Both rear coil springs have broken. Ref: NHTSA Campaign 19V188000
2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen suspension problems
moderate 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
When does it fail?
Of the 15 suspension complaints filed for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Suspension accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen owners report rear coil springs breaking unexpectedly at relatively low mileage (under 50k miles in many cases), causing clunking noises and safety concerns. A recall (42J5 / 19V188000) was issued but excludes many owners whose springs fail identically, suggesting VW's VIN database is incomplete and this defect may be wider than officially acknowledged.
Owners of 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen report rear coil springs fracturing, snapping, or shattering without warning, often affecting both rear springs. Failures occur at mileages ranging from 28,700 to 115,000 miles. Owners describe hearing abnormal clanking or loud banging from the rear, especially on uneven road surfaces; the vehicle sometimes sits lower on one side as the collapsed spring sags onto the shock assembly. Some springs show both rusty and fresh breaks, suggesting long-standing manufacturing defect. One owner reported a spring piece becoming a road hazard; another noted tire scraping inside the wheel well after collapse.
Volkswagen issued recall campaign 42J5 (NHTSA 19V188000) for 2017–2019 Golf Sportwagen rear coil springs affecting 56,000 vehicles. However, owners with identical failures report their VINs are not included in the recall database. When contacting VW dealers, they are repeatedly told their vehicles are ineligible. A mechanic in a small town reports replacing these springs on three separate 2017 Golf Sportwagens. Owners who pressed VW for parts numbers to verify the spring was the same defective batch were refused. Several have reported the issue to Transport Canada and NHTSA, alleging the recall's VIN scope is incomplete and the defect population is actually larger than acknowledged.
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Coil Spring Fracture/Breakage
Owners report rear coil springs breaking, snapping, or shattering, often in both springs or multiple pieces. Some breaks are described as rusty (long-standing defect) and fresh (recent); others occur with no visible preceding damage. The fractures can collapse the spring onto the shock assembly, lowering the rear end of the vehicle and creating severe banging or clunking noises. One owner reported a spring piece becoming a road hazard; another noted tire scraping inside the wheel well after collapse.
When: Reported at mileages ranging from 28,700 miles to 115,000 miles. One failure noted at early March 2023; a second spring on the same vehicle failed within 6 weeks (late April 2023).
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal clunking or clanking noise from rear of vehicle; Loud banging sounds from rear suspension; Rear of vehicle sits noticeably lower or leans to one side; Unusual noises on uneven road surfaces; Tire scraping inside wheel well; Reduction in ride comfort; No warning lamps or dashboard alerts in any reported case
Codes mentioned: 19V188000, 42J5
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement springs sourced from dealer and independent garages; one owner reported $200 towing cost plus spring replacement. Another owner had springs replaced at state inspection facility. VW dealer parts number cited: 5QM 511 115. One owner reports mechanic has replaced these springs on three other 2017 Golf Sportwagens in a small town.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW recall campaign 42J5 (NHTSA 19V188000) issued for 2017–2019 Golf Sportwagen rear coil spring defect affecting 56,000 vehicles. However, owners report their vehicle VINs were not included in the recall database despite having the identical failure. VW repeatedly refuses to honor the recall or provide parts numbers for comparison. Multiple owners have reported the issue to Transport Canada or attempted to escalate through NHTSA, citing that the recall's VIN database appears incomplete or incorrect.
Recall Coverage Gap / VIN Database Defect
A systemic issue where vehicles with the exact same failure mode (rear coil spring fracture) and model year (2017 Golf Sportwagen) are not included in VW's recall campaign 42J5 (NHTSA 19V188000), despite being manufactured in the same production run. Multiple owners note their springs broke in identical ways to those covered by the recall, yet their VINs were flagged as 'not in the database' when owners contacted VW dealers. Owners and mechanics suggest the recall's VIN list is incomplete, pointing to a broader population of defective springs than the 56,000-vehicle recall scope.
When: Identified during investigation of spring failures, beginning around 2023 model year service and inspection appointments.
Symptoms owners cite: VW dealer diagnostic confirms broken rear coil spring; Owner research identifies matching NHTSA campaign 42J5/19V188000; Dealer or VW customer service states VIN is not on recall list; VW refuses parts number disclosure to allow owner verification; VW states springs are not 'in the batch' of defective parts
Codes mentioned: 19V188000, 42J5
Repairs/costs cited: Owners forced to pay out-of-pocket for spring replacement at independent shops or state inspection facilities when VW denies recall eligibility. One owner documented attempt to cross-reference parts numbers but was denied access by VW.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VW customer service and dealers inform owners their VINs are excluded from recall campaign 42J5 / NHTSA 19V188000. Company refuses to acknowledge the defect affects non-recalled vehicles and declines to provide parts information or warranty support. Multiple owners report escalation to Transport Canada and NHTSA without documented resolution.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
At 28,700 miles both rear coil springs on my Volkswagen failed. This spring failure was addressed in Volkswagen's 42J5 recall campaign and NHTSA's campaign # 19V188000. However, my vehicles VIN # was not part of this recall. Since the springs on my vehicle failed at a low mileage why was my vehicle not included in the 56,000 vehicles recalled. Perhaps this indicates a wider issue than Volkswagen…
Left and Rear Coil Springs have snapped in half due to unreasonably dangerous defective manufacturing. This is consistent with the open recall for the exact condition: NHTSA's campaign number: 19V188000. However, VW North America refuses to consider my vehicle for the recall as my vin is not included. Although the snaps reflect a a dangerous manufacturing defect, VW incorrectly has determined…
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal clanking sound was coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with a rear coil spring fracture. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V188000 (Suspension) which he linked…
Got in touch with VW regarding recall 42J5 but manufacturer tells me that my vehicle is not a part it the recall. I believe since my car is 2017 which is a part of the recall, there is a chance a defective part could have been used on my car. Also VW refused to provide me with parts numbers for the effected vehicle. I was going it compare with parts on my vehicle which are broken ( coil springs)
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal thumping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the rear passenger’s side to the vehicle was lowered due to a fractured coil spring. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V188000 (Suspension) which he…
I have 2017 Volkswagen golf sportwagen. The rear axle coil spring part number 5qm 511 115 broke. It appears to have been recalled (see safety recall code 42j5). But my VIN does now show any recall. Please help. *tr
Had suspension trouble with your 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 15 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 83,333 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Volkswagen/Golf SportWagen.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.