2017 Volkswagen Golf R Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R has a complaint index of 90, the second-worst among 11 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate at 53% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 26,000 miles, though NHTSA lists zero recalls for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #2 of 11 Golf R years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 15
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22.5 city / 30.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2017 Volkswagen Golf R problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine8 (53%)
- Fuel System3 (20%)
- Electrical System2 (13%)
- Other2 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (13%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine loses coolant after road debris punctures the secondary heat exchanger, causing overheating on the highway.
- Engine misfires repeatedly, with dealers clearing the fault code only for it to return shortly after.
- Clutch wears out prematurely, making the car harder and more dangerous to drive in traffic.
- A clicking noise comes from the brake area while driving that stops when the brake pedal is pressed and resumes when released.
- PCV valve (oil separator) fails and lets internal engine pressure build up, typically as mileage climbs.
- Infotainment screen randomly resets and goes black, temporarily disabling safety features and drive mode selection.
2017 Volkswagen Golf R recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2017 Volkswagen Golf R fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22.5 MPG
- Highway
- 30.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Golf R years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R reliable?
- Compared to other Golf R years, the 2017 ranks poorly: it has a complaint index of 90, second-worst of 11 model years, and is rated Avoid. Engine issues make up 53% of its complaints.
- What problems does the 2017 Golf R have?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to the engine (53% of complaints, median mileage 26,000), plus fuel system, electrical, and transmission issues. Owners reported coolant loss from heat exchanger punctures, recurring misfires, and PCV valve failures.
- Does the 2017 Golf R have any recalls?
- No. NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2017 Golf R, unlike the 2016 (4 recalls) and 2018 (4 recalls) model years.
- How does the 2017 Golf R compare to other years?
- The 2017 model's complaint index of 90 is worse than the 2018 (40, Good) and 2019 (50, Caution), and second only to the 2024 model at 100. The 2016 model is also rated Avoid with an index of 80.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Golf R?
- The 2017 Golf R gets an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (22.5 city / 30.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200.