2016 Volkswagen Golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) produced by the German automotive manufacturer Volkswagen since 1974, marketed worldwide across eight generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – including as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada (Mk1 and Mk5), and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico (Mk1).
The original Golf Mk1 was a front-engined, front-wheel drive replacement for the air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle. Historically, the Golf is Volkswagen's best-selling model and is among the world's top three best-selling models, with more than 35 million units sold as of 2019.
Initially, most Golfs were 3-door hatchbacks. Other variants include a 5-door hatchback, estate (Variant, from 1993), convertible (Cabriolet and Cabrio, 1979–2002, Cabriolet, 2011–present), and a Golf-based saloon, called the Jetta, Vento (from 1992) or Bora (from 1999). The Golf covers economy to high-performance market segments.
The Golf has won awards, including the World Car of the Year in 2009, with the Mk6 and in 2013 with the Mk7. Along with the Renault Clio and the Vauxhall Astra, the Golf is one of only three cars to have won European Car of the Year twice, in 1992 and 2013. The Golf has made the annual Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times. The Mk7 won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2015, and the Mk1 GTI also won the award in 1985. The Mk4 won for the best-selling car in Europe in 2001.
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Common 2016 Volkswagen Golf problems
The Volkswagen Golf 2016 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
Another problem that affects the 2016 Volkswagen Golf is a rattling sound from the engine. This issue is due to a notorious problem with the camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump. It is recommended to replace the fuel pump every 20k miles, even if you can't hear the rattling sound, as it's what's causing it.
The Golf can also suddenly go into Limp Mode while driving. This problem is likely to be caused by a faulty water pump, which can be diagnosed by an initial diagnosis indicating a faulty supercharger. The water pump is connected to the supercharger, so a replacement water pump should be installed.
Automatic gear changes can also be rough in the 2016 Volkswagen Golf. In most cases, you will need to replace the gearbox unit completely, as this is a common issue for Golfs, especially earlier models. However, before doing that, check the timing chain. There's a chance that it might have snapped, and it's easier to find a replacement timing chain in the store and replace it yourself than removing and installing an entire gearbox unit.
Rear boot locking problems are also common in the 2016 Volkswagen Golf. This problem is likely to be caused by a cracked and leaking brake servo pipe, which can be easily replaced by ordering a replacement from the store and installing the new pipe.
The ABS unit can also overheat, even during short journeys. This problem is common in Golfs built between 1997 and 2004 and resulted from an electrical fault in the ABS control unit. If left untreated, it will eventually cause a fire. Find a replacement ABS unit using the parts page, remove the faulty one and install one that will last a lot longer.
Grinding from the rear of the car while driving is also a common problem in the 2016 Volkswagen Golf. This problem is likely to be caused by faulty rear axles, which can be replaced by ordering a new one from the store and installing it.
The seat belt can also tighten overly when you move forward quickly. This problem is caused by a faulty seat belt pre-tensioner, which can cause a fire if left untreated. Find a replacement seat belt pre-tensioner on the parts list and swap it for the faulty one.
The Golf can also struggle to get into 5th gear. This problem is likely to be caused by low gearbox oil or faulty or broken gear linkage or gear cables. Check all of the linkages for wear and tear, and then move onto the cables. Whatever is damaged will need to be replaced.
Is VW Golf 2016 reliable?
Petrol models received a reliability rating of 90.4%, while diesel ones 92.5%. As a whole, this generation of Golf should be more reliable than the rival Skoda Scala, but less reliable than the current Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.
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.
Are Volkswagen Golfs reliable?
The Volkswagen Golf has above-average reliability ratings with a 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a slightly reduced expected ownership cost. The Volkswagen Golf has been reported to develop issues like engine misfires, fuel pump failure, window regulator failure, and damaged mass air flow (MAF) sensors.
Do VW Golf have transmission problems?
Over time, the gearbox in automatic Golf models can wear out and start to judder intermittently. This is a sign of failure in the mechatronic unit, also known as the control centre of the gearbox. Look out for the following symptoms: Loss of power when changing gear.
Is VW Golf 2016 reliable?
Petrol models received a reliability rating of 90.4%, while diesel ones 92.5%. As a whole, this generation of Golf should be more reliable than the rival Skoda Scala, but less reliable than the current Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.
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.
How reliable are Volkswagen Golfs?
The Volkswagen Golf has above-average reliability ratings with a 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a slightly reduced expected ownership cost. The Volkswagen Golf has been reported to develop issues like engine misfires, fuel pump failure, window regulator failure, and damaged mass air flow (MAF) sensors.
Is VW Golf a good car to buy?
Yes, it's the Volkswagen Golf, the 'hear hooves, think horses' of family hatchbacks. It's an industry benchmark. A vanguard in the battle against the overdone, overblown and ostentatious. An easy (and possibly lazy) recommendation given by all car people to non-car people when they simply need 'a car'.
2016 Volkswagen Golf car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Golf problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Volkswagen Golf vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Volkswagen Golf
The NHTSA has received 80 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Volkswagen Golf. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Volkswagen Golf vehicles.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: 3VW217AU9GM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
- VIN: 3VW217AUXGM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated there was fuel leaking from the charcoal canister. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-23
- VIN: 3VW447AU9GM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: We are unable to fill up the gas tank due the recall issue. The dealership says we can bring it in and they will repair but at this time we would have to pay for the repair. VW has not come up with a fix for the recall problem at this time. This problem has rendered our vehicle not drivable. What is the recourse? Fuel also leaks out when trying to fill the gas tank. It could start a fire.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-24
- VIN: 3VW5T7AU1GM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My vehicle is leaking fuel. I have been unable to drive it for a few weeks due to the recall not having an approved repair. The dealership did not offer me any solution other than to pay for the repair out of pocket. This has been a known issue since February and no remedy is available from Volkswagen.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: 3VW217AU5GM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: When refueling, the gasoline spills out and can't fill the tank. Took the car to the dealer and they are asking for 2,500$ for repair.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: 3VW4T7AU5GM
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I have had this car since 2021, when I first bought it they had to keep it for another week due to a coolant break error? Had to fix it but later on I had to put tons of money into the car almost more money than it’s worth. And I’ve had a engine light on religiously for the entirety of the car, however my cars engine lights flash at times when I am driving and it gets hard to accelerate and reeks of gas- I’ve given up on dealerships because they have done everything else but what I have asked them to do and I still leave and the engine light turns on after. I did some research and learned my car has a recall since 2/14/2024 and I’ve had no update on my vehicles recall or if it’s repairable. My car will refuse to start at times and I’ve told this dealership this car will most likely kill me since I’ve put so much money into it for nothing to be fixed? And if it’s been this recall error what do I do? Please help me bought from Allen web Mitsubishi. All the symptoms are there but I’m scared
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-02
- VIN: 3VW4T7AUXGM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: My VW golf has experienced rear door lock issues where both rear dock locks no longer work (lock or unlock) when pressing the lock button on the key or inside the vehicle. The only way to get the doors to lock is by manually locking the doors via a little slot in the door sill on each side. While it can be unlocked internally by just pulling the handle one time. This is a safety issue as door locks are a necessity for a vehicle to prevent theft of vehicle or items inside. It can also cause safety concerns for passengers in the rear(which is usually children. This also poses a danger to children due to the ease of unlocking from inside the rear passenger seats. The problem was confirmed to be the rear door latches via a dealer on 2/23/2024, however after replacing both latches with new parts, nothing was resolved. This issue is not the first time, as it is known that VW locks and many electrical components may randomly stop working, I have experienced the issue with a previous Volkswagen vehicle as well (2009 VW Jetta). There are no warning lights on the dashboard or other signs of the failure.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- VIN: 3VW217AUXGM
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-28
- VIN: 3VW4T7AU2GM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have a leak in my trunk from water leaking from my pressure valve in the rear of my car. Found that this is a common issue with my car. The seal around the pressure valve doesn't prevent water from entering into the trunk of my car. I got a flat tire on the highway and opened the hatch to get my spare and there was water flooded there and it rusted my spare tools. I could not put on my spare tire.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-23
- VIN: 3VW5T7AU1GM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: GFF TEST PLAN ON STORED ENGINE LIGHT. RECOMMEND REPLACING THERMOSTAT HOUSING CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. RECOMMNED REPLACE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. SEEP/SLIGHT COOLING LEAK. ADVISED TO WATCH COOLANT LEVELS UNTIL FIXED.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-12
- VIN: 3VW217AU2GM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: After parking car and turning off engine, I exited vehicle and noticed a cascade of fuel falling to the pavement by the rear wheel near the fuel tank. Fire Department was called as I was in a public parking lot. Vehicle was towed to dealer.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-15
- VIN: 3VW4T7AU9GM
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: aftermarket/replacement rim purchased from CAR-ID in May 2023 and installed on vehicle in May 2023. On September 15, 2023, wheel/rim suffered a total and catastrophic failure. The wheel/rim face separated from the rest of the rim while driving.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-21
- VIN: 3VW4T7AU2GM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The headlight assembly design, prevents owners from changing a light bulb own their own. Per the law, a car must have functioning headlights. The design on the HID headlight assembly, requires hours of work, removing the bumper, the grill, other parts that require many tools and skilled knowledge of the brand. Considering this is a headlight that is required to be street legal, an owner can't change the bulb in emergencies. An owner must wait for an appointment with a dealer or certified Volkswagen mechanic with the proper training to change a light bulb. Regulation should prevent such designs, as the current design can make it dangerous for the driver. Just as when a driver needs to change a tire that's flat, and use the spare, a light bulb is just as critical to prevent accidents.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-25
- VIN: 3VW447AU0GM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My vehicle is unable to fuel up, when attempting to fuel at the pump the fuel will build up in the filler neck causing the pump ti stop and fuel spill out from the filler neck and when driven, fuel will begin to leak from the EVAP canister located on the right rear of the vehicle. Dealership is unwilling to correct this issue as it is a known issue to them of the problem
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-29
- VIN: 3VW447AU3GM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Thermostat and Gasket repair quoted by VW dealership. The coolant is leaking according to their inspection. Car could malfunction unexpectedly and leave me stranded as a road hazard Many more claims in this thread. They quote $1,600 to repair. https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/drna5m/mk775_thermostat_housing_issue_and_coolant_loss/
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-26
- VIN: 3VW4T7AUXGM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Dealer found thermostat housing leak and recommended housing and pump replacement at a cost of over $2K. Thermostat is housing leak could cause loss of coolant which could strand you in the middle of the road. There were no warning lamps active. This appears to be a common issue with these vehicles. The thermostat should not be having problems like this at this mileage. The component has not been inspected by insurance, manufacturer, or police, only the dealer.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-10
- VIN: 3VW217AU8GM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Airbag light came on, then all electrics to steering wheel failed, including the horn. Clock spring failed. Safety issue with no airbag and no horn. Known that VWs have a problem with clock spring failure. Should be a recall.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-15
- VIN: 3VW547AU1GM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel was found to be leaking from the rear passenger side wheel well. A secondary flame source could cause a significant fire risk. Issue is being investigated by local VW dealer. There are no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. Dealer recommends a replacement of the charcoal filter and N80 valve in order to have the ability to test the fuel pressure and fuel pump. My particular VIN number is not part of an existing recall on the fuel pump where fuel leak, bad charcoal canister, and N80 valve are symptomatic (secondary failures) of a bad fuel pump (primary failure). I question if the parts under the existing recall should be expanded to include a larger population.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-31
- VIN: 3VW217AU9GM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: While driving down the highway around 60 mph, nowhere near any other vehicles or pedestrians, the sunroof spontaneously shattered. The break goes outward/upward from the cabin.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-12
- VIN: 3VW217AU3GM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Sunroof Frame Cracked. Leaky sunroof. Drains are cleaned. A pillars get wet where airbags and wiring are located. Could cause a short.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-04
- VIN: 3VW217AU9GM
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: While accelerating from a traffic light, loud bang from left rear corner of car. Investigation found left rear coil spring had broken at the lower bas of the spring where it contacts the lower control arm
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-27
- VIN: 3VW547AU3GM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The vehicle overheated during normal driving. The car advised the driver to stop immediately. The car was inspected later the same day by a VW dealer service department that determined the water pump and thermostat housing required replacement. Estimated cost is $1400.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-04
- VIN: 3VW217AU2GM
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The sunroof leaks water into the passenger side A pillar
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-05
- VIN: 3VW117AUXGM
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-09
- VIN: 3VW547AU7GM
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel leaking and pooling from the rear right tire well. Tire well saturated with fuel. Occurs after engine hesitation at high speeds, similar to running out of gas. Opening the gas cap causes some fuel splashing around the opening and gurgling and hissing sounds. Difficulty re-fueling after incident, gas pump keeps shutting off. Fuel siphon pump was tested, and vehicle has been inspected by dealership, problem is not reproducible on demand. No warning lamps turn on.
2016 Volkswagen Golf recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 9 recalls for different components of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
- Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
- Consequence: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
- Consequence: As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.
- Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
- Consequence: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Positive 2016 Volkswagen Golf car reviews
Other years of Volkswagen Golf
Are you having problems with your 2016 Volkswagen Golf?
Alexander Hauck 2024-11-15
I've owned my Golf for almost 2 years, and have 45,000 miles on it. It's been the best car I've ever owned - even better than my Hondas and definitely better than my old Mazda3 and Ford Focus. Exceptional reliability so far, very fun to drive, gets amazing gas mileage, and can hold a crazy amount of cargo (2 bikes, a dog, 2 people, and luggage for a weekend trip).
Ramon Shanahan 2024-09-04
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your Golf! Even though it wasn't your first choice, the manufacturer rebates made it too good of a deal to pass up. It's great to hear that you're happy with the car's handling and interior, and that it runs quietly. I understand that you're disappointed about not getting a sunroof, and I hope that it won't detract too much from your overall enjoyment of the car. As someone who also lives in the northeast, I'm curious to see how it handles in the snow as well!
Kirk Spinka 2024-08-16
I chose this car because I was looking for a sporty hatchback that is fuel-efficient. Having previously owned a Jetta from around 2008, I decided to give the Golf a try. Although the TSI model lacks fancy features, it is very affordable. The exterior design is understated, and the interior is utilitarian but functional, with good quality materials. I particularly like the center touch screen, which works well. The Golf TSI S has paddle shifters and a sport mode, making it a fun drive. With a 170 hp 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, it strikes a good balance between sporty performance and excellent fuel economy. Although it lacks some safety features found on the competition, such as Lane Assist, I still think it's a great car. I have had some maintenance-related issues, such as having to replace the gear shifter assembly and the clock spring in the steering wheel, but both were covered under warranty. While it's not the most reliable car, I understand that it's a used car and you get what you pay for. Looking back, I don't regret my decision to get this car, but I am considering upgrading to the GTI or the R now that I've had a taste of the Golf TSI.
Randal Mueller 2024-08-07
Agile and fun yet comfortable. Five years with no major maintenance issues.
Jonatan Cole 2024-07-15
Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that I had a really positive experience at Pasadena Volkswagen. The service was great and I got an amazing deal. I highly recommend checking them out!