2017 Volkswagen Golf

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf is a popular compact car known for its practicality, sporty handling, and upscale interior. The base engine is a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, available with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque is available on the GTI paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque is available on the Golf R paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Golf’s fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and cargo space. Common complaints include some infotainment system glitches and occasional reliability concerns.

Engine

1.8L TSI

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, rear main seal, and oil filter housing. Symptoms include visible oil drips, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty gasket or seal. Clean the affected area thoroughly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L TSI (GTI)

• Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
  • Description/Symptoms: Direct injection engines like the 2.0L TSI are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves due to the lack of fuel washing over them. This can cause rough idling, decreased performance, and poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Perform an intake valve cleaning service (walnut blasting or chemical cleaning).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L TSI (Golf R)

• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Water pumps can fail prematurely, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump and thermostat assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (1.8L TSI)

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or delayed shifting, particularly between certain gears.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush or software update may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid flush), $800 - $2,000+ (valve body/rebuild).
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed DSG (GTI)

• Mechatronic Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Mechatronic unit, which controls the DSG transmission, can fail, leading to shifting problems, erratic behavior, and even complete loss of drive.
  • Solution: Replace the Mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

7-Speed DSG (Golf R)

• Clutch Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported clutch slippage, particularly under hard acceleration, leading to reduced performance.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can occasionally freeze, lag, or randomly reboot.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. If not, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,000+ (head unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door locks may fail to lock or unlock properly, or make unusual noises.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may leak, be difficult to open/close, or make unusual noises.
  • Solution: Inspect sunroof drains for blockage and clean them. Replace damaged seals or sunroof motor if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100 (drain cleaning), $200 - $800+ (parts replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf, while generally reliable, can experience some issues related to its engine, transmission, electrical system, and exterior. Engine oil leaks and carbon buildup can be concerns, while transmission issues are more pronounced in models equipped with the DSG transmission. Electrical glitches in the infotainment system and potential sunroof problems can also arise. The severity and cost of these issues vary, ranging from minor software updates to more expensive repairs like Mechatronic unit or clutch pack replacements. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchase, paying particular attention to the transmission’s behavior, any signs of oil leaks, and the proper functioning of the infotainment system.