Recall 18V864 affects 516 2018 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles because a fuel hose connector can detach. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 516 2018 Golf R vehicles because the fuel hose quick connector can detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay. A fuel leak in that area can increase the risk of a fire, and Volkswagen dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fuel hose quick connector on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R joins the fuel supply line in the engine bay. That line carries gasoline toward the engine, and the connector is supposed to lock onto the line so fuel stays inside the system while the engine is running.
On recalled Golf R vehicles, the fuel line was built with dimensional deviations from a specific production period. During assembly, a guiding sleeve used to help install the quick connector can become distorted. When that happens, friction can make the connector feel locked even though it has not fully latched. The connector can then detach from the fuel supply line and let fuel leak in the engine bay.
The warning sign is fuel odor in the vehicle. If you smell fuel, treat it as a sign that the connection needs dealer inspection before normal driving continues.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Volkswagen Golf R | fuel system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 516 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific hatchback.
What's the safety risk?
A fuel leak in the engine compartment can raise the risk of a fire. Fuel odor inside the vehicle is the warning sign owners are told to watch for, so treat that smell as a reason to stop, move away from traffic, and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Volkswagen Golf R is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free fuel-line connection repair that secures the quick connector in the engine bay.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 18V864 when you call.
- Keep the car away from ignition sources until the fuel-line connection is secured.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician checks the fuel hose quick connector in the engine bay and secures the fuel line connection if it is loose. Parts and labor are covered by the recall, so the dealer repair is free. This work addresses the fuel supply line connection that can detach and cause a fuel leak. Volkswagen is not offering reimbursement for this campaign, so prior out-of-pocket repairs are not handled through a separate recall reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| December 5, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 11, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 1, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 1, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 1, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V864?
Recall 18V864 covers 516 2018 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles with a fuel hose quick connector that can detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay. That defect can cause a fuel leak and raise fire risk. Volkswagen dealers secure the fuel line connection for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Volkswagen Golf R is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Golf R is included in recall 18V864. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for recall 20Bi. The dealer will inspect and secure the fuel line connection as needed at no cost.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen's recall remedy says dealers will secure the fuel line connection, as necessary, free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost at a franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Is it safe to drive my 2018 Volkswagen Golf R before the repair?
This recall does not carry a do-not-drive instruction, but the defect involves a possible fuel leak in the engine compartment. If you smell fuel, see leaking fuel, or suspect a leak, park safely, shut the vehicle off, and ask the Volkswagen dealer about towing.
What if I bought my Volkswagen Golf R used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Golf R is included, then call a franchised Volkswagen dealer and reference recall 18V864 or Volkswagen recall 20Bi.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V864000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V864 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V864000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →