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Volkswagen Golf R Mk7 common problems: what to check before you buy

Credov's researched list of the 2 faults the Volkswagen Golf R Mk7 is known for (2013–2016), 1 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.

Known problems on the Volkswagen Golf R Mk7

Passenger airbag recall

Safety risk

2016 · Electrical

What to look for: Ask a VW dealer whether the passenger airbag recall is done, as there is nothing to see on the car.

Why it matters: An inflator that ruptures can injure the front passenger with fragments; an open airbag campaign is a do-not-deliver item.

Sources: 1

GTI/R Mk7 headlight haze

Minor

2013–2020 · Body and structure

What to look for: Look at each headlight lens from an angle for yellowing or haze, and inside for misting droplets.

Why it matters: A hazy or misted lens is both a warrant-of-fitness risk from reduced light output and, on the xenon/bi-xenon units, can mean an expensive complete unit replacement rather than a simple bulb change.

Sources: 1 2

Got a question about a Volkswagen Golf R Mk7? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.

Also check on every car

On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.

Other Volkswagen models

Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.