2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Problems
- Complaints
- 73filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 11,266miles, 42 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl AWD · 22 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 Golf Alltrack most often describe water getting into the cabin from the panoramic sunroof — stained headliners, wet pillar trim, fogged windows and water near electrical components and side airbags — frequently at low mileage and after rain. A second, smaller cluster of complaints covers steering-wheel electronics (clock spring), transmission shudder or warning messages, and front suspension noises, plus infotainment units that restart on their own.
- Body and structure
Panoramic sunroof water leaks into cabin
- 28 complaints (38%)
- median 12,384 mi at 2.5 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2026
Complaints describe rain or wash water appearing at the headliner, A-/B-/C-pillars, overhead console and rear hatch area, sometimes soaking carpet and fogging the glass. Owners report dealers attributing the leak to blocked or pinched sunroof drains, build-up of welding in the drain area, or a poor seal, and in several cases headliners, drain tubes or sunroof frames were replaced without a lasting fix. Some owners say the dealer called it a maintenance matter rather than a warranty repair. Several mention moisture near pillar-mounted airbags and electrical connectors as their main worry. Reported from a few hundred miles to around 60,000 miles, often within the first two years and after heavy rain or when parked outside.
What to check: Look for water stains on the headliner and pillar trim, damp carpet and musty odor, and ask whether the sunroof drains have been cleaned or the sunroof seal/frame reworked. Parking the car outside through a rainstorm or a hose test can reveal a slow leak.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have water leaking from the sun roof coming down to the floor, now my windows fog up with any precipitation in the interior of the glass. Also made all my sensors fail, ABS, traction control, tire pressure monitor, and airbags were stated 'failed' upon engine start. Vehicle was stationary at our house.”
NHTSA complaint #11222846, filed 2019-06, 6,000 miles“There's a water leak coming from the panoramic sunroof. The car is usually garage kept but I had it parked outside one weekend when we had bad storms and that's when I noticed the water stains in my headliner and the water dripping down into the back hatch area. The dealer had to send the car to a body shop to have them grind down welds that have caused an obstruction in the drainage system. There's stains in the headliner and an odor that's coming from it so it appears to have mold. …”
NHTSA complaint #11104887, filed 2018-06, 7,500 miles - Air bags
Clock spring failure: airbag, horn and steering buttons out
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 43,837 mi at 3.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2024
Owners describe a clicking or rubbing feel when turning the wheel, followed by airbag, transmission or cruise-control warnings and loss of the horn and steering-wheel buttons. Complaints state the dealer diagnosed the clock spring assembly and quoted a replacement, with some noting the part was on backorder and that no loaner or rental assistance was offered. Mostly reported between roughly 17,000 and 50,000 miles, and several within a few years of purchase.
What to check: Turn the wheel slowly while parked and listen for clicking, and confirm the horn, steering-wheel buttons and airbag warning light behave normally. Ask whether the clock spring has been replaced and whether any extended warranty coverage applies.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was backing out of my driveway and I felt some sort of stringy-like metallic resistance as I turned my steering wheel (similar to a rubberband held taut and being plucked). Approximately 5 minutes later, an airbag and a transmission warning appeared and my horn and all buttons on my steering wheel stopped working. I was at 50,0170+ miles when this occurred. My vehicle is not under recall, even though 400,000 + other vws had the same recall...”
NHTSA complaint #11317038, filed 2020-03, 50,175 miles“The Clock Spring Assembly on my vehicle failed. In May 2023 Volkswagen of America issued an extended warranty coverage notice for the part. After doing some research and determining the part failure, I called my local VW dealer to report the problem. They told me they would be happy to schedule an appointment to look at my vehicle but they could not schedule my vehicle for service for at least a month. …”
NHTSA complaint #11585888, filed 2024-04 - Transmission and drivetrain
Hesitation, warning lights and transmission messages
- 12 complaints (16%)
- median 17,362 mi at 3.0 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2017–2025
Complaints describe sudden rise in engine speed with the accelerator unresponsive, unexpected downshifts at highway speed with a transmission error message, or a cluster of warning lights appearing at once. Owners report dealers finding no stored fault codes in some cases, and in one case a leaking/failed rear differential was found at the dealership. Reported from under 1,000 miles to about 27,000 miles, often while accelerating or at highway speeds.
What to check: On a test drive, accelerate from a stop and at highway speed and watch for hesitation, sudden downshifts or warning messages; have a pre-purchase scan for stored transmission codes and check the rear differential for leaks.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“With less than 17,000 miles and within 2 weeks of having a 3yr/30k service performed, car suddenly locked up on highway while traveling over 60mph. Did not have enough time to pull to shoulder. In process also locked up breaks. After 15 minutes , found that by holding power button was able to get wheels unlock so that I could idle to a safer spot. Dealership discovered real differential leaking and had failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11318119, filed 2020-03, 16,725 miles“Traveling along a slightly hilly road at 35mph when the engine suddenly spiked to 3000rpm and the car's accelerator pedal stopped functioning. Had to apply brakes and pull to the side. Once car reached 0mph it idled and the accelerator pedal began functioning again. Took to vw dealer service center next day. They reported that they could find no problem codes. They changed oil, roatated tires and returned the car. Problem was not resolved and reoccured on august 8.”
NHTSA complaint #11121660, filed 2018-08, 11,000 miles - Suspension
Front suspension noises (struts, sway bar, subframe)
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 9,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2022
Owners report rumbling, creaking or clunking from the front end over bumps and while turning, sometimes present from new. Complaints describe repeated strut mount replacements under warranty, sway bar bushing replacement, and in one instance a cracked front subframe found during that work. Typically reported from a few thousand to around 40,000 miles, often after months of mixed city and highway driving.
What to check: Drive over uneven pavement and speed bumps with the windows down, and turn at low speed to listen for clunks or squeaks; ask for service records showing strut mount or bushing replacements and have the subframe inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When we bought the car it came lifted with bigger wheels and tires. They did not tell us it was aftermarket and not covered under warranty. It is not safe to be on the road because it keeps blowing the rear shocks. It blows the rear shocks and basically your driving just on coil springs . Which means lack of control to the vehicle.it has been on going since we bought the car for about 8 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11156600, filed 2018-12, 100 miles“The front strut mounts on this car continually go bad. After several months of mixed city and highway (no offroad) driving, the struts make a rumble at low speeds on anything but a flat road, and cause a low whine when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (I.e. Parking, right turn on red). The mounts have been acknowledged replaced by the dealer twice under warranty and I am currently on my 3rd and they are making the sounds again. My car is currently at 23,000 miles and has the same symptoms. …”
NHTSA complaint #11115079, filed 2018-08, 9,000 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment system restarts by itself
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the infotainment, radio and navigation unit rebooting every few minutes or every few seconds, including when navigation is in use. In some cases the problem appeared after water got into the cabin, alongside non-working speakers, door locks or power windows. Reported from delivery mileage to around 13,000 miles, sometimes shortly after purchase.
What to check: Leave the unit running for several minutes, test navigation and radio, and ask whether the head unit or wiring has been replaced; on a car with any water-leak history, have the wiring and connectors checked.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The moon roof has been leaking water this is the second time the radio back up camera navigation system have not been working there's water that came all in through the front by the windshield the two pillars and now it's happening in the back it was parked in my driveway”
NHTSA complaint #11352458, filed 2020-09, 13,236 miles“Infotainment system restarts every few minutes during operation. This is a safety issue because it is very distracting when using the navigation system while driving and can cause the driver to become distracted.”
NHTSA complaint #11155541, filed 2018-12, 28 miles
Buying note. Check this model year carefully for sunroof leaks and the resulting moisture damage, and verify the horn, steering-wheel controls and airbag warnings work; a pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for stored codes and a look at the front suspension is worth the cost.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 73 consumer complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. 42 of the complaints include a mileage, and 88% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 11,266 miles. Of all complaints, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 330 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown23 32%
- Body and structure15 21%
- Electrical system14 19%
- Air bags11 15%
- Engine7 9.6%
- Suspension5 6.9%
- Fuel system4 5.5%
- Steering4 5.5%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (2), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Brakes (1), Electronic stability control (1), Seat belts (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “About a month or so after I got the car, it started making a loud squeaking noise when turning the steering wheel to the left (and now when you turn it back to the right to straighten out) noticeable at very slow speeds such as pulling in and out of a parking space. I took it to the reno vw and they said there was no noise. I took it back again months later and first they said there was no noise, and I asked that they check it again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11316403, filed 2020-03, 500 milesBody and structure: “This past spring I noticed the car's headliner was wet and stained. It then began to drip copious amounts of water into the vehicle during heavy rainstorms. The car is only a year and a half old and has 20,000 miles. But there are water stains everywhere and it will be a mold issue soon, I'm afraid. Took it to the dealer, the car is under warranty. They said it's a maintenance issue, not a warranty issue because the drains that release the water from sunroof are all blocked with debris. …”
NHTSA complaint #11230797, filed 2019-07, 20,000 milesElectrical system: “My panoramic sunroof has had an issue with water intrusion. December of 2017 I took the car into vw of pohanka, marylan. They replaced the headliner, drainage tubes, and smoothed out the welds to try and fix the problem. I noticed that the leak is back with water stains on the a-pillar and overhead. The problem is we do not know where the water had leaked into. We are afraid that the water intrusion may cause more problems down the road and do not want any electrical issues due to the water leak. …”
NHTSA complaint #11175989, filed 2019-02, 8,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The car is one year old, and the panoramic sunroof is leaking. I contacted vw and scheduled an appointment. They will need to have the car in the shop to see if it is a structural issue. The water is coming in on the driver's side and on the center console above all of the electrical (lights, switches for sunroof, etc) components. The windshield stays fogged up when driving because of all of the moisture in the cabin. This affects visibility. Vw should recall this vehicle to repair. A rental car will be costly, and vw has offered no loaner to me.”
NHTSA complaint #11115725, filed 2018-08, 25,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
88% of the 42 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 6,000 and 30,798 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Alltrack AWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Golf Alltrack AWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V561000Sep 16, 2020Unknown or otherCovers: Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 2017, Passat 2016–2018, Atlas 2018 +2 more
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…
Recall details for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 330 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Engine. Suggested fuel additive
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036874Aug 10, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Replacement instruction
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Other or unknown. Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Other or unknown. Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026Electrical system. This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019…
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Engine. Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Engine. Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Engine. Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Air bags. Inquiries
Other model years of the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 19 | 1,928 | 3 | — | 25 | — | Stable |
| 2018 | 8 | 29,000 | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 73 | 11,266 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
All Volkswagen Golf Alltrack model years
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack?
Owners of the 2017 Golf Alltrack most often describe water getting into the cabin from the panoramic sunroof — stained headliners, wet pillar trim, fogged windows and water near electrical components and side airbags — frequently at low mileage and after rain. The issues reported most often: Panoramic sunroof water leaks into cabin; Clock spring failure: airbag, horn and steering buttons out; Hesitation, warning lights and transmission messages.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack have?
NHTSA recorded 73 consumer complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 23 complaints (32% of the total), followed by body and structure with 15.
Has the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack (Golf Alltrack, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 22 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack reported?
Among the 42 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 11,266 miles and the middle half falls between 6,000 and 30,798 miles; 88% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.