2018 Volkswagen Golf alltrack problems

General information about Volkswagen-Golf alltrack
Overview of popular issues
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

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.

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Common 2018 Volkswagen Golf alltrack problems

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a small SUV alternative that offers increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive for a quality driving experience off-road. However, the 2018 model has been identified as the least dependable year, with several irritating faults that might force drivers to visit the repair shop more often than desired. Here are the common problems with the 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack based on complaints from owners:

Misaligned headlights: Some owners of the 2018 Golf Alltrack have reported misaligned headlights, which can be a safety concern and may require professional adjustment or replacement.

Dead key-fob battery: A dead key-fob battery can be an inconvenience, and it's a problem that some 2018 Golf Alltrack owners have experienced. This issue can be resolved by replacing the battery, but it's an additional cost and hassle for owners.

Squeaky pedal clutch: A squeaky pedal clutch can be a sign of wear or a mechanical issue. While this problem may not significantly impact the performance or safety of the vehicle, it can be annoying for drivers.

Issues with the air conditioning: Some owners of the 2018 Golf Alltrack have reported problems with the air conditioning system, including issues with the compressor, blower motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, and automatic climate system. These issues can affect the comfort of the vehicle and may require professional repair.

Electrical failure: Electrical failure is a common problem in many vehicles, and it's no exception for the 2018 Golf Alltrack. This issue can affect various components of the vehicle, including the climate system, and may require professional diagnosis and repair.

Refrigerant leakage: Refrigerant leakage is another issue that some 2018 Golf Alltrack owners have reported. This problem can affect the performance of the air conditioning system and may require professional repair.

While these issues may not be extreme, they can add up and create a significant hassle for drivers. If you're considering purchasing a 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, it's essential to be aware of these common problems and factor in potential repair costs when making your decision. It's also recommended to consider the best years for the Golf Alltrack, which are the 2017 and 2019 models, as they have had excellent reviews from professionals and everyday drivers alike, bringing in top-notch safety reviews and minimal repairs and troubles.

Are Alltracks reliable?

According to driving.ca, the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack offers a generally reliable and trouble-free experience. It's a unique vehicle, built in just the right way to leave any owner satisfied. It's had a few recalls, but those haven't gotten in the way of the general reliability of the car.

Why was the Golf Alltrack discontinued?

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.

How long do VW Golf engines last?

Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.

What is the difference between 4MOTION and Alltrack?

Alltrack vs.

Along with 4MOTION®, the VW Golf Alltrack features a unique Off-Road Mode and Hill Descent Control that works while going downhill to control your brakes' application. It also comes with premium roof rails to carry more gear. 4MOTION® is available on the VW Golf SportWagen, but only on the base trim level.

Are Alltracks reliable?

Why did VW stop making the Alltrack?

Production of the VW SportWagen and Alltrack Comes to an End

What is the difference between 4MOTION and Alltrack?

Alltrack vs.

What engine is in the VW Alltrack?

1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine

The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is a versatile wagon with off-road capabilities. The AWD Golf Alltrack is powered by a 168-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or auto-shift manual transmission.

2018 Volkswagen Golf alltrack complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Volkswagen Golf alltrack.

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

Negative 2018 Volkswagen Golf alltrack car reviews

Soledad Abbott 2024-09-29

I was really hoping to like the VW Alltrack, especially since we've had such good experiences with the VW Passat and Passat Wagon - we've owned multiple of those as well. Unfortunately, while the Alltrack looks great from the outside, handles well, and seems like it would be fun to drive, it falls short in a few key areas. The primary issue is the lack of space in both the front and rear seats, as well as the cargo department. Taller drivers will especially struggle with the limited foot movement due to the steering wheel column. We really enjoyed having the Passat Wagon and we hope that VW will reconsider bringing it back to the US, or redesign the Alltrack with more space to address the growing segment of the market.
Jonathan Ortiz 2024-09-16

Hey there! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Alltrack. It sounds like you've had some mixed experiences with it. While it's great to hear that the car handles well in bad weather and feels like a sports car, it's a shame that it's not as spacious as you'd like. I totally understand how frustrating it can be when the GPS doesn't work properly, especially if you rely on it for work. It's also disappointing to hear about the electronic issues you've had with the vehicle. On the bright side, it's great to hear that the engine is powerful and the car feels like a much more expensive model. Thanks again for sharing your honest thoughts with us!The back-up camera, hidden under the emblem, is probably the most ingenious thing any car maker has ever done. It never gets dirty. However, I have had some issues with the paint on the tailgate chipping and peeling, which is disappointing considering the car is only 5 months old. If you are a die-hard VW fan, I would definitely recommend the Alltrack. However, there are many other vehicles in the same price range with more room and proven technology that may be worth considering.
Korbin King 2024-08-13

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 the extended warranty we purchased from the dealer, VW is refusing to take responsibility for the damage caused by their faulty design. After further research, I discovered that this is a common problem with Alltracks, as well as VW's refusal to take responsibility. We are now joining a class action suit with others against VW. I hope that by sharing my experience, others can be aware of the potential risks. Thank you for listening.
Tyson Bauch 2024-03-24

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.
Johnathon Lemke 2024-01-07

Although the name may suggest otherwise, I found this AWD to be quite disappointing. It struggles on steep grades and in icy conditions, making it less than ideal for those situations. Even with studded snow tires and the AWD system in off-road mode with traction control disabled, the car still couldn't move forward or backward on flat, icy ground. Additionally, if you're over 6'0

Positive 2018 Volkswagen Golf alltrack car reviews

Jovanny Kautzer 2025-02-02

If you're living in the North, having an AWD is always a good idea. AWD is worth its weight in gold during the 6 times a year when you need it in the snow. I decided to switch from a sedan to a wagon for the convenience of hauling things around. There aren't many options in that segment, but after narrowing it down to a Subaru Outback or an Alltrack, I chose the VW because it handled much better, felt faster, was quieter, and had a much more upscale interior. Although I thought I would prefer the Outback (coming from a Legacy), I ended up liking the Alltrack more. Here are the reasons why I chose the Alltrack: 1. It handled confidently and felt the most car-like in cornering and freeway ramp driving, which was important to me. 2. The interior was nicer and the seats were really comfortable and supportive. 3. The panoramic sunroof is huge and impressed my teenaged son (not easy to do). 4. The transmission and engine (1.8turbo DSG VW against a 2.5 boxer w/ a CVT) felt zoomy and the DSG shifts very nicely. 5. At highway speeds, the wind noise is significantly lower. 6. In the last 2 snowstorms, the AWD has been flawless and the traction has been fantastic. It is perfectly balanced for the conditions and I never once worried about getting stuck. Now that I have had it for a while, what are the nitpicks? 1. I wish it had a bigger fuel tank. Don’t get me wrong, it gets great mpg (34-35 hwy) - but a little more range would be nice for those who do a lot of driving. 2. The Nav system is okay, but the Apple CarPlay makes it unnecessary. Oh - and a bigger screen would be nice. 3. There are about 100 ways to monitor what the car is doing which is cool - but holy cow, the menu structure is terrible. In my opinion, if you're looking for a car that's fun to drive, get the VW. It has a little less hauling space, but if you enjoy driving, you'll prefer this car.
Dawson Connelly 2025-01-23

I highly recommend taking the VW Golf Alltrack for a test drive before making a final decision. The Alltrack has a much stronger engine, fit and finish, and timeless style compared to the Subaru Crostrek. With about 27mpg in mixed driving, it's a great choice. The VW dealership was also willing to offer a fantastic deal, $4,500 off of MSRP. Pay attention to the amazing transmission (DSG) and power the turbo 4 has in comparison to Subaru's 4 banger. There is no comparison...the Alltrack is amazing!
Angus VonRueden 2025-01-18

We recently had to replace our car after doing the diesel buyback on our 2009 Sportwagen TDI. We decided to go for the Alltrack due to its AWD and manual transmission options, which are perfect for our needs living in the Colorado mountains. We don't really care about off-road capabilities, but we do need a car that can handle the snow. The Alltrack is the perfect compromise as it offers good handling, economy, and comfort, which is what we need over 95% of the time. With the manual transmission, we are averaging 29mpg and expect to get in the 30s on trips. The stereo capabilities are impressive and we are happy with the S model as we experienced some issues with the panoramic sunroof on our previous car. The manual transmission is geared towards fuel economy, but it is still a pleasure to shift. We have had no issues with the car and have used it for commuting and hauling. We have even carried large items on the roof rack with ease. Overall, we are very satisfied with our choice and highly recommend the Alltrack. Track all gas usage on com and my wife consistently averages 29-30 mpg in commuting and city driving. Changing the oil is a breeze with the oil filter being on top. We even got a duplicate set of the stock wheels off craigslist and mounted 225/50-17 Artic Altimax snow tires on them. Living in the Colorado mountains, the Alltrack handles it well with its AWD and snow tires. The manual transmission is a pleasure to drive and makes the car faster than it should be given the weight and engine size. As for updates, our Alltrack now has over 97k miles and consistently gets 29mpg for commuting and around town use. Although we got a used 2010 Lexus RX, my wife still uses the Alltrack about half the time for her long commute. We also use the RX for long trips because of the comfort, even though it gets worse mpg. We looked at consolidating those vehicles for a newer RX, but we decided to keep the Alltrack because it is like a more practical Golf R in disguise. The only problems we have had were a stuck front caliper due to a factory error and a cracked windshield, which is a common problem in Colorado.
Stefan Roob 2025-01-04

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!
D'angelo Swaniawski 2024-10-26

That's great to hear! It sounds like you really enjoy your vehicle.