Volkswagen Golf: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 315,810 Volkswagen Golf cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1975 and 2026.
In a sample of 398 cars, 70.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (17.6% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 3.1% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.8% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volkswagen Golf
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 17.6% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 16.3% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 13.6% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 10.3% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 9.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 8.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4.8% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 4.5% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 4% |
| Reflector defective | 3.3% |
Share of 398 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 18.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 8.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 7% |
| Rust damage, thickness reduced by more than 15% | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 315,810 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 3.1% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.8% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.2% |
| First registered | 1975 to 2026 |
All Volkswagen Golf passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-09 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 236 |
| 2025-07-09 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2024-01-12 | brakes | serious | 1 |
| 2023-05-30 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 2 |
| 2022-04-08 | electrical system | serious | 232 |
| 2022-03-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 145 |
| 2021-10-20 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 30 |
| 2021-09-13 | brakes | serious | 29 |
| 2021-09-08 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 3 |
| 2021-07-09 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 1,269 |
| 2021-02-19 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 8 |
| 2020-12-16 | brakes | serious | 863 |
| 2020-06-18 | other | – | 544 |
| 2020-06-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 6 |
| 2020-01-02 | other | – | 1 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Volkswagen Golf fail the APK?
In a sample of 398 cars first registered 2012–2021, 70.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Golf?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (17.6%), tyre tread depth insufficient (16.3%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (13.6%).
Does the Volkswagen Golf have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 3.1% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Volkswagen models
Polo · Tiguan · Up! · Passat · T-Roc · Touran · ID.3 · T-Cross · ID.4 · Fox · Caddy · Taigo · Transporter · California · Kombi
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.