Most common 2023 Volkswagen Golf problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen Golf complaints by model year
Best Golf years: 2020, 2014, 2021. Years to avoid: 2022, 2015, 2017, 2011, 2016. Compare all years →
What 2023 Volkswagen Golf owners say
Electrical system
Vehicles infotainment system does not turn on at startup - several error messages for safety features by most importantly, rear camera does not work when infotainment system screen is down and requires the dealer to activate it or fully black screen. Took to VW three times and they cannot determine the issue. Says it's a software issue, but also showing "low voltage" warnings in computer diagnostics. Audi, owned by Volkswagen, just issued a recall for infotainment systems disabling rear cameras due to low voltage issues. The symptoms are identical to the VW issues. This is Audi recall internally coded 91Ei and it impacted many makes and models. I believe the components are possibly shared and the recall needs to extend to the GTI as well. Contacted VW and they have been unresponsive to me. I have video of the issue that shows the issue in more detail. …
Infotainment system fails to start/load. Infotainment screen provides multiple error messages such and "component protection active" and/ or "you can activate this function at dealer" and subsequently becomes inoperable, including multiple safety related features: Back up/ rear view camera freezes image or does not turn on at all. Autonomous emergency braking (front assist) fail light comes on. Park distance control fail light comes on. Have been to the VW dealer on two different occasions for these issues specifically and the systems and problems not resolved. They reset/ updated the infotainment system at 1st visit. System failed again/ unresolved. Took back to dealer and they called VW corporate for help. Picked up from 2nd visit and systems promptly failed again. Online search suggests common, unresolved problem. Thank you for aiding consumers in resolving these safety issues
Driver assistance
Vehicles infotainment system does not turn on at startup - several error messages for safety features by most importantly, rear camera does not work when infotainment system screen is down and requires the dealer to activate it or fully black screen. Took to VW three times and they cannot determine the issue. Says it's a software issue, but also showing "low voltage" warnings in computer diagnostics. Audi, owned by Volkswagen, just issued a recall for infotainment systems disabling rear cameras due to low voltage issues. The symptoms are identical to the VW issues. This is Audi recall internally coded 91Ei and it impacted many makes and models. I believe the components are possibly shared and the recall needs to extend to the GTI as well. Contacted VW and they have been unresponsive to me. I have video of the issue that shows the issue in more detail. …
Infotainment system fails to start/load. Infotainment screen provides multiple error messages such and "component protection active" and/ or "you can activate this function at dealer" and subsequently becomes inoperable, including multiple safety related features: Back up/ rear view camera freezes image or does not turn on at all. Autonomous emergency braking (front assist) fail light comes on. Park distance control fail light comes on. Have been to the VW dealer on two different occasions for these issues specifically and the systems and problems not resolved. They reset/ updated the infotainment system at 1st visit. System failed again/ unresolved. Took back to dealer and they called VW corporate for help. Picked up from 2nd visit and systems promptly failed again. Online search suggests common, unresolved problem. Thank you for aiding consumers in resolving these safety issues
2023 Volkswagen Golf engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | AWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Golf a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2023 Golf rates better than average: 46% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Golf at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Volkswagen Golf?
The electrical system — 6 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the driver assistance (5) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Golf have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Golf?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2014 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2015, 2017, 2011 and 2016. See the full Volkswagen Golf years comparison.
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.