Used Volkswagen Golf 2020-present reliability

There are several issues that are common with the Mk8 Golf. The most notable is the touchscreen infotainment system, which can fail to respond quickly or even fail completely. We've also had reports of problems with the SOS function leading to costly replacements as well as warning messages appearing after a mandatory software update. It's worth checking with your local dealer if any remedial work surrounding these issues has been carried out on the Golf you are thinking of buying.

There have been four recall notices so far:

Reason for recall

On affected vehicles the e-call service may not function

How the manufacturer will repair: Update the Online Control Unit software on the affected vehicle.

Number of affected vehicles: 4630

Reason for recall

Faulty crash sensors for airbag and restraint systems may have been fitted in the front doors.

How the manufacturer will repair: The crash sensors in the front doors are to be checked and if necessary replaced.

Number of affected vehicles: 124

Reason for recall

On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and a DSG automatic gearbox of a limited production period, there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment.

How the manufacturer will repair: A check of the installation of the heat protection mat on affected vehicles will be conducted. If necessary the correct heat shield condition will be restored and the damaged components will be replaced.

Number of affected vehicles: 26,721

Reason for recall

The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.

How the manufacturer will repair: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened.

Number of affected vehicles: 145

The VW Golf Mk8 is one of the least reliable family cars, according to our latest What Car? Reliability Survey. The diesel version finished in last place out of 25 models in the family car category with a score of 70.4%, while the petrol version finished in 22nd place with a score of 84.1%. Most of the car’s issues were focused on the infotainment and other electrical systems, with diesels also suffering gearbox glitches.

If reliability is a top priority, it might be worth looking at a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla instead. Those cars finished in sixth and fourth place respectively in the same family car category.

As a brand, VW finished in the lower half of the manufacturer league table, finishing in 18th out of 31 manufacturers. That puts it above Mercedes, Audi and Seat, but below BMW, Mazda, Ford and Skoda.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.

Used Volkswagen Golf: the owners' view

In our latest Reliability Survey, owners shared mixed experiences with the Volkswagen Golf Mk8.

Several owners reported issues with warning lights, electrical faults and malfunctioning infotainment systems, while some software glitches required multiple dealer visits to resolve.

Mechanical reliability was generally solid, though a few diesel owners mentioned problems with the AdBlue system. Petrol models fared better overall, but occasional engine warning lights and sensor failures were noted.

Dealer service received mixed reviews. While some found their local dealerships helpful and efficient, others faced long wait times for repairs, especially for electronic issues. A few owners reported delays in sourcing replacement parts, leading to frustrating downtime.

Overall, while the Golf remains a popular choice, owners expect better reliability from a car in this class. Volkswagen’s dealer network also has room for improvement in handling recurring faults more efficiently.