Volkswagen Golf Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Oil capacity with a filter change on the Golf ranges roughly from 3.6 L on smaller Mk6/Mk7 petrol engines up to 5.5 L on the standard (non-4Motion) Mk7 2.0 TDI - it is engine and drivetrain specific, not model-wide, so confirm your engine code and drivetrain before topping up.
Why one number does not fit every Golf
Volkswagen fitted many different engine families to the Golf across the sixth, seventh and eighth generations (EA111, EA211, EA288, EA211 evo). Oil capacity and even the required viscosity change with the engine code, not just the model name or trim level. The figures below are the ones we could confirm against parts-fitment and oil-capacity lookup data tied to a specific engine code; where sources disagreed we show the range instead of picking one number.
Confirmed capacities by engine
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| Mk6 (2008-2012) 1.4 TSI, CAXA/CAXC | 3.6 L / 3.8 US qt | 5W-30 or 5W-40, VW 502 00 |
| Mk7 (2012-2020) 1.4 TSI, CHPA/CZDA (125-140 PS) | 4.0 L / 4.2 US qt | 5W-30, VW 504 00 / 507 00 |
| Mk7 (2012-2020) 1.6 TDI, CLHA/CRKB | 4.7 L / 5.0 US qt | 5W-30, VW 507 00 |
| Mk7 (2012-2020) 2.0 TDI, CRBC (standard FWD) | 5.5 L / 5.8 US qt | 5W-30, VW 507 00 |
| Mk7 (2012-2020) 2.0 TDI, CRBC/DFGA (4Motion AWD) | 4.7 L / 5.0 US qt | 5W-30, VW 507 00 |
| Mk8 (2019-present) 1.5 TSI evo, DADA/DPCA | Sources vary: 4.0-5.2 L (4.2-5.5 US qt) - check your fill cap or manual | 0W-20 (VW 508 00) or 5W-30 (VW 504 00) |
Where to get the number for your exact car
Because the same body style can hide several different engine codes across a production run, the only figure guaranteed to match your car is on your own vehicle: check the oil filler cap, your owner's manual capacity table, or ask a VW dealer to look up your engine code (stamped on the block or listed in the vehicle's data card) in their service system.
- Always check the level with the dipstick or digital display after refilling, not just by volume poured.
- Use the viscosity and VW approval number (504 00, 507 00, 508 00, etc.) specified for your exact engine, not just any 5W-30.
- Overfilling or underfilling by even 0.3-0.5 L can cause foaming or insufficient lubrication on small turbocharged engines.
Summary
| Mk6 1.4 TSI (CAXA/CAXC) | 3.6 L (3.8 US qt), 5W-30/5W-40 |
|---|---|
| Mk7 1.4 TSI (CHPA/CZDA) | 4.0 L (4.2 US qt), 5W-30 VW 504/507 |
| Mk7 1.6 TDI (CLHA/CRKB) | 4.7 L (5.0 US qt), 5W-30 VW 507 00 |
| Mk7 2.0 TDI (CRBC, standard FWD) | 5.5 L (5.8 US qt), 5W-30 VW 507 00 |
| Mk7 2.0 TDI (CRBC/DFGA, 4Motion AWD) | 4.7 L (5.0 US qt), 5W-30 VW 507 00 |
| Mk8 1.5 TSI evo (DADA/DPCA) | 4.0-5.2 L (sources vary), 0W-20 or 5W-30 |
| Always confirm | Match capacity to your stamped engine code, not just model year |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Volkswagen Golf: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Golf take the same amount of oil?
No. Capacity depends on the specific engine code fitted, which changed several times within each Golf generation - a 1.4 TSI, 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI from the same model year can each need a different amount, ranging from about 3.6 L to 5.5 L with the filter changed - the 2.0 TDI alone differs by 0.8 L between the standard FWD version (5.5 L) and the 4Motion AWD version (4.7 L).
How much oil does a Golf Mk7 1.4 TSI need?
The Mk7 1.4 TSI (engine code CHPA, 125-140 PS) takes about 4.0 L (4.2 US qt) of 5W-30 oil meeting VW 504 00 or 507 00 when the filter is also changed, based on parts-fitment lookup data for that engine code.
What if I cannot find my exact engine code's capacity?
Do not guess from a generic model-wide figure. Check the oil filler cap for the viscosity spec, look up the capacity table in your owner's manual by engine code, or have a VW dealer confirm it from your vehicle's data card - then always verify the final level with the dipstick or digital gauge.
Why do some online sources disagree on the Golf's oil capacity?
Many listings quote one number for an entire generation regardless of engine, which blends different engine codes together. Where we found genuine disagreement between sources for the same specific engine code (for example the Mk8 1.5 TSI), we show the range rather than a false-precision single figure.