2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
151
Owner Complaints
6
Recalls
47
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
The 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF has received a total of 151 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER. 47 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Fuelpropulsion System (30 complaints), Fuel System Diesel (19 complaints), and Electrical System (16 complaints).
Recalls for the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, potentially affecting up to 1,607,784 vehicles.
Recall 19V862000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 226 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for...
View full details →Recall 18V329000 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
| 252 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
View full details →Recall 18V148000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 363,713 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V078000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 659,493 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 inflator to rupture.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 15V483000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 415,825 vehicles affected
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This...
Consequence: A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will...
View full details →Recall 11V490000 — FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
| 168,275 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL...
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
151 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuelpropulsion System | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Diesel | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 16 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 15 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 12 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Trainautomatic Transmission | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System Gasoline | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemhorn | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingengine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingenginediesel | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
The High-pressure Fuel pump failed during a routine drive at approximately 1500 RPMs. This caused an immediate loss of power while in traffic. Manage to limp the car to the nearest gas station in which the car finally died and would not start. Had to call for a tow truck. This immediate loss of power could have cause myself and my daughter to get into an accident. Luckily, we were not on a major highway doing 65+ MPH, which could have been a lot worse. The vehicle flashed a MIL light or flashing glow plug light at the time of the incident. The car did not show any signs of possible failure beforehand. This same issue has been recalled by Fiat-Chrysler on their Heavy-Duty Ram pickup trucks with 6.7L Cummins due to catastrophic failure of the CP4 fuel pump.
Fuse F16 (30A) in the engine fuse plate, melted instead of breaking - causing half of the cars lights to stop functioning including turn signals and brake lights. Cannot be fixed with replacing the fuse as it was never tripped but instead the whole fuse plate needs to be replaced. No warning lights preceded the event, all lights went out while driving. VW dealership requires a new plate to be put in with no explanation of what caused the melt and no guarantee that it won’t happen again. Multiple online forums suggest a similar finding, and even other models have tickets for recalls (same problem, same part) but not the 2011 Golf TDI.
The wire from the alternator to the underhood fuse block is not thick enough to handle the current from the stock alternator. This causes the wire to get too hot melting the fuse block at the 30 amp fuse causing headlight issues.
The wire from the alternator to the underhood fuse block is not thick enough to handle the current from the stock alternator. This causes the wire to get too hot melting the fuse block at the 30 amp fuse causing headlight issues.
Electrical Short caused catastrophic fire in engine compartment, suspected issue is a water leak due to faulty manufacturing. Leak was noted by Volkswagen repair facility and was to be inspected and repaired within 30 days
Safety Rating for the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 47 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
V271901201189425 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Battery Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161 and or GRX3000VAS Charger. Update Tool terminology
VIN4APIN20220310 — SEATS
Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states coolant leak Oil level sensor leaking Customer states front brake noise Customer states blower stays on Customer states cannot set seat memory Customer states cannot set seat memory Any TDI within the vehicle/MY range
VIN4APIN20211026 — SUSPENSION
Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P0149 P053F in the ECM Customer states MIL-on with any combination of P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P1D74 and/or P1D75 in the ECM Customer states rattle noise from the underbody heat shields Customer states noise from front suspension Customer states noise during clutch pedal operation...
VIN4APIN20211013 — EQUIPMENT
Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P0149 P053F in the ECM Customer states noise from front suspension Customer states noise during clutch pedal operation Customer concern of vehicle door hard to close/out of adjustment Customer states airbag light on Customer states no crank/no start. Vehicle is towed in. Customer states there...
VIN4APIN20210930 — STRUCTURE
Customer states MIL-on with P0087 P0149 P053F in the ECM Customer states noise from front suspension Customer states noise during clutch pedal operation Customer concern of vehicle door hard to close/out of adjustment Customer states no crank/no start. Vehicle is towed in. Customer states there is a popping/clicking noise while...
CustomerLetterA — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Warranty Extension for Fuel Injectors Certain 2011 Model Year Volkswagen
VIN4APIN20200608 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
Customer states MIL-on with P0496 Customer states MIL-on with P2440 Customer states MIL-on with U0284 Customer states MIL-on with P02CC, P02CE, P02D0, P02D2, P02D4, and P02D6 P02D7 Customer states oil leak from the engine Customer states MIL-on with P0442 Customer states MIL-on, HPFP mounting bolts loose/broken No crank, no start...
Circular 21H2 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Due to a parts catalog error, incorrect emissions related component(s) may have been installed on some vehicles during a past service repair visit. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the component(s) as a proactive measure to ensure continued emissions compliance.
Dealer 21H2 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Due to a parts catalog error, incorrect emissions related component(s) may have been installed on some vehicles during a past service repair visit. Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the component(s) as a proactive measure to ensure continued emissions compliance.
2-0L TDI Settlem — EQUIPMENT
2.0L TDI Settlement Deadline 12/30/2018 - Important Reminders
Showing 10 of 47 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
- 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 16 complaints
- 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 2 complaints
- 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 1 complaint
- 2009 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 5 complaints
- 2010 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 97 complaints
- 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (current)
- 2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 66 complaints
- 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 67 complaints
- 2014 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 14 complaints
- 2015 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 181 complaints
- 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF — 114 complaints
Other VOLKSWAGEN Models
- VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — 13,715 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — 10,288 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE — 3,613 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN — 3,104 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS — 2,635 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN GTI — 1,916 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 — 1,568 total complaints
- VOLKSWAGEN CC — 1,356 total complaints