Billy Rehbock believed the 2026 Volkswagen Golf R could handle any road condition. A single pothole on Interstate 5 disproved that assumption.
The event occurred during a drive back to Los Angeles following a bachelor party in Paso Robles. The hatchback carried four adults and luggage stacked to its cargo cover, pushing its limits. At 45 mph, the car struck a pothole, sending a jolt through the cabin. Rehbock, a MotorTrend writer, noticed an immediate vibration in the steering wheel that worsened above 65 mph.
Diagnosis required a full week
On local streets, the Golf R performed normally. However, merging onto a high-speed freeway ramp exposed the issue: the steering wheel shook, and the wheels hopped. The following day, Rehbock took the car to Pacific Volkswagen in Los Angeles.
Inspection revealed more than a bent rim. The Golf R’s Bridgestone Potenza S005 tires, with just 4,637 miles, showed uneven wear. Front tread measured 2/32 on the left and 3/32 on the right—below safe levels. The rear tires still had 6/32 remaining. Volkswagen’s technician advised replacing all four, but MotorTrend chose to install two new ones for $872.71.
An alignment followed. A technician test-drove the car and detected no immediate issues but recommended an ACC alignment, a $500 service to recalibrate the adaptive cruise control sensors after the impact. MotorTrend approved the procedure but requested the wheel be removed for visible damage inspection. The next day, the dealer confirmed the front passenger wheel was bent.
Related: Dodge Charger Scat Pack Hits the Road
Repairs totaled $2,400 and took 13 days
The replacement wheel cost $916.38 but wasn’t available locally. The 2026 Golf R included the Euro Style package, requiring a matching wheel shipped from Canada. Customs clearance delayed delivery, leaving the car at the dealership for nearly two weeks. Pacific Volkswagen provided a Jetta as a loaner during the wait.
Once the wheel arrived, repairs finished in a day. The final bill reached $2,380.82, covering the new tires, wheel, and alignment. The Golf R drove smoothly afterward, though a lingering sesame-seed odor from forgotten takeout under the passenger seat remained.
Southern California roads rarely have potholes, but this one proved expensive. The Golf R’s low-profile tires, spirited driving during MotorTrend’s yearlong evaluation, and a slow supply chain transformed a simple repair into a prolonged inconvenience. Even well-maintained roads can cause unexpected damage.
Rehbock observed improved ride quality after the fix. The only unresolved matter was the dealership’s failure to remove the spoiled leftovers.