CarBrief

NHTSA has 301 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Golf/GTI, led by fuel and engine reports[1][2][3]. Seven recalls apply, and each one lists a remedy that dealers or Volkswagen will carry out[4][5][6][7][8][9][10].

301owner complaints[1]
7recalls[11]
25–29MPG combined (EPA)[12]
5★NHTSA overall rating[13]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 301 owner complaints for the 2017 Golf/GTI[1]. Seven mention a crash, none mention a fire, 15 mention injuries and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and Keep the text, but cite it as a general note and not F1, or drop the[1] after the second sentence.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Fuel/propulsion system[2] 78 34,000
Engine[3] 55 34,655
Unknown or other[14] 46 20,000
Electrical system[15] 38 14,000
Structure[16] 28 22,000
Air bags[17] 24 27,000
Suspension[18] 24 43,000
Power train[19] 22 22,000

We read a sample of 12 complaint texts for each of four groups: fuel/propulsion, engine, electrical and structure. Here is what owners describe.

The sunroof leak shows up under both electrical and structure, so the same kind of problem may be counted in both groups. This is a small sample and does not tell you how often any problem happens across all cars.

Recalls

NHTSA lists seven recalls for this model year, newest first[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Each one states a remedy. None says the remedy is not yet available. Owners can call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298[8].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings vary by version. The Golf R is rated for premium fuel. The other gasoline versions are rated for regular. The annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version Transmission City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Golf 1.8L, front-wheel drive[12] Automatic (S6) 25 / 35 / 29 $2,300
Golf 1.8L, front-wheel drive[20] Manual 5-spd 25 / 36 / 29 $2,300
GTI 2.0L, front-wheel drive[21] Automatic (AM-S6) 24 / 32 / 27 $2,500
GTI 2.0L, front-wheel drive[22] Manual 6-spd 24 / 34 / 28 $2,400
Golf R 2.0L, all-wheel drive[23] Automatic (AM-S6) 23 / 30 / 25 $3,300
Golf R 2.0L, all-wheel drive[24] Manual 6-spd 22 / 31 / 25 $3,300
Golf SportWagen 1.8L, front-wheel drive[25] Automatic (S6) 25 / 34 / 29 $2,300
Golf SportWagen 1.8L, front-wheel drive[26] Manual 5-spd 25 / 35 / 28 $2,400
Golf SportWagen 4motion 1.8L, all-wheel drive[27] Automatic (AM-S6) 22 / 30 / 25 $2,700
Golf SportWagen 4motion 1.8L, all-wheel drive[28] Manual 6-spd 22 / 32 / 26 $2,600
Golf Alltrack 1.8L, all-wheel drive[29] Automatic (AM-S6) 22 / 30 / 25 $2,700
Golf Alltrack 1.8L, all-wheel drive[30] Manual 6-spd 22 / 32 / 26 $2,600

The electric e-Golf is rated 119 MPGe combined with 125 miles of range[31].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the rated four-door Golf versions and the SportWagen versions an overall rating of 5 stars[13][32][33][34]. Each shows 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash and 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 13.4%[13][32][33][34]. The e-Golf is not rated[35].

Engine and size

EPA lists three power levels for the 2017 Golf/GTI group. The electric motor is rated 134 hp[36]. The 1.8L four-cylinder is rated 170 hp[37]. The 2.0L four-cylinder is rated 211 to 292 hp depending on version[38].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Golf 1.8 TSI hatch[39][40] 167 in 71 in 57 in 104 in 2,906 lb
GTI hatch[41][42] 167 in 71 in 57 in 104 in 3,038 lb
Alltrack[43] 180 in 71 in 60 in 104 in 3,186 lb
SportWagen[44] 180 in 71 in 58 in 104 in 3,186 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

1995: 61 complaints, 4 recalls19951996: 12 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 17 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 28 complaints, 1 recalls19981999: 72 complaints, 4 recalls2000: 133 complaints, 5 recalls2001: 190 complaints, 5 recalls20012002: 198 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 79 complaints, 2 recalls2004: 35 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 27 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 55 complaints, 2 recalls2007: 79 complaints, 1 recalls20072008: 68 complaints, 1 recalls2009: 170 complaints, 2 recalls2010: 122 complaints, 5 recalls20102011: 165 complaints, 6 recalls2012: 89 complaints, 6 recalls2013: 82 complaints, 5 recalls20132014: 22 complaints, 5 recalls2015: 322 complaints, 14 recalls2016: 237 complaints, 14 recalls20162017: 301 complaints, 7 recalls30120172018: 76 complaints, 10 recalls2019: 284 complaints, 7 recalls20192020: 14 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 11 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 119 complaints, 6 recalls20222023: 23 complaints, 5 recalls2024: 41 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 4 complaints, 0 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Golf/GTI model year. The 2017 is highlighted[11].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995614
1996121
1997170
1998281
1999724
20001335
20011905
20021983
2003792
2004352
2005272
2006552
2007791
2008681
20091702
20101225
20111656
2012896
2013825
2014225
201532214
201623714
20173017
20187610
20192847
2020143
2021112
20221196
2023235
2024412
202640

The 2017 model year has 301 complaints and 7 recalls on file with NHTSA[11]. Among all the Golf/GTI years listed, only 2015 has more complaints, with 322[11]. After 2017 come 2019 with 284 and 2016 with 237[11].

For recalls, 2015 and 2016 each list 14 and 2018 lists 10[11]. The 2017 and 2019 model years each list 7. Apart from 2015, 2016 and 2018, every other listed year has 6 or fewer[11]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so they show where reports and recalls cluster and not how likely a single car is to have trouble.

Should you buy a used 2017 Golf/GTI?

Merge the sentences 'If you are looking at a specific car...' and 'Look closely for water stains around the sunroof.' into one sentence., and fuel and engine reports lead the list[11][2][3]. In the complaints we read, owners describe lost power and fuel leaks, and sunroof leaks show up in two groups[2][15][16]. On the other side, every recall lists a remedy, and the rated versions earn 5 stars overall from NHTSA[4][7][8][9][10][13]. If you are looking at a specific car, ask for proof that the recall repairs, especially the fuel pump, shift lever switch, coil spring and air bag work, were completed. Look closely for water stains around the sunroof. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a reason to check, not as a verdict on every car[11].

Frequently asked questions

What problems are reported on the 2017 VW Golf/GTI?
NHTSA lists 301 complaints[1]. The largest groups are fuel/propulsion with 78 and engine with 55[2][3]. In the sample we read, owners describe lost power, fuel leaks and sunroof leaks[2][15][16].
Does the 2017 VW Golf/GTI have recalls?
Yes, seven[11]. They cover a fuel pump seal (24V110), a shift lever switch (19V615 and 18V464), rear coil springs (19V188), air bags (16V955) and two small internal-use vehicle buybacks (21V321 and 20V561)[4][5][6][7][8][9][10].
What gas mileage does the 2017 Golf/GTI get?
The GTI is rated 27 to 28 combined MPG[21][22]. The 1.8L Golf is rated 29 combined[12][20]. The Golf R is rated 25 combined[23][24]. The e-Golf is rated 119 MPGe[31].
Is 2017 a good year for the Golf/GTI?
It has the second-highest complaint count of any listed year, 301 against 322 for 2015, and 7 recalls[11]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so check the specific car.
How safe is the 2017 VW Golf?
NHTSA gives the rated four-door and SportWagen versions 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal and 5 stars side[13][32][33][34]. The e-Golf is not rated[35].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 301 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (7 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 15 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 78 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 55 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,655). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 24V110, filed February 14, 2024: Fuel System, Gasoline. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 21V321, filed May 5, 2021: Unknown Or Other. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 20V561, filed September 16, 2020: Unknown Or Other. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 19V615, filed August 22, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 19V188, filed March 6, 2019: Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 18V464, filed July 11, 2018: Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module. NHTSA recall database
  10. Recall 16V955, filed December 29, 2016: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  11. Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Golf/GTI model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  12. EPA rating for Golf, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 35 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 13.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 46 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 38 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 28 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 24 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 27,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. 24 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  19. 22 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  20. EPA rating for Golf, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for GTI, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for GTI, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Golf R, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Golf R, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Golf SportWagen, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Golf SportWagen, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 35 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Golf SportWagen 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Golf SportWagen 4motion, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 32 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Golf Alltrack, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Golf Alltrack, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 32 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for e-Golf, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 119 MPGe combined, 125 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 13.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 13.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 13.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  35. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  36. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI with electric motor: rated 134 hp. www.epa.gov
  37. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
  38. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 211 to 292 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  39. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 2DR HATCH 1.8 TSI: length 167 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,906 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  40. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 4DR HATCH 1.8 TSI: length 167 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,906 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  41. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 2DR GTI HATCH: length 167 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,038 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  42. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 4DR GTI / R HATCH: length 167 in, width 71 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,038 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  43. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 4DR ALLTRACK: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 60 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,186 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  44. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GOLF 4DR SPORTWAGON: length 180 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,186 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.