VW Golf 7-FL(AU)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Golf VII Facelift (2017–2020) brings the 1.5 TSI as the new main engine, revised MIB2 infotainment and LED headlights as standard. An evolution, not revolution — but some pre-FL problems were addressed, and new ones appeared.
New engine, new problem: The DADA 1.5 TSI ACT (110 kW) replaces the 1.4 TSI as the main engine — and brings the notorious kangaroo effect. Juddering when accelerating from low revs, especially cold. VW responded with a software update in 2020, but didn't fully solve it. ACT rocker arms on cylinders 2+3 can wear. Still: the 1.5 TSI is a good long-term engine if you accept the judder. The CZDA 1.4 TSI (110 kW) remains as an alternative — proven and without ACT drama.
Diesel: CRBC/CRLB 2.0 TDI (110 kW) still solid. Lambda sensor field action on some cars (free). Coolant pump less problematic on FL than pre-FL.
What improved: LED headlights standard → xenon lens condensation problem eliminated. Door speaker seal improved part number → water ingress rarer. MIB2 infotainment → better, but own crash issues. DQ200 software update → judder reduced, not solved.
What stayed: Rear axle knocking unchanged — damper base valves fail on 30–60% of all Golf VIIs ($330–660 per axle). Wheel hub rust. Climate actuator rattles on startup. Coil springs break — MOT failure ($220–440). Front Assist phantom braking. DQ200 still a risk on 1.0/1.5 TSI with DSG option.
Test-drive checklist: 1.5 TSI cold start → juddering on pull-away? (ACT kangaroo). DSG on 1.0/1.5 TSI: DQ200 shudder check. Rear axle over bumps — dull knocking? Click through MIB2 completely. A/C for rattle noise on startup.
2026 market: 1.0/1.5 TSI from $11,000–17,600. 2.0 TDI from $13,200–19,800. GTI Performance $19,800–28,600. Golf R $28,600–41,800.
Insider pick: 1.4 TSI CZDA with manual (2017–2018) — last 1.4 TSI in the Golf, no ACT kangaroo, no DQ200, proven. Or GTI Performance CHHB with DQ250 — wet DSG without DQ200 worries.
131–136 PS
1.5L TSI Benzin
9 weaknesses
Good Choice150 PS
2.0L TDI Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The VW Golf 7-FL is available as Hatchback and Variant — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Ratings
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Headlights Misting / Moisture Ingress Xenon and bi-xenon headlights go milky inside or collect condensation. The cause is defective seals or assembly faults in the headlight housing. Particularly early production 2013–2015 cars are affected. Symptoms: Milky coating or visible water drops inside the headlight lens; reduced light output; misting at temperature changes from 40,000 km | Medium | |
| Discover Media / MIB2 Crashes and Touchscreen Failures The MIB2 infotainment system fitted from the 2017 facelift freezes, crashes, or the touchscreen stops responding, especially in winter. The screen can go completely black while the radio continues playing. Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive to input, black display, navigation freezes, random restarts from 80,000 km | High | |
| Milky Xenon Headlights — Lens Fogging Xenon headlights from certain production periods (2012–2016) show milky lenses and condensation on the clear covers due to a faulty production batch. Vehicles with a complete service history received replacements as a goodwill gesture. Symptoms: Milky coating visible inside headlight lens, reduced light output, fingerprint-like streaks from 50,000 km | Low | |
| MIB2 infotainment freeze and connectivity loss The MIB2 system in the Golf VII AU (US) freezes during drives, particularly in hot weather, and loses CarPlay and Android Auto connections. Units from early production runs (2015–2016) are more affected. Software updates help but don't fully resolve the issue. Symptoms: Screen freezes or goes black while driving, CarPlay drops without input, navigation stops responding, backup camera doesn't load on reverse from 40,000 km | Medium |
Alternatives
Ford Focus DEH
Compact (2018–2026)
Kia Ceed CD
Compact (2018–2024)
Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W177
Compact (2018–2025)
Honda Civic FK7
Compact (2017–2022)
Honda Civic Type R FK8
Compact (2017–2022)
MINI MINI Countryman F60
Compact (2017–2024)
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 142 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Golf 7-FL (2017–2020) — 107 engine-related and 35 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: CRBC (2.0L TDI), CRLB (2.0L TDI). Typical issues affect Electronics, Body, Suspension, Brakes. Considered reliable: DACA (1.5L TSI).
Golf (CRBC, 2012–2020) — Stay Away!: Wet Belt in Oil Bath — Interval Often Overlooked, EA189 Dieselgate recall, EGR Valve Failure After Dieselgate Software Update. Power: 150 PS.
Golf (CRLB, 2012–2020) — Stay Away!: Wet Belt in Oil Bath — Interval Often Overlooked, EA189 Dieselgate recall, EGR Valve Failure After Dieselgate Software Update. Power: 150 PS.
Golf (CLHA, 2012–2020) — Be Careful: Water Pump Faulty (EA288 until Sept. 2014), Injector Failure (Continental Type), Turbocharger Bearing Wear. Power: 105 PS.
Golf (CUNA, 2013–2020) — Be Careful: EGR Cooler Cracks and Coolant Loss, Water Pump Control Slide Faulty, High-Pressure Pump Failure with System Contamination. Power: 184 PS.
Golf (CRKB, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Water Pump Faulty (EA288 until Sept. 2014), Injector Failure (Continental Type), Turbocharger Bearing Wear. Power: 110–116 PS.
Golf (CHHB, 2013–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattle on cold start, Water pump / thermostat housing leaking, Turbocharger worn at high mileage. Power: 230–235 PS.
Golf (CZDA, 2014–2020) — Be Careful: Timing Belt — Critical Change Interval, Camshaft Adjuster: Screws Come Loose, ACT cylinder deactivation actuator failure. Power: 150 PS.
Golf (CJXE, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Haldex Gen5 oil pump worn, Two-stage oil pump — pressure drop, High-pressure fuel pump cam follower worn. Power: 265 PS.
Golf (CHHB, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattle on cold start, Water pump / thermostat housing leaking, Turbocharger worn at high mileage. Power: 245 PS.
Golf (CJXC, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: IHI IS38 turbocharger — bearing wear under high load, Timing chain stretched, Oil pump — pressure drop at low RPM. Power: 310 PS.
Golf (DADA, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Wet Timing Belt Running in Oil Bath, Leaking Injectors, Elevated Oil Consumption Due to Piston Rings. Power: 150 PS.
Golf (CPWA, 2013–2020) — Be Careful: CNG Gas Line Leak on 2018 Models, Valve Stem Seals Worn, Lambda Sensor Failure in Gas Mode. Power: 110 PS.
Golf (CUKB, 2014–2020) — Be Careful: High-Voltage Battery Degradation, Hybrid System Fault, DQ400e Transmission Pressure Adaptation Faulty. Power: 150 PS.
What to watch out for with the VW Golf? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the VW Golf 7-FL have? +
What should I look for when buying a used VW Golf 7-FL? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which VW Golf 7-FL engine is the most reliable? +
Is the VW Golf 7-FL worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the VW Golf 7-FL? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee