There are 2 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Golfin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Volkswagen Wastegate Turbo Failure / design flaw and “wrongfully and intentionally” concealed a defect from consumers that could cause their vehicle’s engine turbocharger to fail prematurely at any time. Drivers have been unfairly forced to pay thousands out of pocket to repair and my estimate from a VW. dealer is: $4199.21 and I had to pay a $200 diagnostic fee. This is a major safety issue for the vehicle will lag and not accelerate. There is a class action lawsuit filed and settled but I cannot get Volkswagen to help me.
AFTER RESTARTING HOT ENGINE AFTER A BRIEF STOP, CAR MIGHT STUMBLE DURING FIRST ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, FOR EXAMPLE TRYING TO ENTER TRAFFIC FROM A PARKING LOT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND HAS BEEN CAUSE FOR ALARM. THE ENGINE IS RUNNING BUT FEELS AS IF IT IS NOT. THIS IS NOT NORMAL TURBO LAG AND THE PROBLEM CLEARS AFTER THE FIRST INSTANCE. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER AND THEIR RESPONSE IS THAT THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE AND THERE ARE NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES SET.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026