in all MY 2009 through 2012 Jetta, Golf and A3 vehicles.Volkswagen implemented misfuel protection devices in all of the subject models beginning in MY 2013. ODI?s analysis of HPFP drivetrain failure incidents indicates that most failures do not result in engine stall while driving and, when pump drivetrain failure does result in stall while driving, it is usually preceded by numerous warning symptoms (e.g., glow plug warning lamp, chime, limp mode, and driveability symptoms).The failure data for the subject vehicles show relatively low stalling rates (less than one percent at three years in service) for each of the pump designs used in the subject vehicles.There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to the alleged defect. Based on these facts, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.For additional information, see the closing report in the document file for EA11-003.
- High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and Volkswagen (VW) have received a total of 160 complaints and field reports alleging incidents of engine stall and/or loss of power that appear to be related to high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and MY 2010…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and Volkswagen (VW) have received a total of 160 complaints and field reports alleging incidents of engine stall and/or loss of power that appear to be related to high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and MY 2010 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 vehicles equipped with TDI clean diesel engines.Approximately half of the reports indicate that the failure resulted in an engine stall incident, with many of these alleging stall incidents at highway speeds in traffic with no restart.There has been one minor crash alleged to have resulted from HPFP failure in the subject vehicles.In response to ODI's information request for PE10-034, VW indicated that it had found no defect related to motor vehicle safety with relation to the TDI Clean Diesel fuel system at issue in this investigation and attributed problems with HPFP failure to operation with gasoline contaminated diesel fuel.Volkswagen stated that even a small amount of gasoline in the diesel fuel may disrupt the necessary lubrication required and may cause the HPFP to fail.In response to concerns that fuel contamination was the major cause of HPFP and related fuel system failures, VW issued a Technical Service Bulletin in May 2010 (VW TB V011011 2023624 and Audi TB A011008 2023360-1), with instructions to inspect the diesel fuel for vehicles requiring fuel system service that have symptoms associated with HPFP failure.The bulletin states that fuel system damage incurred by use of fuel not complying to ASTM-D-975 Grade 2 S15 (B5 or less biodiesel content) standards will not be covered under warranty. Volkswagen also provided information about 121 mis-fueling incidents reportedly acknowledged by consumers or dealers and test results for about 50 diesel fuel samples taken from complaint vehicles in late-August through early-October 2010.The mis-fueling incidents include about 20 reports involving incorrect fueling by dealer sales or service personnel and generally report symptoms such as rough running, stalling and/or no start within a few miles of refueling the vehicle with gasoline.Volkswagen indicated that the testing of fuel samples from complaint vehicles found that nearly 90 percent contained high amounts of gasoline.Volkswagen implemented design changes for the HPFP in May 2008, September 2009 and November 2010 to improve the robustness of the pump when used with poor quality fuel.ODI analysis of HPFP failures identified from all sources shows failure rates of 0.53% for MY 2009 vehicles and 0.11% for MY 2010 vehicles.This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA11-003) to continue to investigate the issues with mis-fueling and HPFP design identified during the Preliminary Evaluation.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010024Lack of paint under roof
- 11010022Engine Oil Standards
- 11010021Additional reporting
- 11010011Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11008861Fluid requirements
- 11008858A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008856Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
- 11008853How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
- 11008852Recommended Gasoline Quality
- 11008851Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008850Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
- 11008846Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 11007398Battery testing
- 11007393Engine Oil Standards
- 11005825Engine oil quality standards
- 11005820Engine Assembly Tip
- 11005819Engine Replacement Tip
- 11002875Engine oil quality standards
- 11001508Engine oil quality standards
- 10253491Secondary Air Pressure Sensor Limited Warranty Extension
- 10253483Engine Exhaust Flap Limited Warranty Extension
- 10253439Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? Gasoline Engines (Except Routan) - REVISED
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253212Ignition Switch Faults Stored - Various Malfunctioning Comfort Functions
- 10253211Ignition Switch Faults Stored - Various Malfunctioning Comfort Functions
- 10253205Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253203Wiper Blade Inspection for Proper Warranty Coding
- 10253184Update Programming Radio, RCD 510 (Premium 8) for Various Functionality Concerns
- 10253183Update Programming Radio, RCD 510 (Premium 8) for Various Functionality Concerns
- 10253177Satellite Radio Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252937Vehicles equipped with Immobilizer 4 (Download) ? Adapting Keys after Vehicle Lock Set Replacement
- 10252916Coding Information for Replacing ?AC? Suffix Radios with ?AF? Suffix Replacement Unit
- 10252915MDI Functions with iPhone 5 Variants (5, 5c, 5s and iPad fourth generation, iPod Nano seventh generation)
- 10252909Equipped with RCD-510 Premium 8 Radio ? Radio Switches to Bluetooth Audio without Input
Every Volkswagen Golf model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.