2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Pictured: 2020 Volkswagen Golf Style 1.5 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
170–220 hp
Transmission
6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual, 5-speed manual
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
EV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
29 combined · 25 city / 34 hwy
EV range
125 mi · 5.3 h on 240 V
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 34 highway), 7% better than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 125 miles and takes about 5.3 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Golf/GTI — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Golf/GTI →

Trims, performance & features

Engine220 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine170 hp1.8L 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic · 6-speed manual · 5-speed manual
DriveFWD · AWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

S, SE, AutobahnS, SES, SE, SEL

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard

Built in: Puebla, Mexico

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Golf/GTI configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
e-Golf EV100 kW AC PMSMAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive125 mi · 28.4186 kWh/100mi–$650–
Golf1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 29+7%$2,300309
Golf SportWagen1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 29-2%$2,300310
GTI2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+4%$2,400320
Golf1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 33 / 28+4%$2,400320
Golf SportWagen1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 33 / 28-6%$2,400320
GTI2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 270%$2,500322
Golf R2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25-7%$3,300354
Golf Alltrack1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25-16%$2,700354
Golf SportWagen 4motion1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-16%$2,700351
Golf R2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24-11%$3,400366
Golf SportWagen 4motion1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 24-19%$2,800361
Golf Alltrack1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24-19%$2,800362
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27 MPG2018 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★13.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2018 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car)29 MPG★★★★★6
2018 Ford Focus34 MPG★★★★★7
2018 Subaru WRX23 MPGNot rated2
2018 Mitsubishi Mirage39 MPG★★★★★2
2018 Volkswagen Jetta33 MPG★★★★★2
2018 Toyota C-HR29 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Mazda 235 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (6)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 14, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V110000 · 261,257 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Jun 24, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V372000 · 2 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling two 2018 Golf GTI vehicles. The VIN printed on the Federal Certification label may not match the actual VIN on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk
If the stamped vehicle identification number (VIN) does not match the VIN on the Vehicle Certification Label, owners may be unable to tell if their vehicle is under an important safety recall, possibly exposing them to an increased risk of a crash, fire or injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a correct certification label, free of charge. This recall began July 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E7.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
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.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Mar 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V188000 · 56,173 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Jul 11, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V464000 · 33,168 vehicles

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."
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.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Jun 1, 2018 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 18V369000 · 10,225 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

29Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
3,300 miTypical mileage at failure
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Unknown Or Other5
Power Train4
Engine3
Structure › Body3
Service Brakes2
Suspension2
Exterior Lighting2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/07: 118/09: 119/02: 119/03: 319/06: 119/11: 120/12: 221/01: 121/04: 121/11: 122/07: 122/09: 122/10: 123/01: 123/07: 123/08: 123/09: 124/01: 124/02: 124/07: 224/11: 125/12: 126/05: 318/0719/0320/1221/1122/1023/0824/0225/12max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 10 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  4. Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 125 miles.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Golf/GTI years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Golf/GTI28–Not rated00
2026 Golf/GTI27168.9 inNot rated00
2025 Golf/GTI27168.9 inNot rated00
2024 Golf/GTI27168.9 inNot rated00
2023 Golf/GTI28–Not rated011
2022 Golf/GTI28–Not rated081
2021 Golf/GTI33–★★★★★17
2020 Golf/GTI32–★★★★★26
2019 Golf/GTI32–★★★★★663
2017 Golf/GTI29–★★★★★5117
2016 Golf/GTI29–Not rated985
2015 Golf/GTI35–Not rated12131

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →