Filed Sep 16, 202023 vehiclesVolkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R and Atlas, 2017 Golf Alltrack and E-Golf and 2016-2018 Passat 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 a crash or injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners and will repurchase the vehicles. The recall began October 6, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01E9.
All 1 campaign on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 21, 2026WA
2017 VW Golf Alltrack SEL, purchased XXX CPO. DEFECT: The panoramic sunroof frame's wind-deflector storage channel is separate from the primary, drained water channel and has no drain of its own. During rain, with the vehicle parked nose-up (uphill), water bypasses the inner glass-to-frame perimeter seal and collects in this undrained channel, then overflows into the headliner cavity, wetting the headliner, front pillar trim, and interior. HISTORY: XXX, VW of Kirkland (Invoice XXX, 40,044 mi) replaced the headliner, both front pillar trim panels, exterior perimeter gasket, and all drain lines for water leakage - the only failure points VW had documented for this platform at the time. The leak recurred under the same incline condition and has worsened as the perimeter gasket aged. This is a mechanically distinct failure path (inner-channel overflow) from what was repaired (outer seal/drains). Current mileage 64,904; vehicle is now usually garaged, which has reduced but not eliminated the issue. DEALER CONFIRMATION: XXX VW of [XXX] (Svc Mgr [XXX]) confirmed recurrence and quoted a repair requiring full removal of the sunroof frame and interior. XXX, Svc Advisor [XXX] reviewed Audi TSB (NHTSA ID XXX/ Mfr Transaction [XXX], released XXX), "Panoramic sliding sunroof leaking," which documents an essentially identical failure mode - an undrained wind-deflector channel overflowing into the headliner - on Audi Q3/Q8/e-tron models, and confirmed no existing or pending remedy exists for
Electrical System
Filed Jun 10, 2026OR
Car battery spontaneously exploded when trying to start the car.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 9, 2025RI
Infotainment system is restarting itself repeatedly every 30 seconds to every few minutes.This has been going on for about 2 weeks. The component has not yet been inspected by a 3rd party.
Power Train
Filed Jan 13, 2025170,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle and shifting to the park, the contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle rolled backward. The driver depressed the brake pedal and activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle from rolling. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Engine
Filed Jan 13, 2025NY
I've been experiencing a recurring issue with my vehicle where the EPC light frequently activates. When this happens, the car significantly reduces its speed, making it difficult to drive safely. I've noticed this situation over the past six to eight months, and it typically requires me to pull over. After turning off the vehicle multiple times, I'm usually able to reset it and drive normally again. I'm seeking advice on how to address this problem effectively.
Steering
Filed Jan 13, 2025NY
I am facing an issue with my car where it tends to roll back even when it's in park, regardless of whether the engine is on or off. The only time it remains stationary is when I apply the brakes and engage the emergency brake. This situation poses a safety concern for me and my family, and I would like to find a solution to ensure our vehicle stays securely in place when parked.
Steering
Filed Apr 29, 2024VT
The Clock Spring Assembly on my vehicle failed. In May 2023 Volkswagen of America issued an extended warranty coverage notice for the part. After doing some research and determining the part failure, I called my local VW dealer to report the problem. They told me they would be happy to schedule an appointment to look at my vehicle but they could not schedule my vehicle for service for at least a month. Considering this issue to be an extreme safely issue and realizing I did not want to drive around in my vehicle for over a month without air bag protection, I had my vehicle repaired at an independent service facility. I have had several communications with VW of America (attached) and they refuse to reimburse me for this repair.
Engine
Filed Mar 25, 2024OH
Turbo Wastegate actuator rod/flap failure/seizure. VW dealership & Independent service center both diagnosed the issue as a seized wastegate actuator flap/rod. This is due to poor design and is a common issue on all 2015-2020 VW/Audi 1.8l TSI engines. This issue causes intermittent engine codes for "low boost" related codes. P00AF00 and similar codes without warning. A key cycle usually temporarily fixes the problem until under boost again. This prevents safe operation of the vehicle while on highways and freeways. Engine shaking & prevention of acceleration and shifting happens after the engine code occur and the car is put into a limp mode. It is unsafe to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road during these events.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 19, 2023IA
Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving down the highway. No collision or impact. Sounded like a gunshot. Had to immediately pull over, remove all of the glass in order to drive it at all.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 3, 2023TX
Continual unidentified leak in the roof area. I've seen many reports of this same issue for the 2017 Golf Alltrack, specifically on incline.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 23, 2023NJ
MY CAR HAS 16500 MILES AND THE PANAROMIC ROOF DRAINS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WATER LEAKED INTO THE BACK OF CAR. I DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS WATER IN THE CAR UNTIL I LOOKED INTO THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT WHICH HAD QUITE A BIT OF WATER IN IT. THEN I SAW THAT THE HEADLINER WAS STAINED IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. THIS IS A HAZZARD BECAUSE THERE ARE WIRES IN THE WELL FOR THE STEREO SYSTEM AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS FOR THE VEHICLE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS GOING IN FOR REPAIR END OF JUNE (EARLIEST APPOINTMENT THAT IS AVAILABLE).
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
Filed Mar 22, 202392,000 milesNJ
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. The contact stated that while adjusting the passenger's side rear-view mirror, the mirror glass suddenly detached from the housing, fell on the ground and shattered. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Engine
Filed Mar 6, 2023OR
Turbo wastegate actuator arm seized casing turbo failure. Wastegate stuck in the semi-open position.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 29, 2023VT
This is the second time since November 2022 that our clock spring has failed. While it's broken the driver has no airbag, horn, or usability of controls on steering wheel. This is a huge saftey concern especially driving in winter conditions.
Suspension
Filed Dec 10, 2022DC
Car developed a knocking sound from the front-left which occurred during any movement of the suspension, i.e. from all minor perturbations of the road surface rather than major dynamic actions such as breaking or steering. The dealer diagnosed worn out sway bar bushings. They replaced these (and potentially other suspension components - work details from the invoice can be provided upon request) but discovered during their work that the entire front subframe had failed with a major crack. Details can be seen in the attached photos (taken by the VW dealership - Ourisman of Bethesda, MD). I authorized the replacement of the front subframe with OEM components, at a cost in excess of $2000. I have owned the car from new (first registered in January 2018) and it has ~43,000 miles. The car has never been involved in an accident and has been used as family transport on standard road surfaces / driving conditions.
Engine
Filed Nov 13, 2022OK
Design flaw on thermostat housing leaks causing coolant loss. Common issue that is expensive to repair and should be recalled.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 12, 2022NJ
Passenger window (front) and locks not working. Suddenly stopped working on my low mileage car. The wire harness had to be replaced. Similar recall for the VW Atlas that would also effect the airbag because of corroded wire contacts. Brought to VW dealer and they determined (after 2 weeks) the wire harness had to be replaced. Not functioning doors and locks and possible airbags are a huge safety issue.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Clockspring/Spiral Cassette
Filed Aug 2, 2022NY
Airbags, horn, cruise control and all other functions related to the steering wheel suddenly stopped working. Volkswagen has diagnosed the clock spring is defective and needs to be replaced. I’ve been quoted $712.00 for this repair. The replacement part is also on backorders with no clear indication of when it will arrive. Volkswagen will not supply a loaner car or any rental assistance and insists their customers drive a car without function airbags or a horn. This is a well known issue for Volkswagen and is a major safety concern for anyone who owns one of their vehicles. It needs to be addressed and fixed ASAP!
Electrical System
Filed Jun 5, 2022TX
Bought the car from autonation in October 2021 and had condensation wet dog smell. Car was garaged until 4/2022 at which time I noticed headliner stains and water coming into wheel well, called dealer was advised to check drain tubes. I cannot. More rain more issues. Care warning lights all came on including airbag. Car has 38150 miles. VW refusing to cover under recall. Wants me to file insurance claim. Dealer did not acknowledge mold headliner issues until I called back after picking up the car. PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEAKS. HEADLINER I AND CARPET IS BADLY STAINED WITH VISIBLE MOLD GROWTH. PILLAR STAINING AS WELL. WATER LEAKS FROM DOME LIGHT AND SUNROOF CONTROL BUTTONS. WATER ALSO LEAKS INTO FOOT WELL. TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP WHO HAVE SAID THAT IT IS LIKELY THE SUNROOF DRAINS ARE BLOCKED BY DEBRIS AND REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE CONSUMER TO ACCESS THE SUNROOF DRAINS TO KEEP THEM CLEAR, PARTICULARLY THE REAR DRAINS, WHICH ENTAILS DISMANTLING PART OF THE CAR. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MANY REPORTED COMPLAINTS BY OWNERS WITH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BEING ISSUED. PLEASE ENCOURAGE AN INVESTIGATION
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 30, 2022IL
Whenever you put the car in park and take your foot off the brake the car will roll a little.
Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Feb 28, 2022CA
Gear Shift trim piece chrome plating splits and lifts up. This part caused a laceration on my finger from the fingernail to 1st knuckle. Related Reference :: Service action 347J - Gear Shift Cover Trim:: This applies only to GTI and needs to apply to Golf in general
Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2022CA
Leaking water pump at less than 80,000 miles causing engine to overheat and become damaged.
Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Dec 1, 2021CO
The aluminum trim piece around gear shift has come up from the plastic underneath. It is the front of the trim next to where there is a charging outlet and small item storage. When removing my phone one day, I caught my finger on the raised (delaminated) section of the aluminum and sliced my finger open. I did not need stitches, but did use butterfly closures while it healed. I removed the part that was sticking up so now the sharp edge is closer to the exposed plastic and not as much of a hazard. A quick online search shows this is a fairly common problem with many people reporting a cut finger/hand.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Oct 28, 202160,000 milesIL
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. The contact stated that the sunroof was leaking and allowing water to enter the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Oct 20, 2021MI
Chrome trim around the DSG shifter has peeling chrome which is razor sharp. It has cut my hand deeply and is a safety hazard to me and my family.
Suspension
Filed Sep 13, 2021OR
The vehicle had been making mild clunking noises for some time (at least 2.5 years) during some combinations of turns/bumps. When took to mechanic in January 2020, the sound would not reproduce during test drive, so problem was not diagnosed. Clunking sound became more pronounced over time, until on 8/27/21 while driving a neighborhood road, there was a loud clank, as if some metal part came loose. Then there was very loud clunking, as if a metal part was knocking around loose - more pronounced when turning or going over bumps. Upon inspection by a mechanic later in the day, the sway bar had come loose due to one of the bolts on the driver side sway bar bracket had come out. Both this mechanic and later, the Volkswagen dealer mechanic, said this was very odd, since they normally only see sway bar damage when a car has been in an accident. My car has never been in any kind of accident. Sway bars help ensure a vehicle doesn’t roll too much when handling turns. Aside from safety, sway bars help prevent lopsided wheel alignment and work to maintain an overall better grip on the road. A faulty sway bar puts the vehicle at risk for rolling during turns. My belief is that there was something faulty about the sway bar mounting bracket or bolt which explains the mild clunking I heard prior to deterioration (more frequent clunking) and ultimate failure (on 8/27/21). I have a write up of the inspection and repair from the dealer. I also have photos from the dealer prior to the repair.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 25, 2021OR
Heard an odd clicking sound when turning right. Next time driving, turned steering wheel to make wide turn and suddenly several indicator lights came on: transmission error, airbag, cruise control. Concerned about airbag safety, and very concerning to have several issues come up instantly. Will bring vehicle to VW authorized dealership for service, will diagnose/confirm then.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 15, 2021TX
While driving in light, medium or heavy rain, water makes it into the front and back of the cab of the vehicle. When it comes in through the front water drips on my wife while driving which is distracting. When it comes in through the back the humidity builds and fogs the windows which makes it unsafe to drive. My local VW service center tells me the drain tubes are clogged. I have taken my vehicle in five times for clogged drain tubes. Our service advisor Robert Dominguez confirmed the problem. Our service technician Paul Macfarland inspected the vehicle and components. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure.
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 12, 202130,000 milesPA
LEAKING SUNROOF IS RUINING INTERIOR COMPONENTS, INCLUDING HEADLINER. MULTIPLE FIXES AND SERVICE BULLETINS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. VERY CONCERNED IT'S GOING TO LEAD TO LARGER ELECTRICAL, BODY ROT, AND MOLD ISSUES, NOT TO MENTION COMPLETELY RUINING ANY VALUE THE CAR HAS. MOST RECENT PHOTOGRAPH UPLOADED WAS FOLLOWING A RAINSTORM ON 4/11/2021.
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 21, 202140,000 milesCO
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHILE BEING WASHED. WATER LEAKING INTO THE INTERIOR THROUGH THE HEADLINER ON BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES BEHIND THE PANORAMIC ROOF. CONCERNED FOR MOLD, ELECTRICAL COMPONENT DAMAGE. COULD ALSO BE FURTHER SAFETY ISSUE IF THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 18, 202118,000 milesCA
SRS WARNING LIGHT FOR UNOCCUPIED PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NOT GO OFF EVEN AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR; IT DID GO OFF WHEN FASTENED THE SEAT BEAT (ON THE EMPTY SEAT). HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHT SUDDENLY TURNED OFF TWICE; THIS HAS BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS AGO WITH NO REPEAT HOWEVER WITH COVID-19, I' PROBABLY DRIVEN ONLY A FEW HUNDRED MILES IN THE LAST YEAR.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Dec 4, 202050,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ALLTRACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE SUN ROOF AND TRAVELED TO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH WAS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HANOVER VOLKSWAGEN (1850 CARLISLE PIKE, HANOVER, PA 17331) ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 21, 202037,500 milesCA
FAILED CLOCKSPRING AT 37500 MILES AND NOT OFFERED WARRANTY REPLACEMENT..I CAN PROVIDE DEALER SERVICE RECORD IF NEEDED
Electrical System
Filed Sep 1, 202013,236 milesOH
THE MOON ROOF HAS BEEN LEAKING WATER THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE RADIO BACK UP CAMERA NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAVE NOT BEEN WORKING THERE'S WATER THAT CAME ALL IN THROUGH THE FRONT BY THE WINDSHIELD THE TWO PILLARS AND NOW IT'S HAPPENING IN THE BACK IT WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 15, 202034,000 milesCT
ON OR ABOUT 6.13.2019, MY 2017 VW GOLF ALLTRACK SE LEAKED WATER THROUGH THE LIGHT IN THE ROOF, BEHIND THE VISOR (DRIVER'S SIDE) WHILE STATIONARY. EACH TIME THE HEADLINER WAS STAINED, WATER SAT IN THE LIGHT AND IT LEAKED ALL OVER MY LAP. AS OF 6.11.2020, IT IS STILL LEAKING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE AND A CLASS ACTION SUIT IS PENDING. VW CLAIMS THIS IS A REPAIR DEFECT, NOT A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND ONLY OFFERS TO COVER 75% OF A $12K REPAIR ON A VEHICLE THAT HAS 34K MILES, BEEN MOSTLY GARAGE KEPT OR COVERED AND ALL MAINTENANCE COMPLETED ONLY AT VW DEALERSHIPS. I HAVE FILED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS WITH VW. THEY STATE THAT SINCE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE OF 3 YEAR WARRANTY (3YR/36K MI), THEY ARE OFFERING GOODWILL. I DO NOT FEEL IT IS FAIR OR RIGHT TO HAVE TO SPEND EVEN $1 TO REPAIR A KNOWN STRUCTURAL DEFECT RELATED TO THE SPOT WELDS AND SUNROOF, WHICH WERE LIKELY THE CAUSE OF EACH AND EVERY LEAK THAT THE CAR HAS EXPERIENCED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CAR LIKES TO SUDDENLY ATTEMPT TO ACTIVATE THE COLLISION WARNINGS FOR NO REASON - AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AS WELL, POSSIBLY RELATED TO WATER DAMAGE. VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO TAKE ANY ACTION BEYOND THEIR OFFER OF 75% COVERAGE OF COSTS AS GOODWILL ON A CAR THAT WASN'T BUILT RIGHT TO BEGIN WITH AND FRANKLY, IS A RISK TO THE SAFETY OF MY TWO CHILDREN, 4 & 2, AS A SPOT WELD IN THE SUNROOF IS SURELY A SIGN THAT IT'S LIKELY NOT THE ONLY STRUCTURAL DEFECT OR FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS MY 4TH VW AND CLEARLY WILL BE MY LAST.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 10, 2020GA
LEAKY SUNROOF TO DO INCORRECT REWORK IN PRODUCTION OF THE WELDING POINTS OF THE SUNROOF FRAME AREA. SPOT WELDS AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE SUNROOF OPENING MAY BE TOO LARGE.* THIS PREVENTS THE OUTER SUNROOF SEAL FROM PROPERLY ADHERING TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK THROUGH THE SEAL. INSUFFICIENT CLEANING PROCESS PRIOR TO APPLYING OUTER SUNROOF SEAL. THE SUNROOF FRAME OPENING MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY CLEANED PRIOR TO APPLICATION OF THE ACRYLIC TAPE ON THE OUTER SUNROOF SEAL. THIS PREVENTS THE OUTER SUNROOF SEAL FROM PROPERLY ADHERING TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK THROUGH THE SEAL.
Power Train
Filed Mar 15, 202016,725 milesWA
WITH LESS THAN 17,000 MILES AND WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF HAVING A 3YR/30K SERVICE PERFORMED, CAR SUDDENLY LOCKED UP ON HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING OVER 60MPH. DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO PULL TO SHOULDER. IN PROCESS ALSO LOCKED UP BREAKS. AFTER 15 MINUTES , FOUND THAT BY HOLDING POWER BUTTON WAS ABLE TO GET WHEELS UNLOCK SO THAT I COULD IDLE TO A SAFER SPOT. DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED REAL DIFFERENTIAL LEAKING AND HAD FAILED. DEALERSHIPS WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE/COMPENSATION (RENTAL) OR RETURN OF CAR TO MY AREA EVEN THOUGH I WAS OVER 150-200 MILES FROM HOME, CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW WITH EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND PART DELIVERY AND REPAIR TOOK 10 DAYS/7 BUSINESS DAYS.
Suspension
Filed Mar 12, 202040,000 milesOH
THERE ARE LOUD CREAKING/CRUNCHING NOISES COMING FROM ALL 4 CORNERS OF THE VEHICLE. SEARCHING YOUTUBE, IT IS A PREVAILING PROBLEM IN ALLTRACKS. IT SEEMS TO BE DEFECTING BUSHING AT THE TOP OF THE SUSPENSION. IT OCCURS WHEN THERE IS LATERAL COMPRESSION AND OCCURS EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS THE ENTIRE CAR REST ON THESE BUSHING AND COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS FAIL CATASTROPHICALLY.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 9, 202050,175 milesDE
I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND I FELT SOME SORT OF STRINGY-LIKE METALLIC RESISTANCE AS I TURNED MY STEERING WHEEL (SIMILAR TO A RUBBERBAND HELD TAUT AND BEING PLUCKED). APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES LATER, AN AIRBAG AND A TRANSMISSION WARNING APPEARED AND MY HORN AND ALL BUTTONS ON MY STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING. I WAS AT 50,0170+ MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED. MY VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER RECALL, EVEN THOUGH 400,000 + OTHER VWS HAD THE SAME RECALL...
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 5, 2020500 milesCA
ABOUT A MONTH OR SO AFTER I GOT THE CAR, IT STARTED MAKING A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT (AND NOW WHEN YOU TURN IT BACK TO THE RIGHT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT) NOTICEABLE AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS SUCH AS PULLING IN AND OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I TOOK IT TO THE RENO VW AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO NOISE. I TOOK IT BACK AGAIN MONTHS LATER AND FIRST THEY SAID THERE WAS NO NOISE, AND I ASKED THAT THEY CHECK IT AGAIN. THEN THEY TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS FROM MY BIKE RACK WHICH IS ON THE REAR OF MY CAR, ONLY ON IN THE SUMMER, AND THE NOISE IS THERE YEAR ROUND IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THEN THEY GOT ON THE PHONE WITH "TECH SUPPORT" AND WERE TOLD IT'S A CLOCK SPRING AND IT'S A NORMAL NOISE. IN FORTY YEARS OF DRIVING, I HAVE NEVER HEARD SUCH A NOISE. TWO PEOPLE I KNOW HAVE THE SAME CAR, AND THEIR VEHICLES DO NOT MAKE THIS NOISE. I SEE THAT VW HAS HAD CLOCK SPRING RECALLS ON SOME OF THEIR OTHER VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND THIS SHOULD BE FIXED. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE THAT I WOULD PREFER TO AVOID.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 31, 201930,798 milesCA
PURCHASED A USED 2017 VW ALLTRACK APRIL 2 YEARS AGO. PRESENTLY HAS ~30K MILES. CHRISTMAS DAY THIS YEAR, 4 WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED LIT-UP IN THE CONSOLE-AIR-BAG, TIRE PRESSURE, ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, AND ADVISED THAT WATER-INTRUSION OCCURRED DUE TO BLOCKED SUN-ROOF DRAINS [WHICH ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY ACCESSIBLE. ADVISED THAT IT WAS NOT CONSIDERED STANDARD MAINTENANCE AND AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. ALSO REPAIRED WERE CORRODED WIRING CONNECTORS AND CORRODED WIRES! DEALER ADVISED THAT ONCE CORRECTED 'IT SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM AGAIN' WHICH WE DON'T TRUST OR BELIEVE. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN AND WELL-DOCUMENTED PROBLEM. WE ARE VERY FRUSTRATED AND CONCERNED THIS PROBLEM WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY OCCURRING. RUST NEVER SLEEPS
Air Bags
Filed Dec 24, 201945,000 milesCA
THIS CAR HAS A WELL KNOWN PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEAK THAT CAUSES EXCESS WATER TO ENTER INTERIOR OF VEHICLE AND SOAK BOTH FRONT AND REAR ELECTRONICS. MY VEHICLE HAS THIS PROBLEM CAUSED BY RECENT HEAVY RAINS. CAR IS USED TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN AND AM WORRIED ABOUT MOLD ABOUT FRONT AIR BAGS BEING WATER DAMAGED.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Nov 13, 201911,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ALLTRACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF LEAKED AND CAUSED MOLD TO FORM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN CLEAR LAKE (281-848-5500, LOCATED AT 15100 GULF FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77034) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE RESULTED FROM THE OWNER'S NEGLIGENCE OF PROPER VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SUPPORTED THE DEALER'S CLAIM. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE, STATING THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 23, 2019OR
I AM SEEING WATER STAINS ON MY HEADLINER AROUND THE ENTIRE PANORAMIC SUNROOF. THERE IS WATER SOAKING THE CARPETS ON THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER CARPETS. THERE IS ALSO A MUSTY SMELL DUE TO THE STANDING WATER THAT HAS BEEN LEAKING FROM THE SUNROOF.
Engine
Filed Jul 25, 201927,000 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF ALLTRACK. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED DURING A RAINSTORM, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO COASTAL VOLKSWAGEN (1 SATURN DRIVE, HANOVER, MA 02339, (781) 871-4600. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CHECK TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY WOULD COVER THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 11, 2019FL
PANORAMIC SUNROOF LEAKS. HEADLINER I AND CARPET IS BADLY STAINED WITH VISIBLE MOLD GROWTH. PILLAR STAINING AS WELL. WATER LEAKS FROM DOME LIGHT AND SUNROOF CONTROL BUTTONS. WATER ALSO LEAKS INTO FOOT WELL. TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP WHO HAVE SAID THAT IT IS LIKELY THE SUNROOF DRAINS ARE BLOCKED BY DEBRIS AND REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE CONSUMER TO ACCESS THE SUNROOF DRAINS TO KEEP THEM CLEAR, PARTICULARLY THE REAR DRAINS, WHICH ENTAILS DISMANTLING PART OF THE CAR. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MANY REPORTED COMPLAINTS BY OWNERS WITH A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BEING ISSUED. PLEASE ENCOURAGE AN INVESTIGATION AND REPARATIONS FROM VW.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 10, 201920,000 milesMD
THIS PAST SPRING I NOTICED THE CAR'S HEADLINER WAS WET AND STAINED. IT THEN BEGAN TO DRIP COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF WATER INTO THE VEHICLE DURING HEAVY RAINSTORMS. THE CAR IS ONLY A YEAR AND A HALF OLD AND HAS 20,000 MILES. BUT THERE ARE WATER STAINS EVERYWHERE AND IT WILL BE A MOLD ISSUE SOON, I'M AFRAID. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. THEY SAID IT'S A MAINTENANCE ISSUE, NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE BECAUSE THE DRAINS THAT RELEASE THE WATER FROM SUNROOF ARE ALL BLOCKED WITH DEBRIS. DEALER FIRST ASKED ME IF I HAD JUST SIMPLY LEFT THE SUN ROOF OPEN AND WAS VERY PATRONIZING, BY ASKING ME IF THERE WAS JUST A LEAF STUCK UP THERE, CALLING ME HUNNY OVER THE PHONE. I TOLD HIM NO, SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND WE DROPPED IT OFF. $600 TO CLEAR DRAINS. WE REFUSED BECAUSE WE FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME CAR AND THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE PROBLEM. WE READ THE VW HELPED COVER THE COSTS FOR MANY PEOPLE SO WE CALLED VW CUSTOMER CARE. I ASKED FOR A BUYBACK OR FOR THEM TO FIX THE CAR. THEY CALLED ME BACK SAYING THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND REFUSED TO ADMIT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF THE CAR. EVEN IF I JUST GOT THE DRAINS CLEARED, THERE WAS STILL DAMAGE DONE BY THE "MAINTENANCE" NOT BEING TAKEN CARE OF. "MAINTENANCE" THAT WE KNEW NOTHING ABOUT AND THERE IS NOTHING IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL ABOUT CLEARING THE DRAINS UNTIL AROUND 40,000 MILES. I WAS ASKED IF I PARKED UNDER TREES. WELL, YEAH, WE CAMP A LOT. THIS CAR IS ADVERTISED A
Air Bags
Filed Jun 27, 20196,000 milesAK
I HAVE WATER LEAKING FROM THE SUN ROOF COMING DOWN TO THE FLOOR, NOW MY WINDOWS FOG UP WITH ANY PRECIPITATION IN THE INTERIOR OF THE GLASS. ALSO MADE ALL MY SENSORS FAIL, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR, AND AIRBAGS WERE STATED 'FAILED' UPON ENGINE START. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT OUR HOUSE.
Structure › Body
Filed Jun 12, 201911,532 milesNJ
ROOF/SUNROOF LEAKING CAUSING STAINED HEADLINER AND WET CARPETING. VEHICLE SMELLS OF MOLD AND MILDEW AND CAUSES EXCESSIVE CONDENSATION ON WINDSHIELD. VW DEALERSHIP IN FAIR LAWN NJ ATTEMPTED REPAIR BY REPLACING SUNROOF DRAIN TUBES BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. NEW LEAKS HAVE DEVELOPED AND DEALER SERVICE IS UNCLEAR WHERE OR WHAT IS CAUSING THEM. AS OF 6/12/2019 DEALER IS ATTEMPTING SECOND REPAIR STATING THE SUNROOF FRAME NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UNSURE IF THIS WILL RESOLVE THE ISSUE
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 17, 20198,000 milesWA
FRONT PANEL OF SUNROOF SHATTERED ON TOP OF DRIVER'S HEAD WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE TOP OF THE ROOF WAS PROTECTED BY A THULE CARGO CARRIER (EMPTY) SO IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN HIT BY A FOREIGN OBJECT ON THE OUTSIDE.
Complaints 1-50 of 73, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Sep 16, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.