repaired · 2026 Q2
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportwagenProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 51 owner complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-110 the manufacturer reports only 57% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen has problems
51 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
9Engine
6Fuel/propulsion system
6Electrical system
5Suspension
4Power train
3Fuel system, gasoline
3Structure
3Vehicle speed control
76 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 17 | 2 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 7 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 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 · 2020 Q2
Anti-theft: control module
Risk. Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal…
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 Sportwagen 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 Sportwagen median. How we score
'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen safety ratings
2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen SW FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- 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 Sportwagen, 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 Sportwagen owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
SRS/airbag warning light illuminated. A diagnostic scan (VCDS) confirmed stored fault codes for both front airbag crash sensors: driver's side 'short to ground' and passenger's side 'open or short to plus.' Upon further inspection, water was found pooled at the airbag control module connector,…
Clockspring failure. VW does not cover this critical safety part under warranty. Air bag is non functional (air bag light on) horn is non functional. Other controls on steering wheel not functional.
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V543000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
Own a 2016 Golf Sportwagen?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.