27 of the
246 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
are about the engine —
11% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
2017 Golf has been nothing but a nightmare. [1] 2018-2021, it was Infotainment system that I had to repair 3 times; once under warranty, twice out of pocket. Stupid navigation system malfunctions every time they upgrade the map or something and caused another visit to the dealer for replacing the entire radio and that little disk in the glove box. How many times would anyone do this during ownership, every year? I gave up fixing that dumbest navigation infotainment whatever, after paying thousands of $$ twice. Apparently, nobody at VW could care less if their driver could have an accident while driving with phone in hand to navigate while the navigation screen is on forever uploading loop. [2] 2026, EPC started showing up on dashboard. Car was noticeably sluggish and became difficult to accelerate. Dumbass dealership misdiagnosed and repaired engine harness instead of turbocharger, costing me thousands of $$ for two separate repairs. I missed the class action deadline due to seldom driving. EPC was not acting up yet during the suit. Whoever reads this, go buy yourself a Toyota.
NHTSA complaint #11752767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Junction between thermostat and water pump failed leading to total loss of coolant. At the time I was driving north on I-75 in heavy morning traffic at 65 MPH. I was able to steer the vehicle off the road without hitting anyone or coming to a complete stop. Had the vehicle towed to Jim Ellis VW of Kennesaw where they diagnosed the problem and replaced the water pump. The car had 18,762 miles on it at the time. Mechanic stated that the problem was oil from cam covers leaking onto water pump and was frequently seen. Vehicle had low coolant warning lights twice and I added several ounces of distilled water each time. Car had an engine warning light and was being taken to dealer for service that day. When the incident happened, there was an audible alarm for loss of coolant and a flashing yellow light on the dashboard. The car had been serviced and inspected at the dealership annually, there had been no reports of leaking oil from cam covers. There was no indication the water pump would catastrophically fail. The waterpump should not fail with this few miles on it. .
NHTSA complaint #11702007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the camshaft module and variable valve timing (VVT) gears needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,900.
NHTSA complaint #11700267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The fuel pump on my 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen failed approximately three months after a safety recall repair for the suction jet pump (recall 20Y6). My independent mechanic explained that failure of the suction jet pump can cause fuel leakage or vapor transfer into the EVAP system, which may create pressure or vacuum imbalance inside the fuel tank. This can potentially damage other fuel-system components, including the fuel pump. My vehicle had no prior fuel-system issues. After the recall repair, the vehicle began experiencing symptoms consistent with fuel delivery problems, and the fuel pump ultimately failed. The mechanic who performed the repair noted that the failure was “highly likely related” to the suction-jet-pump defect because of the short time between the recall repair and the component failure. Volkswagen’s customer-service team stated that the fuel pump and suction jet pump are “unrelated,” but did not provide a technical explanation for that conclusion. Because both components interact within the sealed fuel/EVAP system, I am concerned that the recall defect or repair may have contributed to the fuel-pump failure. This problem may indicate a pattern of post-recall fuel-system failures involving suction-jet-pump malfunction, tank pressure changes, or collateral damage to in-tank components. I am submitting this report so NHTSA can review whether similar issues are occurring in other vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11699966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our VW Sportwagen registered owner [XXX] - my wife, which we purchased new has a coolant leak at 41000 miles. This is the 3rd time. It was repaired twice under warranty at two separate dealers - 10/2024 was the 2nd time - 3 separate leaks including the original repaired seal failing again. The new car warranty has now expired. 7/2025 is is leaking again. Will the engine seize up? VW says we aren't their customer. I wonder who made the VW? They won't tell me where to get it repaired properly. VW says everything is up to the dealer and that they cover their repairs for 12 months. The dealer says there is no warranty on the repair beyond the new car warranty. Who is telling the truth? Lesson learned. VW doesn't want us to buy their defective cars. We won't again. I hope we don't cause an accident because of this leaking engine cooling system before we are able to replace the car. Wish there was a way to fix the issue but the manufacturer - Volkswagen - isn't willing to share the needed guidance. Apparently they don't know which of there dealerships has competent technicians. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11677611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine fire due to exhaust equipment malfunction, if it was not attended to or noticed quickly it could lead to loss of control of vehicle, causing injury or death to occupants or other motorists. This occurred after having a recall completed.
NHTSA complaint #11668809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the last year, my car has experienced multiple instances of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) warning light, check engine light, and a flashing glow plug light on the dashboard. Despite multiple visits and repairs at Sheehy Volkswagen of Springfield, these issues persist, particularly in sub-freezing temperatures. Upon independent inspection of the engine compartment, I found multiple exposed wires, broken wires, and poorly repaired broken wires. The most significant concerns are as follows: Repeated DPF Issues: Over the last three years, the DPF warning and related issues have recurred each winter. Initial attempts to rectify the issue included a DPF regeneration procedure, which temporarily cleared the fault codes but did not address the underlying problem. The DPF was finally replaced in mid-2024, yet the same problems manifested with a brand new component just months later. Extended Repair Time: Sheehy Volkswagen of Springfield had my vehicle for a total of six months (Dec-23 to May-24), during which they were unable to diagnose or fix the problem despite escalating the case to Volkswagen HQ (Business Case Numbers: BT1167682 and BT1177805). This delay is unacceptable. Poor Customer Service: Throughout this period, customer service was unsatisfactory. I was frequently passed between customer service representatives, none of whom were sufficiently informed about the ongoing repairs. Incorrect Diagnosis and Repairs: After replacing the DPF, ECM, temperature sensor, and wiring harnesses, the issue persisted. It was eventually suggested that a wiring problem might be to blame, yet no comprehensive solution was provided. Incompetence and Safety Concerns: Upon retrieving my vehicle, I noticed white smoke emanating from the engine compartment, which I discovered was due to the coolant reservoir being overfilled. Additionally, an independent inspection revealed exposed and poorly repaired wires, posing a serious safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11633263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11616323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle restarted after 15 minutes but then stalled again. While driving 45 MPH on three other occasions, the vehicle stalled. The check starting system message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The contact called another local dealer, Volkswagen Lee’s Summit (2225 NE Independence Ave., Lee's Summit, MO 64064) and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was contacted but the contact was awaiting a call back. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTS Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
NHTSA complaint #11568828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to run rough. The contact shifted the vehicle into park(P) when she reached her destination and smelled an odor of gasoline. The contact observed that gasoline was leaking out of the fuel tank under the wheel well. The contact stated that the driveway was wet from the gasoline. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had attempted earlier in the day to fuel the vehicle and was unable to fill the fuel tank. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank, fuel pump seal, fuel tank hardware, passenger’s side rear trailing arm bolts, heat shield nuts, purge valve, and evap canister needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact related the failure to a recall repair performed on the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11537410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was parking my car with my foot on the brake when suddenly the car just took off and crashed into a building ---- WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE!! I think it was a sudden unintentional acceleration where the electrical something in the engine malfunctions causing the throttle to open and the car to accelerate --- FAST ---- and in a split second the car crashed into a building. I am thankful that the building was there otherwise I might have been killed or seriously injured . My car was a 2017 volkswagen golf.
NHTSA complaint #11528148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car loses power due to clogged wastegate actuator and EPC light turns on and off. This has been confirmed by 2 different service centers. I have seen several cases of people saying they had the same problem which requires you to replace the entire turbo, which my car only has 67,000 miles. I have a 16 year old son who will drive my car and this could cause him an accident if he is not able to accelerate. This is clearly a faulty part as they've discontinued using the model of the original turbo.
NHTSA complaint #11527996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The EPC light has been continuously coming on for almost a year. It has been taken to the dealership 5 times and they cannot fix it or find the cause of it. At times when driving it enters "limp mode". Other times it has acted like it was overheating. And twice it has completely shut down. The vehicle is now out of warranty and no fix has been put in place. The EPC light will still randomly come on. VW has not addressed or come up with cause for this very common issue on their vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11523217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was parking my car with my foot firmly on the brake when suddenly the car surged out of control and very fast crashed in to a building. I was bruised and cut with chest pains, but the worst of it is that I lost my driver's license because of the accident. I have a mechanic's report. The mechanic came and looked at the car with a scanner and deemed the accident to be not my fault. The mechanic thought according the the information on the scanner that there was some electrical interference that caused the throttle to open. An insurance adjuster also came and thought the accident was not my fault, but the RMV(registry of motor vehicles) thinks the accident was my fault and I am having a hell of a time getting my license back. So far I have spent thousands of dollars on ubers getting around and also on lawyers to try to get my driver's license back. I would like to sue volkswagen. I have experienced ennourmas pain and suffering because of this accident even though I was not seriously hurt. If the building hadn't been there to stop the car I might well have been seriously hurt. And yes I have written to the CEO of volkswagen twice and I have also called him multiple times. I have called the dealership where I bought the car. I have spoken to several lawyers to no avail. I do have a lawyer who is working on getting my license back. This accident has taken a toll on my health and well being. I live in a semi rural area and am retired but still working part time in churches all over the city. Last month my visa bill was over $2000 -- mostly ubers. I am seriously hoping that I will get my license back soon but the problems this accident has caused have been huge. And yes this accident happened twice. Once on April 8 2019 --- I lost my license then but got it back --- then again the same thing with the same car --- parking the car -- foot on brake --- car speeds up with my foot on the brake and crashes in to a building.
NHTSA complaint #11502973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the coolant pressure warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the coolant level was below normal. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #11500155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A defect that meets the definition of a nonconformity in Washington State, and that is covered under warranty, caused the vehicle to stall while driving and caused the vehicle to not accelerate when the accelerator was pressed. My safety was put at risk when this happened on a 50 mph road because vehicles behind me expected my vehicle in front of them to accelerate in a predictable way with the flow of traffic. Another time, a stall happened as I turned onto a highway. I had come to a stop, waited for the traffic light, and then turned right and pressed the accelerator as I normally would to get up to 50 mph. A flashing glow plug light came on, and the car immediately had zero propulsion, and so I turned the steering wheel to roll to the side of the road and turned on my hazard lights. I was fortunate that I was not rear-ended. On another occasion, I came off of the interstate as normal, but when I tried to drive over the overpass at a slight incline, the vehicle was unable to accelerate to 20 mph, and would only go about 5 mph no matter how much the accelerator was pressed. This happened multiple times, but not all of the time, and it was unpredictable when it would happen. It was dangerous to me because I could not time traffic circles with confidence that I would be able to press the accelerator and get up to speed without being struck from the left, or turn out onto busy roads with confidence I wouldn't be t-boned, or merge with traffic on the highway. The mileage on the vehicle at the first attempt to diagnose/repair the defect was 63935 on 10/11/2019 when a VW dealership diagnosed and replaced two glow plugs under warranty. Several more times it was warr. repaired. In November 2021, after the vehicle was repaired and failed on the dealership test drive, an engineer from Volkswagen inspected the vehicle, it was further repaired and released to me. A couple of months later, the vehicle stalled on a highway and a flashing glow plug light came on.
NHTSA complaint #11493252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle suddenly shut off while going 60 mph on the highway, and a 'Check Starter System' message appeared before a message that indicated that I need to stop the vehicle appeared. Vehicle was able to restart and the same issue occurred again less than 1 mile down the road. My safety was at risk due to the loss of power, that on another road or a highway on ramp, could have caused a collision due to the loss of speed I experienced. There were no prior warnings until the loss of power. The manufacturer service center was unable to replicate the issue or make any corrective action.
NHTSA complaint #11480880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that there was an odor of gasoline in the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was stalling while driving. The contact stated she stopped at a gas station and attempted to add gasoline; however, the tank was already full. The contact was able to drive home safely. After the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that gasoline was leaking underneath the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine And Engine Cooling) however, the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,400.
NHTSA complaint #11476587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dealer maintained 2016 VW Golf Sportwagen - coolant level kept getting low. Recent dealer visit indicated a leak in the thermostat housing. This seems to be a common issue with many such VWs, and in some cases other owners have reported multiple repeated failures of this housing. My car only has 66K miles and i haven't had any of my other cars have this issue over 25years of various car ownership.
NHTSA complaint #11473452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that fuel was getting into the evap charcoal canister. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle almost stalled. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic who informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the check valve inside the tank had failed due to a faulty evap system. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.