general problems of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf

Ten problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2011 Volkswagen Golf. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf based on all problems reported for the 2011 Golf.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/18/2022

Fuse f16 (30a) in the engine fuse plate, melted instead of breaking - causing half of the cars lights to stop functioning including turn signals and brake lights. Cannot be fixed with replacing the fuse as it was never tripped but instead the whole fuse plate needs to be replaced. No warning lights preceded the event, all lights went out while driving. Vw dealership requires a new plate to be put in with no explanation of what caused the melt and no guarantee that it won’t happen again. Multiple online forums suggest a similar finding, and even other models have tickets for recalls (same problem, same part) but not the 2011 Golf tdi.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2022

Electrical short caused catastrophic fire in engine compartment, suspected issue is a water leak due to faulty manufacturing. Leak was noted by Volkswagen repair facility and was to be inspected and repaired within 30 days.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2022

The wire from the alternator to the underhood fuse block is not thick enough to handle the current from the stock alternator. This causes the wire to get too hot melting the fuse block at the 30 amp fuse causing headlight issues.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/19/2020

Lost all lights, f16 and f17 fuses and the entire fuse box was melted. Fuses were arcing and shorting internally, but didn't fail. This is a very common issue it seems from researching online, but the dealer refuses to cover this manufacturing defect and major fire safety issue. This happened while the car was parked.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/04/2020

I was riding as the passenger in my vehicle. My foot was burnt by an electrical component that was dangling down underneath the glove box. It was the blower resistor. The blower resistor melted through plastic, then the blower resistor was hanging by wires when it burnt my foot. ## #vpic# 1 - check digit (9th position) does not calculate properly #vpic#.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2017

Lighting check engine . I couldn't pass inspection on my vw due code p0106. Manifold absolute/barometric. Pressure ctrl. Range/performance.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2014

When driving car and accelerating, the engine simply stopped. The dash-board lights were on, but the engine lost power. Attempts to re-start the car were not immediately successful. In two of the three cases, the engine did re-start. However, the e-starts occurred over 4 hours after the initial loss of engine power. In one of the three cases, the car could not be re-started. In this last case, the car was towed to the dealer and as of today (10 November), the dealer has not determined the cause of failure. A near miss accident occurred in one of the cases. After the engine stopped, another car nearly rear-ended my disabled car. The other car skidded and served out of the way of my disabled car.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2012

Golf stalled while driving only filled with correct fuel diesel only shell, arco, chevron have gas receipts to show the high pressure pump failed. Part numbers are for reference only, please consult etka by VIN for most current information. Please replace the following: 03l 130 755a (high pressure pump), 03l 130 321 (line), 03l 130 301 (line), 03l 130 301r (line), 03l 130 301b (line) , 03l 130 301c (line), 03l 130 089 (rail), 5n0 130 307j (line), 1k0 127 400f (filter complete), 03l 130 235s (return line), 03l 130 277a (injectors qty 4), 1k0 201 060 gp (tank), 5n0 906 129b (aux pump), 1k0 919 050 j (in tank pump), 059-13 0-216-c (plate qty 4), wht-000-884 (seal qty 4), 03l 201 360g (fuel line), 1k0 130 307bj (fuel hose), 1k0 130 307bg (fuel line), 1k0 130 295ab (fuel line), 1k0 200 059bh (fuel line), 1k0 201 293d (supply line), 1k0 201 294c (return line). Any line that is not replaced in this procedure must be thoroughly cleaned. If you cannot adequately clean the line/fitting, please replace it also. Please follow elsa web's procedure for priming the fuel system. Be sure not to swap the connections in the fuel system. It is very easy to swap a fuel feed line for a fuel return line. The connections at the fuel tank, bulkhead, fuel filter, and high pressure pump can be switched. If you hear a humming noise from the aux fuel pump, it is likely that a fuel line was installed incorrectly. If the gf test pla n does not show up, go into vsd, engine electronics, basic settings, 35 and run this test 3 times. A vwoa representative will be contacting the dealer within 48 hours to determine if a fuel sample is necessary. Until then, do not drain the fuel in the vehicle until confirmation is received. If you do not receive a call within the 48 hours please continue with repairs and a fuel sample will not be necessary.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2011

When applying the break pedal I. E. To shift in d (when standing) , it feels like being rearended. Intensity of the pulse or shudder varies, and sometimes does not occur. Last week, sutliff technitian and service manager on duty felt the pulse, and in addition a display light epc came on, and the display said "service engine immediately". The car was in the shop three times over the past 3 or 4 months, and I was told every time that the error can not be reproduced. In addition to that, I took a picture at odometer reading 6048 miles, saying "steering column lock: service now!", with an additional yellow steering whell light on. I found both errors on blogs. However, sutliff vw claims that they can not read error codes from the vehicle, and that this does not allow any action. Vw corporate advised sutliff also not to fix the issue.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2010

Engine rpm surges/spikes 500-800 rpm's from idle when attempting to slowly accelerate from a stop or near stop causing the vehicle to lunge forward unexpectedly. This surge/spike occurs primarily when on slight uphill grades or inclines and after releasing the brakes and gently applying throttle pressure. This seems to occur when the hill assist system is activated. Examples: surge/spike occurs when on a slight grade or incline from a stop or near stop such as pulling up a driveway, trying to inch forward in stop-and-go traffic, or when accelerating normally from a stop. It is as though you pumped the throttle for a second then released it. If the vehicle is on a very steep upgrade incline it is not as noticeable as the brakes are not immediately disengaged when the surge/spike occurs due to the hill assist system engaging the brakes. If the vehicle is on a down grade decline or level road the engine rpm usually accelerates and operates normally. The vw authorized service department has confirmed this to be not normal. They have been claiming to investigate the rpm surge/spike with no solution after several service appointments in the past year and over 15,000 miles.


Other Electrical System related problems of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf


Safety Ratings of Golf Cars
Fuel Economy of Golf Vehicles
Golf Service Bulletins
Golf Safety Recalls
Golf Defect Investigations