Volkswagen Golf (2018) Recall: Steering Key Removal Risk
Volkswagen recalls 2018 Golf models with steering key removal risk causing unintended rollaway. Owners must contact customer service for free switch installation.
Use caution until it’s fixed
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
What happened, in plain English
Volkswagen is recalling 2018 Golf vehicles where removing the key while the shift lever isn't in Park can cause the car to roll away unexpectedly. This poses a risk of injury or crash if the vehicle moves without the driver's control. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1225462-volkswagen-golf-2018-recall-steering-key-removal-risk.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1225462-volkswagen-golf-2018-recall-steering-key-removal-risk · Updated October 5, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #18V464000
Cite this page
“Volkswagen Golf (2018) Recall: Steering Key Removal Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 5, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1225462-volkswagen-golf-2018-recall-steering-key-removal-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #18V464000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V464000).
Why it’s dangerous
The shift lever micro switch contacts can develop silicate buildup, allowing the key to be removed while the vehicle is not in Park. This causes the car to roll away unexpectedly, potentially leading to injury or a crash.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2018 Volkswagen Golf vehicles are affected. Drivers who frequently shift the car without the key in the ignition are at higher risk.
How to tell if you have this one
Check your 2018 Volkswagen Golf for this recall. The issue affects vehicles built between 2015 and 2018. The recall started March 19, 2019.
- Brand
Volkswagen- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Contact Customer Service
Call Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298 to schedule a free switch installation at your dealer.
Get Free Repair
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no cost to fix the issue.
What NHTSA says to do
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
How this recall unfolded
Recall timeline
2 dated steps over 4 months.
- NHTSA received the defect report
- Recall began
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #18V464000 (November 7, 2018)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on October 5, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.