2011 Volkswagen Golf Fuel System Problems
Fuel system complaints make up 44% of all 2011 Golf complaints (48 of 110), the highest share of any model year. Owners most often report high pressure fuel pump failures and stalling, typically around 30,650 miles. A related recall (11V490000) covers a fuel injector line issue.
- Fuel System complaints
- 48
- 44% of 110
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 30,650 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) fails, causing sudden loss of power or a complete stall, sometimes while merging or driving on the highway.
- Engine stalls unexpectedly at low mileage during normal driving, including cold starts and turns, sometimes leaving the vehicle stuck in traffic.
- Glow plug and check engine warning lights flash together with a drop in power, often diagnosed as low fuel pressure or a fuel pressure regulator problem.
- Sputtering, hesitation, or jerking occurs at highway speed in top gear, sometimes reappearing after a dealer software update.
- Fuel injector failure sends metal shavings through the fuel system, requiring full fuel system replacement.
- Vehicle fails to restart after being parked briefly, with dealers sometimes attributing the issue to water or contamination in the fuel.
When 2011 Volkswagen Golf fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 3, 2011, latest Sep 26, 2023.
Fuel System recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf
- NHTSA 11V490000Oct 3, 2011Fuel System168,275 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel
Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi a3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0l 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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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 november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Fuel System complaints by Golf model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many 2011 Volkswagen Golf owners reported fuel system problems?
- NHTSA lists 48 fuel system complaints for the 2011 Golf, which is 44% of all 110 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf fuel system?
- Yes. Recall 11V490000, reported in October 2011, covers 2010-2012 Golf vehicles built between May 2009 and September 2011 and addresses a fuel injector line issue on cylinder number 2.
- At what mileage do 2011 Golf fuel system problems usually occur?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 30,650 miles for fuel system complaints on the 2011 Golf.
- Did the 2011 Golf fuel system issue cause crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires linked to the fuel system complaints for the 2011 Golf.
- How does the 2011 Golf compare to other years for fuel system complaints?
- The 2011 Golf's 44% share of complaints tied to fuel system issues is the highest of any year listed, above 2010 at 46% complaints share by different total, and well above later years like 2019 at 11% and 2020 at 17%.