Recall 19V188 covers 56,173 2015-2019 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Tiguan, and Golf Sportwagen vehicles for rear coil spring fractures. Free repair at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 56,173 2015-2019 Jetta, Golf, Tiguan, and Golf Sportwagen vehicles because the rear coil springs can fracture early. If a spring breaks while driving, it can damage a rear tire, lead to loss of vehicle control, and increase crash risk; Volkswagen dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear coil spring on 2015-2019 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Tiguan, and Golf Sportwagen vehicles is part of the rear suspension. It sits between the body and suspension arm, holding the back of the vehicle at the correct height while absorbing bumps and helping the tires stay planted on the road.
On affected vehicles, the rear coil springs were built with material Volkswagen had not approved, or with production settings outside factory specifications. That leaves the spring weaker than intended. During normal driving, the spring can fracture instead of flexing and returning to its shape. The replacement spring uses the same part number, but it was made with the correct material and production process.
There is no warning sign before failure. The spring is not expected to give the driver a warning light or other clear signal before it breaks.
Who's affected?
Covers Jetta, Golf, Tiguan, and Golf Sportwagen models across 2015-2019, all tied to the same rear suspension coil spring issue.
| 2019 Volkswagen Jetta | rear suspension |
|---|---|
| 2018 Volkswagen Golf | rear suspension |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf | rear suspension |
| 2017 Volkswagen Golf | rear suspension |
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf | rear suspension |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan | rear suspension |
| 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen | rear suspension |
| 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan | rear suspension |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf | rear suspension |
| 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen | rear suspension |
| 2018 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen | rear suspension |
| Units affected | 56,173 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A rear coil spring fracture while driving can damage a rear tire, leading to loss of vehicle control and a higher crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair soon and use extra care until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2019 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Tiguan, or Golf Sportwagen is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free rear axle coil spring replacement that addresses springs that can fracture and damage a rear tire.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V188 and Volkswagen recall 42J5 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and contact the dealer before driving if you notice tire damage or a rear suspension problem.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the rear axle coil springs covered by recall 19V188. Parts and labor are free under the recall. The repair addresses rear coil springs that fracture before they should and need replacement with recall parts. Volkswagen offers a reimbursement plan for this recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related rear coil spring repair, bring receipts or other repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim under Volkswagen recall 42J5.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 6, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 29, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| March 29, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 12, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 19, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V188?
Recall 19V188 covers 56,173 2015-2019 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Tiguan, and Golf Sportwagen vehicles with rear coil springs that can fracture early. A broken spring can damage a rear tire and lead to loss of vehicle control. Volkswagen dealers replace the rear axle coil springs for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2019 Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Tiguan, or Golf Sportwagen is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V188. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule rear axle coil spring replacement. Reference recall 19V188 or Volkswagen recall number 42J5 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Is it safe to drive with recall 19V188 open?
A broken rear coil spring creates a real safety risk while driving. If the spring fractures, it can damage a rear tire, lead to loss of vehicle control, and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair promptly.
What if I bought my Volkswagen used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the original owner, so a used 2015-2019 Volkswagen still gets the covered repair if its VIN is included. Check your VIN and give recall 19V188 to the dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V188000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V188 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V188000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →