The 2016 Volkswagen Golf has 9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Fuel/Propulsion System (29 reports).
2016 Volkswagen Golf recalls
Fuel Pump Seal Can Leak Fuel, Raising Fire Risk
A seal on a suction jet pump inside the fuel tank can fail, allowing fuel to flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Passenger Front Airbag May Explode or Deploy Improperly
The front passenger airbag inflator module may explode when the airbag deploys, or it may deploy improperly.
Key can be pulled out before Park, risking rollaway
A buildup of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in Park.
Rear Coil Springs May Break, Risking Loss of Control
Rear coil springs on certain Volkswagen Golf, Golf Sportwagen and Tiguan vehicles may fracture prematurely.
Key Can Be Removed While Car Is Not in Park
Silicate buildup on the shift lever micro switch contacts can allow the key to be pulled out of the ignition while the shift lever is not in Park.
Modified VWs May Not Meet Federal Safety Rules
Some 2011-2017 Volkswagen vehicles were modified while they were in an internal evaluation period, and those changes may mean the vehicles do not fully comply with all applicable federal regulatory requirements.
Fuel Leak From Pump Can Cause Fire Risk
A problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank can allow fuel to flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
Fuel rail can detach and leak fuel, risking fire
Certain 2016 Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, and Passat vehicles may have a fuel rail that can detach from the cylinder head, causing a fuel leak.
Brake Assist Can Fail, Lengthening Stopping Distance
A camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may break off in these vehicles.
Most common 2016 Volkswagen Golf problems
Problem areas named in the 85 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 29 |
| Engine | 18 |
| Unknown Or Other | 14 |
| Air Bags | 10 |
| Electrical System | 8 |
| Structure | 7 |
| Power Train | 5 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 |
What owners report
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, n
The EPC light has luminated 3 times in the last several months. The vehicle stutters and will not accelerate past 25 MPH. Shutting off the engine and restarting it clears the light and vehicle drives normally. The check engine light does not illuminate and no OBDII codes are stored. Manual states to take vehicle to authorized dealership for diagnosis if light stays illuminated.
I was driving my vehicle on the highway when a driver stopped me and warned me that my vehicle was leaking a huge amount of gasoline. I had a technician inspect the car to see if it might be a fuel line, the technician told me the fuel.lines were good and there were no signs of the gas coming from the lines and no cracks on the tank either. I received a letter from Volkswagen about the recall and I researched it and it says that if that is the problem the car would be leaking gas and it was dangerous as an ignition might cause a fire. I towed my vehicle to the Volkswagen here in Laredo after calling and speaking to someone from service and told yes I could bring it in and the recall part wou
Car began spraying fuel upon turning the key in the ignition. Recall work pertaining to the suction jet pump was recently performed and is the only likely cause of this issue. Car did not leak when fuel pump was disengaged. Very lucky that issue occurred in a parking lot while not moving and did not lead to a fire or crash.
My EPC light began to appear randomly in early 2024. I received a recall notice on the gear shift trim around the same time, so called Jack Ingram VW in Montgomery to schedule a time for them to fix it (and also ensure they had the part). I asked them to also check on why the EPC light was coming on. Brought in my car on 2/28/24. Service Dept then tells me they weren't sure what was causing the EPC light to come on, and they didn't have the gear shift trim part. They quoted me a lot of work to do, which I wasn't prepared financially to have completed. EPC light continued to appear at random. Each time it did, my car would shake and it would feel like I was losing control of the vehicle. I re
2016 Volkswagen Golf questions
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf: Fuel Pump Seal Can Leak Fuel, Raising Fire Risk; Passenger Front Airbag May Explode or Deploy Improperly; Key can be pulled out before Park, risking rollaway; Rear Coil Springs May Break, Risking Loss of Control; Key Can Be Removed While Car Is Not in Park. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?
Based on 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Fuel/Propulsion System (29), Engine (18), Unknown Or Other (14).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Volkswagen Golf 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.