2017 Volkswagen Golf
The Verdict
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf has 190 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (77 complaints) and body (69 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 56/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Volkswagen Golf, consider the 2020 model year which has 96% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2020 has 96% fewer complaints
View the 2020 Volkswagen Golf dashboard →
Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution
About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.
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.
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Worst Problems
Complaints
The panoramic sunroof frame on my 2017 Volkswagen Golf has suffered a complete structural failure, exhibiting clear stress fractures and vertical cracking in the polycarbonate surround material. This factory defect allows severe rainwater ingress into the headliner, directly exposing the side-curtain airbag modules and surrounding electrical wiring to water damage, creating an immediate restraint system and safety hazard for occupants.
2017 VW Golf Alltrack SEL, purchased XXX CPO. DEFECT: The panoramic sunroof frame's wind-deflector storage channel is separate from the primary, drained water channel and has no drain of its own. During rain, with the vehicle parked nose-up (uphill), water bypasses the inner glass-to-frame perimeter seal and collects in this undrained channel, then overflows into the headliner cavity, wetting the headliner, front pillar trim, and interior. HISTORY: XXX, VW of Kirkland (Invoice XXX, 40,044 mi) replaced the headliner, both front pillar trim panels, exterior perimeter gasket, and all drain lines for water leakage - the only failure points VW had documented for this platform at the time. The leak recurred under the same incline condition and has worsened as the perimeter gasket aged. This is a mechanically distinct failure path (inner-channel overflow) from what was repaired (outer seal/drains). Current mileage 64,904; vehicle is now usually garaged, which has reduced but not eliminated the issue. DEALER CONFIRMATION: XXX VW of [XXX] (Svc Mgr [XXX]) confirmed recurrence and quoted a repair requiring full removal of the sunroof frame and interior. XXX, Svc Advisor [XXX] reviewed Audi TSB (NHTSA ID XXX/ Mfr Transaction [XXX], released XXX), "Panoramic sliding sunroof leaking," which documents an essentially identical failure mode - an undrained wind-deflector channel overflowing into the headliner - on Audi Q3/Q8/e-tron models, and confirmed no existing or pending remedy exists for the Golf Alltrack. SAFETY: Water intrusion sits near headliner wiring, cabin lighting circuits, and the sunroof motor. A related 2017 Audi Q5 recall addressed sunroof leaks that saturated airbag components. A detailed PDF (full timeline, technical comparison to the TSB, and reference photos) is attached to this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the messages "Service Vehicle - Place Vehicle in Park" and "Transmission Error" were displayed, with an audible chime. The “Gearbox Overheating” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle felt as if the transmission was in neutral(N), and the RPM became elevated, and the A/C stopped blowing cool air. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and independently reset. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: U0103, P0914, and B1162-29 were retrieved. The contact referenced a repair under TSB: 2047609. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,000.
Car battery spontaneously exploded when trying to start the car.
Driving my 2017Golf the check engine light came on. The light was steady. I called my dealer and got it in for service. They report to me that the Thermostat housing needs to be replaced and oxygen sensors need replacing also. I just had the manifold replaced 6 weeks ago. I found on line that this is a common problem . Why isn’t this a Recall Repair?
My vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 20UF (Suction Jet Pump failure / Fire Risk). I have attempted to contact Pacific Volkswagen in Hawthorne, CA to schedule this safety-critical repair. On two separate occasions, upon mentioning that the call was regarding the 20UF recall, the dealership staff disconnected the call. This repeated 'recall avoidance' at Pacific Volkswagen is preventing me from remedying a known fire risk, and the dealership is effectively refusing to facilitate a federally mandated safety repair. I am concerned that the dealer is prioritizing paid service over safety-critical warranty work.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a parking lot barrier. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. There was no injury sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was towed to an Auto Body Shop. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not deemed a total loss. The contact related the failure to an article read online on Edmonds Auto Reviews. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
I have been having rear cameras for quite some time. The first time I took it to the dealer they could not find any issues and told me to take pictures. I did, plenty of them. Monday 10-27 2025 I took it in again for the gas tank issue and camera issue. Being disabled due to serious spine issues I had to minimize waiting time. The dealer preformed a radio update per 91-19-02 & MIB2 composition & discovered media info system malfunctions. I am currently under VW extended warranty 10 year 100000 mi but they charged me $225.00 for the update. This is exactly the same issue for recall #91SB. Apparently the issue goes back further than the recall, I believe that these issues were swept under the rug. Any help would be appreciated. [XXX] VW [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I believe that the recall is the tip of a very large problem INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
In December 2021, my fuel gauge read empty, so I stopped at a gas station near the Honolulu Airport and VW Honolulu dealership. As I was pumping the gasoline, it began overflowing from the top of the tank, although I had just started pumping. I immediately removed the pump which is when gas began leaking out of the bottom of the tank, like a faucet. Luckily, I was right by the dealership, and was able to make it there without anything dangerous happening. After assessing my vehicle, the VW technicians said there was an internal issue with a faulty fuel tank. They said this issue was not something that I caused. Attached are the invoices and notes provided by the technicians. I paid $3,877 to get the problem fixed.
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.
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.
The component that failed, according to Volkswagen, is the rollover valve in the gas tank. This issue caused large amounts of gasoline to leak and pool from behind the rear passenger wheel well, creating a significant fire hazard and risk of harm. The vehicle was inspected by a Volkswagen service center as part of the repair process, whereupon the Volkswagen service center documented that the issue was caused by a faulty rollover valve in the gas tank. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure.
I had a suction jet pump recall due on the car. I took it to the dealer to fix. Mind you, I have never had an issue with this car ever. Now about a week later from the car being in the shop I get an engine malfunction light that comes on due to the evap system. Vw dealership of cool springs has not worked with me on this at all and it is frustrating to say the least.
The water pump in these vehicles are known defects, with class actions resulting. My water pump has failed at less than 70k miles. This results in engine overheating and possible failure. Luckily I was able to get the car off the road.
Car has been leaking fuel for over a year. Had to pay out of pocket to get it fixed and VW refused to refund cost of repairs even though there is now a recall over a year later acknowledging the issue.
Failure of wheel speed sensor in front right wheel. This is the THIRD time I have had a wheel speed sensor fail on this car, which has 35,000 miles on it. Failure caused loss of power steering, airbags, abs, etc.
I have gear shift trim that has peeled and is extermely sharp in my vehicle. This had led to cutting my hands multiple times while accessing the center storage compartment. This is a known issue with GTIs and other Volkswagen trim manufacturing, yet Volkswagen refuses to replace the part in my VIN. The relevant Service Action Code is 34J7.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact became aware that the fuel had been consumed extremely quickly. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
190 total