This page covers 15 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R.
25 mpg combined
9.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine-related complaints dominate what 2017 Golf R owners report. The most common pattern involves cooling system failures, owners describe thermostats and water pumps failing, triggering check engine lights and causing cooling fans to run at full speed continuously. A separate cluster of complaints points to the fuel system, where owners report a failed fuel suction pump leading to strong gasoline odors, loss of power, and an inability to fill the tank normally; some also describe fuel accumulating in or leaking from the evaporative emissions system. One owner reports the fuel gauge staying on empty after a fill-up, with fuel leaking onto the rear wheel area. Powertrain complaints are present but thin at this complaint volume. One isolated report describes a shift boot trim piece with a peeling metal edge sharp enough to cause cuts.
15
Total Complaints
2
With Injuries
By System
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
