2024 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

I own a manual transmission MK8 Golf R, the ‘hill assist’ system cannot be turned off. The brakes will hold for 2-5 seconds after being released even on very slight inclines. I unfortunately upgraded from a 2017 MK7 Golf R manual that was damaged in an accident (I was not at fault). In that model VW the hill assist or ‘auto hold’ was able to be turned off with a button. The new models ‘assist system’ is an unsafe as is requires heavy clutch/throttle input in order for it to release. I’m [XXX] and have driven manual cars and trucks my entire driving life so I’m aware of what is required to drive a manual. This system needs to be addressed or somehow needs to have the ability to be disabled. There are multiple threes and complaints online some even siting accidents that the system has caused due to it not releasing when it should have. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The infotainment system attempts to call for information or help. It disconnects my cell phone from bluetooth or USB and causes the screen to swap to either of the above call pages and makes a loud 'click' sound. It then cancels the call and attempts them again around a second or two later and gradually speeds up until the car is entirely turned off. The screen flashing and clicking is extremely distracting and there is no way to resolve it short of entirely shutting the vehicle off and letting it sit for a few minutes. In order to full reset, I have to find an exit or risk completely turning the vehicle off and getting out on the highway. I was unable to reset it with it detecting me in my seat. I have multiple videos where I was able to find a parking lot and record the issue. I have tried to reset it and turn the vehicle on and off with no success. I have videos of that as well. I have been to multiple dealers and they told me that there are no error codes, so they can not fix or assess it unless I bring it to them while it's happening. It happens a few times a week. I have been driving to Pittsburgh for work (5 hours each way) and I have it happen at least once each way. There does not seem to be any specific trigger to make it happen. I have had it at low speeds in town (15-25 mph) or highway speeds (60-70 mph). I have a third dealer looking at it on 1/31/2025. No warning lights on dash. Below date is the first date I recorded it happening on video. Started around a month or two sooner but no proof of it.

Hill Hold Assist: This feature appears to be on most manual transmission Volkswagen vehicles, and activates on a forward facing incline. In newer models the feature completely immobilizes movement for almost 3 seconds when stopped on an incline, after breaks are released, potentially causing a safety hazard. Request this feature either be removed all together, shortened to approximately 1 second, or become disabled when accelerator is depressed.

VW implemented hill hold assist for all new GTI and Golf R manual transmission vehicles. Hill hold does not disengage when you start to engage the clutch to go. Instead, the brakes will remain locked, up to 3 seconds on steep hills. This prevents the driver from moving the car quickly, especially on hills, making a left crossing traffic... we've had close calls due to this delay. It can also cause the vehicle to stall since the brakes are locked while attempting to engage clutch. VW must allow drivers / owners option to disable or fix it so it disengages as soon as the clutch is engaged. This can easily be recreated...dealer cannot make changes and has confirmed many owners complaining about this safety problem.

VW implemented hill hold assist for all new GTI and Golf R manual transmission vehicles. Hill hold does not disengage when you start to engage the clutch to go. Instead, the brakes will remain locked, up to 3 seconds on steep hills. This prevents the driver from moving the car quickly, especially on hills, making a left crossing traffic... we've had close calls due to this delay. It can also cause the vehicle to stall since the brakes are locked while attempting to engage clutch. VW must allow drivers / owners option to disable or fix it so it disengages as soon as the clutch is engaged. This can easily be recreated...dealer cannot make changes and has confirmed many owners complaining about this safety problem.