2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 147–228 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 29 city / 37 hwy
- EV range
- 125 mi · 5.3 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2019 compact car (26.8 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 228 hp, versus about 169 hp for similar 2019 models.
- 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 18 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact car offered with 3 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 1.8L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 37 highway), 19% better than the 2019 compact car average of 26.8 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 63 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
- Engine added: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 29 to 32
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Golf/GTI →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Puebla, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Golf/GTI configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Golf EV | 100 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 125 mi · 28.4186 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 276 |
| Golf | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 274 |
| Golf SportWagen | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +7% | $2,100 | 274 |
| Golf SportWagen | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 31 | +3% | $2,150 | 287 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +1% | $2,500 | 326 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | +1% | $2,500 | 325 |
| Golf R | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -3% | $3,150 | 343 |
| Golf Alltrack | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -17% | $2,700 | 354 |
| Golf SportWagen 4motion | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -17% | $2,700 | 351 |
| Golf R | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -10% | $3,400 | 373 |
| Golf SportWagen 4motion | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 24 | -20% | $2,800 | 361 |
| Golf Alltrack | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -20% | $2,800 | 362 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13.4% |
Similar 2019 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Mazda 3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2019 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2019 Volkswagen Jetta | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
Recalls (6)
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.
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch · Aug 30, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V604000 · 62,538 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
- Risk
- Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 31, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V815000 · 296,044 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
- Risk
- An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or AudiÂs customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Wheels · Dec 11, 2019 Do not drive
NHTSA campaign 19V879000 · 8 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta GLI, Golf Alltrack, and Golf GTI vehicles. The front wheel bearings may have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel bolts, or wheel bearings.
- Risk
- The excessive stress can cause steering, traction or other stability issues or breakage relating to the front wheels, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will replace the wheel bearing assemblies, wheels, and wheel bolts, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40P1. Note: The affected owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repairs have been made.
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.
Not every 2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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.
- Engine — 34 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 7 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.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 556 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Golf/GTI years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
| 2022 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 81 |
| 2021 Golf/GTI | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 1 | 7 |
| 2020 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 6 |
| 2018 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 29 |
| 2017 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 5 | 117 |
| 2016 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | Not rated | 9 | 85 |
| 2015 Golf/GTI | 35 | – | Not rated | 12 | 131 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →