RoadVitals

2006 Volkswagen Golf

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
12
Latest Aug 8, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Mar 7, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 12 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Golf, most frequently naming the driver assistance, interior & seats and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 358 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance320.0%
  • Interior & seats213.3%
  • Engine213.3%
  • Airbags213.3%
  • Other / unspecified16.7%
  • Seat belts16.7%
  • Suspension16.7%
  • Body & structure16.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
14E007000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Mar 7, 2014
50 units potentially affected
The defect: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
The risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
The Gates CorporationView on NHTSA.gov
07E023000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Mar 29, 2007
13,128 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
07V063000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Feb 20, 2007
1,002,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
The risk: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number N4View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 12
Airbags
Filed Aug 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG WOULD NOT TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH DUE TO LACK OF ELECTRICITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCHUMACHER VOLKSWAGEN (3001 OKEECHOBEE BOULEVARD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTED CLOCKSPRING REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO ADVISED THAT THE REPAIR WAS COVERED FOR A THREE YEAR WARRANTY AND 36,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,390.

NHTSA ID
11242479
Incident
Aug 7, 2019
Mileage
119,390 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 11, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR HATCH DOOR STOPS WORKING. HATCH WILL NOT CLOSE. IS A COMMON ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE.

NHTSA ID
11150775
Incident
Oct 25, 2018
Body & structure
Filed Aug 15, 2017

THE FRONT HOOD LATCH AND LOCKING MECHANISM HAS A DESIGN ERROR THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO CLOSE AND LOCK THE HOOD. THE HOOD LATCH AND LOCKING MECHANICAL PARTS IN MY OPINOIN NEEDS TO BE MODIFIED TO WORK CORRECTLY. CAR HOODS NEED TO BE SECURED AND LOCK PROPERLY FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF A VEHICLES. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVER THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE HOOD WILL NOT CLOSE.

NHTSA ID
11015599
Incident
Aug 15, 2017
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 11, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE UNLATCHED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD, HOOD, AND OTHER UNKNOWN COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WERE UNWILLING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID
10825561
Incident
Dec 29, 2015
Mileage
130,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Jul 27, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT STITCHING BEGAN TO UNRAVEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 08/15/11 *BF UPDATED 08/24/11

NHTSA ID
10415402
Incident
May 16, 2011
Mileage
107,000 mi
Suspension
Filed May 31, 2011

2006 VW GOLF TDI 70K MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS IN ILLINOIS. FAILURE OF BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS WITHIN 6 WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. IN EACH CASE THE COIL SPRING BROKE TOWARDS THE END. AT THE TOP ON ONE SIDE, ON THE BOTTOM ON THE OTHER SIDE. COIL SPRINGS ARE GENERALLY FAIRLY STURDY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. COULD THERE HAVE BEEN A MANUFACTURE DEFECT? (THE FAILED SPRINGS TO NOT APPEAR TO BE CORRODED AT THE FAILURE POINT, LOOKS MORE LIKE CLEAN SNAP.) *TR

NHTSA ID
10403938
Incident
May 31, 2011
Mileage
70,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Jul 10, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IDLES WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE FUEL INJECTION. THE DEALER HAS NOT OFFERED MUCH ASSISTANCE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 21,000.

NHTSA ID
10195995
Incident
Jul 1, 2007
AirbagsInterior & seatsOther / unspecified
Filed Mar 11, 2007
Crash reported1 injury reported

I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE MY CAR WAS AT A DEAD STOP. THE PICK UP TRUCK BEHIND ME HIT ME GOING AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF 50 MPH CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. BOTH MY FRONT AND REAR END OF MY CAR SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGES, BUT MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEAT CAME UNLOCKED AND CAUSED ME TO SMASH INTO MY STEERING WHEEL AND DASHBOARD. *JB

NHTSA ID
10184753
Incident
Mar 8, 2007

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

V171901201285565

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

V171901201285562

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V171901201285560

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V941901201152119

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2023.

V271901201189422

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

SM 48-2022

EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Golf by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024000—
2023110027.5
2022810030.0
2021710—
2020621—
2019626354.6
2018296160.8
20171155156.5
2016859152.6
201513012160.9
2014115356.2
2013435358.0
2012486564.9
20111106558.9
2010694455.0
2009301—
2008100—
2007200—
2006Viewing123045.3
2005194044.6
2004286051.9
2003276266.2
2002737361.4
20011169359.0
2000888357.2
1999647152.9
1998181032.4
1997230034.5
1996361151.0
1995435257.7
1994415052.3
1993750—
1992620—
1991832—
1990105365.7
1989174159.0
1988961—
1987442—
1986135362.9
1985106164.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.