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2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ryan Davis

Complaint Summary

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has 112 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve unknown or other and structure:body.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.4/ 10

Based on 112 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 20.5%

STRUCTURE:BODY

14 12.5%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 11.6%

VISIBILITY/WIPER

10 8.9%

AIR BAGS

10 8.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, accounting for 20.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 20 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has 112 owner complaints in this dataset. UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the most common complaint category, representing about 21% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (23), STRUCTURE:BODY (14), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 45 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Golf Alltrack complaints2019 Golf Alltrack complaints2020 Golf Alltrack complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 20 of 20 systems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

23 Reports21% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2017 VW GOLF ALLTRACK: HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR FOUR MONTHS NOW AND JUST HAD THREE DAYS WORTH OF RAIN HERE IN MICHIGAN. THE FRONT OF THE HEADLINER IS COMPLETELY SOAKED ON BOTH A-PILLARS AND AROUND THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE OF THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS MORE THAN LIKELY WELDS THAT DIDN'T GET SMOOTHED DOWN AND THEREFORE PINCH THE TUBES THAT DRAIN THE TROUGH IN THE SUNROOF AREA NOT ALLOWING IT TO FLOW BACK INTO THE OPENING IN THE CAR. IN OTHER WORDS, VW SOLD ME A CAR WITH A KNOWN DEFECT! NOW I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR IN FOR SOME UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF TIME, HAVE THEM TEAR THE INSIDE APART, TAKE THE CAR TO A BODY SHOP AND HAVE THE BODY SHOP GRIND THE WELDS DOWN SMOOTH, THEN INSTALL A NEW HEADLINER IN THE CAR. THAT'S ALL GREAT (NOT REALLY), BUT WATER IS INCREDIBLY DESTRUCTIVE, SO WHAT ABOUT THE WATER THAT'S RUN DOWN THE A-PILLARS AND GOTTEN IN TO THE INSULATION IN THE DOORS? OR THE WATER THAT RAN LIKE A FAUCET OUT OF MY OVERHEAD CONSOLE THIS MORNING WHEN I STARTED DRIVING THAT DUMPED ALL OVER MY ELECTRONICS AND TRANSMISSION COLUMN? WHAT ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF WATER THAT WON'T BE LOOKED FOR IN THIS APPARENT FIX OF A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT THEN TURNS INTO BLACK MOLD THAT I AND MY FAMILY BREATH EVERY DAY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR?! THIS HAS TO BE CORRECTED AS THERE IS NO WAY THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOLD TO ME AND MY FAMILY WITH A KNOWN DEFECT.

5/14/2018

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. THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO FIX THE LEAK AND INSTALL A NEW HEADLINER BUT I'M ALSO WORRIED OF ANY ELECTRICAL DAMAGE THAT MAY ARISE AS A RESULT. IT'S BEEN ABOUT 4 WEEKS NOW AND THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO REPAIR THIS. I FEEL LIKE THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE AND YET THEY STILL SOLD ME THE CAR EVEN KNOWING THIS COULD BE A POSSIBILITY. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN NOVEMBER 2017 AND I BOUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR IN JUNE 2018. THIS IS MY SECOND VOLKSWAGEN BUT WILL PROBABLY BE MY LAST. I NEED A RELIABLE CAR THAT I CAN DRIVE AND NOT ONE THAT SITS IN A REPAIR SHOP FOR WEEKS NOT KNOWING IF THE ISSUE WILL ACTUALLY BE RESOLVED. FROM OTHER FORUMS I'VE READ, THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND MANY OTHERS ARE GOING THROUGH THIS SAME PAINFUL PROCESS.

6/30/2018

21 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

14 Reports13% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2017 VW GOLF ALLTRACK: HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR FOUR MONTHS NOW AND JUST HAD THREE DAYS WORTH OF RAIN HERE IN MICHIGAN. THE FRONT OF THE HEADLINER IS COMPLETELY SOAKED ON BOTH A-PILLARS AND AROUND THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE OF THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS MORE THAN LIKELY WELDS THAT DIDN'T GET SMOOTHED DOWN AND THEREFORE PINCH THE TUBES THAT DRAIN THE TROUGH IN THE SUNROOF AREA NOT ALLOWING IT TO FLOW BACK INTO THE OPENING IN THE CAR. IN OTHER WORDS, VW SOLD ME A CAR WITH A KNOWN DEFECT! NOW I HAVE TO TURN MY CAR IN FOR SOME UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF TIME, HAVE THEM TEAR THE INSIDE APART, TAKE THE CAR TO A BODY SHOP AND HAVE THE BODY SHOP GRIND THE WELDS DOWN SMOOTH, THEN INSTALL A NEW HEADLINER IN THE CAR. THAT'S ALL GREAT (NOT REALLY), BUT WATER IS INCREDIBLY DESTRUCTIVE, SO WHAT ABOUT THE WATER THAT'S RUN DOWN THE A-PILLARS AND GOTTEN IN TO THE INSULATION IN THE DOORS? OR THE WATER THAT RAN LIKE A FAUCET OUT OF MY OVERHEAD CONSOLE THIS MORNING WHEN I STARTED DRIVING THAT DUMPED ALL OVER MY ELECTRONICS AND TRANSMISSION COLUMN? WHAT ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF WATER THAT WON'T BE LOOKED FOR IN THIS APPARENT FIX OF A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT THEN TURNS INTO BLACK MOLD THAT I AND MY FAMILY BREATH EVERY DAY FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR?! THIS HAS TO BE CORRECTED AS THERE IS NO WAY THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN SOLD TO ME AND MY FAMILY WITH A KNOWN DEFECT.

5/14/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ALLTRACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF WAS BLOCKED AND LEAKED WATER INTO THE VEHICLE WHEN IT RAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN OF THE WOODLANDS (855-436-0113, LOCATED AT 16785 INTERSTATE 45 SOUTH, THE WOODLANDS, TX 77385) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO NEGLIGENCE BY THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STOOD BY THE DEALER'S RULING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,000. *DT UPDATED 11/2/18*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED ANY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN THROUGH MUD IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR THE DRAINS TO BECOME BLOCKED, WHICH THE CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING. *JS

10/10/2018

12 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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 PILLAR-MOUNTED AIRBAGS AND WITH ELECTRICAL CONTROLS AND SYSTEMS MOUNTED IN THE DASH.

6/12/2018

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. OUR MAIN CONCERN IS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS LOCATED ON THE B-PILLAR AND THE POSSIBLE HEALTH ISSUES OF MOLD AND RUST. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS DURING THE RAIN SEASON.

2/10/2019

11 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

10 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SUNROOF LEAKING CAUSES EXCESSIVE MOISTURE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE SPECIFICALLY ON WINDSHIELD AND INSIDE OF WINDOWS. WINDSHIELD FOGGING PROBLEM ON START UP AND IS EXASPERATED IN HEAVY RAIN WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, MORE MOISTURE GETS INTO CAR. SUNROOF DRAIN HOLES ARE NOT CLOGGED AS VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 4 MONTHS OLD. WATER EVIDENCE IS SEEN AS STAINS DOWN BOTH 'A' PILLARS AND HEADLINER ABOVE PASSENGER AND DRIVER FRONT SIDE WINDOWS.

5/22/2018

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 PILLAR-MOUNTED AIRBAGS AND WITH ELECTRICAL CONTROLS AND SYSTEMS MOUNTED IN THE DASH.

6/12/2018

8 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

10 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. OUR MAIN CONCERN IS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS LOCATED ON THE B-PILLAR AND THE POSSIBLE HEALTH ISSUES OF MOLD AND RUST. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS DURING THE RAIN SEASON.

2/10/2019

PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEAKS AFTER 40+ DAYS AND COUNTING OF REPAIR AT VW DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER CAN'T SEEM TO FIND ROOT CAUSE OR NOT CAPABLE OF FINDING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS, OR MAYBE DO NOT WANT TO FIND ROOT CAUSE. WATER LEAKS INTO CAR AFTER RAIN/SNOW LIMITS VISIBILITY ON WINDSHIELD, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARISE FROM SPEAKERS, DOOR LOCKS AND POWER WINDOWS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. LOCATION OF SUNROOF LEAK IS ALSO NEXT TO SIDE AIRBAGS AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS PROBABLY CAUSING PREMATURE DETERIORATION.

3/14/2019

8 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

8 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE IS A 2017 VW GOLF ALLTRACK S WITH A 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION; LESS THAN 2 WEEKS OLD WITH ~400 MILES ON ODOMETER AND A LITTLE OVER 1/4 TANK OF 87-OCTANE GASOLINE. ISSUE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 10PM ON AUGUST 25TH, 2017. VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AWAY FROM A RED LIGHT AT A HIGHWAY INTERSECTION CROSSING ON A SLIGHT DOWNHILL GRADE. MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED FROM 1ST INTO 2ND GEAR DURING ACCELERATION, AND THE VEHICLE PROMPTLY LOST ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. MY WIFE COASTED THE VEHICLE ACROSS THE INTERSECTION AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH THE HELP OF PASSING MOTORISTS WHO WERE KIND ENOUGH TO STOP AND HELP. THE "ENGINE" LIGHT AND "EPC" LIGHT WERE BOTH ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. DURING THE 45 MINUTE WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK, MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER AND SOMETIMES "CATCH", BUT WOULD NOT START OR IDLE. HEADLIGHTS, BLINKERS, WIPERS, ETC. REMAINED FUNCTIONAL THROUGHOUT THE ORDEAL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND REMAINS THERE FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THERE IS NO IDENTIFICATION OF A CAUSE FOR THIS ISSUE AT THE MOMENT. IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT THIS ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY AND MOTORISTS AROUND US: A NEW VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY LOOSING POWER AND ALL CONTROL FEATURES IS ENTIRELY UNACCEPTABLE, AND COULD VERY EASILY LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

8/26/2017

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.

8/22/2018

6 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

7 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE IS A 2017 VW GOLF ALLTRACK S WITH A 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION; LESS THAN 2 WEEKS OLD WITH ~400 MILES ON ODOMETER AND A LITTLE OVER 1/4 TANK OF 87-OCTANE GASOLINE. ISSUE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 10PM ON AUGUST 25TH, 2017. VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AWAY FROM A RED LIGHT AT A HIGHWAY INTERSECTION CROSSING ON A SLIGHT DOWNHILL GRADE. MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED FROM 1ST INTO 2ND GEAR DURING ACCELERATION, AND THE VEHICLE PROMPTLY LOST ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. MY WIFE COASTED THE VEHICLE ACROSS THE INTERSECTION AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH THE HELP OF PASSING MOTORISTS WHO WERE KIND ENOUGH TO STOP AND HELP. THE "ENGINE" LIGHT AND "EPC" LIGHT WERE BOTH ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. DURING THE 45 MINUTE WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK, MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER AND SOMETIMES "CATCH", BUT WOULD NOT START OR IDLE. HEADLIGHTS, BLINKERS, WIPERS, ETC. REMAINED FUNCTIONAL THROUGHOUT THE ORDEAL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND REMAINS THERE FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THERE IS NO IDENTIFICATION OF A CAUSE FOR THIS ISSUE AT THE MOMENT. IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT THIS ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY AND MOTORISTS AROUND US: A NEW VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY LOOSING POWER AND ALL CONTROL FEATURES IS ENTIRELY UNACCEPTABLE, AND COULD VERY EASILY LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

8/26/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ALLTRACK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED DURING A RAINSTORM, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO COASTAL VOLKSWAGEN (1 SATURN DRIVE, HANOVER, MA 02339, (781) 871-4600. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CHECK TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY WOULD COVER THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.

7/25/2019

5 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

5 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. PREVIOUS FIXES OCCURRED AT AROUND 9,000 AND 20,000 MILES.

8/1/2018

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.

12/6/2018

3 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE IS A 2017 VW GOLF ALLTRACK S WITH A 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION; LESS THAN 2 WEEKS OLD WITH ~400 MILES ON ODOMETER AND A LITTLE OVER 1/4 TANK OF 87-OCTANE GASOLINE. ISSUE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 10PM ON AUGUST 25TH, 2017. VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AWAY FROM A RED LIGHT AT A HIGHWAY INTERSECTION CROSSING ON A SLIGHT DOWNHILL GRADE. MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED FROM 1ST INTO 2ND GEAR DURING ACCELERATION, AND THE VEHICLE PROMPTLY LOST ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING AND BRAKES NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. MY WIFE COASTED THE VEHICLE ACROSS THE INTERSECTION AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH THE HELP OF PASSING MOTORISTS WHO WERE KIND ENOUGH TO STOP AND HELP. THE "ENGINE" LIGHT AND "EPC" LIGHT WERE BOTH ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. DURING THE 45 MINUTE WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK, MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OVER AND SOMETIMES "CATCH", BUT WOULD NOT START OR IDLE. HEADLIGHTS, BLINKERS, WIPERS, ETC. REMAINED FUNCTIONAL THROUGHOUT THE ORDEAL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND REMAINS THERE FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THERE IS NO IDENTIFICATION OF A CAUSE FOR THIS ISSUE AT THE MOMENT. IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT THIS ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY AND MOTORISTS AROUND US: A NEW VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY LOOSING POWER AND ALL CONTROL FEATURES IS ENTIRELY UNACCEPTABLE, AND COULD VERY EASILY LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

8/26/2017

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.

8/22/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FAILED CLOCKSPRING AT 37500 MILES AND NOT OFFERED WARRANTY REPLACEMENT..I CAN PROVIDE DEALER SERVICE RECORD IF NEEDED

11/21/2020

The vehicle had been making mild clunking noises for some time (at least 2.5 years) during some combinations of turns/bumps. When took to mechanic in January 2020, the sound would not reproduce during test drive, so problem was not diagnosed. Clunking sound became more pronounced over time, until on 8/27/21 while driving a neighborhood road, there was a loud clank, as if some metal part came loose. Then there was very loud clunking, as if a metal part was knocking around loose - more pronounced when turning or going over bumps. Upon inspection by a mechanic later in the day, the sway bar had come loose due to one of the bolts on the driver side sway bar bracket had come out. Both this mechanic and later, the Volkswagen dealer mechanic, said this was very odd, since they normally only see sway bar damage when a car has been in an accident. My car has never been in any kind of accident. Sway bars help ensure a vehicle doesn’t roll too much when handling turns. Aside from safety, sway bars help prevent lopsided wheel alignment and work to maintain an overall better grip on the road. A faulty sway bar puts the vehicle at risk for rolling during turns. My belief is that there was something faulty about the sway bar mounting bracket or bolt which explains the mild clunking I heard prior to deterioration (more frequent clunking) and ultimate failure (on 8/27/21). I have a write up of the inspection and repair from the dealer. I also have photos from the dealer prior to the repair.

9/13/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ALLTRACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF LEAKED AND CAUSED MOLD TO FORM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN CLEAR LAKE (281-848-5500, LOCATED AT 15100 GULF FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77034) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE RESULTED FROM THE OWNER'S NEGLIGENCE OF PROPER VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUPPORTED THE DEALER'S CLAIM. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE, STATING THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

11/13/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ALLTRACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE SUN ROOF AND TRAVELED TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH WAS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HANOVER VOLKSWAGEN (1850 CARLISLE PIKE, HANOVER, PA 17331) ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

12/4/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAMS. THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVERY HAD, WITH REGARDS TO ITS HEADLIGHTS AND MY AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE RANGE OF LIGHT IS SO INADEQUATE WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THAT I AM ALMOST FEARFUL FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. I LIVE IN A RURAL MIDWEST AREA WHERE DEER A PREVELANT, AND AM SO CAUTIOUS AND FEARFUL DRIVING AT NIGHT IN MY NEW CAR. I DO LOVE ALMOST LL OTHER THINGS ABOUT THE GOLF ALLTRACK, BUT DO HOPE THE NHTSA CAN STEP IN AN MAKE VW CHANGE OUT THE HEADLIGHTS BEFORE CONSUMER'S ARE KILLED FROM NOT BEING ABLE O SE AT NIGHT.

1/20/2018

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 DRIVEN ONLY A FEW HUNDRED MILES IN THE LAST YEAR.

2/18/2021

WHEELS

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DEFECTIVE TIRE. 8,000 MILES ON TIRE AND A SIDEWALL BUBBLE DEVELOPED ON THE TIRE. PRIOR TO BUBBLE APPEARING, TIRE WAS NOT SUBJECT TO UNUSUAL IMPACT.

9/27/2018

The vehicle had been making mild clunking noises for some time (at least 2.5 years) during some combinations of turns/bumps. When took to mechanic in January 2020, the sound would not reproduce during test drive, so problem was not diagnosed. Clunking sound became more pronounced over time, until on 8/27/21 while driving a neighborhood road, there was a loud clank, as if some metal part came loose. Then there was very loud clunking, as if a metal part was knocking around loose - more pronounced when turning or going over bumps. Upon inspection by a mechanic later in the day, the sway bar had come loose due to one of the bolts on the driver side sway bar bracket had come out. Both this mechanic and later, the Volkswagen dealer mechanic, said this was very odd, since they normally only see sway bar damage when a car has been in an accident. My car has never been in any kind of accident. Sway bars help ensure a vehicle doesn’t roll too much when handling turns. Aside from safety, sway bars help prevent lopsided wheel alignment and work to maintain an overall better grip on the road. A faulty sway bar puts the vehicle at risk for rolling during turns. My belief is that there was something faulty about the sway bar mounting bracket or bolt which explains the mild clunking I heard prior to deterioration (more frequent clunking) and ultimate failure (on 8/27/21). I have a write up of the inspection and repair from the dealer. I also have photos from the dealer prior to the repair.

9/13/2021

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THERE IS CONSTANT BRAKE NOISE AND SQUEALING AT LOW SPEEDS (UNDER 25MPH) WHICH BECOMES LOUDER WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT; BRAKING DISTANCE IS LONGER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD. DEALERSHIP RESURFACING AND REPLACING PADS AND ROTORS DOES NOT ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM.

1/3/2018

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

6/27/2019

SEAT BELTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FAILED CLOCKSPRING AT 37500 MILES AND NOT OFFERED WARRANTY REPLACEMENT..I CAN PROVIDE DEALER SERVICE RECORD IF NEEDED

11/21/2020

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Bought the car from autonation in October 2021 and had condensation wet dog smell. Car was garaged until 4/2022 at which time I noticed headliner stains and water coming into wheel well, called dealer was advised to check drain tubes. I cannot. More rain more issues. Care warning lights all came on including airbag. Car has 38150 miles. VW refusing to cover under recall. Wants me to file insurance claim. Dealer did not acknowledge mold headliner issues until I called back after picking up the car. PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEAKS. HEADLINER I AND CARPET IS BADLY STAINED WITH VISIBLE MOLD GROWTH. PILLAR STAINING AS WELL. WATER LEAKS FROM DOME LIGHT AND SUNROOF CONTROL BUTTONS. WATER ALSO LEAKS INTO FOOT WELL. TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP WHO HAVE SAID THAT IT IS LIKELY THE SUNROOF DRAINS ARE BLOCKED BY DEBRIS AND REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE CONSUMER TO ACCESS THE SUNROOF DRAINS TO KEEP THEM CLEAR, PARTICULARLY THE REAR DRAINS, WHICH ENTAILS DISMANTLING PART OF THE CAR. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MANY REPORTED COMPLAINTS BY OWNERS WITH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BEING ISSUED. PLEASE ENCOURAGE AN INVESTIGATION

6/5/2022

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Airbags, horn, cruise control and all other functions related to the steering wheel suddenly stopped working. Volkswagen has diagnosed the clock spring is defective and needs to be replaced. I’ve been quoted $712.00 for this repair. The replacement part is also on backorders with no clear indication of when it will arrive. Volkswagen will not supply a loaner car or any rental assistance and insists their customers drive a car without function airbags or a horn. This is a well known issue for Volkswagen and is a major safety concern for anyone who owns one of their vehicles. It needs to be addressed and fixed ASAP!

8/2/2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

This is the second time since November 2022 that our clock spring has failed. While it's broken the driver has no airbag, horn, or usability of controls on steering wheel. This is a huge saftey concern especially driving in winter conditions.

1/29/2023

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. The contact stated that while adjusting the passenger's side rear-view mirror, the mirror glass suddenly detached from the housing, fell on the ground and shattered. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 92,000.

3/22/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack?

The most reported complaint category for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is UNKNOWN OR OTHER, with 23 owner reports. That is about 21% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 45 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack severe?

45 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
112
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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