2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 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
1.4L 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

Engine228 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine147 hp1.4L 4-cyl
Engine228 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed manual · 7-speed automatic · 8-speed automatic
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

S, Rabbit Edition, SE, AutobahnS, SEGLI (S, 35th Anniversary Ed., Autobahn)

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard

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

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
e-Golf EV100 kW AC PMSMAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive125 mi · 28.4186 kWh/100mi–$650–
Golf1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+19%$2,100276
Golf1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+19%$2,100274
Golf SportWagen1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+7%$2,100274
Golf SportWagen1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 31+3%$2,150287
GTI2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27+1%$2,500326
GTI2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 31 / 27+1%$2,500325
Golf R2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26-3%$3,150343
Golf Alltrack1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25-17%$2,700354
Golf SportWagen 4motion1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-17%$2,700351
Golf R2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24-10%$3,400373
Golf SportWagen 4motion1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 24-20%$2,800361
Golf Alltrack1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24-20%$2,800362
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.8 MPG2019 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★13.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2019 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car)32 MPG★★★★★6
2019 Toyota Corolla36 MPG★★★★★6
2019 Mazda 330 MPGNot rated0
2019 Toyota Yaris35 MPGNot rated3
2019 Subaru WRX23 MPGNot rated2
2019 Mitsubishi Mirage39 MPG★★★★★0
2019 Volkswagen Jetta34 MPG★★★★★11

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.
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 Audi’s 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

63Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
556 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine34
Power Train13
Unknown Or Other11
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Electrical System4
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking3
Steering2
Suspension2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/08: 419/09: 319/10: 419/11: 220/01: 120/02: 220/07: 121/08: 221/12: 122/10: 123/01: 123/02: 123/03: 123/05: 123/08: 123/09: 123/10: 223/12: 124/04: 224/05: 124/08: 125/04: 125/07: 126/09: 119/0819/1120/0722/1023/0323/0924/0425/04max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 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. Engine — 34 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. 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.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 556 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 2019 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
2018 Golf/GTI29–★★★★★629
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 →