This page covers 7 recalls, 115 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf.
29 mpg combined
8.1 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
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf centers on the fuel and propulsion system, which accounts for the largest share of reports by a wide margin. Owners most frequently describe fuel system malfunctions, including fuel gauges misreading the tank level, fuel overflowing or leaking during fill-up, and issues with the fuel tank itself. Several owners report gas leaking from the tank area, sometimes discovered while refueling. Engine complaints come in second, with multiple owners describing check engine lights accompanied by diagnoses involving the thermostat housing and oxygen sensors, a combination that comes up across several reports. A handful of structural complaints round out the picture, though at lower volume. The fuel gauge and tank leak pattern is the most consistently repeated theme, with owners describing situations where the gauge shows empty despite fuel being present, or where attempting to fill the tank results in overflow or visible leakage from the tank bottom.
115
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf has 7 recalls, the most serious being a fuel leak that can result in a fire if an ignition source is present.
A rear coil spring can fracture while driving and puncture or damage a rear tire, leading to loss of vehicle control. Two recalls share a related concern: a buildup on shift lever switch contacts can allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in Park, which can lead to an unintended rollaway. There is also a safety equipment concern where airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy or function correctly in a crash, leaving occupants without full protection. One recall affects certain internal-use vehicles that were sold without confirmation they met all regulatory requirements. A final recall involves a Canadian labeling issue on vehicles with factory-installed 15-inch tires, where the certification label lists an incorrect rear tire sidewall specification.
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).
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
These vehicles were sold without verification that they met all federal safety standards and may have been altered before sale, potentially failing to comply with required safety standards.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 for details.
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.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire information label on certain vehicles with 15-inch tires shows incorrect sidewall height for rear tires, causing non-compliance with safety standards. The label should specify 195/65 R15 for rear tires.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the tire information label with one showing the correct tire specifications.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver, passenger, or head air bags may fail to deploy in a crash. On some models, seat belt pretensioners may not activate during a collision.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
