2017 Volkswagen Golf Complaints

STRUCTURE — Filed 09/13/2026

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.

STRUCTURE — Filed 04/16/2026

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 for water leakage - the only failure points VW had documented for this platform at the time. The leak recurred under the same incline condition and has worsened as the perimeter gasket aged. This is a mechanically distinct failure path (inner-channel overflow) from what was repaired (outer seal/drains). Current mileage 64,904; vehicle is now usually garaged, which has reduced but not eliminated the issue. DEALER CONFIRMATION: XXX VW of [XXX] (Svc Mgr [XXX]) confirmed recurrence and quoted a repair requiring full removal of the sunroof frame and interior. XXX, Svc Advisor [XXX] reviewed Audi TSB (NHTSA ID XXX/ Mfr Transaction [XXX], released XXX), "Panoramic sliding sunroof leaking," which documents an essentially identical failure mode - an undrained wind-deflector channel overflowing into the headliner - on Audi Q3/Q8/e-tron models, and confirmed no existing or pending remedy exists for the Golf Alltrack. SAFETY: Water intrusion sits near headliner wiring, cabin lighting circuits, and the sunroof motor. A related 2017 Audi Q5 recall addressed sunroof leaks that saturated airbag components. A detailed PDF (full timeline, technical comparison to the TSB, and reference photos) is attached to this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/03/2026

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 referenced a repair under TSB: 2047609. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/10/2026

Car battery spontaneously exploded when trying to start the car.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 04/28/2026

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?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/21/2026

My vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 20UF (Suction Jet Pump failure / Fire Risk). I have attempted to contact Pacific Volkswagen in Hawthorne, CA to schedule this safety-critical repair. On two separate occasions, upon mentioning that the call was regarding the 20UF recall, the dealership staff disconnected the call. This repeated 'recall avoidance' at Pacific Volkswagen is preventing me from remedying a known fire risk, and the dealership is effectively refusing to facilitate a federally mandated safety repair. I am concerned that the dealer is prioritizing paid service over safety-critical warranty work.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/27/2025

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 04/15/2023

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a parking lot barrier. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. There was no injury sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was towed to an Auto Body Shop. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not deemed a total loss. The contact related the failure to an article read online on Edmonds Auto Reviews. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/27/2025

I have been having rear cameras for quite some time. The first time I took it to the dealer they could not find any issues and told me to take pictures. I did, plenty of them. Monday 10-27 2025 I took it in again for the gas tank issue and camera issue. Being disabled due to serious spine issues I had to minimize waiting time. The dealer preformed a radio update per 91-19-02 & MIB2 composition & discovered media info system malfunctions. I am currently under VW extended warranty 10 year 100000 mi but they charged me $225.00 for the update. This is exactly the same issue for recall #91SB. Apparently the issue goes back further than the recall, I believe that these issues were swept under the rug. Any help would be appreciated. [XXX] VW [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] I believe that the recall is the tip of a very large problem INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/10/2021

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 something that I caused. Attached are the invoices and notes provided by the technicians. I paid $3,877 to get the problem fixed.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/13/2024

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle and shifting to the park, the contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle rolled backward. The driver depressed the brake pedal and activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle from rolling. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 170,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/12/2024

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.

STEERING,POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/17/2024

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/10/2022

The component that failed, according to Volkswagen, is the rollover valve in the gas tank. This issue caused large amounts of gasoline to leak and pool from behind the rear passenger wheel well, creating a significant fire hazard and risk of harm. The vehicle was inspected by a Volkswagen service center as part of the repair process, whereupon the Volkswagen service center documented that the issue was caused by a faulty rollover valve in the gas tank. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/20/2024

I had a suction jet pump recall due on the car. I took it to the dealer to fix. Mind you, I have never had an issue with this car ever. Now about a week later from the car being in the shop I get an engine malfunction light that comes on due to the evap system. Vw dealership of cool springs has not worked with me on this at all and it is frustrating to say the least.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/02/2024

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/28/2023

Car has been leaking fuel for over a year. Had to pay out of pocket to get it fixed and VW refused to refund cost of repairs even though there is now a recall over a year later acknowledging the issue.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/20/2024

I have gear shift trim that has peeled and is extermely sharp in my vehicle. This had led to cutting my hands multiple times while accessing the center storage compartment. This is a known issue with GTIs and other Volkswagen trim manufacturing, yet Volkswagen refuses to replace the part in my VIN. The relevant Service Action Code is 34J7.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/01/2022

There is a piece of trim near the gear selector in the interior that separated to reveal a sharp edge that caused a severe cut on my hand.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/26/2022

Gear Shift trim piece chrome plating splits and lifts up. This part caused a laceration on my finger from the fingernail to 1st knuckle. Related Reference :: Service action 347J - Gear Shift Cover Trim:: This applies only to GTI and needs to apply to Golf in general

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/13/2021

The aluminum trim piece around gear shift has come up from the plastic underneath. It is the front of the trim next to where there is a charging outlet and small item storage. When removing my phone one day, I caught my finger on the raised (delaminated) section of the aluminum and sliced my finger open. I did not need stitches, but did use butterfly closures while it healed. I removed the part that was sticking up so now the sharp edge is closer to the exposed plastic and not as much of a hazard. A quick online search shows this is a fairly common problem with many people reporting a cut finger/hand.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/22/2021

On 8/22/21, the aluminum/plastic trim around the gear shifter boot gave me a deep cut on my pinky finger as I removed my phone from the USB adapter. The bleeding did not stop for several hours even after applying pressure and I'm very lucky that I didn't need stitches!!! That aluminum/plastic trim is RAZOR SHARP!!! This is an extreme safety hazard for drivers and passengers and not to mention children!!! Why Volkswagen has not issued a recall on this dangerously sharp part is appalling!!! I take excellent care of my vehicle and normal wear and tear does not equal a razor sharp edge on a gear shifter boot. This is shoddy craftsmanship and UNSAFE for ALL drivers and passengers. I contacted Volkswagen customer care and they asked me to send pictures of the faulty part and asked me to take it to the nearest dealership so they could assess. The VW dealership assessed the issue and advised they would need to order the part to replace. Volkswagen care agreed to a "goodwill gesture" to have the trim replaced free of charge to me. Fast forward to the dealer replacing the part and I receive the car back...THE TRIM IS STILL RAZOR SHARP!!!! What was the point of that exercise? Volkswagen offered zero help when I advised them of this and closed my case. THIS PART NEEDS TO BE RECALLED SO NO CHILDREN (or ANYONE) GET CUT!!! I am extremely disappointed at how Volkswagen handled this and how they have not done THE RIGHT THING and done a recall for this part. There is precedent for this happening on Volkswagen forums all over the internet!!! I at least want to document this complaint to NHTSA and to point out Volkswagen's bad business practice with this.

STRUCTURE — Filed 07/09/2020

Chrome trim around the DSG shifter has peeling chrome which is razor sharp. It has cut my hand deeply and is a safety hazard to me and my family.

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/17/2017

ON 10/17/17 AT 6:30 PM, I WAS DRIVING VERY SLOWLY IN SLOW TRAFFIC IN TOWN WHEN A MAN DRIVING IN BACK OF ME WAS LOOKING DOWN SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT AND DISTRACTED (WAS ON HIS PHONE ALTHOUGH HE SAID HE FELL ASLEEP) WHEN HE HIT THE BACK (REAR-ENDED) MY CAR. I HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. MY HEAD AND BODY THRUSTED FORWARD AND BACK AND MY HEAD HIT THE LOWER PART OF THE HEAD REST HARD BECAUSE THE HEAD REST AND SEAT ARE TOO TALL (I'M SHORT) AND THE HEADREST DOESN'T FIT MY HEAD. I SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, WHIPLASH, AND SIGNIFICANT PAIN. THIS IS THE 2ND ACCIDENT WHICH WAS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE 1ST ACCIDENT ON 6/21/17 WHICH I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TO YOU, VW OF AMERICA, AND DIRITO BROTHERS IN WALNUT CREEK. I SUFFERED A 2ND CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH. BOTH TIMES, THE OTHER PARTY WAS AT FAULT AND BOTH PARTIES ADMITTED THEY WERE AT FAULT AND I DID NOTHING WRONG BOTH TIMES. I REQUESTED THAT VW RECALL THESE HEADRESTS AND SEATS AND REPLACE THEM WITH HEADRESTS AND SEATS THAT ARE ADJUSTABLE AND FIT PROPERLY FOR SHORT PEOPLE. MY REQUEST WAS DENIED DESPITE THIS BEING A SAFETY CONCERN WHICH CAUSED MY VEHICLE DAMAGE AND MY BODY WAS INJURED. I, AM, AGAIN, RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A RECALL SO MY HEADREST AND SEAT WILL FIT PROPERLY AND I WILL BE AT REDUCED RISK FOR INJURY WHEN THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. BOTH TIMES, I FILED CLAIMS WITH MY STATE FARM INSURANCE CO. I RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT BOTH TIMES.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/21/2017

ON 6/21/17, A SUV CAR REAR-ENDED MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAS TRAVELING IN TOWN ABOUT 4-6 MPH BECAUSE I HAD SLOWED DOWN AND WAS PREPARING TO STOP FOR AN AMBER LIGHT. WHEN THE PERSON HIT MY CAR, MY HEAD AND UPPER BODY WERE VIOLENTLY THRUST FORWARD AND BACK AS MY HEAD HIT NEAR THE BOTTOM AREA OF MY HEADREST. I HAVE A CONCUSSION AND WHIP LASH. MY CAR HAS REAR-END AND SIDE DAMAGE. SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED MY NEW CAR IN SEPT. 2016, I COMPLAINED ABOUT MY CONCERN TO THE DEALER, DIRITO BROTHERS IN WALNUT CREEK, CA AND SPOKE TO: [XXX], SALESPERSON, [XXX], OWNER, [XXX], THE SERVICE MANAGER, AND [XXX], SERVICE CONSULTANT AND TOLD THEM SINCE THE SEAT IS TOO TALL, THE HEADREST DOESN'T GO DOWN ENOUGH TO CRADLE MY HEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HEADREST. I TOLD THEM I WAS AFRAID IF I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, MY HEAD COULD POSSIBLY HIT AT OR NEAR THE BOTTOM PART OF THE HEADREST AND I COULD POSSILBLY BE INJURED (WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED). MY NAME IS [XXX], PH # IS [XXX], EMAIL IS [XXX], AND MY MILEAGE IS 14,739. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH VW OF AMERICA, CASE #[XXX] ON 6/30/17. I TOLD THEM MY MAIN CONCERN WAS SAFETY AND FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE RESOLVED TO PREVENT INJURIES OF THEIR CUSTOMERS IN FUTURE ACCIDENTS. I SUGGESTED A RECALL AND POSSIBLE COMPENSATION. TODAY, VW STAFF, [XXX] CONTACTED ME AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO SINCE THE NHTSA (YOUR AGENCY) SAID VW HEADRESTS MEET AND EXCEED FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS. WHEN I ASKED TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR, [XXX] PLACED ME ON-HOLD AND WHEN SHE RETURNED TO THE PHONE, SHE SAID THE SUPERVISORS WERE ALL IN A MEETING, AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO. VW OF AMERICA REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY AND OTHERS' SAFETY AND SHOWED NO CONCERN. THIS IS THE 3RD GOLF VW I'VE OWNED AND I'VE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM PREVIOUSLY WITH HEADRESTS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR