2017 Volkswagen Golf Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf, 4% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,100 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I noticed a vibration at speeds near and over 80 MPH. I took it to the vw dealer where I had purchased and they found the bolts where the driver front axle connects to the transmission output shaft were loose and backing out. They replaced the bolts, but I'm still having vibration in the driveline. I'm worried what other bolts may be loose or what associated parts may have been compromised as this is potentially a very dangerous safety situation for myself and anyone near my vehicle were the axle to come apart at speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11282273, filed 2019-11, 16,200 miles“My car started to loose coolant around 50K. This is a common problem for MK7 Golf which is usually caused by failure of the waterpump housing. VW is aware of this issue since 2016 but never addressed this problem. I request a formal investigation of this issue and demand VW to recall the vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11449598, filed 2022-01“I am resubmitting a previous complaint as I have learned and experienced more problems with the vehicle since my initial complaint. My 2017 VW GTI only has 57K miles and I have been taking it to the dealer for proper and timely maintenance. My fuel system is showing signs of failure. Based on research I have been doing online ( I could be wrong) it seems the Volkswagen golfs have a part inside the gas tank that fails and starts causing a safety hazard. My gas tank builds up pressure and literally expels gas out from somewhere. …”
NHTSA complaint #11475466, filed 2022-07“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the messages Service Vehicle - Place Vehicle in Park and Transmission Error were displayed, with an audible chime. The “Gearbox Overheating” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle felt as if the transmission was in neutral(N), and the RPM became elevated, and the A/C stopped blowing cool air. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and independently reset. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: U0103, P0914, and B1162-29 were retrieved. …”
NHTSA complaint #11763311, filed 2026-09, 142,000 miles“This is related to VW recal 37M2. My VIN is not in the recall list, but it has the exact same issue with the shifter assembly. The car does not recognize when the transmission is placed in Park. Unable to lock doors”
NHTSA complaint #11496535, filed 2022-12Related service bulletins
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 11023844Sep 15, 2025For applicable Settlement Class Vehicles, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty will be extended to cover 50% of the repair or replacement of the Turbocharger by an authorized…
- 11023836Sep 15, 2025This supporting FAQ is for the Turbocharger Limited Warranty Extension Class Action Settlement. This extension includes 2008-2015 GTI and Golf R*, 2012-2013 VW Beetle*, 2009 VW…
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 10238310Jun 21, 2023Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
- 10238309Jun 15, 2023Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.
- 10218953Aug 25, 2022Manual transmission noise diagnostic assistance
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% |
| 2022 | 25 | 31% |
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 13 | 21% |
| 2018 | 4 | 14% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 14 | 11% |
| 2014 | 2 | 17% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 9 | 19% |
| 2011 | 21 | 19% |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 11% |
| 2003 | 2 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 7 | 6% |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 6% |
| 1998 | 4 | 22% |
| 1997 | 3 | 43% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 3 | 18% |
| 1986 | 1 | 8% |
| 1985 | 3 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf
56 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology