repaired · 2024 Q3
Body control module: software
Risk. Windshield wipers that cannot be activated may lead to reduced visibility for the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
2016 Volkswagen Golf RProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-831 the manufacturer reports only 20% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 18, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R has problems
12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Power train
2Electrical system
2Engine
1Wheels
1Structure
1Tires
1Visibility/wiper
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2016 Volkswagen Golf R recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Latches/locks/linkages
Risk. If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. The listed weight limit is low enough that the vehicle owner may ignore the weight limits and overload the vehicle and exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Golf R year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Golf R median. How we score
'12'13'15'16'17'18'19'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Volkswagen Golf R safety ratings
2016 Volkswagen Golf R 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (13.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R, and the recalls they led to.
- Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)Led to recall 24V-110
In owners' words
What Golf R owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
Own a 2016 Golf R?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.