2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is a versatile and practical vehicle praised for its spacious cargo area, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive. Engine options included a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (147 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque) and a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (168 hp, 199 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options varied based on the engine and trim level, including a 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual. Some common likes include the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and handling. Some common dislikes include the infotainment system being outdated and lack of standard safety features.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• No Issues Found

1.8L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, unusual noises from the engine bay, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Rough or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting gears, jerky movements, or difficulty engaging certain gears.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Leaks/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, visible fluid leaks from the rear shocks.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts unexpectedly. Bluetooth connectivity problems and navigation failures are common.
  • Solution: Software update. If that doesn’t work, replace the unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) or $500 - $1500+ (Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The backup camera display shows a black screen or a distorted image.
  • Solution: Replace the backup camera.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Panoramic Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises, difficulty opening or closing, water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling Noises from Dashboard or Door Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying rattling or buzzing sounds coming from within the dashboard or door panels, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Add foam or felt to the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
• Driver Seat Creaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Creaking noise from the driver seat when shifting weight or moving around.
  • Solution: Lubricate or replace the seat frame.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen presents a mixed bag of potential issues. Engine concerns primarily focus on the 1.8L turbocharger. The most common transmission issue is rough/delayed shifting. Electrical problems with the infotainment system and backup camera are also notable. Suspension and interior rattles add to the list of potential headaches. While some fixes are relatively inexpensive, others like transmission replacement can be costly. Most issues are not severe safety concerns, but they can impact the overall driving experience and cost of ownership.