The Volkswagen Golf has been produced from 1974 to the present, with various gasoline and diesel engine configurations. Using the correct oil capacity, viscosity, and type is essential for maintaining performance and service life.
This guide presents a model year breakdown of engine oil capacity, oil type, viscosity, and related maintenance specifications for all Golf engines.

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2025 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L TSI (EA211); 2.0L TSI (EA888 GTI/R); 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L) [1.4L], 5.7 qt (5.4 L) [2.0L] |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) [1.4L], 5.4 qt (5.1 L) [2.0L] |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 [1.4L]; SAE 5W-40 [2.0L] |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM: 06L115562B; Mobil 1 M1-110A; K&N HP-1004 |
The 2025 Volkswagen Golf utilizes the EA211 and EA888 engines, with oil capacity for the 1.4L TSI at 4.6 qt (4.4 L) and 2.0L engines at 5.7 qt (5.4 L). Recommended full synthetic oil in 0W-20 or 5W-40 viscosity protects engine components.
2024 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L) [1.4L]; 5.7 qt (5.4 L) [2.0L] |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) [1.4L]; 5.4 qt (5.1 L) [2.0L] |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20 [1.4L]; SAE 5W-40 [2.0L] |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM: 06L115562B; Fram CH10158; Mann HU7020z |
For 2024, the Volkswagen Golf oil capacity and viscosity requirements are unchanged from 2025, ensuring optimal engine oil protection when maintained at specified intervals.
2023 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L); 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L); 5.4 qt (5.1 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20; SAE 5W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM: 06L115562B; Mobil 1 M1-110A |
The 2023 Volkswagen Golf requires full synthetic oil and a change interval of 10,000 miles or 12 months, supporting engine longevity and efficiency.
2022 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L); 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L); 5.4 qt (5.1 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20; SAE 5W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM: 06L115562B; Mann HU7020z |
Engines in the 2022 Golf use 4.6 qt to 5.7 qt full synthetic oil, with SAE 0W-20 or 5W-40 viscosity as specified for each engine platform.
2021 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L); 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L); 5.4 qt (5.1 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20; SAE 5W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM specified, Mobil 1 and Mann options |
2021 Golf engines require 4.6 to 5.7 qt of full synthetic oil, with viscosity and filter recommendations protecting critical components.
2020 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L); 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L); 5.4 qt (5.1 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20; SAE 5W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM, Mobil 1, Mann filters |
For 2020, Golf engines maintain consistent oil capacity and viscosity specifications, with recommended synthetic oil for service intervals.
2019 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L); 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L); 5.4 qt (5.1 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20; SAE 5W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM, Mobil 1, Mann |
2019 Golf engines follow the same synthetic oil standards, ensuring performance and engine cleanliness at manufacturer service intervals.
2018 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L); 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L); 5.4 qt (5.1 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 0W-20; SAE 5W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM, Mobil 1, Mann |
All 2018 Golf variants use 4.6 to 5.7 quarts of synthetic oil for best maintenance of powertrain reliability.
2017 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L TSI; 1.8L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 4.6 qt (4.4 L) [1.4L]; 5.7 qt (5.4 L) [2.0L] |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 4.2 qt (4.0 L); 5.4 qt (5.1 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-40; SAE 0W-20 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM, Mobil 1 |
2017 models require synthetic oil with recommended viscosity per engine displacement and turbocharging.
2016 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 5.4 qt (5.1 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM, Mobil 1 M1-110A |
Older Golfs from 2016 use 5.7 qt (5.4 L) 5W-40 synthetic oil, supporting emission system and turbo longevity.
2015 Volkswagen Golf Engine Oil Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L TSI; 2.0L TSI; 2.0L TDI |
| Oil Capacity (with Filter) | 5.7 qt (5.4 L) |
| Oil Capacity (without Filter) | 5.4 qt (5.1 L) |
| Recommended Oil Type | Full Synthetic |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-40 |
| Oil Change Interval | Every 10,000 miles or 12 months |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 22 lb-ft (30 N·m) |
| Recommended Filters | OEM, Mann HU7020z |
2015 Golf engines are best serviced with 5.7 quarts of full synthetic 5W-40 oil and regular filter changes.
Oil Maintenance & Service Tips
Check engine oil level monthly, ensuring it stays between the minimum and maximum dipstick marks. Change oil and replace the oil filter at the specified maintenance interval using synthetic oil of the correct viscosity and a filter meeting OEM specs.
Always tighten the oil drain plug to the recommended torque to prevent leaks. Choose 0W-20 or 5W-40 based on engine and climate requirements. For severe driving—including frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, or towing—reduce service intervals.
| Condition | Oil Change Interval |
|---|---|
| Normal Driving | 10,000 miles / 12 months |
| Severe Driving | 5,000 miles / 6 months |
Proper “oil filter replacement,” “synthetic oil,” and “maintenance interval” adherence protects against premature engine wear.
FAQs
What kind of oil does a Volkswagen Golf use?
Volkswagen Golf engines use full synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-40 or SAE 0W-20, meeting VW specifications. The correct type depends on the engine and model year.
How much oil does a Volkswagen Golf take?
Oil capacity depends on engine and model year; most 1.4L TSI engines use around 4.6 quarts (4.4 L), while 2.0L TSI/TDI engines require up to 5.7 quarts (5.4 L) with filter.
What is the recommended oil type for a Volkswagen Golf?
The recommended oil type is full synthetic, meeting VW 502 00/504 00/508 00 specifications, as per engine requirements and climate.
What is the oil change interval for a Volkswagen Golf?
The typical oil change interval is every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first; more frequent changes are required for severe conditions.
Do I need a special oil filter for a Volkswagen Golf?
Always use OEM or approved equivalent oil filters, such as Mann HU7020z or Mobil 1 M1-110A, for engine protection and warranty compliance.
Can I use 10W-40 or 15W-40 in older Volkswagen Golfs?
For older Golf models, 10W-40 or 15W-40 is acceptable; always confirm compatibility with your engine and climate.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Golf engine oil specifications require full synthetic oil (SAE 0W-20 or 5W-40), with oil capacities ranging from 4.6 to 5.7 quarts depending on engine type and year. Always use oil and filters meeting manufacturer approval for best engine performance and durability. Follow the recommended maintenance intervals and specifications to ensure reliability and maximize service life.

