CarCredo

Volkswagen Golf VI (2008–2016)

4.2/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

5 Verified owner reports

Every report is validated by email.

Most reported affected parts

View all parts
1
Timing belt / chain
2 reports
2
Gearbox
1 reports
3
Corrosion
1 reports
4
Interior rattles / noises
1 reports
5
Starter motor
1 reports

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.2 TSI (105 Hp) (CJZA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.2 TSI (105 Hp) (CBZB) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.2 TSI (105 Hp) (EA111 / CBZB) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.2 TSI (105 Hp) BMT (CBZB) No reports 0 No issues reported
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1.2 TSI (105 Hp) DSG (CBZB) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.2 TSI (85 Hp) (CBZA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.2 TSI BMT (105 Hp) (CBZB) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 (80 Hp) (CGGA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 (80 Hp) (EA111 / CGGA) 4.0 4 Timing belt / chain, Gearbox, Corrosion
1.4 TSI (122 Hp) (CAXA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (122 Hp) (EA111 / CAXA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (122 Hp) DSG (CAXA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (125 Hp) (CZCA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (125 Hp) DSG (CZCA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (140 Hp) (CHPA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (140 Hp) DSG (CHPA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (150 Hp) (CZDA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (150 Hp) DSG (CZDA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (160 Hp) (CAVD, CTHD, CTKA, CNWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (160 Hp) (CAVD, CTHD, CTKA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (160 Hp) (EA111 / CAVD, CTHD, CTKA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (160 Hp) DSG (CAVD, CTHD, CTKA, CNWA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (160 Hp) DSG (CAVD, CTHD, CTKA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.4 TSI (160 Hp) DSG (EA111 / CAVD, CTHD, CTKA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 (102 Hp) (BSE, BSF) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 (102 Hp) (BSE, BSF, CCSA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 (102 Hp) DSG (BSE, BSF) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 (102 Hp) DSG (BSE, BSF, CCSA) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 TSI (160 Hp) (EA888 / CDAA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 FSI (150 Hp) (BVX) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 FSI (150 Hp) Automatic (BVX) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TSI (200 Hp) (CBFA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TSI (200 Hp) DSG (CBFA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.5 (170 Hp) (CBTA, CBUA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.5 (170 Hp) Tiptronic (CBTA, CBUA) No reports 0 No issues reported
GTI 2.0 TSI (210 Hp) (CCZB) No reports 0 No issues reported
GTI 2.0 TSI (210 Hp) DSG (CCZB) No reports 0 No issues reported
GTI 2.0 TSI (220 Hp) BMT DSG (EA888 / CULC) No reports 0 No issues reported
GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI (235 Hp) (CDLG) No reports 0 No issues reported
GTI Edition 35 2.0 TSI (235 Hp) DSG (CDLG) No reports 0 No issues reported
R 2.0 TSI (256 Hp) 4MOTION (EA113 / CRZA) No reports 0 No issues reported
R 2.0 TSI (265 Hp) DSG (CDLA) No reports 0 No issues reported
R 2.0 TSI (270 Hp) 4MOTION (CDLF) No reports 0 No issues reported
R 2.0 TSI (270 Hp) 4MOTION (EA113 / CDLF) No reports 0 No issues reported
R 2.0 TSI (270 Hp) 4MOTION DSG (CDLF) No reports 0 No issues reported
R 2.0 TSI (270 Hp) 4MOTION DSG (EA113 / CDLF) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 TDI (105 Hp) (CAYC) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 TDI (105 Hp) 4MOTION (CAYC) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 TDI (105 Hp) BMT (CAYC) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 TDI (105 Hp) BMT DSG (CAYC) No reports 0 No issues reported
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1.6 TDI (105 Hp) BlueMotion (CAYC) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 TDI (105 Hp) DSG (CAYC) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 TDI BMT (105 Hp) (CAYC) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 TDI BMT (105 Hp) DSG (CAYC) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (110 Hp) (CUAA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (110 Hp) (CBDC, CLCA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (110 Hp) DSG (CBDC, CLCA) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (140 Hp) (CFHC) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (140 Hp) (CBAB, CFFB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (140 Hp) (CBDB, CFHC, CLCB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (140 Hp) 4MOTION (CBAB, CFFB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (140 Hp) BMT (CBAB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (140 Hp) BMT DSG (CBAB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (140 Hp) DSG (CFHC) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (140 Hp) DSG (CBAB, CFFB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (140 Hp) DSG (CBDB, CFHC, CLCB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (150 Hp) (CUUB) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 TDI (150 Hp) DSG (CUUB) No reports 0 No issues reported
GTD 2.0 TDI (170 Hp) (CBBB, CFGB) No reports 0 No issues reported
GTD 2.0 TDI (170 Hp) DSG (CBBB, CFGB) No reports 0 No issues reported

LPG

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 (102/98 Hp) BiFuel (CHGA) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Volkswagen Golf VII 1.2 TSI: A Reliable All-Rounder

The Volkswagen Golf VII 1.2 TSI is a problem-free car. Inside, it's well-assembled, spacious, and comfortable. The only noticeable drawback is the small trunk due to the floor being flush with the sill (adjustable). The engine is dynamic and economical for its displacement. A plus these days is having a full-size spare wheel. The infotainment system and onboard computer are very clear and easy to use. A good car for the city, but also capable on the road.

Pros: Well-assembled, spacious, and comfortable interior, Dynamic and economical 1.2 TSI engine, Full-size spare wheel included, Clear and user-friendly infotainment/onboard computer
Cons: Small trunk with a flush sill (adjustable)
Verified owner Verified
Volkswagen Golf VI 1.4 (80 Hp) Station wagon (estate) Mileage unknown

Very Good - Golf VI

Since buying this car used in 2014 (first registered 2012), I've had no problems. Unlike my Audi Q3, it runs like clockwork. Annual oil changes and regular maintenance are all it needs. It's passed all its technical inspections with no issues. While not powerful, it perfectly fulfills its purpose. It has 150,000 km on it now.

Pros: No problems encountered since purchase in 2014., Runs like clockwork, all technical inspections passed with no issues., Perfectly fulfills its purpose, despite not being a powerful car.
Cons: Slight lack of power on highways., Trunk lock replaced in 2022.
Verified owner Verified
Volkswagen Golf VI 1.4 (80 Hp) Station wagon (estate) 192,000 km

Transmission Problem

A solid, practical, and comfortable car that handles city driving well and gets the job done. Features the last truly reliable and economical engine. Maintenance at VW dealerships is not recommended; two garages caused issues after revisions. The brand is no longer serious, and my next car won't be German. The engine is smooth, the gearbox is long, with minimal electronics and unparalleled reliability. No major issues to report, only minor wear like trunk struts or remote battery.

Pros: Last truly reliable and economical engine., Solid, practical, and comfortable car., Handles city driving well., Gets the job done.
Cons: Avoid VW dealership maintenance; experienced issues after revisions., Brand no longer serious; alternative German car unlikely., Minor wear on parts like trunk struts and remote battery.
Verified owner Verified
Volkswagen Golf VI 1.4 (80 Hp) Station wagon (estate) 116,000 km

Problem: Corrosion

Quiet in the city. Excellent reliability, cheap parts, cheap insurance, comfortable interior. However, not enough power on inclines, high fuel consumption, and the fuel gauge drops quickly. The highway is noisy, especially due to the tires. The chassis rusts easily. The timing belt is very thin compared to other engines.

Pros: Quiet in the city, Excellent reliability, Affordable parts, Inexpensive insurance, Comfortable cabin
Cons: Insufficient power on inclines, Excessive fuel consumption, Fuel gauge drops rapidly, Noisy on the highway, mainly from tires, Chassis prone to rust
Verified owner Verified
Volkswagen Golf VI 1.4 (80 Hp) Station wagon (estate) 118,000 km

Problem: Air Conditioning

Issue: Air conditioning. Engine very smooth and enjoyable, like the one in my Seat Ibiza which covered over 310,000 km without issues. No turbo or timing chain stretching like on TSI engines. Naturally aspirated engine is much more reliable and inexpensive to maintain or repair. Compared to a TDI that consumes the same, engine silence, and especially no risk of waking up to a €5000 repair on a dual-mass flywheel or other TDI injection... Drawbacks: No longer available.

Pros: Very smooth and pleasant engine, similar to the one in my Seat Ibiza which ran over 310,000 km without problems., No turbo or timing chain issues like TSI engines., Naturally aspirated engine is much more reliable and inexpensive to maintain or repair.
Cons: Cruises control no longer available for Golf VII. Very effective for highways., Manual climate control much more reliable than automatic climate control., None

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