2023 Volkswagen Golf R Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
60/100
#5 most-complained of 11 Golf R years
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R has a Complaint Index of 60, ranking 5th worst of 11 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has 6 complaints, 3 recalls, and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24.5
- 21.5 city / 29 hwy
Top 2023 Volkswagen Golf R problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (50%)
- Brakes2 (33%)
- Other1 (17%)
- Steering1 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (17%)
What owners report
- Owners report the steering-wheel 'R' button can unintentionally change Driving Mode while driving, altering engine, transmission, suspension, and steering settings.
- Some describe haptic touch controls on the steering wheel and dash that require looking away from the road to operate radio or cruise control functions.
- One owner reported a roughly three-second delay in acceleration from a stop on an incline at 20 miles, nearly causing a rear-end collision.
- Another owner said the non-disableable hill-hold brake feature keeps brakes engaged for three seconds after releasing the pedal, creating near-miss situations when trying to move quickly.
2023 Volkswagen Golf R recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V480000Jun 27, 2024Collision Avoidance & Cameras84,432 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.
- NHTSA 23V437000Jun 21, 2023Suspension, Wheels & Tires59 vehicles
Suspension:front:macpherson strut
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The strut mount may be deformed, loosening the bolted connections to the suspension strut mounting.
Risk: Loose suspension connections can cause steering instability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and/or left suspension strut mountings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40T3.
- NHTSA 22V707000Sep 21, 2022Engine8,038 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The radiator may not have been attached correctly to the intercooler, which can result in a damaged coolant hose.
Risk: A damaged coolant hose can leak, causing the engine to overheat, and increasing the risk of fire. In addition, large amounts of coolant spilling onto the roadway can increase the risk of a crash to other vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the radiator and replace any damaged parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19Q8.
2023 Volkswagen Golf R fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Golf R years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2023 Golf R a Complaint Index of 60 and a Caution verdict, ranking 5th worst among 11 model years of the Golf R. There have been no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
- What are the main problem areas for the 2023 Golf R?
- Electrical System issues account for 50% of complaints (3 of 6), followed by Brakes at 33% and Steering and Transmission & Powertrain each at 17%.
- Does the 2023 Golf R have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2023 Golf R covering rearview camera delay/deactivation, a possibly deformed strut mount, and a radiator attachment issue affecting coolant hoses. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2023 Golf R compare to other Golf R years?
- With a Complaint Index of 60, the 2023 model ranks better than 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2024, which are all rated Avoid or Caution with higher indexes, but worse than 2018 (Good, index 40).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Golf R?
- The EPA rates the 2023 Golf R at 24.5 mpg combined (21.5 city/29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.