Volkswagen Golf — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have Volkswagen Golf specifications on file for 12 model years, 2010–2021, covering hatchback trims. Across those years EPA data lists 4 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 30 to 42 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 6 of the 6 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

Year	Engine(s)	Fuel	MPG (UK)	CO₂ g/km	NHTSA	Recalls	Complaints
2021	1.4L 4-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	38–40	166	5★	1	11
2020	1.4L 4-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	37–38	174	5★	2	14
2019	1.4L 4-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	38	170	5★	7	99
2018	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	34–35	192	5★	10	58
2017	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	35	190	5★	6	299
2016	1.8L 4-cyl turbo	Regular Gasoline	35	190	5★	12	219
2015	1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turbo	Diesel	35–42	181	—	13	293
2014	2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl	Diesel	31–38	196	—	5	11
2013	2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl	Diesel	31–38	196	—	5	48
2012	2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl	Diesel	31–38	196	—	6	49
2011	2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl	Diesel	31–38	196	—	6	110
2010	2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cyl	Diesel	30–38	196	—	4	69

Best and Worst Volkswagen Golf Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 12 Volkswagen Golf model years from 2010 to 2021 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 64 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

2014 — 11 complaints, 5 recall campaigns
2021 — 11 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 5★ NHTSA
2020 — 14 complaints, 2 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA

Most owner complaints

2017 — 299 complaints, 6 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
2015 — 293 complaints, 13 recall campaigns
2016 — 219 complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

2L 4-cyl turbo — 2010–2015
2.5L 5-cyl — 2010–2014
1.8L 4-cyl turbo — 2015–2018
1.4L 4-cyl turbo — 2019–2021

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

Compare the Volkswagen Golf With Rivals

Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the Volkswagen Golf covered on this site?

We have data for 12 model years of the Volkswagen Golf, from 2010 to 2021.

What engines does the Volkswagen Golf come with?

EPA data lists: 2L 4-cyl turbo (2010–2015); 2.5L 5-cyl (2010–2014); 1.8L 4-cyl turbo (2015–2018); 1.4L 4-cyl turbo (2019–2021).

Which Volkswagen Golf year has the best fuel economy?

The 2015 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 42 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the Volkswagen Golf have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

Yes — the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.

Which Volkswagen Golf model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2015 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (13), and the 2017 has the most owner complaints (299). Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the Volkswagen Golf?

The Volkswagen Golf is classed as a hatchback on this site.

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Last updated: 8 November 2026