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EnginePart report

2017 Volkswagen Golf Engine Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
15%of 117 total for the year
Median mileage
37,400miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf, 15% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,400 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Thermostat housing and water pump, coolant loss and leak. Dealer replaced thermostat housing march 2019 (24,000mi), 12/22/19 (37,400mi) another coolant leak likely from second thermostate or orignal water pump which was said not to have been replaced. Car is well maintained and cared for preemptively as a german car should.”

NHTSA complaint #11290702, filed 2019-12, 37,400 miles

“Vehicle had 300 miles on engine when low oil pressure indicator registered. Cause was metal shavings in oil, according to manufacturer as told to dealer. Manufacturer instructed dealer to replace engine and all associated parts lubricated by engine oil and send non-functioning engine to manufacturer's research and development facility; stated that problem has happened, albeit infrequently, to other like engines. Warranty covered all costs. I have invoices for auto purchase and repair.”

NHTSA complaint #11066587, filed 2018-02, 300 miles

“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?”

NHTSA complaint #11735790, filed 2026-05

“The 20Y6 recall for VW Golfs is exactly what my 2017 VW Golf GTI experienced. I am surprised the 2017 model year is not included. I did not feel safe driving my car with a failing fuel suction pump causing engine issues in traffic. When I finally made it home there was smoke coming out of my exhaust and fuel spilling out of the rear passenger wheel well.”

NHTSA complaint #11475400, filed 2022-07

“The thermostat housing leaked all my radiator fluid across the front of the engine block. I have to refill the reservoir every 2-3 days in order to keep the coolant in the engine and to keep it from overheating. Low coolant lights came on at a stop light, to initially alert me of the problem. There's currently a class-action suit against VW for this and it's time to issue a recall.”

NHTSA complaint #11527425, filed 2023-06

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023218%
20221012%
2021114%
2020117%
20193454%
2018310%
20171815%
20161821%
20152620%
2014217%
20131433%
20121123%
20111514%
2010710%
200515%
200211%

Other parts of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf

Fuel system
56 complaints
Other or unknown
12 complaints
Electrical system
10 complaints
Body and structure
8 complaints
Air bags
7 complaints
Brakes
5 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology