2019 Volkswagen Golf

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf is a popular compact car known for its versatility, sporty handling, and upscale interior. It’s offered with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers appreciate the Golf’s fun-to-drive nature and practicality, while some common complaints include infotainment system glitches and occasional reliability concerns with certain components.

Engine

1.4L TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warnings and the need to add oil every few thousand miles.
  • Solution: The dealership can perform an oil consumption test. Some have had to replace piston rings to mitigate the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing rough shifting, hesitation, or jerking, particularly during low-speed maneuvers or when shifting between gears.
  • Solution: A software update or transmission control module (TCM) recalibration may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or a full transmission replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for software updates, $800 - $1500 for valve body, $3,000 - $6,000+ for transmission replacement

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and navigation glitches are among the common infotainment system complaints.
  • Solution: Software updates from the dealer might resolve the issues. In some cases, the entire unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200 for software update, $500 - $1500+ for infotainment system replacement.
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors/Lane Assist)
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of parking sensors or lane assist features. False alarms or error messages may be displayed.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of faulty sensors, wiring harness issues, or module problems. Replacement of the affected sensor or repair of wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per sensor or related module.

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced issues with the sunroof, including leaks, difficulty opening/closing, or unusual noises.
  • Solution: Inspection and repair of the sunroof mechanism, seals, or motor. Clearing drain tubes to prevent water buildup.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the severity of the issue.

Interior

• Rattles and Squeaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattles and squeaks emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or rear hatch area.
  • Solution: Locating the source of the noise and applying felt tape, tightening loose fasteners, or replacing worn components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+, depending on the severity and whether a shop needs to locate/fix the source.

Recalls:

• 24V498000 Power Steering Assist May Fail

Summary:

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf, while generally a well-regarded vehicle, has some potential issues. Electrical issues, especially with the infotainment system, and minor interior rattles are fairly common and can be irritating. More significant problems, such as excessive oil consumption and transmission issues, can be expensive to repair. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and ensure thorough pre-purchase inspections, especially focusing on the transmission’s behavior and checking for oil consumption.