2018 Volkswagen Golf alltrack problems
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?
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 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.
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.
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
Positive 2018 Volkswagen Golf alltrack car reviews
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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: 1981 Subaru GL, 1986 Subaru GL, 1992 Legacy Wagon, and a 1998 Impreza. All of these were reliable, capable vehicles. When I entered the market recently for an SUV/Crossover I test drove a Crosstrek, a 4cyl Outback, and an Impreza.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.
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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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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.
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I purchased the Alltrack SEL in July 2017 after months of researching SUVs and crossovers to find the perfect combination of mileage, AWD, and user-friendly cargo space. The Alltrack stood out to me because of its low bumper and ample cargo room, which was perfect for hauling my heavy and bulky gear. I was surprised to find that most crossovers and SUVs had higher liftover heights despite having only an inch or two higher ground clearances. The Alltrack also has clever extra storage under the cargo floor, making it an excellent choice for cargo capacity. Although nothing in the crossover or SUV market handles as well as my previous car, a VW GTI, the Alltrack is superior to all others I have driven, and its power is comparable to offerings in the same price range. The Alltrack's AWD system is straight out of the Golf R and Audi S3, and its ground clearance is adequate for very rough terrain. I have taken my Alltrack with 400+ pounds of gear on crazy forest routes in Wyoming and never bottomed-out. The build quality, ride comfort, outward visibility, pano roof, and entertainment system (in the SEL) are all excellent. I am over 6' and the seats and front legroom are excellent. The only downsides are the rear legroom and the default shifting program on the DSG tranny, which seems to always be in too high a gear. Fortunately, there is a Sport shifting mode which works well around town, and the tranny is responsive to the steering wheel paddles. Overall, I am very happy with my Alltrack and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and spacious crossover.
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If you're searching for a fantastic handling, punchy alternative to an SUV, the Alltrack is the perfect car for you. With VW's amazing 6 year / 72K warranty, dealers willing to negotiate on price, and so much stuff packed into this little car, it's an absolute bargain. Like a good German car, it's very solid, handles great, has a world-class interior, and rewards the driver. You can even fit all your bikes, even the big 29'r, without taking off the front wheel. Although it could get better gas mileage, I tend to get a little heavy on the turbo. Overall, I'm extremely happy with my purchase and I highly recommend this vehicle.
Other years of Volkswagen Golf alltrack
Are you having problems with your 2018 Volkswagen Golf alltrack?
Junior Metz 2025-09-24
Our family has owned a series of VWs, starting with a 2007 MKV Rabbit. It was an amazing car that only had minor issues throughout its life and only started breaking down well past 100k miles. It was fun, cheap, and economical, making it the perfect all-around car. We then decided to purchase a 2015 Sport Wagon TDI, but we all know how that went. Despite the issues, we decided to hold onto it and were rewarded with a panoramic roof. However, it did have some problems, such as a squeaky suspension and infotainment system that constantly broke. Then, after the recall was finished, the Alltrack was released. This car was designed for TDI owners and was supposed to be perfect after the TDI scandal. Unfortunately, it had the same issues, such as a leaky roof and squeaky suspension. The infotainment system also constantly broke down. We would not recommend buying this car or any of the Sport Wagons, as they are poorly designed and VW has refused to acknowledge the problems. If you have any doubts, you can call around to service departments across the country, and they will confirm the issues.
Reece Lesch 2025-09-18
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.
Robb Boyer 2025-05-11
My car has been in VW service for 2 months now due to a terrible noise coming from the suspension that usually occurs around 15 mph. Although they attempted to fix it, the issue resurfaced a week later. Currently, my car is back in service and they are still trying to diagnose the problem. Additionally, I have experienced issues with Apple CarPlay freezing up and even staying on when my car was turned off and locked with no phone hooked up to it. The A/C also stopped blowing cold air a month after purchasing the car, and unfortunately, the service team was unable to diagnose the issue. They simply stated that the same issue occurs with other cars on the line, so there is no fix. Furthermore, the service light came on every time I drove the car, instructing me not to exit the vehicle unless it’s in P position. Yesterday, a new issue arose, indicating that the starter is faulty. Despite these challenges, I am confident that the VW service team will be able to resolve these issues and restore my car to its optimal condition. I am looking forward to continuing to drive my VW with pride and confidence.
Flavio Abshire 2025-03-21
As a long-time Honda/Acura and Subaru owner, I recently decided to try out the VW Alltrack. While I was initially excited about the car, I have unfortunately had some issues with it. For example, I experienced a misfire on the interstate which sent the car into safemode while I was in the fast lane on the freeway. This was a scary experience and could have caused an accident. Additionally, the infotainment system completely failed and the vendor had no replacements in stock, leaving me without music, navigation, or a back-up camera for just under 2 months. The sunroof also leaked in 4 locations, and while it was repaired, it made a ton of noise after the repair and is going back in for another repair. Overall, I have been disappointed with this car and have had to take it into the shop more than I did my 10 year Outback over the life of the car.
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.