2011 Volkswagen Golf — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Volkswagen Golf is a hatchback offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Golf workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 Volkswagen Golf: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 38 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 5-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 35 urban / 47 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 29 city / 39 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 196 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,000 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 32 mpg (US), or 31 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 198 | $3,000 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/39) | 196 | $3,000 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/31) | 205 | $2,500 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/33) | 212 | $2,600 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf
Running Costs: 2011 Volkswagen Golf
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Volkswagen Golf at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,000 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Volkswagen Golf Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Volkswagen Golf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (4), Unspecified (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 19V862000, reported 4 December 2019. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Unspecified — campaign 18V329000, reported 16 May 2018. Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Air bags — campaign 18V148000, reported 6 March 2018. Risk: 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.
- Air bags — campaign 16V078000, reported 10 February 2016. Risk: 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.
Showing the 4 most recent of 6 campaigns.
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Volkswagen Golf. The most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (30), Power train (21), Fuel system (19). Complaints include 4 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 2 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 64 complaints across the 12 Volkswagen Golf model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 49 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Air bags (4 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Transmission & drivetrain (21 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (18 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 Volkswagen Golf's 38 mpg is 5 mpg above that make average. Its 196 g/km CO₂ figure is 17 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 12 Volkswagen Golf model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 3rd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 42 mpg). See every Volkswagen Golf year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Volkswagen Golf have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a manual 6-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2011 Volkswagen Golf cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,000 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Volkswagen Golf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (4), Unspecified (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf?
Among the 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (30 complaints), Power train (21 complaints), Fuel system (19 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 Volkswagen Golf have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.