Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2022 | 25 | 31% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 14% | — |
| 2019 | 13 | 21% | 0 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 14% | 74,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% | 142,000 miles |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% | 50,000 miles |
| 2015 | 14 | 11% | 15,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% | 34,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% | 91,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 19% | 14,000 miles |
| 2011 | 21 | 19% | 7,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% | 5,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% | 55,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 11% | 107,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 8% | 230,000 miles |
| 2002 | 4 | 5% | 63,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 6% | 64,000 miles |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% | 60,000 miles |
| 1999 | 4 | 6% | 110,000 miles |
| 1998 | 4 | 22% | 24,000 miles |
| 1997 | 3 | 43% | 80,000 miles |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The manual transmission shift knob has separated from the shift lever multiple times while driving. While shifting between gears, the knob lifts up with the boot off of the actual shift lever and I am unable to complete a shift until reconnecting the knob to the lever. The first time this happened, I was shocked and was nearly hit as I was on a highway entrance ramp and suddenly was not in gear and slowing down in a high traffic situation. Luckily I was able to get it sorted and make a shift with the knob loosely in place and then pull off the road. Firmly pressing the knob down onto the lever seemed to get it solidly attached, but unfortunately this has recurred more than once since then. …
The shift knob pulls off the manual transmission shifter shaft under certain driving conditions, such as a fast shift. I believe that the shifter knob retainer clip is loose or broken. This is a safety problem. I first noticed it when I had to make a quick maneuver during a turn. Experiencing the shift knob pull off the shaft while I was downshifting was dangerous and distracting. I reported the issue to the service department at my local VW dealer. They were not aware of others having the same problem and asked me to bring in the car if I knew how to duplicate it. I can't duplicate it in normal driving. The second time it happened I was braking for a traffic light while downshifting. I was able to push the knob back down without crashing, but it is very unnerving. No warning lights are triggered. I have not taken the car in to the dealer yet for an inspection. …
Purchased 2019 gti rabbit edition 6mt. Soon after purchase, vehicle began stalling unexpectedly when coming to a stop when car is in neutral. Has happened when clutch is either depressed or not. Sometimes car has stalled when fully stopped. In this case the car starts idling roughly and shudders before stalling. Car starts up again with no warning lights illuminated. Call has stalled 6+ times since purchase. Car has also exhibited excessive vibration coming from the engine since purchase. Dealers have not really been helpful; they either deny that there is a problem or say that the wheels/tires need balancing, however balancing and replacing the tires did not fix the issue. I am positive this is related to the stalling issues. …
Engine soft shut-off when in neutral (manual transmission) or with the clutch to the floor, while shifting to neutral, and coming to a stop. City street. This occurred 3 successive times over a short, 5 minute trip home on city streets. Every downshift, with gear neutral or disengaged, the engine shuts off just as or after coming to a stop. There is no "stall shudder" from the engine, and it just revs from 1K RPM to 0 when stopped or while stopping, in neutral. The vehicle had been warmed up to operating temperature. The dashboard gear reporter also misreported the current gear at this time: reported 3rd when in 2nd, or 3rd-to-5th when in 3rd. Again at low speeds, and low revs that would not be appropriate for an upshift. Vehicle bought new this week, currently at 100 miles on the odometer.
Vehicle intermittently stalls when coming to a stop in traffic while in gear. Has occurred on multiple separate occasions, but cannot be easily re-produced. When vehicle stalls it can be difficult to restart while in traffic and occurs without warning creating safety hazard. Usually there are no codes stored by the computer when this occurs, but check engine light has been noticed. Vehicle has been brought to dealership 3 different times for same issue. Upon first visit starter was replaced. Upon 2nd visit an oxygen sensor was replaced. Upon 3rd visit no further action was taken and I was told by dealer vehicle tested normal with no further repairs being authorized.
Received a low coolant warning and then checked the coolant level. Coolant was low and was topped off. One week later the issue recurred as the coolant level and dropped below minimum levels again. Thermostat housing had a slow leak which was discovered by the dealer. This seems to be a flaw in the design of the thermostat housing as multiple owners are reporting the same issue with the same flaw in the thermostat housing.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the messages "Service Vehicle - Place Vehicle in Park" and "Transmission Error" were displayed, with an audible chime. The "Gearbox Overheating" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle felt as if the transmission was in neutral(N), and the RPM became elevated, and the A/C stopped blowing cool air. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and independently reset. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: U0103, P0914, and B1162-29 were retrieved. The contact referenced a repair under TSB: 2047609. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,000.
I am resubmitting a previous complaint as I have learned and experienced more problems with the vehicle since my initial complaint. My 2017 VW GTI only has 57K miles and I have been taking it to the dealer for proper and timely maintenance. My fuel system is showing signs of failure. Based on research I have been doing online ( I could be wrong) it seems the Volkswagen golfs have a part inside the gas tank that fails and starts causing a safety hazard. My gas tank builds up pressure and literally expels gas out from somewhere. I started finding a small pool of fuel behind my car when I park at work or at home. I have since parked my vehicle and will be taking it into the dealer for inspection and repair. I read online that the 2015 models have had a recall for a part called a "suction pump" in the gas tank. I think it is safe to assume that my 2017 is having the same issue as the 2015s. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Golf years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2022 (25), 2011 (21), 2015 (14), 2019 (13) and 2012 (9) model years. Transmission complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2022.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Golf transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Volkswagen Golf model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Golf transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 33,000 miles; 71% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (23 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (8).
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.