VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN · model year

2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN

51 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017VOLKSWAGENGOLF SPORTWAGEN carries 51 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 GOLF SPORTWAGEN is suspension with 14 filings, followed by electrical system (6) and fuel/propulsion system (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2017 GOLF SPORTWAGEN, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

51
Complaints
9
Crashes
0
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

51 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5
ENGINE4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
AIR BAGS3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
SERVICE BRAKES2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER1
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION1

Recalls (4)

19V61500022/08/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

24V11000014/02/2024

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 vehi

18V46400011/07/2018

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, the

19V18800006/03/2019

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.

Recent Complaints

20250509SUSPENSION

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.

20250317LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

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)

20250317UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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)

20241018SUSPENSION

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.

20240807FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20240629AIR BAGS

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.

20240611FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

Mileage: 70,000

20240611FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTER

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.

Mileage: 70,000

20240606FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

20240522SUSPENSION

[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)

20240513SUSPENSION

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.

20240510SUSPENSION

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]

20240424SUSPENSION

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.

20240423FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20240308AIR BAGS

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.

20231121SUSPENSION

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

20230801SUSPENSION

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)

20230626SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

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.

Mileage: 115,000

20230621CrashSERVICE BRAKES

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.

20230621CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Compare 2017VOLKSWAGENGOLF SPORTWAGEN to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN have?
The 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN has 51 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN?
The 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN?
Yes, the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN?
The most-complained component for the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN is SUSPENSION with 14 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.