2016 Volkswagen Golf R Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (2 reports).

4Recalls
12Owner complaints
0Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Golf R?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2016 Volkswagen Golf R recalls

Wipers May Not Activate, Reducing Driver Visibility

Recall 22V831Nov 9, 20225 vehicles affected

The front windshield wiper software in certain vehicles was installed incorrectly.

Passenger Front Airbag May Explode or Deploy Improperly

Recall 22V543Jul 27, 20221,216 vehicles affected

The front passenger airbag inflator module may explode when the airbag deploys, or it may deploy improperly.

Rear Child Locks May Disengage, Letting Kids Open Doors

Recall 16V464Jun 24, 20165,658 vehicles affected

Certain 2016 Volkswagen CC, e-Golf, Golf R, and Tiguan vehicles built within specific production windows may have rear child door locks that disengage from vibration, such as from opening and closing a door.

Incorrect weight label could lead to overloading and crash risk

Recall 16V337May 23, 201611 vehicles affected

Certain vehicles have a Federal Certification Label that lists an incorrect rear axle weight limit.

Most common 2016 Volkswagen Golf R problems

Problem areas named in the 12 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Electrical System2
Engine2
Power Train2
Unknown Or Other2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Wheels1
Visibility/Wiper1
Structure1
Tires1

What owners report

2026-02-18, Tires
On 04/24, I purchased 4 P235/40ZR18 Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires from Tire Rack. The tires have approx 15000 miles on them. I discovered the tires started to show approx 1/2 in cracks all around the tire where the tread transitions to the sidewall. This appears to be a safety issue because if the cracks worsen, the tread may separate from the tire. I have also spoken to Tire Rack were I`ll be filing a complaint.
2024-12-02, Fuel/Propulsion System
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - fuel system/gas tank - yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - smell of fuel in the car, can't fill up the tank without auto shut off Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Not yet
2024-03-26, Fuel/Propulsion System
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.
2022-07-28, Structure
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.
2022-05-30, Unknown Or Other
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!

2016 Volkswagen Golf R questions

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R: Wipers May Not Activate, Reducing Driver Visibility; Passenger Front Airbag May Explode or Deploy Improperly; Rear Child Locks May Disengage, Letting Kids Open Doors; Incorrect weight label could lead to overloading and crash risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R?

Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (2), Engine (2), Power Train (2).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Volkswagen Golf R has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Volkswagen Golf R years

Other 2016 Volkswagen models