The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 18V-464 (18V464000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 37L5 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module |
| Report date | July 11, 2018 |
| Owners notified | March 19, 2019 |
| Vehicles affected | 33,168 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the electrical system
- 2015 Volkswagen Golf electrical problems 18
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf electrical problems 8
- 2017 Volkswagen Golf electrical problems 10
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf electrical problems 2
- 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen electrical problems 18
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen electrical problems 6
- 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen electrical problems 7
- 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen electrical problems 2
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 18V-464 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 33,168 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.