2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen Owner Complaints

2017 Golf has been nothing but a nightmare. [1] 2018-2021, it was Infotainment system that I had to repair 3 times; once under warranty, twice out of pocket. Stupid navigation system malfunctions every time they upgrade the map or something and caused another visit to the dealer for replacing the entire radio and that little disk in the glove box. How many times would anyone do this during ownership, every year? I gave up fixing that dumbest navigation infotainment whatever, after paying thousands of $$ twice. Apparently, nobody at VW could care less if their driver could have an accident while driving with phone in hand to navigate while the navigation screen is on forever uploading loop. [2] 2026, EPC started showing up on dashboard. Car was noticeably sluggish and became difficult to accelerate. Dumbass dealership misdiagnosed and repaired engine harness instead of turbocharger, costing me thousands of $$ for two separate repairs. I missed the class action deadline due to seldom driving. EPC was not acting up yet during the suit. Whoever reads this, go buy yourself a Toyota.

NHTSA ID

11752767

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11659993

Incident

May 9, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID

11648669

Incident

Mar 14, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11620588

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11606993

Incident

Aug 7, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11597732

Incident

Jun 6, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11593720

Incident

May 27, 2024

Mileage

70,000 mi

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 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 confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11592925

Incident

Jun 6, 2024

[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)

NHTSA ID

11590136

Incident

May 20, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11588521

Incident

Apr 15, 2024

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]

NHTSA ID

11588096

Incident

May 2, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11584966

Incident

Aug 31, 2023

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 ID

11584765

Incident

Apr 22, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11576160

Incident

Mar 7, 2024

Both rear coil springs have broken. Ref: NHTSA Campaign 19V188000

NHTSA ID

11556259

Incident

Nov 21, 2023

Got in touch with VW regarding recall 42J5 but manufacturer tells me that my vehicle is not a part it the recall. I believe since my car is 2017 which is a part of the recall, there is a chance a defective part could have been used on my car. Also VW refused to provide me with parts numbers for the effected vehicle. I was going it compare with parts on my vehicle which are broken ( coil springs)

NHTSA ID

11535834

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side to the vehicle was lowered due to a fractured coil spring. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V188000 (Suspension) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11528930

Incident

Jun 25, 2023

Mileage

115,000 mi

I was parking my car with my foot on the brake when suddenly the car just took off and crashed into a building ---- WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE!! I think it was a sudden unintentional acceleration where the electrical something in the engine malfunctions causing the throttle to open and the car to accelerate --- FAST ---- and in a split second the car crashed into a building. I am thankful that the building was there otherwise I might have been killed or seriously injured . My car was a 2017 volkswagen golf.

NHTSA ID

11528148

Incident

Jun 21, 2021

Both rear springs shattered in three paces withing 6 weeks of each other. One occurred while driving on highway beginning of March 2023. The first time there was no immediate issue because of the way the spring collapsed on itself. I replaced the spring. The second spring shattered and collapsed (end of April 2023) onto the shock causing loud banging sounds. Luckily it collapsed while on city street. The tire was scraping inside the wheel well but I was able to control the vehicle. I could not drive the vehicle until the spring was replaced. I checked with VW and there are numerous recalls on the my vehicle model and year, but not my vin #.

NHTSA ID

11519255

Incident

Apr 23, 2023

Broken rear coil springs, piece of passenger side rear spring located in assembly, possible road and vehicle hazard. Broken spring is available for inspection. Spring has not been inspected by dealer, appointment has been scheduled. No warning messages, loud banging noise heard, internet search conducted and broken spring piece located and removed. Located VW recall #42J5, contacted VW, but they could not locate recall # in their system. VW told me that my VIN# wasn't included in the recall, but they couldn't locate the actual recall. Safety recall report #19V-188

NHTSA ID

11509969

Incident

Mar 2, 2023

I was parking my car with my foot firmly on the brake when suddenly the car surged out of control and very fast crashed in to a building. I was bruised and cut with chest pains, but the worst of it is that I lost my driver's license because of the accident. I have a mechanic's report. The mechanic came and looked at the car with a scanner and deemed the accident to be not my fault. The mechanic thought according the the information on the scanner that there was some electrical interference that caused the throttle to open. An insurance adjuster also came and thought the accident was not my fault, but the RMV(registry of motor vehicles) thinks the accident was my fault and I am having a hell of a time getting my license back. So far I have spent thousands of dollars on ubers getting around and also on lawyers to try to get my driver's license back. I would like to sue volkswagen. I have experienced ennourmas pain and suffering because of this accident even though I was not seriously hurt. If the building hadn't been there to stop the car I might well have been seriously hurt. And yes I have written to the CEO of volkswagen twice and I have also called him multiple times. I have called the dealership where I bought the car. I have spoken to several lawyers to no avail. I do have a lawyer who is working on getting my license back. This accident has taken a toll on my health and well being. I live in a semi rural area and am retired but still working part time in churches all over the city. Last month my visa bill was over $2000 -- mostly ubers. I am seriously hoping that I will get my license back soon but the problems this accident has caused have been huge. And yes this accident happened twice. Once on April 8 2019 --- I lost my license then but got it back --- then again the same thing with the same car --- parking the car -- foot on brake --- car speeds up with my foot on the brake and crashes in to a building.

NHTSA ID

11502973

Incident

Jun 21, 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the coolant pressure warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the coolant level was below normal. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ID

11500155

Incident

Nov 4, 2022

Mileage

32,000 mi

At 28,700 miles both rear coil springs on my Volkswagen failed. This spring failure was addressed in Volkswagen's 42J5 recall campaign and NHTSA's campaign # 19V188000. However, my vehicles VIN # was not part of this recall. Since the springs on my vehicle failed at a low mileage why was my vehicle not included in the 56,000 vehicles recalled. Perhaps this indicates a wider issue than Volkswagen first believed. I am the original owner and the vehicle has not been abused in any way. I have the failed springs available for inspection and my mechanic said he has replaced these springs on three other Volkswagens. This is in a small town of 2000 people. The problem made itself known by unusual noises from the rear of the car when on uneven road surfaces. Safety issues involved are covered in the original recall.

NHTSA ID

11490130

Incident

Sep 30, 2022

Driving south on GA Hwy. 21 on 8.28.22 the vehicle began leaking gas from the left rear. There were no warning lamps or messages showing. My husband was following in another vehicle is the only way I found out. At the time, I was driving about 60 mph in clear conditions, light traffic. A certified mechanic identified the problem. When I called the closest VW dealership, they informed me that they did not have the parts in stock (fuel tank, $943; fuel pump, $694). Numerous sources on the internet identify the identical problem with videos. According to my certified mechanic and internet sources, the problem is caused by a surge pump inside the fuel tank.

NHTSA ID

11482153

Incident

Aug 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that fuel was getting into the evap charcoal canister. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle almost stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the check valve inside the tank had failed due to a faulty evap system. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11459897

Incident

Mar 6, 2022

Mileage

115,000 mi