This is related to VW recal 37M2. My VIN is not in the recall list, but it has the exact same issue with the shifter assembly. The car does not recognize when the transmission is placed in Park. Unable to lock doors
2017 volkswagen Golf powertrain problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
THE SUBJECT VEHICLE, VIN: [XXX] A 2018 GOLF ALLTRACK SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING DOWNSHIFTED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING RAPID DECELERATION. THIS OCCURRED ON A TWO-LANE RURAL HIGHWAY AND AT ABOUT 60 MPH DOWN TO 40 MPH. THE YELLOW "!" ILLUMINATED WITH A MESSAGE LIKE "TRANS ERROR, REV UNAVAILABLE, SEE DEALER". WHILE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROADWAY SAFELY, THE TWO VEHICLES BEHIND WERE CAUGHT OFF…
I NOTICED A VIBRATION AT SPEEDS NEAR AND OVER 80 MPH. I TOOK IT TO THE VW DEALER WHERE I HAD PURCHASED AND THEY FOUND THE BOLTS WHERE THE DRIVER FRONT AXLE CONNECTS TO THE TRANSMISSION OUTPUT SHAFT WERE LOOSE AND BACKING OUT. THEY REPLACED THE BOLTS, BUT I'M STILL HAVING VIBRATION IN THE DRIVELINE. I'M WORRIED WHAT OTHER BOLTS MAY BE LOOSE OR WHAT ASSOCIATED PARTS MAY HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED AS THIS…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 volkswagen Golf?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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