Is the 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN reliable?

The 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN has 51 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: SUSPENSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN?

Top problems: SUSPENSION (15 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (9 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (6 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE, SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Contact any Volkswagen dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN?

The 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN is approximately $1,511/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN has 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 51. The most common issue is suspension problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: i have 2017 volkswagen golf sportwagen. the rear axle coil spring part number 5qm 511 115 broke. it appears to have been recalled (see safety recall code 42j5). but my vin does now show any recall. please help. *tr. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

7 crash reports 6 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

SUSPENSION

15 complaints

29%

• I HAVE 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN. THE REAR AXLE COIL SPRING PART NUMBER 5QM 511 115 BROKE. IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN RECALLED (SEE SAFETY RECALL CODE 42J5). BUT MY VIN DOES NOW SHOW ANY RECALL. PLEASE HELP. *TR
• The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal clanking sound was coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with a rear coil spring fracture. Upon i
• Rear suspension spring broke causing rear car to lean low mileage other VW‘s have been recalled for same problem

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I HAVE 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN. THE REAR AXLE COIL SPRING PART NUMBER 5QM 511 115 BROKE. IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN RECALLED (SEE SAFETY RECALL CODE 42J5). BUT MY VIN DOES NOW SHOW ANY RECALL. PLEASE HELP. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN

Based on 20 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 42K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE11/07/2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling 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." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,511

Full coverage / month

$126

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

-10%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1511

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Volkswagen GOLF SPORTWAGEN Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

TSI turbo engines require VW-approved 502/504 spec synthetic oil. DSG transmission service (if equipped) every 40K miles.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Volkswagen New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Volkswagen. If you're buying a used 2017 GOLF SPORTWAGEN, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volkswagen dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 51 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
SUSPENSION: I HAVE 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN. THE REAR AXLE COIL SPRING PART NUMBER 5QM 511 115 BROKE. IT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN RECALLED (SEE SAFETY RECALL CODE 42J5). BUT MY VIN DOES NOW SHOW ANY RECALL. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TWICE, MOST RECENTLY TODAY. CAR DOES NOT TURN ON, AND EPC AND ENGINE LIGHT FLASH. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED ON 9/917, I CALLED A TOW. WHEN THE TOW ARRIVED, THE CAR TURNED ON AND I DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH CHECKED IT OVER AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. YESTER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TWICE, MOST RECENTLY TODAY. CAR DOES NOT TURN ON, AND EPC AND ENGINE LIGHT FLASH. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED ON 9/917, I CALLED A TOW. WHEN THE TOW ARRIVED, THE CAR TURNED ON AND I DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH CHECKED IT OVER AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. YESTER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED TWICE, MOST RECENTLY TODAY. CAR DOES NOT TURN ON, AND EPC AND ENGINE LIGHT FLASH. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED ON 9/917, I CALLED A TOW. WHEN THE TOW ARRIVED, THE CAR TURNED ON AND I DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH CHECKED IT OVER AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. YESTER
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Volkswagen dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)