This page covers 4 recalls, 37 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen.
28–29 mpg combined
8.1–8.4 L/100km
Small Station Wagons
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
Suspension is the standout concern owners report for the 2017 Golf SportWagen, with a notable share describing rear coil springs that snap or break, sometimes discovered during routine inspections. Some owners report multiple springs failing on the same vehicle. Fuel system issues make up the next most common thread, where owners describe the gas pump shutting off almost immediately when refueling, with fuel backing up out of the filler neck, leaving the tank unable to accept a normal fill. A smaller cluster of complaints points to the passenger seat occupancy sensor failing and triggering airbag and seatbelt warning lights, with owners noting the airbag system appeared non-functional while the lights were on. A few isolated reports mention the side mirror glass detaching due to what owners describe as adhesive failure.
37
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fuel leak that can ignite and cause a fire on front-wheel drive models.
A pair of recalls share the same underlying concern: a buildup on the shift lever's micro switch contacts can allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is still in a gear other than Park, leaving the vehicle free to roll away without warning. This affects models with an automatic transmission. On the suspension side, the rear coil springs can fracture while driving, and a broken spring can puncture or damage a rear tire, leading to a sudden loss of vehicle control.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty seal on the suction pump inside the fuel tank allows fuel to flow into the emissions control system and potentially leak from the charcoal canister.
What the fix does
The suction pump will be replaced at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition even when the transmission is not in Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear coil springs may break prematurely, potentially affecting vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever micro switch contacts allows the ignition key to be removed while the shift lever is not in Park, preventing proper theft and rollaway protection.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no charge to restore proper ignition key and shift lever function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
