CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Volkswagen GTI has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 9 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (18 reports).
2016 Volkswagen GTI 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.
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.
Most common 2016 Volkswagen GTI problems
Problem areas named in the 67 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 18 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 |
| Unknown Or Other | 10 |
| Power Train | 8 |
| Structure | 6 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Visibility | 3 |
What owners report
On sunday october 18 i was having lunch inside my car and the sunroof exploded out of no where,i got out of the car to see what fell on it and nothing was around, i called my insurance and they told me that they don't cover that because they work with safelite and safelite doesn't do sunroof. I went and procceed to call a volkswagen dealer to explain what happend and they told me i need to call volkswagen costumer care wich i did. When i called them they told me to call the dealer seems like nobody wants to take care of this issue.
While driving my 2016 Volkswagen GTI MK7 Autobahn Edition with approximately 37,000 miles, the power steering suddenly and without warning failed completely. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, requiring significant physical force to operate. Simultaneously, both the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) warning light and the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning light illuminated on the dashboard. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Volkswagen dealership, Deel Volkswagen in Miami, Florida. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a complete failure of the steering rack and pinion assembly and quoted approximately $6,000 for replacement. This failure occurred at only
NHTSA Recall 24V-110 (VW 20UF). The vehicle is in Limp Mode and experiencing low oil pressure symptoms. It is also subject to Recall 24V-110, which identifies a fire risk due to fuel leakage. Despite the safety hazard, the local Volkswagen dealership has refused to perform the recall repair or diagnose the vehicle, stating it is at their 'discretion.' I am reporting a failure by the manufacturer and the dealer to remedy an active safety defect, leaving me with an unsafe, undriveable vehicle."
I am reporting a safety concern related to Safety Recall 20UF on my 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE and the handling of this recall by an authorized Volkswagen dealership (Pohanka Volkswagen, Capitol Heights, MD). Prior to the recall service, the vehicle exhibited loss of power, intermittent shuddering, and severe difficulty refueling (fuel pump nozzle repeatedly shut off even with a low fuel level). These symptoms were similar to prior EVAP system failures that required replacement of the charcoal canister and EVAP purge (N80) valve earlier in 2025. I brought the vehicle to the dealership on December 29, 2025, specifically requesting completion of Recall 20UF and inspection/replacement of EVA
Fuel is leaking from near the gas tank when the car is running and creates a puddle- I took my car to the local VW dealership in February to get the Suction Jet Pump Recall completed.
2016 Volkswagen GTI questions
Does the 2016 Volkswagen GTI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen GTI: 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; Fuel Leak From Pump Can Cause Fire Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen GTI?
Based on 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (18), Fuel/Propulsion System (13), Unknown Or Other (10).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Volkswagen GTI 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.