2016 Volkswagen Golf r problems
The Volkswagen Golf (Mk7) is a C-segment car manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen. It is the seventh generation in the Golf series and the successor to the Golf Mk6. It was introduced in Berlin on 4 September 2012, before a public launch at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Sales in Europe began with the model in November 2012.
Marketed in three-door and five-door hatchback, van, and estate forms, the Golf Mk7 shares the MQB platform with the third generation Audi A3, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia.
In November 2016, Volkswagen presented a facelift of the Golf Mk7. It was replaced in December 2019 by the Golf Mk8, which is built on the MQB Evo platform. Production of the e-Golf and the Golf Variant ended in mid-2020.
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Common 2016 Volkswagen Golf r problems
The Volkswagen Golf R 2016 is a high-performance hatchback that has won the hearts of many driving enthusiasts. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to certain issues that may arise over time. Here are some of the most common problems reported by MK7 Golf R owners:
- Timing Chain Failure: Timing chains fitted to petrol engines have been known to snap prematurely, which can cause significant engine damage. Regular servicing is crucial to prevent this issue, as it often occurs due to insufficient lubrication or wear and tear. A full service history is critical to ensure the timing chain has been properly maintained.
- High Oil Consumption: Golf Rs can suffer from high oil consumption, so it's important to keep checking the oil level, even between services. If the level gets too low, it can cause damage to the engine or timing chain. Regular oil changes and monitoring the oil level can help prevent this issue.
- Electrical Issues: Faults with the navigation and entertainment system, as well as other electrical niggles, have been reported on some models. It's worth checking that all the electrics work as they should before purchasing a Golf R.
- Water Pump Failure: Water pumps are a common issue on MK7s, as is seemingly always the case with VWs. It's essential to replace the water pump at the recommended intervals to prevent leaks and engine damage.
- Rear Washer Leaks: The rear washer can leak inside or outside pretty commonly. Although it's a relatively easy fix, it's something to be aware of when purchasing a Golf R.
- Backup Camera Issues: The backup camera can be intermittently flakey, which can be annoying when reversing. This issue has not been addressed even in the mk8, so it's something to consider when purchasing a Golf R.
- Weak Clutch: Some Golf Rs have a weak clutch, which can lead to slipping and reduced performance. It's essential to replace the clutch with a high-quality one to prevent this issue.
- Thermostat Housing Leaks: Leaking thermostat housings have been reported on some models. It's crucial to replace the thermostat housing at the recommended intervals to prevent leaks and engine damage.
- Suspension Mount Squeaks: Suspension mounts can squeak, which can be annoying and lead to reduced performance. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out parts can help prevent this issue.
In conclusion, while the Volkswagen Golf R 2016 is a high-performance hatchback that offers an exhilarating driving experience, it's essential to be aware of the common issues that may arise over time. Regular maintenance, servicing, and monitoring of the vehicle's components can help prevent these issues and ensure the Golf R remains a reliable and enjoyable vehicle for years to come.
What is the common issue with Golf R?
Carbon buildup: The Volkswagen Golf R is known to experience carbon buildup in the intake valves, which can lead to engine misfires and reduced performance. Water pump failure: Some Volkswagen Golf R owners have reported water pump failure, which can cause overheating and engine damage.
How long will a Golf R engine last?
How long do Volkswagen Golf engines last? A well cared for Golf engine can last as long as a decade, but the average engine that's encountered heavy use and potential wear and tear through its lifespan should last at least 5 years before it develops the need for a little TLC.
Are 2016 Volkswagens reliable?
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf ranks in the top half of the compact car class. It blends poised performance with a posh interior, but its poor reliability rating keeps it from ranking higher.
Will Golf R hold its value?
The combination of desirable VW badge and exceptional driving dynamics has meant strong demand for Golf R models on the secondhand market. And while the fast flagship sells in greater numbers than the GTI, our experts predict that the popular R will retain at least 50 percent of its new value after three years.
What is the common issue with Golf R?
Carbon buildup: The Volkswagen Golf R is known to experience carbon buildup in the intake valves, which can lead to engine misfires and reduced performance. Water pump failure: Some Volkswagen Golf R owners have reported water pump failure, which can cause overheating and engine damage.
How long will a Golf R engine last?
How long do Volkswagen Golf engines last? A well cared for Golf engine can last as long as a decade, but the average engine that's encountered heavy use and potential wear and tear through its lifespan should last at least 5 years before it develops the need for a little TLC.
Are 2016 Volkswagens reliable?
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf ranks in the top half of the compact car class. It blends poised performance with a posh interior, but its poor reliability rating keeps it from ranking higher.
Is the Golf R DSG reliable?
Are DSG gearboxes reliable? DSG gearboxes have proven themselves to be very reliable both in six, and seven-speed variants.
2016 Volkswagen Golf r car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Golf r problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Volkswagen Golf r vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2016 Volkswagen Golf r complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Volkswagen Golf r.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-14
- VIN: WVWLF7AU7GW
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I'm not entirely sure what is wrong with the car but I was sitting in my car waiting for an appointment for about an hour. I backed out of my parking space and found that there was a large puddle of gas where I was parked. I moved back into the parking space and stopped the car. I found that there was a leak coming out of the rear passanger wheel well. I have pictures of the leak. This happened while sitting stationary in the car. No warning signals popped up but if the gas caught on fire my car would have been at risk. My little sister was in the car with me. it is available for inspection. Since the issue it has been sitting untouched at my mechanics.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-11
- VIN: WVWUF7AU5GW
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Chrome trim around the shifter began peeling and exposed sharp edges. Sharp edges of raised trim are close to a storage cubby so there is a risk of touching them and being cut, something which has happened to me (driver). Issue has not been inspected by a dealer or manufacturer etc. No warning lamps or other symptoms were present. NOTE: This issue appears to be the same as one covered under NHTSA Service Action 34J7/34L9. I believe that the aforementioned service action should be expanded to cover 2015-2017 Golf R models, as the part exhibiting peeling chrome trim is shared with other 2015-2017 Golf models which are covered under that service action.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WVWUF7AU2GW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The shifter surround started peeling near the cubby storage hole below the climate control. The part that peeled up is so sharp that it sliced my hand open when grabbing for my phone. Apparently this is a super common problem causing some people to need to get stitches. I had to try to stop the bleeding while still keeping my hands on the steering wheel and shifting the shifter (my car is manual) as well. Not safe!
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WVWLF7AU4GW
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Trim around the shifter boot has delaminated, and when reaching into the storage compartment causes lacerations to the hand. Razor sharp Metal protrudes and cuts fingers and hands on all 2016 Golf R and GTI vehicles
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-05
- VIN: WVWLF7AU3GW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I DISCOVERED A COOLANT LEAK AFTER MOVING MY CAR FROM MY GARAGE. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND UPON THEIR TESTING THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING AND WATER PUMP WERE DETERMINED TO BE DEFECTIVE. IT APPEARS VOLKSWAGEN HAS MODIFIED THE PART TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS DESIGN FLAW. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. IF THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES THE CAR COULD BECOME STRANDED IF IT LOSES ENOUGH COOLANT AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATS.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-24
- VIN: WVWUF7AU2GW
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE CEL TURNED ON AND THE CAR INDICATED IT WAS LOW ON COOLANT. I TOPPED OF THE RESERVOIR AND A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER IT HAD GONE BACK DOWN.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-06
- VIN: WVWUF7AU9GW
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THE BACKUP CAMERA INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO OPERATE, DISPLAYING THE MESSAGE "PARKPILOT IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE." THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO REVERSE AND OCCURS AT RANDOM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO FIX IT EVERY TIME. THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE SINCE INITIAL PURCHASE IN 2016 AND NO SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND TO DATE. THEY HAVE PERFORMED SOFTWARE UPDATES, WORKED ON THE HEAD-UNIT, AND REPLACED THE BACKUP CAMERA, AND NOTHING HAS SOLVED THIS PROBLEM. MY BUY BACK REQUEST HAS BEEN DENIED BY VW. THIS PROBLEM EFFECTS ONLY BASE MODEL MK7 GOLF R'S AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS ONLINE FORUMS WITH OTHER OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS FAILURE OCCURS ON AVERAGE ONCE PER DAY. THE CAMERA DOES NOT START WORKING AGAIN UNTIL THE CAR IS OFF FOR AN UNKNOWN LENGTH OF TIME. THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE DRIVER TO SAFELY RESET THE SYSTEM WHILE IN USE TO REGAIN FUNCTIONALITY. THIS MAKES BACKING UP EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND INTRODUCES LARGE BLIND SPOTS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-24
- VIN: WVWLF7AU7GW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: REAR VIEW CAMERA OPERATION IS INTERMITTENT. WHEN PARKED AND ACTIVATING REVERSE, THE DISPLAY SCREEN SOMETIMES DISPLAYS "PARK PILOT CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE" AND THE REAR CAMERA IS DISABLED. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT ONE TIME IN EVERY 10 TIMES THE CAMERA IS USED. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN THE 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. BACKING UP WITHOUT A VIEW TO THE BACK IS VERY DANGEROUS IN MANY SITUATIONS. THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SIX TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS. A LEMON LAW COMPLAINT (FLORIDA) HAS BEEN MADE.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-09
- VIN: WVWLF7AU0GW
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: CURRENT GENERATION OF VW GOLF R (AKA MK7) WAS SOLD IN 2016 IN SINGLE WHEEL/TIRE COMBINATION. DEFAULT SELECTION CONSIST OF 19" CADIZ WHEELS PAIRED WITH LOW PROFILE SUMMER TIRES. THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVE CONFIGURATIONS AVAILABLE. PREVIOUS MODELS WERE OFFERED WITH MORE DURABLE 18" COMBINATION. COMPLAINT IS THREEFOLD: 1. VOLKSWAGEN DECIDED TO OFFER NO SPARE TIRE (ALTHOUGH ONE CAN BE ADDED (FROM AUDI A3) BY SMALL RETROFIT). THIS FORCES DISABLED VEHICLE TO CREATE OBSTRUCTION POSSIBLY FOR EXTENDED PERIOD AS IT REQUIRES ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR TOWING (VW "CONVENIENTLY" WILL TOW TO DEALER FOR TIRE/WHEEL REPLACEMENT). LACK OF SPARE OR RUN-FLATS PUTS DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS AT RISK IF VEHICLE IS DISABLED ON THE ROAD AND IMMOBILIZED FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. 2. VOLKSWAGEN WILLINGLY ONLY PROVIDED ONLY SINGLE WHEEL/TIRE OPTION THAT IS UNSUITABLE FOR COMMON HIGHWAY ROADS. WHEEL IS WEAKER THAN ONE OFFERED IN PREDECESSOR AND TOGETHER WITH LOW PROFILE TIRE OFFER LIMITED REBOUND WHEN CONTACTED WITH COMMON ROAD OBSTACLES (I DEFINE THEM AS MILD POTHOLES, CRESCENT, BRIDGE JOINTS, TEMPORARY STEAL BASES). THIS IN CONSEQUENCE RESULTS IN HIGH RISK OF BLOWOUT (HAPPENED TWICE ON NORTHBOUND I-95 IN NEW YORK, BY CT BORDER). LOW REBOUND ALSO RESULTS IN TRANSFER OF SHOCK DIRECTLY TO OCCUPANTS. CONSEQUENTLY DRIVER MUST FOLLOW ERRATIC DRIVING PATTERN TO AVOID COMMON ROAD DEFECTS (OTHER VEHICLES NEGOTIATE THEM SAFELY) OR SLOW DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY, EXPONENTIALLY INCREASING RISK OF REAR-END ACCIDENT. 3. CAR IS ONLY SOLD WITH SUMMER TIRES. I BOUGHT IT IN THE MIDDLE OF NY WINTER. THERE ARE NO WARNINGS OR ANY COMMUNICATION FROM VW THAT THEY ARE HIGHLY UNSAFE IN WINTER. WHEN CONTACTING VW, THEY OFFERED TO SELL ADDITIONAL SET OF WHEELS. I BELIEVE CAR IS UNSAFE BY DEFAULT. SINCE VW OFFERED NO OPTION TO SELECT SAFER WHEELS/TIRES AT PURCHASE, I BELIEVE THEY ARE WILLINGLY PLACING PEOPLE AT RISK.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-08
- VIN: WVWLF7AUXGW
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: - VEHICLE IS GETTING 19MPG (MOSTLY HIGHWAY). MPG ON CAR IS WELL BELOW PUBLISHED RANGE OF 22-31. VW TELL ME THAT I WILL ONLY GET THE PUBLISHED MPG AFTER 9000 MILES!! - CARPLAY SYSTEM IS NOT CONNECTING TO *ANY* APPLE IPHONE. - INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM IS SOMETIMES NOT TURNING ON - KEYLESS START IS INTERMITENTLY FUNCTIONING. CANNOT GET CAR TO START DESPITE THE KEY BEING PLACED NEXT TO STEERING COLUMN. - REVERSING CAMERA FAILS TO ENGAGE OFTEN. - LOCKING (BEEP) CONFIRMATION IS NOT WORKING CONSISTENTLY. VW OF AMERICA WILL NOT BUY BACK THIS CAR AND EXPECT ME TO ACCEPT A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND LEAVE IT AT THE SHOP FOR REPAIR!
2016 Volkswagen Golf r recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf r.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."
- Consequence: Windshield wipers that cannot be activated may lead to reduced visibility for the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
- 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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91EN.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
- 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. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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. Vibrations, such as those created by opening and closing a vehicle door, may cause the rear child door locks to disengage, allowing a child to open a rear door while inside the vehicle.
- Consequence: If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
- 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 58C9.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
- Consequence: The listed weight limit is low enough that the vehicle owner may ignore the weight limits and overload the vehicle and exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Positive 2016 Volkswagen Golf r car reviews
Other years of Volkswagen Golf r
Are you having problems with your 2016 Volkswagen Golf r?
Ashton Konopelski 2024-10-29
I've had my 2016 Golf R for almost a year now. Before that, I owned two base-model Corvettes, which I also bought new. In magazine road tests, the Corvettes were less than a second apart in 0-60 and quarter mile acceleration times. The Golf R is a little quicker than my 1998 C5 and a little slower than my 2006 C6, acceleration-wise, but the difference is so negligible that the seat-of-the-pants feel is the same. Handling feels about the same too. The braking is impressive. Although it doesn't have the bombastic roar or head-turning looks of the Vettes, I'm getting a lot of attention from the younger crowd (I'm 67) who know exactly what the R is. So I'm enjoying driving a sleeper again, my first sleeper since my 1973 Mazda RX2, a rotary engine screamer in mundane coupe form that was a blast to drive as most cars were deteriorating, performance-wise, at the time. I'm also very happy with the quality of the interior, although I do wish it came in a color other than black. It's tons of fun!!
Arely Reinger 2024-10-15
The Owner's Manual of my 2016 Golf R is the worst thing about it! It's a whopping 434 pages filled mostly with attorney-written warnings that are repeated over and over again, making it almost unreadable. On the bright side, the brakes are great and once you get above 2,000 rpm, the engine has lots of grunt. Although the steering is a little numb and you don't get to feel the road surface, the force feel is appropriate. The steering wheel is loaded with buttons, but unfortunately, most of them are so small that you have to look down at the wheel to use them. The 'touch screen' doesn't work very well, but don't worry, once you start driving the car, all the complaints disappear because it's an absolute joy to drive!!!
Noel Gutkowski 2024-09-09
Exceptional fit and finish, DCC (6 speed auto) and VW 4 Motion (AWD) are great, and the 0-60 times stock will definitely impress you. The Fender sound system is fantastic, and the driver's assistance package includes the latest tech advances - which is really cool! The only downside is that the ride can be a bit rough with the factory rims and tires.
Jamie Okuneva 2024-07-18
Compared to its rivals, this car is a class act. The acceleration and braking are great, although the steering could be improved, but that's to be expected with electronic steering. The build quality is impeccable. If I had to find a fault, it would be with the pedal positions in the manual. The driving modes don't differ enough to make changing them worthwhile, and I don't have DCC. However, even after two years, I still look forward to driving it, even on my commute. This car has convinced me that my next car will most likely be another Golf R.
Rylan Kuhic 2024-07-16
This car has got it all! I was looking at the Subaru STI and Focus ST, but this one is definitely better. It's more refined than those two and has great power. The engine sounds awesome and the turbo is audible, but the noise settles down when just cruising. It's so much fun to drive and the interior is great - comfortable, ergonomic, and very usable. The only real downside is that the price is a bit steep.