Garrett gt2250s stage 3 from 90k-100k … zero major mechanical issues.
Pros: zero major mechanical issues
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
Mileage: 16093 km
Best Turbocharger for Volkswagen Golf
The main party piece of the TCR/Clubsport/R engine is the IHI IS38 turbocharger. It is optimised to keep building power higher up in the rev range, where the regular GTI's IS20 runs out of puff.
Pros: builds power higher up
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
In stock Audi VW Turbocharger - Borg Warner 06F145702C Audi VW Turbocharger - Borg Warner 06F145702C
Pros: In stock
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
Part number: 06F145702C
My car has been pretty reliable with an IS38 if you take away the issues caused by me or shitty parts (spark plug break after running past interval / Shuenk's POS), or the HPA HPFP that shit the bed after going with ethanol.
Pros: pretty reliable with IS38
Cons: issues caused by me
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
Yesterday I tackled the IS20 installation. It took about 4-5 hours and overall wasn't too difficult. The car definitely feels better. It should've come like this from the factory!
Pros: car feels better
Cons: 4-5 hour install
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
I had the ECP light issue in late June on my 2018 R with around 21k miles. The dealer diagnosed it as the wastegate, requiring a turbocharger replacement.
Pros: warranty covered replacement
Cons: wastegate failure
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
Mileage: 33796 km
Similar here. EPC light on intermittently. Diagnosed as a failed wastegate. The fix was a replacement turbocharger.
Cons: failed wastegate
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
The Stage 1 Garrett doesn’t provide enough of a bump from an OEM is38 with a lifetime warranty to justify the expense.
Cons: insufficient performance gain, high cost
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
Turbo 2 of them oem. Water pump 2 of them oem. Can't say I was happy about being forced to switching to toyota corolla hatch.
Cons: multiple turbo failures
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
Mileage: 96560 km
VW has replaced 2 internal turbos on my wife’s 2018 manual Golf. One at 46k and another at 103k.
Cons: failed twice
Vehicle:
Volkswagen Golf
Mileage: 165762 km
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Other parts for Volkswagen Golf
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Brake fluid -
Pistons
Top manufacturers of turbocharger for Volkswagen Golf
This part for Volkswagen Golf is made around the world. We have reviews for turbocharger manufacturers from countries such as: USA, Japan, Germany .
In March 2026, the ranking of turbocharger for Volkswagen Golf on PartReview included 5 manufacturers. It is based on 20 reviews and 65 votes.
Which turbocharger to choose for Volkswagen Golf?
Last month, PartReview users preferred Garrett. 9% of positive votes went to this manufacturer.
In second place: turbocharger BorgWarner — 9%.
Third place: IHI with 9% of the votes.
In the overall ranking of turbocharger, which aggregates opinions of owners of different car makes and models, these brands hold the following positions:
- Garrett ranked 1, PR Score — 91. Based on 41 review and 127 votes.
- BorgWarner ranked 2, PR Score — 70. Based on 19 reviews and 58 votes.
- IHI does not yet have enough reviews to participate in the ranking. You can help by adding a review with the brand and your car model.
Other parts for Volkswagen Golf
After seeing which turbocharger owners of Volkswagen Golf prefer, check other popular parts for this car. In March 2026, leaders on PartReview were:
- #1 Spark plug NGK - 24% votes.
- #1 Brake pads EBC - 15% votes.
- #1 Wiper blades Bosch - 36% votes.
- #1 Engine oil LIQUI MOLY - 27% votes.
- #1 Tires MICHELIN - 15% votes.
You can also see what Volkswagen Golf owners chose among such parts as: Timing belt, Engine radiator, Water pump, Ignition coil, Glow plug, and others.