2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Owner Complaints

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)

NHTSA ID

11765931

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

Car battery spontaneously exploded when trying to start the car.

NHTSA ID

11743364

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11704039

Incident

Nov 27, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11635576

Incident

Jan 17, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11635575

Incident

Apr 12, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11635574

Incident

Jun 13, 2024

Mileage

170,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11585888

Incident

Nov 14, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11579405

Incident

Mar 16, 2024

Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving down the highway. No collision or impact. Sounded like a gunshot. Had to immediately pull over, remove all of the glass in order to drive it at all.

NHTSA ID

11527665

Incident

May 6, 2023

Continual unidentified leak in the roof area. I've seen many reports of this same issue for the 2017 Golf Alltrack, specifically on incline.

NHTSA ID

11525140

Incident

Jun 2, 2023

MY CAR HAS 16500 MILES AND THE PANAROMIC ROOF DRAINS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WATER LEAKED INTO THE BACK OF CAR. I DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS WATER IN THE CAR UNTIL I LOOKED INTO THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT WHICH HAD QUITE A BIT OF WATER IN IT. THEN I SAW THAT THE HEADLINER WAS STAINED IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. THIS IS A HAZZARD BECAUSE THERE ARE WIRES IN THE WELL FOR THE STEREO SYSTEM AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FOR THE VEHICLE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS GOING IN FOR REPAIR END OF JUNE (EARLIEST APPOINTMENT THAT IS AVAILABLE).

NHTSA ID

11523521

Incident

May 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. The contact stated that while adjusting the passenger's side rear-view mirror, the mirror glass suddenly detached from the housing, fell on the ground and shattered. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11513185

Incident

Mar 18, 2023

Mileage

92,000 mi

Turbo wastegate actuator arm seized casing turbo failure. Wastegate stuck in the semi-open position.

NHTSA ID

11510454

Incident

Feb 8, 2023

This is the second time since November 2022 that our clock spring has failed. While it's broken the driver has no airbag, horn, or usability of controls on steering wheel. This is a huge saftey concern especially driving in winter conditions.

NHTSA ID

11504304

Incident

Jan 29, 2023

Car developed a knocking sound from the front-left which occurred during any movement of the suspension, i.e. from all minor perturbations of the road surface rather than major dynamic actions such as breaking or steering. The dealer diagnosed worn out sway bar bushings. They replaced these (and potentially other suspension components - work details from the invoice can be provided upon request) but discovered during their work that the entire front subframe had failed with a major crack. Details can be seen in the attached photos (taken by the VW dealership - Ourisman of Bethesda, MD). I authorized the replacement of the front subframe with OEM components, at a cost in excess of $2000. I have owned the car from new (first registered in January 2018) and it has ~43,000 miles. The car has never been involved in an accident and has been used as family transport on standard road surfaces / driving conditions.

NHTSA ID

11496908

Incident

Nov 28, 2022

Design flaw on thermostat housing leaks causing coolant loss. Common issue that is expensive to repair and should be recalled.

NHTSA ID

11493376

Incident

Nov 6, 2022

Passenger window (front) and locks not working. Suddenly stopped working on my low mileage car. The wire harness had to be replaced. Similar recall for the VW Atlas that would also effect the airbag because of corroded wire contacts. Brought to VW dealer and they determined (after 2 weeks) the wire harness had to be replaced. Not functioning doors and locks and possible airbags are a huge safety issue.

NHTSA ID

11483955

Incident

Aug 29, 2022

Airbags, horn, cruise control and all other functions related to the steering wheel suddenly stopped working. Volkswagen has diagnosed the clock spring is defective and needs to be replaced. I’ve been quoted $712.00 for this repair. The replacement part is also on backorders with no clear indication of when it will arrive. Volkswagen will not supply a loaner car or any rental assistance and insists their customers drive a car without function airbags or a horn. This is a well known issue for Volkswagen and is a major safety concern for anyone who owns one of their vehicles. It needs to be addressed and fixed ASAP!

NHTSA ID

11477257

Incident

Jul 29, 2022

Bought the car from autonation in October 2021 and had condensation wet dog smell. Car was garaged until 4/2022 at which time I noticed headliner stains and water coming into wheel well, called dealer was advised to check drain tubes. I cannot. More rain more issues. Care warning lights all came on including airbag. Car has 38150 miles. VW refusing to cover under recall. Wants me to file insurance claim. Dealer did not acknowledge mold headliner issues until I called back after picking up the car. PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEAKS. HEADLINER I AND CARPET IS BADLY STAINED WITH VISIBLE MOLD GROWTH. PILLAR STAINING AS WELL. WATER LEAKS FROM DOME LIGHT AND SUNROOF CONTROL BUTTONS. WATER ALSO LEAKS INTO FOOT WELL. TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP WHO HAVE SAID THAT IT IS LIKELY THE SUNROOF DRAINS ARE BLOCKED BY DEBRIS AND REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE CONSUMER TO ACCESS THE SUNROOF DRAINS TO KEEP THEM CLEAR, PARTICULARLY THE REAR DRAINS, WHICH ENTAILS DISMANTLING PART OF THE CAR. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MANY REPORTED COMPLAINTS BY OWNERS WITH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BEING ISSUED. PLEASE ENCOURAGE AN INVESTIGATION

NHTSA ID

11467619

Incident

May 6, 2022

Whenever you put the car in park and take your foot off the brake the car will roll a little.

NHTSA ID

11462854

Incident

Apr 30, 2022

Gear Shift trim piece chrome plating splits and lifts up. This part caused a laceration on my finger from the fingernail to 1st knuckle. Related Reference :: Service action 347J - Gear Shift Cover Trim:: This applies only to GTI and needs to apply to Golf in general

NHTSA ID

11454485

Incident

Feb 26, 2022

Leaking water pump at less than 80,000 miles causing engine to overheat and become damaged.

NHTSA ID

11446261

Incident

Dec 22, 2021

The aluminum trim piece around gear shift has come up from the plastic underneath. It is the front of the trim next to where there is a charging outlet and small item storage. When removing my phone one day, I caught my finger on the raised (delaminated) section of the aluminum and sliced my finger open. I did not need stitches, but did use butterfly closures while it healed. I removed the part that was sticking up so now the sharp edge is closer to the exposed plastic and not as much of a hazard. A quick online search shows this is a fairly common problem with many people reporting a cut finger/hand.

NHTSA ID

11442323

Incident

Jul 13, 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. The contact stated that the sunroof was leaking and allowing water to enter the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11438570

Incident

Oct 4, 2021

Mileage

60,000 mi

Chrome trim around the DSG shifter has peeling chrome which is razor sharp. It has cut my hand deeply and is a safety hazard to me and my family.

NHTSA ID

11437456

Incident

Jul 9, 2020