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 GolfProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 85 owner complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, most often about the fuel/propulsion system. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-615 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Volkswagen Golf has problems
85 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
29Fuel/propulsion system
18Engine
10Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system
7Structure
5Power train
3Service brakes
3Forward collision avoidance
3Fuel system, gasoline
1510 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 29 | 0 |
| Engine | 18 | 0 |
| Air bags | 10 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 |
| Structure | 7 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 15 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2016 Volkswagen Golf 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 · 2021 Q1
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…
repaired · 2020 Q3
Springs: coil springs
Risk. If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 5 more recalls
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…
repaired · 2020 Q1
Unknown or other
Risk. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Exhaust system: emission control
Risk. As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
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 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 median. How we score
'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Volkswagen Golf safety ratings
2016 Volkswagen Golf 4 DR FWD 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, 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 owners report
Recent fuel/propulsion system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The EPC light has luminated 3 times in the last several months. The vehicle stutters and will not accelerate past 25 MPH. Shutting off the engine and restarting it clears the light and vehicle drives normally. The check engine light does not illuminate and no OBDII codes are stored. Manual states…
I was driving my vehicle on the highway when a driver stopped me and warned me that my vehicle was leaking a huge amount of gasoline. I had a technician inspect the car to see if it might be a fuel line, the technician told me the fuel.lines were good and there were no signs of the gas coming from…
Car began spraying fuel upon turning the key in the ignition. Recall work pertaining to the suction jet pump was recently performed and is the only likely cause of this issue. Car did not leak when fuel pump was disengaged. Very lucky that issue occurred in a parking lot while not moving and did…
Own a 2016 Golf?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.