2016 Volkswagen Golf problems
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf. Fuel system is the most reported problem area, at 28% of complaints. Next are engine (17%) and air bags (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 115 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Fuel system 28% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 32,000 miles 44 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 16 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 10 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 11 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 44 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 32,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a crash; 2 injuries reported. Its complaints are less severe on average than those of 91% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2016 ranks 14th most-complained-about out of 20 model years of the Volkswagen Golf with enough data (53 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 9 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
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.
I am having the same safety issue that is outlined in this safety recall: [link removed] However, Volkswagen says that my VIN number is not included. Pictures: [link removed] I would like my car included in this safety recall. The foil cracked initially from a manufacturing defect and has now cut me to the point of bleeding multiple times.
Safety issue - 2016 egolf would not move after a routine traffic stop with "main charging failed" error. During a normal commute after 3, 4 miles of driving 30 - 40 MPH, car wouldn't move after a routine traffic stop right after a traffic light. This is evening 6pm rush hour traffic, car just stopped in the middle of the road. While rest of the systems seem to be functioning, the car ignition is on, pressing accelerator pedal doesn't do anything with "electrical error , stop" message on the dash.
The left rear wheel speed sensor malfunctioned resulting in false warnings of air bag, stabilization control, ABS system, and tire pressure failures. A replacement part is on back order and/or unavailable. This will result in disregard of any of the above warnings in the future even if they are genuine. This problem occurs randomly at any speed.
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.