2017 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen
The Verdict
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen has 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (62 complaints) and electrical (24 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 71/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Volkswagen Golf sportwagen, consider the 2019 model year which has 92% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2019 has 92% fewer complaints
View the 2019 Volkswagen Golf sportwagen dashboard →
Klunk Score: Solid Pick
Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
By Category
By Severity
Worst Problems
Complaints
Infotainment system is restarting itself repeatedly every 30 seconds to every few minutes.This has been going on for about 2 weeks. The component has not yet been inspected by a 3rd party.
During the WV state inspection at my VW dealer for my 2017 Golf Sportswagen, it was determined I had a broken rear spring. Researching the issue, I find VW issued a recall for some 2017 Golf Sportswagens for this very issue, but apparently my car was not included. The broken spring prevents me from having a valid inspection sticker and should not drive it. Per information on the past recall, collapse of the spring can cause tire damage and loss of control of the vehicle. The previous recall was Safety Recall Code: 42J5 – Rear Axle Coil Springs – 2017-2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. Hence the problem was reproduced and confirmed. No warning lamps or signals were observed and the defect was found during the VW State Inspection procedure at Voltswagen Morgantown.
Safety issue with my 2017 VW Golf Sportwagen SEL VIN [XXX] with 83,219 miles. The passenger side mirror adhesive is defective and has caused the glass to detach. The defective VW part number number is 5G0857522Q This is a SAFETY ISSUE. My research revealed that many owners are experiencing this same adhesive defect with the mirror. I submitted a case number ticket [XXX] on March 17 2025 with VW about this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I've been experiencing a recurring issue with my vehicle where the EPC light frequently activates. When this happens, the car significantly reduces its speed, making it difficult to drive safely. I've noticed this situation over the past six to eight months, and it typically requires me to pull over. After turning off the vehicle multiple times, I'm usually able to reset it and drive normally again. I'm seeking advice on how to address this problem effectively.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle and shifting to the park, the contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle rolled backward. The driver depressed the brake pedal and activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle from rolling. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 170,000.
I am facing an issue with my car where it tends to roll back even when it's in park, regardless of whether the engine is on or off. The only time it remains stationary is when I apply the brakes and engage the emergency brake. This situation poses a safety concern for me and my family, and I would like to find a solution to ensure our vehicle stays securely in place when parked.
Left and Rear Coil Springs have snapped in half due to unreasonably dangerous defective manufacturing. This is consistent with the open recall for the exact condition: NHTSA's campaign number: 19V188000. However, VW North America refuses to consider my vehicle for the recall as my vin is not included. Although the snaps reflect a a dangerous manufacturing defect, VW incorrectly has determined the rear coil springs on my vehicle are not "in the batch" of defective coil springs.
When fueling the car at the gas station, the gas pump would shut off, almost immediately and the little fuel would gush out of the tank. We are unable to fuel the car. Repeated several times, but unable to fuel the car. From reading various online forum posting of folks with a similar problem, it appears that the suspect is the suction pump. Called the dealer and the recommend getting a new gas tank. Estimate cost of repair-$4,000. Taking car to dealership to have the suction pump replaced under the recall and see what happens.
Passenger Occupancy Sensor (0152612) failed causing airbag and seatbelt warning lights to illuminate. Airbag was not functional while lights were on. Dealer diagnosed and repaired issue for $892.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the EVAP system had been filled with fuel, but the fix for the vehicle could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts not available.
[XXX] loud clunking noise from right rear of car taken to VW KIngst on, NY, diagnosed with broken rear springs there is a recall but not for my VIN number, but my springs are broken, maybe VIN numbers need updating INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There was a recall on my vehicle due to a spring issue. Presumably I have the same springs as those on cars that were recalled, even though my car was not recalled. My springs are damaged, but VW refuses to take responsibility.
While driving approximately 50 mph I heard a clunk noise from the back of the car I was close to our service garage in Meaford Ontario Canada so I stopped there and left the car with them They called and said the right rear spring was broken in 2 places One break was rusty and the second break was fresh and clean We investigated and saw that there was a recall 42J5 so we instructed the mechanic to replace both as per the notice to save the cost of towing($200) the car 30 miles We purchased the replacement springs from the local dealer We have now been advised by VW that they do not have to honour the recall because the VIN is not on their data base To me that confirms that the data base must be wrong because I had a spring break I have reported this to Transport Canada as well but I know it is North American issue I clicked [XXX] and 12345 as a zip code my address is actually in [XXX]
The Clock Spring Assembly on my vehicle failed. In May 2023 Volkswagen of America issued an extended warranty coverage notice for the part. After doing some research and determining the part failure, I called my local VW dealer to report the problem. They told me they would be happy to schedule an appointment to look at my vehicle but they could not schedule my vehicle for service for at least a month. Considering this issue to be an extreme safely issue and realizing I did not want to drive around in my vehicle for over a month without air bag protection, I had my vehicle repaired at an independent service facility. I have had several communications with VW of America (attached) and they refuse to reimburse me for this repair.
Broken rear coil spring requiring replacement of both rear springs. The springs were replaced at the state safety inspection in August 2023. The broken parts were not retained. Failure of part could have resulted in loss of control of the vehicle. The work was completed by an independent garage. There was no warning other than reduction of ride comfort.
Currently gas is pouring from back right bumper. The pump is siphoning gas from the tank & onto the pavement. In the garage & on the driveway. We cannot fill our tank more than 1/4 at this time.
Turbo Wastegate actuator rod/flap failure/seizure. VW dealership & Independent service center both diagnosed the issue as a seized wastegate actuator flap/rod. This is due to poor design and is a common issue on all 2015-2020 VW/Audi 1.8l TSI engines. This issue causes intermittent engine codes for "low boost" related codes. P00AF00 and similar codes without warning. A key cycle usually temporarily fixes the problem until under boost again. This prevents safe operation of the vehicle while on highways and freeways. Engine shaking & prevention of acceleration and shifting happens after the engine code occur and the car is put into a limp mode. It is unsafe to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road during these events.
Steering wheel "Clock Spring" has failed at 76,000 miles. Heard an clicking sound when turning leading up to issue, then a POP sound. Airbags, horn, cruise control, and other wheel controls all dead. I see this is a common problem, obviously a bad part from VW, and a MOJOR safety risk since Airbag will not deploy. This should be a recall, or free repair when it breaks at least, no reason this part should ever fail.
Both rear coil springs have broken. Ref: NHTSA Campaign 19V188000
113 total