2016 Volkswagen Golf Problems & Complaints

Most common 2016 Volkswagen Golf problems

• Fuel & propulsion system~32,000 miles
  3238%
• Engine & cooling~17,000 miles
  1922%
• Other / not specified~30,000 miles
  1416%
• Air bags~54,000 miles
  1012%
• Electrical system~70,000 miles
  89%
• Body & structure~51,000 miles
  78%
• Transmission & drivetrain~50,000 miles
  56%
• Brakes~12,000 miles
  45%
• Speed control & acceleration~4,000 miles
  34%
• Driver assistance~70,000 miles
  34%
• Steering~54,000 miles
  22%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~7,000 miles
  22%
• Wheels & tires~16,000 miles
  22%
• Suspension
  22%
• Stability & traction control~45,000 miles
  11%
• Lights
  11%

Share of the 85 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Volkswagen Golf complaints by model year

Best Golf years: 2020, 2014, 2021. Years to avoid: 2022, 2015, 2017, 2011, 2016. Compare all years →

2016 Volkswagen Golf recalls (9)

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Volkswagen Golf:

What 2016 Volkswagen Golf owners say

Fuel & propulsion system all 32 →

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank suction jet pump had failed, causing damage to the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 36,018. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact drove to the residence and became aware that there was a puddle of gasoline under the passenger's side rear wheel nearby the fuel tank. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Engine & cooling

The thermostat housing and water pump are leaking due to a known manufacturing defect. I had the water pump and thermostat housing replaced around 65,000 miles from an independent Volkswagen mechanic. He informed me that it appears the water pump had been replaced prior to my ownership of the vehicle. (41,000 miles). Again, I have to replace the thermostat housing and water pump, for a leak. The failure causes a leak in the pressurized cooling system. The leak is small while parked so there is no noticeable puddle but as the system warms up, the leak happens faster. Because of this issue, I have had multiple warning messages while driving, low coolant level, check engine light, and EPC (Electronic Power Control, which disables activate cruise control and front collision detection systems). On multiple occasions, I was stranded waiting on help because of the failure. …

At 49,086, our 2016 Volkswagen Golf developed a leak in the thermostat assembly housing. The Volkswagen dealership, Elk Grove Volkswagen in Elk Grove, CA, strongly recommended the replacement of the thermostat assembly housing which included replacement of the thermostat assembly housing, the thermostat itself, a gasket, the replacement of the coolant. Failure to do so would result in the engine overheating and potential damage to the engine. Looking quickly online, I found several forums which discussed this specific problem: https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/thermostat-housing-leaking-again-after-recall-done-in-2018.9458318/ https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index.php?threads/failed-thermostat-housing-coolant-loss-info-gathering.368847/ A low coolant warning light was on, however there were no visable leaks underneath the car. …

Air bags

I am reporting a severe safety system failure regarding the airbag deployment force on a 2016 Volkswagen Golf SE. The vehicle was involved in a collision where the frontal/side air bag safety systems engaged. While the impact speed was moderate, the airbag deployment was violently disproportionate, resulting in severe, direct injuries to the occupant rather than providing the intended safety cushioning or protection. The force of the deployment appeared heavily uncalibrated, acting as a primary source of trauma rather than an emergency restraint. In contrast, the secondary vehicle involved in the identical impact matrix sustained similar property damage but experienced a completely stable, non-injurious environment with no air bag enaged at all. …

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V543000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact mentioned that a recall notice was received confirming the remedy was available and to contact a local dealer however, the dealer informed that the part was not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distributions disconnect.

2016 Volkswagen Golf engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.