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2023 Volkswagen Golf R

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2023 Golf R.

Transmission Automatic (AM-S7)

The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R arrives with an automatic AM-S7 transmission and EPA ratings of 23 city, 30 highway, and 26 combined mpg. In the context of the model's complaint history spanning 2012 through 2026 — where 2017 peaked at 194 complaints and 2012 bottomed out at just one — this model year records only six total owner complaints, with service brakes emerging as the top concern alongside three recalls. That comparatively low complaint count suggests the 2023 iteration sits near the more reliable end of the Golf R's recent trajectory, though the brake-focused reports and recall activity warrant attention for researchers tracking long-term durability.

Model year202620252024202320222019201820172016

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque103.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy23/30/26 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 06L115562B. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified
Tire size235/35R19/XL 91YOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06L115562B
Engine air filter5Q0129620D
Spark plug06Q905601E
Battery000915089BC
Front wiper blades5G1998002
Serpentine belt06Q903137A
Cabin air filter5Q0819669

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S7)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length168.9 in
Overall width70.5 in
Overall height57.5 in
Wheelbase103.5 in
Curb weight3417 lb
Track (front / rear)60.2 / 59.4 in

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined23 / 30 / 26 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 103.0 ft-lbs.

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts103.0 ft-lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 40,000 mi.

Every 10,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Water Drains (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
Every 40,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 80,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 112,000 miDrive Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R demonstrates a favorable reliability position within the provided federal record, logging only 6 complaints and 3 recalls compared to the 2022 model's 10 complaints and 5 recalls. This continues a downward trajectory in Technical Service Bulletins, which have fallen from a peak of 1,152 in 2015 to 245 in 2023, contrasting sharply with the volatility seen in 2015 and 2017 where complaints spiked to 123 and 194 respectively. While the 2023 data lists specific complaint areas such as service brakes and power train or electrical systems, the record does not specify the root causes, and notably there are zero reported crash or fire complaints. The trend arc suggests the vehicle has moved past the high-investigation period seen in earlier years, as 2023 carries zero open investigations compared to the consistent single investigations recorded annually between 2015 and 2019. With complaint numbers remaining low relative to historical peaks and recalls decreasing year-over-year from 2022, the 2023 model year stands out as a statistically stable option for buyers.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
245
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
6
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’12’13’15’16’17’18’19’22’23’24’25’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 6 complaints on record, top 5 components.

Service Brakes2
Unknown Or Other1
Power Train,Electrical System1
Steering,Exterior Lighting1
Electrical System1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

22V707000Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Radiator AssemblyReported 21/09/2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The radiator may not have been attached correctly to the intercooler, which can result in a damaged coolant… Remedy: Dealers will inspect the radiator and replace any damaged parts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may…

23V437000Suspension:Front:Macpherson StrutReported 21/06/2023

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Golf R A8 and Golf GTI vehicles. The strut mount may be deformed, loosening the bolted connections to the suspension strut mounting. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and/or left suspension strut mountings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 245 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TT 10-18-02_22026-06-18EngineLubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_32026-06-18EngineInstruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
Customer email_91UB2026-06-15Unknown Or OtherYour vehicle is currently eligible for the 91UB software update designed to:
Dealer 91UB2026-06-15Unknown Or OtherThis OTA update addresses a potential issue with special characters being broadcast over…
V6919012010479_172026-06-11Air BagsInquiries

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Golf R. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Engine oil filter 06L115562BEngine air filter 5Q0129620DSpark plug 06Q905601EBattery 000915089BC

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

Does the 2023 Golf R have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Golf R get?

EPA figures are 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined mpg.