2006 Volkswagen Golf recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in…
What could happen: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2006 GOLF.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14E007000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-303-744-1911.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
What could happen: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2006 GOLF.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E023000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-777-4780.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
What could happen: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT B…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2006 GOLF.
- Book a repair at any authorized Volkswagen dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V063000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-822-8987.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Notes: VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. N4. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (3), Airbags (2), Engine (2), Electrical system (1), Unknown Or Other (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/08/2019 · Airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG WOULD NOT TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH DUE TO LACK OF ELECTRICITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCHUMACHER VOLKSWAGEN (3001 OKEECHOBEE BOULEVARD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING FAILED…
11/11/2018 · Electrical system
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR HATCH DOOR STOPS WORKING. HATCH WILL NOT CLOSE. IS A COMMON ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED AT THE MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE.
08/15/2017 · Body / structure
THE FRONT HOOD LATCH AND LOCKING MECHANISM HAS A DESIGN ERROR THAT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO CLOSE AND LOCK THE HOOD. THE HOOD LATCH AND LOCKING MECHANICAL PARTS IN MY OPINOIN NEEDS TO BE MODIFIED TO WORK CORRECTLY. CAR HOODS NEED TO BE SECURED AND LOCK PROPERLY FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF A VEHICLES. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVER THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE HOOD WILL NOT CL…
02/11/2016 · Latches / locks
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE UNLATCHED WITHOUT WARNING AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD, HOOD, AND OTHER UNKNOWN COMPONENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MA…
07/27/2011 · Seat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT STITCHING BEGAN TO UNRAVEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 08/15/11 *BF UPDATED 08/24/11
05/31/2011 · Suspension
2006 VW GOLF TDI 70K MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS IN ILLINOIS. FAILURE OF BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS WITHIN 6 WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. IN EACH CASE THE COIL SPRING BROKE TOWARDS THE END. AT THE TOP ON ONE SIDE, ON THE BOTTOM ON THE OTHER SIDE. COIL SPRINGS ARE GENERALLY FAIRLY STURDY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. COULD THE…
07/10/2007 · Fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IDLES WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE FUEL INJECTION. THE DEALER HAS NOT OFFERED MUCH ASSISTANCE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MIL…
03/11/2007 · Airbags · crash
I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE MY CAR WAS AT A DEAD STOP. THE PICK UP TRUCK BEHIND ME HIT ME GOING AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF 50 MPH CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. BOTH MY FRONT AND REAR END OF MY CAR SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGES, BUT MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY SEAT CAME UNLOCKED AND CAUSED ME TO SMASH INTO MY STEERING WHEEL AND DASHBOARD. *JB