VehicleVerdict

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 113 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Golf Alltrack year — the 2017 model ranks #1 of 3 Golf Alltrack years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (23), electrical system (15), and visibility & wipers (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

113

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Golf Alltrack years?

Golf Alltrack NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted113 complaints2017: 113 complaints2018: 11 complaints2019: 29 complaints
Golf Alltrack NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Golf Alltrack years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2320%
Electrical System1513%
Visibility & Wipers1412%
Body & Structure1412%
Airbags1110%
Transmission87%
Engine76%
Suspension54%
Fuel System44%
Steering44%
Tires & Wheels22%
Lighting22%
Brakes11%
Driver Assistance11%
Seat Belts11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V561000OtherSeptember 16, 2020 · 23 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat vehicles. 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. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Consequence

Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“LEAKING SUNROOF IS RUINING INTERIOR COMPONENTS, INCLUDING HEADLINER. MULTIPLE FIXES AND SERVICE BULLETINS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. VERY CONCERNED IT'S GOING TO LEAD TO LARGER ELECTRICAL, BODY ROT, AND MOLD ISSUES, NOT TO MENTION COMPLETELY RUINING ANY VALUE THE CAR HAS. MOST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 11, 2021

“THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. FOLLOWING RAIN, WATER LEAKED INTO THE CAR FROM THE PANORAMIC ROOF AT THE A-, B-, AND C-PILLARS AND REAR HATCH ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE CAR. WATER DRIPPED FROM THE DASH ONTO THE FRONT FOOT WELLS. WATER ENTERING THE PILLARS COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 2018

“PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEAKS WATER INTO INTERIOR, CAUSING CONDENSATION ON ALL INTERIOR GLASS AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT/IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OUT. THERE IS SO MUCH CONDENSATION THAT AC/DEFROST SETTINGS CANNOT REMOVE IT IN A TIMELY MANNER. IT TAKES SO LONG THAT ONE TRIES TO DRIVE EVEN BEFORE FULL OUTWARD VISION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 21, 2018

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. The contact stated that the sunroof was leaking and allowing water to enter the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 4, 2021

“SRS WARNING LIGHT FOR UNOCCUPIED PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NOT GO OFF EVEN AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR; IT DID GO OFF WHEN FASTENED THE SEAT BEAT (ON THE EMPTY SEAT). HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHT SUDDENLY TURNED OFF TWICE; THIS HAS BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS AGO WITH NO REPEAT HOWEVER WITH COVID-19, I' PROBABLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 20, 2020

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack — common questions

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 113 complaints put the 2017 model at #1 of 3 Golf Alltrack years. It is one of the Golf Alltrack years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Golf Alltrack problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (23 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints), visibility & wipers (14 complaints).

Does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Golf Alltrack years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Golf Alltrack years to avoid are 2017. The cleanest record among Golf Alltrack years belongs to 2018.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.