DecodedCars2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 170–220 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 25 city / 36 hwy
- EV range
- 125 mi · 5.3 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 220 hp, versus about 160 hp for similar 2017 models.
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints117 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 37 for similar models — most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 36 highway), 8% better than the 2017 compact car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 125 miles and takes about 5.3 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2017
- Longest EV range up from 83 to 125 miles
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Golf/GTI →
Trims, performance & features
Engine170 hp1.8L turbo 4-cyl
Engine211–220 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic · 6-speed manual
DriveFWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
S, Wolfsburg, SE, SELS, Sport, SE, Autobahn
Safety & driver-assist features
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
Built in: Puebla, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Golf/GTI configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Golf EV | 100 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 125 mi · 28.4186 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +8% | $2,300 | 309 |
| Golf | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +8% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Golf SportWagen | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 29 | 0% | $2,300 | 309 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +4% | $2,400 | 319 |
| Golf SportWagen | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 28 | -3% | $2,400 | 313 |
| GTI | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | 0% | $2,500 | 325 |
| Golf Alltrack | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -10% | $2,600 | 347 |
| Golf SportWagen 4motion | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -10% | $2,600 | 347 |
| Golf R | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 25 | -7% | $3,300 | 347 |
| Golf R | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -7% | $3,300 | 354 |
| Golf Alltrack | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -14% | $2,700 | 354 |
| Golf SportWagen 4motion | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -14% | $2,700 | 354 |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.9 MPG2017 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13.4% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Similar 2017 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2017 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Jetta | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (5)
Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 14, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V110000 · 261,257 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Unknown Or Other · May 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V321000 · 46 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they were built to all applicable regulatory requirements and may have been modified prior to sale. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of various Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
- Risk
- Vehicles that do not meet all regulatory requirements may have an increased risk of injury, crash, or fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will repurchase the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01F1.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Mar 6, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V188000 · 56,173 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
- Risk
- If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Jul 11, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V464000 · 33,168 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Dec 29, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V955000 · 5,947 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Not every 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
117Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
27,113 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 51 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,113 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 125 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Golf/GTI years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 Golf/GTI | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
| 2022 Golf/GTI | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 81 |
| 2021 Golf/GTI | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 1 | 7 |
| 2020 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 6 |
| 2019 Golf/GTI | 32 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 63 |
| 2018 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | ★★★★★ | 6 | 29 |
| 2016 Golf/GTI | 29 | – | Not rated | 9 | 85 |
| 2015 Golf/GTI | 35 | – | Not rated | 12 | 131 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →