Volkswagen Golf sportwagen problems
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).
The original Golf Mk1 was a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling models, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019.
Initially, most Golfs were 3-door hatchbacks. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979–2002, Cabriolet, 2011–present), and a Golf-based saloon, called the Jetta, Vento (from 1992) or Bora (from 1999). The Golf covers economy to high-performance market segments.
The Golf has won awards, including the World Car of the Year in 2009, with the Mk6 and in 2013 with the Mk7. Along with the Renault Clio and the Vauxhall Astra, the Golf is one of only three cars to have won European Car of the Year twice, in 1992 and 2013. The Golf has made the annual Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times. The Mk7 won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2015, and the Mk1 GTI also won the award in 1985. The Mk4 won for the best-selling car in Europe in 2001.
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Volkswagen Golf sportwagen model years
Common Volkswagen Golf sportwagen problems
The Volkswagen Golf SportWagen has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners, as detailed below:
- Rear Coil Springs Fracture: This recall affects certain 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture, leading to a safety risk. Volkswagen will replace the rear axle coil springs free of charge for affected vehicles.
- Shift Lever Micro Switch Contacts Build-Up: This recall affects certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park," leading to a safety risk.
- Fuel System Gasoline Leak: This recall affects certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister. Dealers will replace the suction pump free of charge for affected vehicles.
- Steering Column Locking Anti-Theft Device: This recall affects certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park," leading to a safety risk. Volkswagen will install an additional switch and circuit board free of charge for affected vehicles.
- Diesel Emissions Scandal: Volkswagen has admitted to using a defeat device on its supposedly 'clean diesel' vehicles to skirt around US emissions standards. This issue affects many Volkswagen models, including the Golf SportWagen.
- Noises and Leaks: Owners have reported issues with noises and leaks, including squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks. These issues have been reported for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, with problems such as seals/drains on the sunroof failing, resulting in rain water draining into the trunk of the car, and front driver side suspension making a slight banging sound on some bumps in the road.
Is the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen a reliable car?
The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, compared to an average of 11% for compact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
What is the most common problem with the VW Golf?
VW Golf owners often search for information about the following problems.
- Fuel leaks. ...
- Blocked DPF. ...
- Stretched timing chain. ...
- DSG automatic gearbox issues. ...
- Foggy headlight lenses. ...
- Faulty handbrake. ...
- Electrical issues. ...
- Faulty crash sensors.
How long will a Golf SportWagen 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.
Why did VW discontinue the SportWagen?
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.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Golf sportwagen years
We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Golf sportwagen cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volkswagen Golf sportwagen model years:
- Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2015
- Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2017
- Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2016
- Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2018
- Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2019
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Golf sportwagen model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Golf sportwagen years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Golf sportwagen , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Golf sportwagen vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Golf sportwagen model years
A total of 15 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Golf sportwagen model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Golf sportwagen model years
There were a total of 26 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 353 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Golf sportwagen . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Golf sportwagen vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 3VW217AUXFM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: When I turn on the ignition it says on the screen Starting system fault please service the vehicle.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 3VWU17AU4HM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Left and Rear Coil Springs have snapped in half due to unreasonably dangerous defective manufacturing. This is consistent with the open recall for the exact condition: NHTSA's campaign number: 19V188000. However, VW North America refuses to consider my vehicle for the recall as my vin is not included. Although the snaps reflect a a dangerous manufacturing defect, VW incorrectly has determined the rear coil springs on my vehicle are not "in the batch" of defective coil springs.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 3VW717AU7JM
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The clutch master cylinder failed at less than 37,000 miles and is not covered under the manufacturer's standard (for 2018 models) 72,000 mile warranty. I had to spend $500+ to replace the part at an independent mechanic. Fluid levels were fine and there were no leaks. Just a faulty part. I have owned cars with a manual transmission for almost 40 years and never once had to replace any clutch components, including in cars with well over 100,000 miles on them. It was a potentially dangerous event. I depressed the clutch pedal to put it in gear and the pedal sank to the floor. I couldn't get the car in gear. I couldn't restart the car. Fortunately I was on a side street not too far from home. I was able to pull up the clutch pedal and pump some pressure back into the system and drive home. I can only imagine how scary and unsafe this would have been if I had been stopped on a highway.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-25
- VIN: 3VWCA7AU2FM
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: The emissions modification calibration by Volkswagen causes the coolant to be exposed to elevated temperatures due to higher exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) use to control emissions. These elevated higher temperatures degrade the coolant faster than designed and lead to precipitates falling out of solution in the factory filled G13 coolant. This causes buildup and deposits to form throughout the cooling system, particularly in the heater core which can block proper coolant flow & lead to coolant system failure, specifically of hoses associated with the heater core. When these fail the engine can over heat, and stop which causes loss of steering, propulsion and braking abilities. There is a similar problem on 2012 models with the TDI engine, which has been addressed but the 2015 models are being stranded on the roads creating a safety hazard to the drivers of the vehicles and other motorists on the road.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 3VWC17AU7GM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: VW USA is offering no help in getting our recall work done. Their only suggestion is for us to work with our shipper. Our car is located in Italy because we are an active duty family stationed under orders at naval air station Sigonella. Our shipper has contacted VW Italy, and they refuse to help. The shipper also notes that they can’t ship the car anywhere anyways because the recall has to do with the fuel system. In effect, our car is now trapped in Italy, unable to be shipped off the continent. Perhaps NHTSA could persuade VW USA to perform our recall work here in Italy?
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-22
- VIN: 3VWC17AU6GM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: 3VW917AU0FM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I was driving to my grandparents house and once i got to the house there was gasoline dripping from the back of car, from the area of the tank. "61821 SE VERIFICO UNIDAD CON LIQUEO DE GASOLINA , SE VERIFICO Y SE ENCONTRO CHARCOL CANISTER LLENO DE GASOLINA , SE HIZO TEST PLAN Y SE ENCONTRO VALVULA INTERNA DEL TANQUE DE LA GASOLINA TRANCADA Y ESTO OCASIONANDO LIQUEO DE GASOLINA , SE REMOVIO Y SE INSTALO TANQUE DE GASOLINA NUEVO Y CANISTER DE LOS GASES NUEVO Y VALVULA N80 NUEVA Y SE LIMPIARON TODAS LAS LINES DEL SISTEMA , SE HIZO TEST Y NO PRESENTO LIQUEO DE GASOLINA" - Mecanic
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-07
- VIN: 3VWC17AU3HM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: When fueling the car at the gas station, the gas pump would shut off, almost immediately and the little fuel would gush out of the tank. We are unable to fuel the car. Repeated several times, but unable to fuel the car. From reading various online forum posting of folks with a similar problem, it appears that the suspect is the suction pump. Called the dealer and the recommend getting a new gas tank. Estimate cost of repair-$4,000. Taking car to dealership to have the suction pump replaced under the recall and see what happens.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-25
- VIN: 3VW217AU9FM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle had recall for "leaking fuel fire risk" Strong smell of fuel inside car. Manufacturer recall #20UF NHTSA recall 24V110 There has not been a fix yet available. Dealer (Team Volkswagen Merrillville IN) replaced the Jet fuel pump. Problem continued, VW engineering said bring the car back and replace the entire fuel tank. Completed. Problem returned 2 weeks later (XXX). While driving home from work noticed extremely strong fuel odor in car. Pulled off in a store parking lot, someone ran up and told me my car was leaking fuel. Gas was literally pouring out, I lost 1/4 tank of fuel on way home. The fuel was leaking under hood, under fuel tank area and under the rear passenger seat. I had the car towed to the dealer. Volkswagen does not have an actual fix for the problem. I should be given a replacement car due to Volkswagen being unable to correct this serious safety issue. What should I do, I am afraid to take the car back. I have videos and several pictures but unable to upload onto this website. Call [XXX] Crown Point Indiana INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-10
- VIN: 3VW217AU2FM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, there was fuel leaking from the vehicle, making it impossible to fill the fuel tank. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 73,780. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-05
- VIN: 3VW2A7AUXFM
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The hood release doesn’t work and cannot access anything in the engine bay. No oil changes until the hood can be opened. Clear recall due to the danger of not being able to open. The handle inside the car broke by attempting to open the hood.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-29
- VIN: 3VWC17AUXHM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger Occupancy Sensor (0152612) failed causing airbag and seatbelt warning lights to illuminate. Airbag was not functional while lights were on. Dealer diagnosed and repaired issue for $892.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-11
- VIN: 3VWC17AU6HM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the EVAP system had been filled with fuel, but the fix for the vehicle could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-06
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirm parts not available.
Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-22
- VIN: 3VWC17AU2HM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: [XXX] loud clunking noise from right rear of car taken to VW KIngst on, NY, diagnosed with broken rear springs there is a recall but not for my VIN number, but my springs are broken, maybe VIN numbers need updating INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Latest 5 recalls Volkswagen Golf sportwagen
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 20 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen Golf sportwagen.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-14
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2017
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-14
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2018
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-14
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2016
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-14
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- Model: Volkswagen Golf sportwagen 2015
- Report Received Date: 2024-02-14
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Latest negative Volkswagen Golf sportwagen car reviews
Latest positive Volkswagen Golf sportwagen car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2018
We were in search of a replacement for our trusty ten-year-old Volvo wagon, which we used as an extra car for hauling things and driving in the winter. The VW Sports Wagon caught our eye as a great bargain that more than meets our needs. We considered new Volvos, BMWs, and even used mid-size SUVs, but the VW offered the most value for our money.
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Vehicle year: 2019
I bought a 2019 in December and I'm really glad I did! It's equipped with all the options I wanted: 1.8T, Manual, 4-Motion, Driver's Assistance Safety Warning Package, Comfortline with Cloth Seats. I even added an Alltrack underpan fibreglass protector, changed out the Bridgestone All Season tires for Michelin X-Ice Winter Tires and purchased a set of Enkei Racing 17 inch wheels (weights 16 lbs) with Continental ExtremeContact Summer Tire. The handling is great with either the winter or summer tires. There's lots of seating room both in the front and back, and plenty of hauling space with the back seat folded down. It even carries my Kevlar 16' canoe and still has lots of room for gear! All of this for under $30K CAD including taxes. I'm really happy with the build quality, design, and handling. I've looked at other options, but the only alternatives are much higher priced station-wagons. The SportWagen has a much lower center of gravity and is lighter than SUVs, and I find the CVT whine and performance totally unacceptable. If VW had brought in the Sportwagen with Golf R specs like they have in Germany, I would have been tempted. As it is in Canada, it is the most fun station-wagon on the market under $60K. I've had it for eight months, and so far so good!
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Vehicle year: 2016
I chose the Golf Sport Wagon because there are hardly any other wagons available. I am absolutely thrilled with how much I love this car! My 2003 BMW 3 series wagon with 260k miles needs around $4-5k worth of repairs (who wouldn't at this point?). So, I parked it in the garage and covered it with quilts, a project for better times. I really hope VW can survive the onslaught of lawsuits that are heading its way, because I am truly a VW fan. The car is very well designed and produced. I feel as good as when I bought my first pair of Uggs... That good! Honestly, I can't think of any downsides to this car, and I got the cheap one. I can't believe the amount of stuff I got standard. You should definitely check this car out!
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Vehicle year: 2019
Congratulations on your new car! It sounds like you made a great choice. The car seems to have plenty of room and a great engine, which is giving you excellent gas mileage. It's also great to hear that you're enjoying the manual transmission. It's always fun to drive a car that you enjoy. As for the sound system, it seems to be working well for you, and it's always good to have a system that doesn't blow out your eardrums. It's no surprise that the car generated a lot of interest at the dealer, but it's great that you were able to get it first. Enjoy your new ride!
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Vehicle year: 2016
I'm really glad to hear that you're enjoying your 2016 GolfSportWagen LE! It sounds like it's a great car for both driving enthusiasts and families alike. The cargo area and fold-down rear seats make it really versatile, and the panoramic sunroof and advanced safety features are great touches. It's also good to hear that it's a good value. I can understand your concerns about the small fuel tank and rough downshifts, but overall it sounds like a fantastic car!
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen Golf sportwagen?
Kian Feil 2025-04-16
Vehicle year: 2016
It's a good car overall, although there have been some quality and reliability issues. I had to bring the car to the dealer for three separate repairs before I hit 10,000 miles, which was a bit frustrating. However, the ride is excellent (when the car isn't vibrating), the interior is great, and the seats are really comfortable. The engine is alright, but the transmission can struggle a bit at speeds between 20 and 60 mph. Overall, it's a decent car that has some room for improvement.
Dimitri Hauck 2025-04-13
Vehicle year: 2017
The car looks great and has excellent highway mpg, but unfortunately, we've experienced some issues with it. We've had some electrical problems that have been frustrating, and we've had to take it to the repair shop more often than we'd like. One time, the entire steering wheel went dead, including the airbag. We've also noticed some strange things happening when we leave the car sitting for a while, which drains the battery. While it's not what we expected from a two-year-old car with only 19k miles, we're hopeful that these issues can be resolved soon.
Jasmin Schmitt 2025-03-28
Vehicle year: 2017
Our 2016 Golf Sportwagen is a great car with good performance, decent mileage, and great cargo and convenience. However, we have unfortunately experienced some issues with the car's electrical system. Over the past four years, we have had six major electrical failures, which have left us stranded on four occasions. We have also had to replace the keys due to a range issue, and the battery has drained completely on several occasions due to a series of electrical glitches. Additionally, we have experienced issues with the tires grinding against the alloy wheel rims, which has produced a constant variable rubbing sound. Despite these issues, we have found our VW dealership to be helpful and accommodating. We hope that VW will continue to improve their engineering and address these issues in future models. Overall, we still enjoy driving our Golf Sportwagen and appreciate its many features.
Irving Cruickshank 2025-03-27
Vehicle year: 2018
I recently purchased a new car and unfortunately, it developed a rattle in the dash shortly after driving it off the lot. I brought it in for repairs and the front axel, struts, mounts, and other parts were replaced. The car drove smoothly for about 200 miles, but the rattle has returned. According to the lemon law in my state, three repairs for the same issue means that the car is considered a lemon. It's disappointing to have this experience with a brand new car that I haven't even made a payment on yet, especially since Consumer Reports recently rated this car poorly for reliability. If I had seen their rankings earlier, I may have considered other options.
Josue Rolfson 2025-03-01
Vehicle year: 2016
I've owned several Volkswagen models over the years, including the original Beetle, a Fox, a Jetta, two Passats (wagon and sedan), a Golf four-door, and the Golf Sportwagen. While I appreciated the European driving style of the Golf Sportwagen, I found it to be the least enjoyable VW I've owned. The US version of the car features a transmission that shifts very roughly, making a loud thump noise when downshifting at low speeds. Additionally, it upshifts too quickly, which robs the 1.8 turbo engine of its decent power. The low RPMs also cause vibrations and an unpleasant low drone in the cabin. I was disappointed to learn from the dealer that this is how the car was designed. The build quality was also subpar, with issues like a broken backup camera and a sunroof leak that took three months to fix. The service from my local VW dealer was so poor that I was hesitant to keep the car after the bumper-to-bumper warranty expired. While I've heard that VWs can be hit or miss, unfortunately, this Golf Sportwagen was a miss. If you're considering buying a used VW, be cautious.Especially consider a base version with a manual transmission for your Golf Sportwagen. This will provide great value without the added cost of special features. If purchased in this specification, the only additional feature you may need is a backup camera.