2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf is a fully electric hatchback known for its practicality, comfortable ride, and decent range for its time. It came with a single electric motor option, producing 134 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque, paired with a single-speed direct-drive transmission. Owners generally appreciate its smooth acceleration, quiet cabin, and eco-friendliness. Some common complaints include limited range compared to newer electric vehicles and a relatively small back seat.

Electric Motor

Single Electric Motor

• Motor Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported motor mount failures, leading to increased vibrations and noise, especially during acceleration and deceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement of the motor mount.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Electric Drivetrain/Battery

• Reduced Range/Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have observed a decrease in the vehicle’s overall range over time, indicating battery degradation. This is a common characteristic of EV batteries.
  • Solution: There is no solution to battery degradation other than battery replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000-$15,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Voltage Battery Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The High Voltage battery may malfunction, and the car may shut off while driving.
  • Solution: Replace the High Voltage Battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000-$15,000+
  • Recalls: 97EC (October 2017)
• Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Overheating
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery pack may overheat due to thermal management system malfunction. This can reduce performance, trigger warning lights, or in extreme cases, pose a fire risk.
  • Solution: Inspection and repair of the battery pack cooling system components (e.g., pumps, fans, sensors). Replacement of the battery pack if damage is severe.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $15,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• 12V Battery Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The 12V battery, used for powering auxiliary systems, can fail prematurely or cause issues like difficulty starting (powering on) the car, or infotainment system glitches.
  • Solution: Replacement of the 12V battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can freeze, lag, or randomly reboot.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Charging Port Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The charging port may not properly latch, causing charging to fail.
  • Solution: Replacement of the charging port or latching mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster may fail, resulting in a blank display or inaccurate readings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light LED Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Individual LEDs within the tail light assembly may fail, resulting in reduced visibility.
  • Solution: Replacement of the entire tail light assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Charging Port Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The charging port door mechanism (hinge or latch) can break or become difficult to operate.
  • Solution: Replacement of the charging port door or repair of the hinge/latch mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may stop functioning on one or both seats.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or wiring repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may leak, get stuck, or make excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubrication of the sunroof tracks, repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf can suffer from a variety of issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to more significant problems related to the electric drivetrain. The most concerning are related to the high voltage battery, due to the high cost of replacement. Other notable problems include electrical issues, such as the infotainment system freezing or the 12V battery failing, and the range degradation due to battery degradation that is normal with EV vehicles. While some issues are relatively inexpensive to fix, others can lead to substantial repair bills.