Most common 2016 Volkswagen Golf R problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen Golf R complaints by model year
Best Golf R years: 2019, 2018. Compare all years →
2016 Volkswagen Golf R recalls (4)
Electrical system › Body control module › Software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Golf R vehicles. Incorrect front windshield wiper software was installed which may prevent the wipers from activating.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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 deploy improperly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Latches/locks/linkages
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Golf R vehicles manufactured March 17, 2016 to March 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a Federal Certification Label that lists an incorrect rear axle weight limit.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01B5.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R:
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle.
2016 Volkswagen Golf R engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 23 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | AWD | 22 / 31 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Golf R to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R?
The electrical system — 2 complaints, 17% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R, the most recent from November 9, 2022 (software). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Golf R?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019 and 2018. See the full Volkswagen Golf R years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Volkswagen Golf R problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 18,000 miles; 80% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.