2005
Volkswagen Golf
EPA MPG:
NA
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
NA
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.
The 2005 Volkswagen Golf has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2005 Volkswagen Golf has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2005 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Honda Civic
Honda Civic
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010*
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
NA
2015*
2016
NA
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022*
NA
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 07, 2014
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14E007000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
50
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mar 29, 2007
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
07E023000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
13128
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Feb 20, 2007
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. N4.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
07V063000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1002000
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Dec 15, 2004
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
For more information:
VW RECALL NO. VY.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
04V586000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
19284
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
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