The Lemon Index2017 Volkswagen Golf.
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf is worse than average by owner complaints: 123 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 169, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 25 to 29 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Golf year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 301 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Golf year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 45K miles on the car (137 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 11K–43K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 11K–47K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 3K–34K miles
Recalls 6
- fuel system, gasoline 2024
Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- unknown or other 2021
These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale.
- unknown or other 2020
These internal use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale.
Show all 6 recalls
- suspension 2019
The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
- steering 2018
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, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen…
- seat belts 2016
Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 716 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tech Tips (Comfort Module (J393) or BCM (J519) Replacement): This document informs if a…
- Technical Bulletin informing that When applying brakes at highway speeds the following…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFuel leak due to suction jet pump failure within fuel tank (remedy effectiveness of recall 16v647)2023–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Golf GTI 2 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
After 55k miles, my car had a waterpump leak that seems common in the forums I attend.
2017 Volkswagen Golf owner · NHTSA complaint 11315880
More owner reports
The "combi" valve on my gti stays stuck open causing more exhaust gases to flow through the catalytic converter. As a result nmy catalytic converter had to be replaced. After replacing to combi valve. It happened again
NHTSA complaint 11101789
Thermostat housing leak causes coolant leak and low coolant warnings. Was operating the vehicle under normal conditions when low coolant warning illuminated.
NHTSA complaint 11317146
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 169; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Golf year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2017 Volkswagen Golf problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (19%), electrical (15%) and body structure (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf have?
6 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf get?
25 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Volkswagen Golf problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,200 and 45,000 miles. The middle report was at 29,900 miles, from 137 complaints.
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Golf year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2020 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works