CarRecallWatchThe 2011 Volkswagen Golf has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Fuel/Propulsion System (30 reports).
2011 Volkswagen Golf recalls
Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver's side air bag inflator in these vehicles may rupture because its propellant can degrade over time after long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature swings.
Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules
Some 2011-2017 Volkswagen vehicles were modified while they were in an internal evaluation period, and those changes may mean the vehicles do not fully comply with all applicable federal regulatory requirements.
Driver airbag inflator may explode and spray metal fragments
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can build up excessive internal pressure when it deploys, which may cause the inflator to rupture.
Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments at Occupants
The driver's frontal airbag inflator may be subject to excessive internal pressure when the airbag deploys.
Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash
Debris can contaminate the steering wheel clock spring, a flat spiral cable that keeps the driver's front airbag electrically connected while the wheel turns.
Most common 2011 Volkswagen Golf problems
Problem areas named in the 110 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 30 |
| Power Train | 21 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 19 |
| Electrical System | 18 |
| Engine | 15 |
| Air Bags | 12 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 11 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 |
What owners report
The High-pressure Fuel pump failed during a routine drive at approximately 1500 RPMs. This caused an immediate loss of power while in traffic. Manage to limp the car to the nearest gas station in which the car finally died and would not start. Had to call for a tow truck. This immediate loss of power could have cause myself and my daughter to get into an accident. Luckily, we were not on a major highway doing 65+ MPH, which could have been a lot worse. The vehicle flashed a MIL light or flashing glow plug light at the time of the incident. The car did not show any signs of possible failure beforehand. This same issue has been recalled by Fiat-Chrysler on their Heavy-Duty Ram pickup trucks w
Fuse F16 (30A) in the engine fuse plate, melted instead of breaking - causing half of the cars lights to stop functioning including turn signals and brake lights. Cannot be fixed with replacing the fuse as it was never tripped but instead the whole fuse plate needs to be replaced. No warning lights preceded the event, all lights went out while driving. VW dealership requires a new plate to be put in with no explanation of what caused the melt and no guarantee that it wonât happen again. Multiple online forums suggest a similar finding, and even other models have tickets for recalls (same problem, same part) but not the 2011 Golf TDI.
The wire from the alternator to the underhood fuse block is not thick enough to handle the current from the stock alternator. This causes the wire to get too hot melting the fuse block at the 30 amp fuse causing headlight issues.
Electrical Short caused catastrophic fire in engine compartment, suspected issue is a water leak due to faulty manufacturing. Leak was noted by Volkswagen repair facility and was to be inspected and repaired within 30 days
Driving on interstate at 70 mph with cruise control on when car suddenly slowed and warning lights began flashing. I slowed to 60 mph and within a minute the engine shut off and was almost rear ended by a semi truck before I could get to the shoulder of the highway. Engine would not restart and I was stranded on the highway. Had to have the vehicle towed by AAA back to my home. Used my Ross-Tech VCDS scanning tool to troubleshoot and found codes: P0087 (fuel rail system pressure too low), P020 (cylinders 1-4 injection timing), P1004-P1007 (torque difference cylinders 1-4). Examined fuel filter and fuel metering valve and found metal chips and particles in both places. Based on this evid
2011 Volkswagen Golf questions
Does the 2011 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf: Driver Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules; Driver airbag inflator may explode and spray metal fragments; Driver Airbag Inflator Can Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments at Occupants; Driver Front Airbag May Not Deploy in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Volkswagen Golf?
Based on 110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Fuel/Propulsion System (30), Power Train (21), Fuel System, Diesel (19).
How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Volkswagen Golf has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.