2010 Volkswagen Golf: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2010 Volkswagen Golf: 4 recalls, 69 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system (diesel) Vehicle recall #11V490000 · 2011 · 168,275 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and rpm conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.
Why it matters: Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, May lead to a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during…
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V078000 · 2016 · 659,493 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 golf, 2007-2010 passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 passat sedan and eos, 2009-2014 cc, 2009-2012 Audi q5, 2010-2012 s5 cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi a5 cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are…
Stability control, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #16V913000 · 2016 · 135,683 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen jetta a5 sedan, 2009 Volkswagen jetta sportwagen, eos, gti, rabbit and Audi a3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen golf a6 vehicles. The antilock brake system (ABS) control unit May fail during ABS or electronic stability control (esc) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
Why it matters: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V148000 · 2018 · 363,713 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen cc, 2010-2014 golf, 2010-2014 eos, 2007-2010 passat sedan and wagon, and 2012-2014 passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to explode.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (diesel) (22): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (19), warning light on (6), fire / smoke (3).
- Airbags (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (10): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (2), won't start (2).
- Engine & cooling (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), warning light on (2).
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf has 69 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 34 Golf model years for complaints (1.6× the average Golf year). Complaints peaked in 2011 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 33,800 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (3 complaints, 0 recalls), 2011 (110 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 32 | Diesel |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | Diesel |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
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 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2010 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2010 Volkswagen Golf. 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 2010 Volkswagen Golf problems?
Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (diesel) (22), airbags (11), fuel & propulsion (10).
What gas mileage does the 2010 Volkswagen Golf get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2010 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.