2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack problems

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The Volkswagen Golf (Mk7) is a C-segment car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen. It is the seventh generation in the Golf series and the successor to the Golf Mk6. It was introduced in Berlin on 4 September 2012, before a public launch at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Sales in Europe began with the model in November 2012.

Marketed in three-door and five-door hatchback, van, and estate forms, the Golf Mk7 shares the MQB platform with the third generation Audi A3, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia.

In November 2016, Volkswagen presented a facelift of the Golf Mk7. It was replaced in December 2019 by the Golf Mk8, which is built on the MQB Evo platform. Production of the e-Golf and the Golf Variant ended in mid-2020.

2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack

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Common 2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack problems

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 2017 has been praised for its versatility, comfort, and reliability by many owners. However, there are a few common problems that have been reported by some users.

  • Sunroof leaks: Various models built on the MQB platform suffered issues with sunroof drainage, which can cause water to leak into the cabin. This can result in electrical issues or interior damage. It is recommended to check the sunroof drainage system and ensure it is functioning properly to prevent potential leaks.
  • Stereo system freezing: Some owners have reported issues with the stereo system freezing or becoming unresponsive, which may require a reset or a visit to the dealership for repair.
  • Turbocharger failure: Some owners report turbocharger failure, which may result in poor performance, sluggish acceleration, and a Check Engine Light (CEL) that won't go away.
  • Transmission issues: Some owners have reported slow automatic transmission shifts, particularly in low-speed driving. This may be more noticeable in certain driving conditions or when the vehicle is fully loaded.

It is important to note that these issues may not affect all 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack vehicles, and many owners have reported positive experiences with the car. Proper maintenance, regular inspections, and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure a reliable and enjoyable ownership experience.

2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack engine

Why did VW stop making the Alltrack?

Production of the VW SportWagen and Alltrack Comes to an End

After the 2019 model year, Volkswagen is discontinuing sales of the Golf SportWagen and the Golf Alltrack in the United States. The automaker has decided to place more of a focus on the new SUV models that will soon be hitting showrooms.

Is the 2017 Golf reliable?

Reliability 8/10 – There are no major mechanical issues reported on the 2017 Golf. Avoid models from 2015 which have some engine problems, while 2016–2021 are more reliable.

What engine is in the Alltrack?

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Overview

All are powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 168 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque.

Is Alltrack fun to drive?

But despite the rugged posturing, the Alltrack truly triumphs on the road. Sharp steering and quick reflexes make it fun to drive. The Alltrack feels substantial, thanks to a quiet cabin and a solid feel. The ride is a touch firm but compliant.

2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack.

2020-09-16
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 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.

Negative 2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack car reviews

  1. Koby Hammes 2025-01-27

    I've had my VW for 18 months and unfortunately, I've already experienced two major service issues. The first occurred within 6 months of purchasing the vehicle when the check airbag warning light came on. It turned out to be a faulty seatbelt pretensioner. Today, I experienced another issue when the vehicle stalled out while I was stopped at a light. It's currently being towed to the dealer for diagnostics. Additionally, I've also experienced the same issue as a previous reviewer where the car randomly flashes a warning to be extremely cautious and only exit the vehicle in the parked position. Overall, I'm disappointed with these issues, but I'm hopeful that the dealer will be able to resolve them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  2. Isai Howell 2024-08-12

    The car does not display the gear until the clutch is fully disengaged and the car is moving. This can be confusing and potentially dangerous, as you may think you are in first gear when you are actually in third. This issue is compounded by the push button start, which requires the driver to quickly stomp on the brake to restart the car after stalling. Additionally, the distracted driver electronics, such as the driver assistance package, are not up to par. During a 30-minute test drive in city traffic, the car only achieved 19.7 mpg. Overall, I prefer to stick with my TDI. Thank you for considering my experience.

  3. Lance Waelchi 2024-02-21

    Hello! I wanted to share my experience with our 2017 Alltrack. We received a notice about a recall to repair an issue with the sunroof in September 2021. Additionally, the driver's side power seats weren't working, so we took it to the dealer in Marin County, California in October. Unfortunately, we received a call from the service advisor stating that the roof had leaked water into the headliner, floorboards, and even soaked the airbags, causing major damage. Despite purchasing an extended warranty from the dealer, VW refuses to take responsibility for the damage caused by their faulty design. As a result, we now have a car that is both unsafe and a health risk to drive, with only 3200 miles. After further research, I discovered that this is a common problem with Alltracks, as well as VW's refusal to take responsibility. We have decided to join a class action suit with others against VW. While it's disappointing to have experienced this issue, we remain hopeful that a resolution can be reached. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Positive 2017 Volkswagen Golf alltrack car reviews

  1. Manuela Pagac 2025-04-09

    Great to hear that you're enjoying your new car! The road handling is impressive, especially in snow and ice. It's also great to have the iPhone display on the car's display with CarPlay. While the acceleration may not be the strongest, it sounds like it's not a priority for you. The shifting gears may be a little sluggish and there's a barely audible transmission noise shifting in the lower gears, but it's good to hear that you're still getting better mileage than expected (22-25 around town) and 33-34 on the highway. Overall, it sounds like you're off to a great start with your new car!

  2. Ayden Shanahan 2025-04-09

    I purchased this leftover 2017 model at a fantastic price (over $8,000 off sticker!) because it was low enough for my elderly parents to enter and exit comfortably. It also has enough room for a wheelchair, walker, and even my two Greyhounds (though not all at the same time!). It's been a while since I owned a VW since my 1977 VW Dasher, but I've always enjoyed German car handling and the fun drive aspect, so I decided to give VW another try. The dealership (VW of Ft. Myers) was great to work with, and the deal went smoothly with no surprises or number games. I have a love/hate relationship with this car, so let me start with the LOVE part: 1. The front power seats are wonderful and great for someone (like me) with back problems, 2. It handles nicely and hugs the road well, 3. It has good safety ratings and extra confidence with AWD capabilities for slick roads and dirt/mud back roads, 4. The quality interior looks like a little Mercedes and feels upscale, 5. GREAT visibility; a rarity these days and something I really appreciate, 6. The price was incredible due to the leftover model year and motivation to move the 2017's off the lot. Now for the HATE aspects: 1. The navigation is the WORST of any car I've ever owned. It's run by TomTom and will take you 12 miles out of your way if you listen to it! It consistently misses the address, cannot understand what is said some of the time and tends to glitch, does not show you in advance what turn you will be making onto what street... shows the street you are already on (already know that!), so when you turn, you don't know what lane to be in to anticipate a future turn. 2. The Bluetooth is also quite glitchy at times, and you must take your eyes off the road to see when the icon turns red to say 'yes' to a command. The original Ford Sync in my 2010 Escape was WAY better. So this was very disappointing as I need a good GPS for business. Another issue I have is very poor distance vision with the headlights (standard ones).Mileage, however, is exceptionally good, averaging about 30 MPG in mixed driving. Overall, you'll be happy with the vehicle. With only a bit over 1,000 miles on it, it's too early to comment on reliability yet.

  3. Carroll Kreiger 2025-03-08

    I purchased my Alltrack in May 2017 and it has been a fantastic experience so far! Although I had never owned a VW before and had heard about some reliability issues, I spoke to about 10 VW owners prior to my purchase and they had not reported any significant issues. I have driven 15K miles and have not had any issues. The car handles like a dream and is incredibly fun to drive. The DSG gearbox is intuitive and snappy, while the paddle shifters are precise, easy and fun to use. Even the fuel access cover is awesome, clicking open and having a solid self-closing 'snap' when gently nudged closed. The roof rails are much more versatile than those on the Outback and the moon roof is smooth, reliable and renders no noise to the cabin when closed. I find the 1.8TSI engine to be excellent, providing smooth acceleration and ample power when needed. The spare tire compartment can hold a full-size tire, which is a great feature for a compact vehicle. The Fender sound system is clear, delivering uniform sound quality throughout the cabin. My family and I are all shorter than 5'9', so the rear legroom is adequate for everyone in the family. The build quality of this vehicle is impressive, giving it a very upscale feeling. The fit and finish are top-notch and the interior accent lighting and foot area lighting in the front when the headlights are on are a nice touch. Adjustments for the AWD system and transmission provide tangible changes to the car's performance. It's also interesting to note that the general performance numbers for the Alltrack S model are better than the Outback's 6 cyl. - except for towing. I have owned several Subies over the years, including a 1981 Subaru GL, 1986 Subaru GL, 1992 Legacy Wagon, and a 1998 Impreza, all of which were reliable and capable vehicles. When I entered the market recently for an SUV/Crossover, I test drove a Crosstrek, a 4cyl Outback, and an Impreza. Overall, I am extremely happy with my decision to purchase the Alltrack and would highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new vehicle.The Crosstrek and Impreza were actually pretty good. Although the CVT on the Impreza seemed monotonous and the car felt a little underpowered, the Crosstrek had a manual transmission and was a lot of fun to drive. However, the cargo area was a little small and on the freeway, the Crosstrek lacked passing power. At high speeds, it was noisy and felt 'soft'. The Outback had a nice interior, but unfortunately, the CVT was a dealbreaker! It was a mess of a transmission, no fun at all and not very responsive. It was very loud and it always seemed as if it were trying to figure out what I wanted it to do. I test drove a Dodge Durango, which I liked a lot, but it didn't make a lot of sense as I would never be towing anything. I also test drove a Toyota Highlander, a 4-Runner, and a Honda Pilot. All of them were very good, but they were too big and gangly for my needs. However, I test drove the Golf Alltrack and instantly fell in love. If you're in the small crossover market, the Alltrack is really worth looking into. Update: I'm still loving my Alltrack! It's sad to hear that VW is discontinuing their wagons. Get one while you can! Check out Nathan Adlan's most recent review on TFLCar.com.

  4. Conner Runolfsson 2025-03-07

    I was one of the early buyers of this model, and I ordered it fully loaded from the factory. I took delivery in October and I must say, I'm impressed. As someone who loves to drive, I've owned many other European models including Audi, Porsche, Land Rover, Volvo and Mercedes, but I find VW to be the perfect mix of quality, attention to detail, simplicity, technology and driving enjoyment. Although I was sad to give up my Jetta Sportwagen TDI, I'm a bigger fan of the environment and was happy to switch to the Alltrack. I considered many other models including hybrids, but having owned Asian hybrids in the past, including Honda, Toyota and Subaru, I found them to be absolutely boring to drive after a few months. I even considered the Subaru Outback as an alternative, but I find the current generation model bloated-looking and do not like the Lineartronic CVT transmission. My Alltrack is fully loaded and I enjoy the styling and especially the lighting option that sets the car apart. The acceleration, transmission and road-feel are all very good, definitely a step-up from the Jetta Sportwagen TDI. I primarily do city driving, and I'm averaging 21 mpg (my diesel averaged 25 mpg city driving). On the highway, I've averaged 33 mpg. I did have issues with the compass which impacted the NAV (factory re-call) and the lane assist program functions, both of which were repaired under warranty. As a wagon lover, I find options limited here in the US to Subaru, Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Volvo, with the latter four models being significantly higher priced. As far as I'm concerned, the VW Golf Alltrack SEL with the driver assistance and lighting option package is a very similar wagon to the Audi Allroad, which makes sense since they share many of the same parts. Also, the Audi Allroad runs on premium, while the VW Alltrack runs on regular gas. To sum up, I really love this wagon and I'm just waiting for some Chicago snow to test the 4-Motion AWD!

  5. Mark Steuber 2025-02-20

    I used to drive a 2002 Audi Allroad with a manual transmission. It was a great car with lots of power. Since I enjoy putting bicycles and kayaks on the roof, I prefer wagons. The new Alltrack is an excellent car and offers great value for money. It has plenty of room inside and feels solid. It also has enough power for passing. I have the SE model and I really like the manual automatic. I either downshift on curvy roads or put it into Sport Mode, which works great in the twisties. The front seat is comfortable, but I would prefer a full multi-adjustable electric seat with memory like I had before. Fortunately, I am the only driver 90% of the time. The vinyl feels like leather, and people I've taken for a ride think it's leather. I don't correct them. The electronics work great, and I use Android Auto, which uses Google Maps for navigation. The voice control for phone calls works flawlessly. The Fender stereo is excellent. The climate control only has a temperature knob, so there's no auto temperature setting. The huge sunroof is fun and provides a great sky view. It's also much better than any car I've owned in the past when it comes to opening the sunroof. They've eliminated the fluttering sounds, so you don't have to open a window. The cargo area is huge, and they've done a nice job of storing the rear cover if you don't want to use it. The visibility is excellent, and it's much more fun to drive than a small SUV.

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