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2016 Volkswagen Golf Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20269 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2016 Volkswagen Golf Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf has 113 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve fuel/propulsion system and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.2/ 10

Based on 113 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

29 25.7%

ENGINE

18 15.9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 12.4%

AIR BAGS

9 8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 7.1%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, accounting for 25.7% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 22 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2016 Volkswagen Golf

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf has 113 owner complaints in this dataset. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM is the most common complaint category, representing about 26% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf are FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (29), ENGINE (18), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 75 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2016 Volkswagen Golf?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2015 Golf complaints2017 Golf complaints2014 Golf complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 22 of 22 systems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

29 Reports26% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. AFTER GETTING STUCK IN A LANE FOR AN HOUR IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, GOT THE CAR TOWED TO NEARBY VW DEALER. DEALER INFORMED THAT THE MAIN CHARGING MODULE THAT CHARGES BATTERY FAILED, WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW PART FORM GERMANY. IT COULD TAKE UP TO TWO WEEKS. SAFETY ISSUE - THE FACT THAT CAR JUST STOPS WHILE DRIVING EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY HAS PLENTY OF CHARGE LEFT POSES A SERIOUS AND SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IS JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN.I WAS TOLD THAT THE DESIGN PROTECTS DRIVERS AGAINST GETTING STRANDED AFTER BATTERY IS DISCHARGED, SINCE THE CHARGING MODULE FAILED. THIS SEEMS TOTALLY ILLOGICAL THAT THE DESIGN IS TRYING TO PROTECT YOU FROM STRANDED WHEN BATTERY RUNS OUT, SO IT RATHER STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO GET THE MODULE FIXED BEFORE YOU CAN DRIVE IT TO A SAFE PLACE. THERE ARE QUITE A FEW INCIDENTS REPORTED LIKE THIS, SO VW HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO FIX ON 2016 EGOLF IMMEDIATELY. MAYBE IT REQUIRES A DESIGN FIX TO LET DRIVERS DRIVE TO A DEALER TO GET THE FAULTY PART TO BE FIXED, INSTEAD OF STRANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

12/29/2015

SUDDEN VIOLENT SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THEY REPLACED ALL FOUR FUEL INJECTORS, SECOND TIME HAPPENED A MONTH LATER. SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THEY CANNOT FIX. MILES JUST UNDER 2000 ON SECOND OCCURRENCE.

7/25/2016

27 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

18 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. AFTER GETTING STUCK IN A LANE FOR AN HOUR IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, GOT THE CAR TOWED TO NEARBY VW DEALER. DEALER INFORMED THAT THE MAIN CHARGING MODULE THAT CHARGES BATTERY FAILED, WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW PART FORM GERMANY. IT COULD TAKE UP TO TWO WEEKS. SAFETY ISSUE - THE FACT THAT CAR JUST STOPS WHILE DRIVING EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY HAS PLENTY OF CHARGE LEFT POSES A SERIOUS AND SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IS JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN.I WAS TOLD THAT THE DESIGN PROTECTS DRIVERS AGAINST GETTING STRANDED AFTER BATTERY IS DISCHARGED, SINCE THE CHARGING MODULE FAILED. THIS SEEMS TOTALLY ILLOGICAL THAT THE DESIGN IS TRYING TO PROTECT YOU FROM STRANDED WHEN BATTERY RUNS OUT, SO IT RATHER STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO GET THE MODULE FIXED BEFORE YOU CAN DRIVE IT TO A SAFE PLACE. THERE ARE QUITE A FEW INCIDENTS REPORTED LIKE THIS, SO VW HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO FIX ON 2016 EGOLF IMMEDIATELY. MAYBE IT REQUIRES A DESIGN FIX TO LET DRIVERS DRIVE TO A DEALER TO GET THE FAULTY PART TO BE FIXED, INSTEAD OF STRANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

12/29/2015

SUDDEN VIOLENT SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THEY REPLACED ALL FOUR FUEL INJECTORS, SECOND TIME HAPPENED A MONTH LATER. SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THEY CANNOT FIX. MILES JUST UNDER 2000 ON SECOND OCCURRENCE.

7/25/2016

16 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TWO PRIMARY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AT THIS TIME: 1. EPC (ENGINE POWER CONTROL) LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT STREET AND FREEWAY SPEEDS. WHEN THE LIGHT COMES ON THE CAR JERKS FORWARD AND RIDES ROUGH. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS CAR AND IT NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY. THE CAR MANUAL INDICATES THAT WHEN THE EPC LIGHT IS DISPLAYED THE ENGINE IS MALFUNCTIONING. 2. THE BLUETOOTH/INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM WILL INTERMITTENTLY FREEZE AND THE PHONE WILL NOT DISCONNECT AND THE RADIO WILL WORK. THIS IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY ADJUST THE SETTINGS TO TRY AND FIX IT AND PULL OVER THE CAR, TURN OFF THE CAR AND TRY AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER /SERVICE CENTER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS TO FIX BOTH PROBLEMS AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX EITHER PROBLEM.

7/16/2016

SUDDEN VIOLENT SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THEY REPLACED ALL FOUR FUEL INJECTORS, SECOND TIME HAPPENED A MONTH LATER. SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THEY CANNOT FIX. MILES JUST UNDER 2000 ON SECOND OCCURRENCE.

7/25/2016

12 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

9 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DESPITE A 2015 RECALL, 2016 GOLFS ARE STILL BEING AFFECTED BY FAULTY CLOCK SPRING SETUPS AND A LACK OF SOME TYPE OF COVER THAT IS PREVENTING DEBRIS FROM GETTING INSIDE AND BREAKING THEM. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. I THEN NOTICED THAT NONE OF THE CONTROL FEATURES ON THE STEERING WHEEL WORKED.. NO CRUISE CONTROL, NOT HORN, NO SYSTEM DATA, ETC. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING WAS THE REASON FOR THE PROBLEM AND THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT VW HAS KNOWN ABOUT SINCE 2011. ONLY AFTER AN INVESTIGATION WAS VW FORCED INTO DOING A RECALL IN 2015. THE PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY STILL EXISTS SINCE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CONTINUED COMPLAINTS STILL BEING FILED.

6/5/2018

THE CLOCK SPRING ON MY CAR WENT BAD AFTER 46,000 MILES. MAKES AIRBAG UNUSEABLE AND STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS DO NOT WORK EITHER

7/10/2018

7 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. AFTER GETTING STUCK IN A LANE FOR AN HOUR IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, GOT THE CAR TOWED TO NEARBY VW DEALER. DEALER INFORMED THAT THE MAIN CHARGING MODULE THAT CHARGES BATTERY FAILED, WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW PART FORM GERMANY. IT COULD TAKE UP TO TWO WEEKS. SAFETY ISSUE - THE FACT THAT CAR JUST STOPS WHILE DRIVING EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY HAS PLENTY OF CHARGE LEFT POSES A SERIOUS AND SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IS JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN.I WAS TOLD THAT THE DESIGN PROTECTS DRIVERS AGAINST GETTING STRANDED AFTER BATTERY IS DISCHARGED, SINCE THE CHARGING MODULE FAILED. THIS SEEMS TOTALLY ILLOGICAL THAT THE DESIGN IS TRYING TO PROTECT YOU FROM STRANDED WHEN BATTERY RUNS OUT, SO IT RATHER STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO GET THE MODULE FIXED BEFORE YOU CAN DRIVE IT TO A SAFE PLACE. THERE ARE QUITE A FEW INCIDENTS REPORTED LIKE THIS, SO VW HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO FIX ON 2016 EGOLF IMMEDIATELY. MAYBE IT REQUIRES A DESIGN FIX TO LET DRIVERS DRIVE TO A DEALER TO GET THE FAULTY PART TO BE FIXED, INSTEAD OF STRANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

12/29/2015

DESPITE A 2015 RECALL, 2016 GOLFS ARE STILL BEING AFFECTED BY FAULTY CLOCK SPRING SETUPS AND A LACK OF SOME TYPE OF COVER THAT IS PREVENTING DEBRIS FROM GETTING INSIDE AND BREAKING THEM. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. I THEN NOTICED THAT NONE OF THE CONTROL FEATURES ON THE STEERING WHEEL WORKED.. NO CRUISE CONTROL, NOT HORN, NO SYSTEM DATA, ETC. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING WAS THE REASON FOR THE PROBLEM AND THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT VW HAS KNOWN ABOUT SINCE 2011. ONLY AFTER AN INVESTIGATION WAS VW FORCED INTO DOING A RECALL IN 2015. THE PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY STILL EXISTS SINCE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CONTINUED COMPLAINTS STILL BEING FILED.

6/5/2018

6 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

7 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SUNROOF FRAME LEAKS WATER INTO THE CAR. THE WATER DRIPS ON TO THE CENTER CONSOLE HARDWARE/ELECTRONICS AND HARDWARE/ELECTRONICS LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE LEAK IS A KNOWN DEFECT FOR VW GOLF 2016, AS VW PREVIOUSLY SENT OUT A RECALL FOR THE SUNROOF FRAME. THE LEAK OCCURS AFTER HEAVY RAINFALL. THE WATER DRIPS RIGHT ON TO THE ACC CRUISE CONTROL. VW ACKNOWLEDGED IN PHONE MESSAGE THAT SOURCE OF LEAK WAS SUNROOF AND THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. ORIGINALLY, I THOUGHT THE LEAK DERIVED FROM DIRTY DRAINS, BUT VW CLARIFIED THE ROOT CAUSE AS THE SUNROOF. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT FOLLOW UP WITH ME. I RE-ENGAGED THEM AND THEY STATED THEY WOULD NEED TO TEST IT AGAIN. AFTER THE SECOND TEST, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE MY CLAIM DESPITE DESPITE THE INITIAL, POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUNROOF AS THE LEAK. I AM WORRIED THAT THIS WILL CAUSE OTHER, MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IF LEFT UNTREATED. THE LEAK CAN OCCUR WITH THE CAR EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. HOWEVER, THE LEAK IS MORE PROMINENT WHEN STATIONARY. FOR EXAMPLE, MY CAR LEAKS THE WORST WHEN I LEAVE IT IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK DURING HEAVY RAINFALL. UPON ENTERING MY CAR, STANDING WATER WILL HAVE POOLED UP IN THE GEAR SELECTOR COVER AND DRIPS FROM MY REAR VIEW MIRROR ON TO THE CENTER CONSOLE. I STILL POSSESS THE VOICEMAIL WHERE THEY IDENTIFIED THE SUNROOF AS THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK. I ATTACHED A PHOTO OF THE WATER STAINS BECAUSE IT WAS NOT RAINING WHEN I FILED THE COMPLAINT.

7/24/2019

SUNROOF DRAIN REINFORCEMENT STEEL HAS DEVELOPED STRESS CRACKS. WHICH HAS LET WATER LEAK INSIDE VEHICLE, ONTO HEADLINER AND DOWN A-PILLARS SATURATING FRONT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS MAKING THEM DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE CAN BE STATIONARY OR OPERATED, IT WILL LEAK EITHER WAY. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO ADDRESS ISSUE WITH AIRBAGS AND LEAK SAYING THERE IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SO THEY WONT COVER REPAIR WHICH COULD COST GREATER THAN $2,500. VEHICLE HAS ALSO DEVELOPED BLACK MOLD BETWEEN ROOF AND HEADLINER WHICH IS HAZARDOUS TO BREATH. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #60-17-01(V601701) IS THE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FOR DEALERSHIP ONLY REPAIR BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRBAG REPLACE OR HEADLINER REPLACEMENT. I ADDRESSED ISSUE WITH VOLKSWAGEN MULTIPLE TIMES WHICH THEY DENY ANY SAFETY ISSUES. *TR

10/22/2019

5 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

COOLANT LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT HOUSING. THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANT. I BELIEVE IT IS LEAKING AGAIN AS IT WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME FAULTY PARTS AND I HAVE NOTICED A SLIGHT DROP IN COOLANT AND A SMELL, WHICH WAS THE ISSUE ORIGINALLY.

11/2/2020

Thermostat housing failure. Leaking coolant. Yes it is available for inspection. The dealer has confirmed this is not an uncommon problem, and indicated this can be cause by the seal swelling (Dirito Bros dealer, CA BAR Reg# 257857). This issue was found by an independent mechanic during a routine oil change on 10/12/21 There is a warning lamp for low coolant, which is the first indicator, and occurred around Sept- 2021.

10/12/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT DEACTIVATE WHEN DEPRESSING CLUTCH, CHANGING GEAR. ONCE CLUTCH IS RELEASED CRUISE AUTOMATICALLY RE ENGAGES. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY LIABILITY. VW CALLS IT A NEW FEATURE, THIS FEATURE HAS CAUSED A FEW NEAR MISSES.. THIS FEATURE WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT I'VE BEEN DRIVING MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND EVERY TIME THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED CRUISE TURNS OFF AND WILL ONLY RE-ENGAGE ONCE THE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED.

4/4/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGON GOLF. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE BEING OPERATED IN SECOND AND THIRD GEARS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S SPEED WOULD INCREASE BY APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND WOULD OFTEN OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL DEALERS WHO INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE AND NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

5/8/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS INOPERATIVE. THIS INCLUDES AIRBAG, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, RADIO CONTROLS, ETC.

12/14/2020

On two occasions, warning messages appeared on the dash indicating that multiple government-mandated safety systems -- including airbags, ABS, ESC, and tire pressure monitoring -- were disabled. On first occasion, vehicle was traveling at approximately 30 mph. Dealer was unable to find the source of the problem. On second occasion, vehicle was traveling at approximately 65 mph on the freeway. This is an extremely serious safety problem. Key safety systems that are federally mandated fail without warning during normal vehicle operation.

7/29/2022

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

2/9/2024

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.

6/17/2024

1 more complaint is available in this category.

STEERING

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

STEERING POWER ASSIST "TWITCHES" WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES, SPEEDS AND STEERING CONDITIONS WHILE DRIVING....ENOUGH TO JERK THE CAR INTO THE NEXT LANE. MIGHT BE TIED TO VW'S DSR OR DYNAMIC STEERING RECOMMENDATION SETTING IN THE VEHICLE COMPUTER.

2/20/2017

DESPITE A 2015 RECALL, 2016 GOLFS ARE STILL BEING AFFECTED BY FAULTY CLOCK SPRING SETUPS AND A LACK OF SOME TYPE OF COVER THAT IS PREVENTING DEBRIS FROM GETTING INSIDE AND BREAKING THEM. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON. I THEN NOTICED THAT NONE OF THE CONTROL FEATURES ON THE STEERING WHEEL WORKED.. NO CRUISE CONTROL, NOT HORN, NO SYSTEM DATA, ETC. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING WAS THE REASON FOR THE PROBLEM AND THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT VW HAS KNOWN ABOUT SINCE 2011. ONLY AFTER AN INVESTIGATION WAS VW FORCED INTO DOING A RECALL IN 2015. THE PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY STILL EXISTS SINCE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CONTINUED COMPLAINTS STILL BEING FILED.

6/5/2018

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

8/14/2018

Vehicle exhibits multiple electrical and systems faults related to the airbags, TMPS, ABS, etc, as similarly described in 07/26/2019 Volkswagen Technical Tip 97-1902TT. Vehicle interior and sunroof tray is wet in various places. These issues raise concerns as they relate to safety and drivability. Upon inspection, the plastic sunroof tray is apparently cracked in multiple places as described in 12/06/2016 Volkswagen TSB 2045403 (supersedes V601608 November 22, 2016) and referenced again in Volkswagen Update 60C7. According to dealership records, the sunroof tray was claimed repaired per Volkswagen Update 60C7. This does not seem to be true.

12/14/2022

SUSPENSION

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

While driving car on highway heard a loud boom from rear right side. Stopped car and inspected, but no obvious damage. Resumed driving, and began hearing a repeated squeaking noise and some body lean in corners. Took vehicle to tire shop, where they removed right rear tire and found the right rear spring had snapped at the mounting location near the top of the spring. The attached photo of the spring suggests the mount may have been defective. Dealer confirmed spring damage and is now replacing both rear springs. However, no coverage of the damaged part even though multiple 2016 VW Golf’s have been recalled for rear spring issues.

9/13/2022

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

3/6/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKLING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE VACUUM PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,558. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CONCERN WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH THE SAME OEM PART THAT INITIALLY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE BOUGHT BACK BUT, THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED AND OFFERED A 200.00 GIFT CARD. *JS

8/19/2016

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED WATER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN NUMEROUS TIMES TO AN UNKNOWN VOLKSWAGEN DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SUN ROOF SEALANT, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN ROOF RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

8/22/2017

WHEELS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

CONTINENTAL PROCONTACT' TX 195/65R15 RT REAR TIRE SIDE WALL BLEW OUT WITH NO WARNING. CAR HAS 16000 MILES AND HAS BEEN DEALER SERVICED SINCE NEW. CAR WAS ACCELERATING ON FREEWAY ON RAMP WHEN VIBRATION AND THUMP WERE FELT INSIDE THE CAR. DRIVER PULLED INTO SECURE AREA AND SAW THAT TIRE SIDEWALL HAD BLOWN OUT ON INSIDE AND OUTSIDE SIDEWALLS. TIRE WAS REPLACED BY VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AT OWNERS EXPENSE.

7/2/2018

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

8/14/2018

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Water Pump Failed twice

8/11/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I am having the same safety issue that is outlined in this safety recall: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10206794-0001.pdf However, Volkswagen says that my VIN number is not included. Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/TKfal3R 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.

8/19/2022

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

4/1/2023

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

8/21/2023

WHEELS:RIM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

9/16/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?

The most reported complaint category for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, with 29 owner reports. That is about 26% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 75 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf severe?

75 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volkswagen Golf: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

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Complaint entries
113
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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