2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2015 | 59 |
| 2016 | 50 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
38% of complaints: suspension — 14 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Both rear coil springs have broken. Ref: NHTSA Campaign 19V188000
NHTSA ODI report, 20231121
16% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was parking the car with my foot firmly on the brake when my car just took off fast and crashed into a building. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I was bruised and cut in several places and I have had recurring chest pains.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211008
THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TWICE, MOST RECENTLY TODAY. CAR DOES NOT TURN ON, AND EPC AND ENGINE LIGHT FLASH. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED ON 9/917, I CALLED A TOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170923
14% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240423
THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TWICE, MOST RECENTLY TODAY. CAR DOES NOT TURN ON, AND EPC AND ENGINE LIGHT FLASH. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED ON 9/917, I CALLED A TOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170923
11% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was parking the car with my foot firmly on the brake when my car just took off fast and crashed into a building. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I was bruised and cut in several places and I have had recurring chest pains.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211008
THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TWICE, MOST RECENTLY TODAY. CAR DOES NOT TURN ON, AND EPC AND ENGINE LIGHT FLASH. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED ON 9/917, I CALLED A TOW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170923
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 18V464000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Campaign 19V188000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 19V615000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024.
Campaign 24V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V464000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V188000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.