Recall 22V163 covers 4,269 2022 Volkswagen Golf R and GTI vehicles for loose engine design covers. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
Volkswagen is recalling 4,269 2022 Golf R and GTI vehicles because high acceleration driving can loosen the engine design cover. A loose cover can contact hot engine-compartment surfaces, melt, and increase the risk of a fire; the Volkswagen dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The engine design cover on the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R and GTI is the molded cover that sits over the top of the engine. Its job is simple: stay fixed to its mounting points so it does not shift around the engine compartment while the engine moves under load.
On affected vehicles, the cover's fixation points do not hold the part tightly enough in specific driving and load conditions. High acceleration maneuvers can loosen the cover and let it move out of position. A loose cover in the engine compartment matters because heat in that area can turn a displaced plastic cover into a fire hazard.
If the cover has come loose, owners can notice a burning smell from the engine compartment or when opening the hood. You can also see that the engine design cover has shifted out of its normal position.
Who's affected?
VINs have been searchable since May 13, 2022.
| 2022 Volkswagen Golf R | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2022 Volkswagen GTI | Engine |
| Units affected | 4,269 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching 2022 Volkswagen Golf R or GTI does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose engine design cover can touch hot engine surfaces, melt, and increase fire risk. If you smell burning from the engine compartment or see the cover out of position, stop the trip when safe and call the dealer before continuing. Repair will be free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 Volkswagen Golf R or GTI is included in this recall.
- Watch for Volkswagen's service-action notice for the updated engine design cover once parts are available.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask whether the free engine-cover removal is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 22V163 and Volkswagen recall 10H5 when you call.
- Keep the engine cover issue unresolved until a dealer removes the loose cover or confirms the service action is complete.
What happens at the repair
The recall remedy is still under development. Volkswagen's stated dealer process is to remove the engine design cover at no charge. Once replacement parts become available, Volkswagen will provide a free updated engine design cover under a separate service action. Parts and labor are covered for the recall work. Volkswagen says it will offer a reimbursement plan for this recall. If you already paid for a related engine cover repair, ask Volkswagen customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 16, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 29, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 13, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| May 13, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 13, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 13, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V163?
Recall 22V163 covers 4,269 2022 Volkswagen Golf R and GTI vehicles with an engine design cover that can loosen during high acceleration maneuvers. A loose cover can touch hot engine-compartment surfaces and melt, which raises fire risk. Volkswagen dealers remove the cover for free.
What should I do if my 2022 Volkswagen Golf R or GTI is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V163. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for recall 10H5. The dealer will remove the engine design cover for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Volkswagen dealers will remove the engine design cover free of charge, and Volkswagen said an updated cover would be provided under a separate Service Action once parts became available.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. In certain driving situations, including high acceleration maneuvers, the engine design cover can loosen, contact hot surfaces in the engine compartment, and melt. If your VIN is included, have a Volkswagen dealer complete the free recall work.
When were owners notified about recall 22V163?
Volkswagen mailed owner notification letters by March 29, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Reference recall 22V163 or Volkswagen recall 10H5 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V163000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V163 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V163000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →