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2017 Volkswagen Golf problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 Volkswagen Golf has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 5safety recalls
- 190owner complaints
- 3crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 13%fail the UK MOT
The most complained-about Volkswagen Golf year on file: 190 complaints, against an average of 46 for the other 10 model years.
Every Volkswagen Golf model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2017 Volkswagen Golf?
The components named most often in the 190 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 Volkswagen Golf owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 190 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does water leak into my 2017 Volkswagen Golf?19 owners · 10%
- Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Golf smell of fuel or gas?18 owners · 9.5%
- Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Golf stall, lose power or shut off while driving?10 owners · 5.3%
- Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Golf overheat?8 owners · 4.2%
- Can the sunroof on the 2017 Volkswagen Golf shatter or fail?8 owners · 4.2%
Has the 2017 Volkswagen Golf been recalled?
5 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Fuel System, Gasoline Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Unknown Or Other Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Risk: Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
Suspension: Rear: Springs: Coil Springs 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.
Risk: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Steering: Column Locking: Anti-Theft Device Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix: 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
Seat Belts: Pretensioner Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSASteering rack bolt replacement
Risk: On vehicles of a limited production period corrosion can cause a tear of a bolt head on the steering rack. This can result in a loss of steering functionality.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the affected bolted connection of the steering rack is replaced on the right-hand side of the subframe.
UK DVSATakata Front airbag
Risk: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
UK DVSARear wheel bearing housings may be incorrectly manufactured and could fail prematurely
Risk: The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.
Fix: Recall the 420 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.
UK DVSAAirbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
Risk: Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.
UK DVSALights may fail without warning
Risk: It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general…Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDefective material may be used in the rear suspension helical springs.As a result, the springs could break, impairing the driving stability and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 13/05/2019
EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general…Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe rear wheel-bearing housing may fracture.This can impair the vehicle’s road-holding ability, leading to the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe car has tyre-pressure signs/stickers indicating the incorrect tyre pressure requirement.Too low tyre pressure may cause the tread to separate or the tyre to burst.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateSome vehicles have differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating device, which could lead to the driver and passenger airbag or…Some vehicles have differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating device, which could lead to the driver and passenger airbag or seat-belt pre-tensioner not activating in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that the wheel bolts were not tightened with the correct torque which could result in the loss of the wheel.Also, the running direction of the tyres may not have been taken into account when the winter tyres were fitted which could have a negative effect on driving stability.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2017, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2017 Volkswagen Golf owners report?
12 of the 190 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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…
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…
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?
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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
Panoramic sunroof drains leaked water into passenger compartment down the A pillar on the drivers side. Leak was intense and occurred during rain, even light rain or mist. Material covering the A pillar was soaked through, and water droplets were dripping from the pillar onto the driver and dashboard. Water soaked the gauge cluster electronics and airbag contained within the A pillar. The electronics continued to operate, and water did not immediately cause them to malfunction. No warning lights illuminated. The windshield would become foggy any time there was moisture outside and visibility…
Volkswagen guides on CarHooq
2017 Volkswagen Golf: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 190 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf; the most common categories were fuel/propulsion system (55, 28.9%), engine (25, 13.2%), electrical system (24, 12.6%). There are 5 safety recalls. 3 complaints mention a crash, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Golf?
Across 190 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are fuel/propulsion system (28.9% of complaints), engine (13.2% of complaints), electrical system (12.6% of complaints), structure (12.1% of complaints), air bags (9.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf; the most recent (campaign 24V110000, 2024-02-14) concerns Fuel System, Gasoline. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does water leak into my 2017 Volkswagen Golf?
19 of the 190 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf (10%) describe water leaks into the cabin, sunroof or trunk. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11523521, May 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Golf smell of fuel or gas?
18 of the 190 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf (9.5%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. One owner wrote: "Related to recall 20UF. VWoA refused to authorize repair under recall in March. My 2017 GTI is diagnosed with all symptoms of the 20UF recall. Random power loss, inability to add fuel, large fuel leak from rear fender (charcoal canister)." (NHTSA complaint 11588685, May 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Golf stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
10 of the 190 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf (5.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11610366, August 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Golf overheat?
8 of the 190 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf (4.2%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11612975, September 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Can the sunroof on the 2017 Volkswagen Golf shatter or fail?
8 of the 190 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf (4.2%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "driving down the highway at 70mph and what sounded like a gunshot inside the car. glass started falling on us driving down the road. the sunroof glass exploded." (NHTSA complaint 11595149, June 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Golf
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2017 only.