2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen Safety Report

2019 VW Golf Sportwagen: Strong crash ratings, but 5 recalls address critical electrical, fuel, and suspension issues.

9Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
70/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (2)Suspension (2)Fuel System, Gasoline (1)Electrical System,Engine (1)Electrical System (1)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine (1)Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen presents an overall strong safety picture, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with excellent scores in side impact (5 stars) and good scores in frontal (4 stars) and rollover (4 stars) tests. However, despite a low number of total complaints (9), the vehicle has been subject to a significant number of recalls (5), indicating several design or manufacturing issues identified post-production. Common complaint patterns, though few, align with some recall issues, particularly concerning the electrical system and suspension. For instance, multiple complaints describe the engine stalling or losing motive power, directly correlating with the recall for 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH' where ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall. Similarly, complaints about fractured coil springs directly relate to the 'SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS' recall. The presence of these recalls, even with low complaint volume, suggests potential safety risks that Volkswagen has proactively addressed.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen receives a reliability score of 70 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Stalling/Loss Of Motive Power
Multiple complaints describe the engine suddenly shutting off or losing power while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, with 'Check Starter System' messages appearing. This aligns with a recall for ignition switch failure.
High Occasional unknown miles
Fractured Rear Coil Springs
Reports of rear coil springs fracturing, potentially damaging tires and leading to loss of vehicle control. This is a known issue addressed by a recall (19V188000).
High Occasional unknown miles
Fuel Leak Risk
A recall (24V110000) identifies a potential fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increasing fire risk. One complaint mentions waiting for parts for this recall.
High Rare unknown miles
Ignition Key Removal In Non-Park Position
A recall (19V615000) addresses the ability to remove the key while the shift lever is not in 'Park', increasing the risk of unintended vehicle rollaway.
High Rare unknown miles
Tpms Failure/Undetected Tire Pressure Loss
A recall (19V604000) warns of an undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires due to TPMS issues, increasing crash risk.
High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen:

Unknown Or Other 22% of complaints

General complaints not fitting specific categories, including issues like grab handles not remaining flush.

Suspension 22% of complaints

Issues related to the suspension system, specifically fractured rear coil springs, which is also a recall item.

Electrical System 33% of complaints

Problems with the electrical system, including engine stalling and loss of motive power, directly linked to ignition switch recalls.

Engine 22% of complaints

Engine-related issues, often intertwined with electrical system problems leading to stalling.

Fuel System, Gasoline 11% of complaints

Concerns about the fuel system, specifically related to a recall for potential fuel leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

Is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has been subject to 5 recalls addressing significant safety concerns like engine stalling, fractured coil springs, and fuel leaks. While crash test performance is strong, potential buyers should ensure all recall repairs have been completed.

What are common problems with the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen?

The most reported issues, though total complaints are low (9), include electrical system failures (33% of complaints) leading to engine stalling, suspension problems (22%) like fractured coil springs, and general 'unknown or other' issues (22%). These align with several active recalls.

Has the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen had any recalls?

Yes, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen has had 5 recalls. These include issues with the fuel system (risk of fire), electrical system/ignition (engine stalling), tire pressure monitoring system (undetected pressure loss), ignition anti-theft control module (rollaway risk), and rear coil springs (fracture risk).

How does the 2019 Golf Sportwagen perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Are there any fire risks with the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen?

Yes, there is a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000) for the fuel system, gasoline, which identifies a potential fuel leak that, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. Owners should ensure this recall has been addressed.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should verify that all 5 outstanding recalls, particularly those for engine stalling and fractured coil springs, have been completed by a Volkswagen dealer to mitigate known safety risks.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The data includes 9 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.