MotorDeets

2006 Volkswagen Golf: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2006 Volkswagen Golf: 1 recall, 12 owner complaints and up to 34 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
12owner complaints
1mention a crash
34best combined mpg
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Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #07V063000 · 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch May malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

Why it matters: 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 fix: 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…

2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #07E023000 · 2007 · 13,128 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

The fix: 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.

Engine & cooling Equipment recall #14E007000 · 2014 · 50 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: A failure of the timing belt May cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

The fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Speed control / throttle3
Engine & cooling2
Airbags2
Seats1
Equipment1
Fuel system (other)1
Suspension1
Seat belts1

What owners describe

The 2006 Volkswagen Golf has 12 owner complaints, ranking #23 of 34 Golf model years for complaints (well below the 42 average). Complaints peaked in 2007 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (19 complaints, 2 recalls), 2007 (2 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.9 L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive314034Diesel
1.9 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S5)Front-Wheel Drive284032Diesel
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive212724Regular
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive212924Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Volkswagen Golf.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2006 Volkswagen Golf manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2006 Volkswagen Golf manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2006 Volkswagen Golf manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2006 Volkswagen Golf manual

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FAQ

Does the 2006 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2006 Volkswagen Golf, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2006 Volkswagen Golf problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (3), engine & cooling (2), airbags (2).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Volkswagen Golf get?

EPA ratings run up to 34 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2006 Volkswagen Golf repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Golf years

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