Hatchback · Gas
Volkswagen Golf GTI 2015-2021 (Mk7)

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- Price
- $24,395–$37,645
- MPG
- 28
- Strength: Excellent driving fun
- Watch-out: Below-average reliability
How it scores for you10 scores
The benchmark hot hatch - quick, practical and efficient in one affordable package - though DSG and cooling-system niggles reward a documented service history.
Recalled somewhat less often than cars of the same model years; 5 of its 11 recalls were serious. About 6% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -3 points for its wider reputation.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $2,300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 62% of cars we track.
22.8 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 63% of other hatchbacks we track.
Golf's upright packaging gives real rear-seat room for a compact performance car.
The hot-hatch benchmark - playful balance, strong 2.0T, excellent manual and DSG; among the most entertaining cars at any price.
CarPlay from 2016, Digital Cockpit and larger screens in late years; solid but never cutting-edge.
Firm but supple with optional adaptive dampers; superb plaid seats make it livable daily in a way rivals aren't.
Typical resale value for a hatchback.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls23 recalls
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
23 recalls · 9 common complaint areas across 2015–2021
- Engine — 92 complaints (2019)
- Recall — Back over prevention: sensing system: camera; equipment: electrical: infotainment: software (2021)
- Powertrain — 72 complaints (2019)
2021
- RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera; equipment: electrical: infotainment: software22V514000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause
2020
- RecallTires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems22V815000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The t
- RecallElectrical: ignition: switch23V604000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehi
2019
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of
- RecallTires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems22V815000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The t
- RecallElectrical: ignition: switch23V604000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehi
- Complaint clusterEngine92 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Rough idle on start. RPM is not maintaining to keep the engine running. After a few try, it starts ok and drive off the parking lot, but the engine dies after about 10 seconds over 30mph. It feels like gasoline is not igniting corretly. Scanned Error Code P0171: System Too Lean Bank 1 P0190: Fuel
- Complaint clusterPowertrain72 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS. I HAVE NOTICED MY CAR STALL WHEN LEAVING A PARKING SPOT WHERE I WILL GET HALFWAY OUT OF THE PARK, AND THEN THE RPM GOES TO 0 AND I HAVE TO PUT IT INTO PARK, TURN THE KEY, AND AFTER A LONGER THAN NORMAL STARTUP TIME, IT GOES.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other32 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen GTI SE. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact lives in Hawaii. However, there are no Volkswagen dealers on the island. The contact was told by the manufacturer that the recall repairs would need t
- Complaint clusterElectrical14 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS FULLY STOPPED AT A MAJOR INTERSECTION DURING RUSH HOUR IN LOS ANGELES (SANTA MONICA BLVD AND SEPULVEDA). THE AUTO STOP/START FEATURED WAS ON, SO MY ENGINE HAD FLIPPED OFF. WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE THE ENGINE IS SUPPOSED TO RE-ENGAGE, BUT INSTEAD MY CAR STALLED (RESULTING IN THE VERY U
- Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling6 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PURCHASED FROM RIVERSIDE VW METRO AUTO GROUP, A NEW 2019 VW GOLF GTI (WITH 465 MILES) EQUIPPED WITH A 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION STALLS EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE TYPICALLY NEEDS TO WARM UP (OIL TEMP ABOVE 210F) PRIOR TO SEEING THIS EXCESSIVE STALLING ISSUE. THE STALLING IS APPARENT WHEN THE ENGINE
2018
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper18V369000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake perfor
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehi
- Complaint clusterBrakes8 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
During moderate braking, the ABS system was violently pulsing the brakes on the left front wheel. This occured on about one dozen braking events over a 5-7 mile distance. Afterwards upon inspection, the left front brake smelled and radiated intense amounts of heat. There were no Warning Lights dis
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other7 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUNROOF SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD AND HEARD A LOUD "BOOM." I LOOKED UP TO SEE THAT THE SUNROOF WAS COMPLETELY SHATTERED. THE TEMPERATURE WAS MILD, THERE WERE NO BUMPS ON THE ROAD, NO BRIDGES NEARBY FROM WHICH SOMETHING COULD BE THROWN, AND NO SIGN OF EXTER
- Complaint clusterPowertrain6 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
AN ISSUE EXISTS WHERE THE START STOP SYSTEM (S/S) CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STALL AT A STOP LIGHT. AT ONE POINT, THE DRIVER WAS IN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, WHICH CAUSED MY S/S TO ACTIVATE, TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE. THE DRIVER UNBUCKLED HIS SEAT BELT SO HE COULD PUT SOMETHING INTO THE GLOVE B
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion6 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Cannot fill gas tank. Recall issued February 2024 no remedy available still. 24V110
- Complaint clusterStructure5 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE
VW CORPORATION DID NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY ON MY 2018 VW, GTI. MY 2018 VW, GTI WAS PARKED, AND I WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTER. THE SUNROOF WAS NOT HIT BY ANY DEBRIS. THE 2018 VW GTI IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY SO I TOOK THE DAMAGED VEHICLE TO OURISMAN VW OF LAURE
2017
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehi
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion56 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Had an immediate loss of propulsion event without warning (2-Feb-2026) after recall work completed on 16-Dec-20256 (24V110000). I lost propulsion on public roads and was lucky that this happened just after I exited the highway otherwise I would have ended up in a life threatening situation
- Complaint clusterEngine30 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Fuel pump and thermostat failure. Known issue on 2017 GTI models and VW corporate will not grant an exception for the class action settlement since vehicle is outside of coverage period. All scheduled maintenance on vehicle has been done at a dealership and i have had no issues. Spoke with VW Corpo
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other24 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had fuel leaking from my carbon canister. I was driving the previous day and noticed a gasoline smell. I thought it was something I ran over. The next day, while performing errands, I noticed the smell even more. Then I exited the vehicle to see the fuel pouring out of the car. The dealership has
- Complaint clusterStructure23 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE
2017 VW Golf Alltrack SEL, purchased XXX CPO. DEFECT: The panoramic sunroof frame's wind-deflector storage channel is separate from the primary, drained water channel and has no drain of its own. During rain, with the vehicle parked nose-up (uphill), water bypasses the inner glass-to-frame perimeter
- Complaint clusterElectrical22 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car battery spontaneously exploded when trying to start the car.
2016
- RecallEngine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control; fuel system, gasoline16V647000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of
- RecallAirbags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module22V543000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or depl
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehi
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion29 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel is leaking from near the gas tank when the car is running and creates a puddle- I took my car to the local VW dealership in February to get the Suction Jet Pump Recall completed.
- Complaint clusterEngine27 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
NHTSA Recall 24V-110 (VW 20UF). The vehicle is in Limp Mode and experiencing low oil pressure symptoms. It is also subject to Recall 24V-110, which identifies a fire risk due to fuel leakage. Despite the safety hazard, the local Volkswagen dealership has refused to perform the recall repair or diagn
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other22 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a safety concern related to Safety Recall 20UF on my 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE and the handling of this recall by an authorized Volkswagen dealership (Pohanka Volkswagen, Capitol Heights, MD). Prior to the recall service, the vehicle exhibited loss of power, intermittent shuddering
- Complaint clusterPowertrain12 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
I am having the same safety issue that is outlined in this safety recall: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10206794-0001.pdf However, Volkswagen says that my VIN number is not included. Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/TKfal3R I would like my car included in this safety recall. The foil cr
- Complaint clusterFuel8 complaintscomplaints:FUEL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen GTI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable am
2015
- RecallSteering14V412000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured January 27, 2014, to May 12, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the stabilizer link fasteners may come loose and possibly interfere with the steering of the vehicle.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail15V028000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20,
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump15V229000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and GTI manufactured on February 17, 2014, to May 22, 2014, and Audi A3 manufactured on February 16, 2013, to April 23, 2014. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in
- RecallEngine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control; fuel system, gasoline16V647000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehi
- Complaint clusterEngine43 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Suction jet pump failed causing vehicle to have numerous issues and had to be repaired due to being unable to drive. Suction jet pump has a recall with no remedy. Repairs cost me $3369.39 and car was in the shop for 24 days while shop tried to locate recalled part from a distributor.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other32 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Bought car recently and it came from the dealer with an exlamation point light, audible warning and message in the screen saying "ERROR: Service vehicle. Only leave vehicle in P position". i can also take my key out of the car when not in park. im pretty sure it is a microswitch or entire gear shift
- Complaint clusterPowertrain23 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Over the last two months, I've had over 30 incidences where the car will either randomly shift extremely hard into a gear or will hesitate, stutter, lose power while accelerating. Some of the shifts have been so hard that they've thrown me forward. Some of the losses of power are extremely dangerous
- Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion20 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Recall service was performed on the fuel system. The vehicle was operating normally before the recall. Shortly after the recall service, the fuel gauge failed and became stuck at mid-level. Dealer refuses to cover the repair and claims it is unrelated, but the timing and failure of another fuel syst
- Complaint clusterElectrical16 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I turn on the ignition it says on the screen Starting system fault please service the vehicle.
Cost to own$19,200 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$24,395–$37,645
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,300/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
25
Highway MPG
33
Combined MPG
28
Horsepower
228 hp
Doors
4
Cargo volume
22.8 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
52.7 cu ft
Limited data — dimensions unavailable.
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