There are 3 owner-reported powertrain & transmission complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Golfin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
Received a low coolant warning and then checked the coolant level. Coolant was low and was topped off. One week later the issue recurred as the coolant level and dropped below minimum levels again. Thermostat housing had a slow leak which was discovered by the dealer. This seems to be a flaw in the design of the thermostat housing as multiple owners are reporting the same issue with the same flaw in the thermostat housing.
Vehicle intermittently stalls when coming to a stop in traffic while in gear. Has occurred on multiple separate occasions, but cannot be easily re-produced. When vehicle stalls it can be difficult to restart while in traffic and occurs without warning creating safety hazard. Usually there are no codes stored by the computer when this occurs, but check engine light has been noticed. Vehicle has been brought to dealership 3 different times for same issue. Upon first visit starter was replaced. Upon 2nd visit an oxygen sensor was replaced. Upon 3rd visit no further action was taken and I was told by dealer vehicle tested normal with no further repairs being authorized.
COOLANT LEAK NOTICED UNDERNEAT THE ENGINE. IT RUN DOWN TO THE OIL PAN DRIPPING ON THE DRIVE WAY. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS. THEY SAID LEAK IS COMING FROM THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. MILEAGE IS NOW 73700. VW POWERTRAIN WARRANTY COVERS UP TO 72000.
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