Wagon · Gas
Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2015–2019 (Mk7)

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- Take the quiz
- Price
- $21,395–$29,100
- MPG
- 35
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong running costs
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Poor reliability
How it scores for you10 scores
Five-star safety, 35 mpg and real wagon cargo for compact-car money, shadowed by well-documented electrical and suspension complaints.
Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 4 of its 9 recalls were serious. About 8% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -5 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 73% of cars we track.
30.4 cu ft of cargo space — among the smallest of the wagons we track.
Adult-friendly rear seat with better headroom than the hatch; narrow cabin is the only limit.
Golf poise with wagon practicality; light, accurate steering and a willing 1.8T.
MIB touchscreen with CarPlay from 2016; driver aids sparse, especially in early years.
Supple ride and a quiet, high-quality cabin; among the most refined compacts of its era.
Typical resale value for a wagon.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls20 recalls
20 recalls · 7 common complaint areas across 2015–2019
- Electrical — 31 complaints (2015)
- Recall — Suspension: rear: springs: coil springs (2019)
- Airbags — 21 complaints (2015)
2019
- RecallSuspension: rear: springs: coil springs19V188000
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.
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of
- RecallTires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems22V815000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The t
- RecallElectrical: ignition: switch23V604000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
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 vehi
2018
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper18V369000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake perfor
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device18V464000
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, the
- RecallSuspension: rear: springs: coil springs19V188000
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.
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
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 vehi
2017
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device18V464000
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, the
- RecallSuspension: rear: springs: coil springs19V188000
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.
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
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 vehi
- Complaint clusterElectrical21 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 en
- Complaint clusterSuspension19 complaintscomplaints:SUSPENSION
During the WV state inspection at my VW dealer for my 2017 Golf Sportswagen, it was determined I had a broken rear spring. Researching the issue, I find VW issued a recall for some 2017 Golf Sportswagens for this very issue, but apparently my car was not included. The broken spring prevents me fro
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other17 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Safety issue with my 2017 VW Golf Sportwagen SEL VIN [XXX] with 83,219 miles. The passenger side mirror adhesive is defective and has caused the glass to detach. The defective VW part number number is 5G0857522Q This is a SAFETY ISSUE. My research revealed that many owners are experiencing th
- Complaint clusterStructure13 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE
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.
- Complaint clusterPowertrain7 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
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
2016
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device18V464000
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, the
- RecallAirbags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module22V543000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or depl
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
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 vehi
- Complaint clusterAirbags12 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
SRS/airbag warning light illuminated. A diagnostic scan (VCDS) confirmed stored fault codes for both front airbag crash sensors: driver's side 'short to ground' and passenger's side 'open or short to plus.' Upon further inspection, water was found pooled at the airbag control module connector, locat
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other9 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 c
- Complaint clusterEngine6 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
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
- Complaint clusterElectrical6 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Despite settling a class action lawsuit re: moonroof leakage, VW refuses to cover the same repair for my VW Golf Sportwagen. I have the same issue but could not participate in the class action suit due to mileage. I routinely have to bail 1/2 - 1 gallon of water out the spare tire area if its been r
- Complaint clusterSuspension6 complaintscomplaints:SUSPENSION
Performed NH Safety Inspection. Found upon Inspection Left Rear, Driver Side, Coil Spring has failed. Broken. This will make over Ten VW or Audi vehicles we have seen in the last year with this problem.
2015
- RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device18V464000
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, the
- RecallUnknown or other19V679000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2
- RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000
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 vehi
- Complaint clusterElectrical31 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PTC auxiliary heater core connection point failure . It was reported that the wrong type of metal was used for the main electrical connection point for this part causing significant over heating further leading to melting and burning plastic. This then introduces potentially dangerous fumes into the
- Complaint clusterAirbags21 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
Clock spring failure at 10 years 1400000 miles causing airbag light to come on. Airbag in steering wheel presumably doesn't work properly. The car has been looked at by a dealership who quickly confirmed clock spring failure, but falls outside of VW warranty replacement for this vehicle. There was n
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other20 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The shifter grip has a plastic or Chrome pice that is delaminating and a extremely sharp edge is parroting up and has sliced open my Wife’s finger more than 5 times we have a bandaid over it know the dealership states it is a known issue But VW will not take responsibility for it
- Complaint clusterPowertrain17 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
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.
- Complaint clusterSuspension16 complaintscomplaints:SUSPENSION
Rear spring broke just like VW Campaign Code: 42J2 / 42J3 / 42J5, but I am being told my VIN isn't covered.
Cost to own$17,800 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$21,395–$29,100
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,050/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
31
Highway MPG
40
Combined MPG
35
Horsepower
170 hp
Doors
4
Cargo volume
30.4 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
66.5 cu ft
Limited data — dimensions unavailable.
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