2016 Volkswagen Golf Problems & Owner Complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System 29

“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 to take vehicle to authorized dealership for diagnosis if light stays illuminated.”
NHTSA complaint #11688624, 2025

“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 the lines and no cracks on the tank either. I received a letter from Volkswagen about the recall and I researched it and it says that if that is the problem the car would be leaking gas and it was dangerous as an ignition might cause a fire. I towed my vehicle to the Volkswagen here in Laredo after c…”
NHTSA complaint #11656404, 2025

“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 not lead to a fire or crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11627766, 2024

Engine 18

“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 to take vehicle to authorized dealership for diagnosis if light stays illuminated.”
NHTSA complaint #11688624, 2025

“My EPC light began to appear randomly in early 2024. I received a recall notice on the gear shift trim around the same time, so called Jack Ingram VW in Montgomery to schedule a time for them to fix it (and also ensure they had the part). I asked them to also check on why the EPC light was coming on. Brought in my car on 2/28/24. Service Dept then tells me they weren't sure what was causing the EPC light to come on, and they didn't have the gear shift trim part. They quoted me a lot of work to do, which I wasn't prepared financially to have completed. EPC light continued to appear at random. E…”
NHTSA complaint #11623672, 2024

“I have had this car since 2021, when I first bought it they had to keep it for another week due to a coolant break error? Had to fix it but later on I had to put tons of money into the car almost more money than it’s worth. And I’ve had a engine light on religiously for the entirety of the car, however my cars engine lights flash at times when I am driving and it gets hard to accelerate and reeks of gas- I’ve given up on dealerships because they have done everything else but what I have asked them to do and I still leave and the engine light turns on after. I did some research and learned my c…”
NHTSA complaint #11581003, 2024

Unknown Or Other 14

“I have a leak in my trunk from water leaking from my pressure valve in the rear of my car. Found that this is a common issue with my car. The seal around the pressure valve doesn't prevent water from entering into the trunk of my car. I got a flat tire on the highway and opened the hatch to get my spare and there was water flooded there and it rusted my spare tools. I could not put on my spare tire.”
NHTSA complaint #11568365, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11514895, 2023

“Sunroof Frame Cracked. Leaky sunroof. Drains are cleaned. A pillars get wet where airbags and wiring are located. Could cause a short.”
NHTSA complaint #11511460, 2023

Air Bags 10 1 crash 1 injury

“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. The force of the deployment appeared heavily uncalibrated, acting as a primary source of trauma rather than an emergency restraint. In contrast, the secondary vehicle involved in…”
NHTSA complaint #11742727, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Airbag light came on, then all electrics to steering wheel failed, including the horn. Clock spring failed. Safety issue with no airbag and no horn. Known that VWs have a problem with clock spring failure. Should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11521624, 2023

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of the 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 repair. Additionally, the contact mentioned that a recall notice was received confirming the remedy was available and to contact a local dealer however, the dealer informed that the part was not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were unavailable…”
NHTSA complaint #11505133, 2022

Electrical System 8

“My VW golf has experienced rear door lock issues where both rear dock locks no longer work (lock or unlock) when pressing the lock button on the key or inside the vehicle. The only way to get the doors to lock is by manually locking the doors via a little slot in the door sill on each side. While it can be unlocked internally by just pulling the handle one time. This is a safety issue as door locks are a necessity for a vehicle to prevent theft of vehicle or items inside. It can also cause safety concerns for passengers in the rear(which is usually children. This also poses a danger to childre…”
NHTSA complaint #11577026, 2023

“Airbag light came on, then all electrics to steering wheel failed, including the horn. Clock spring failed. Safety issue with no airbag and no horn. Known that VWs have a problem with clock spring failure. Should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11521624, 2023

“First, the airbag warning light came on, then followed by the horn not working and cruise control was lost. I also suspecting the power steering is also gone. This is related to the clock spring failure from my research online. This should have been recall because this is a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11503331, 2022

Structure 7

“My VW golf has experienced rear door lock issues where both rear dock locks no longer work (lock or unlock) when pressing the lock button on the key or inside the vehicle. The only way to get the doors to lock is by manually locking the doors via a little slot in the door sill on each side. While it can be unlocked internally by just pulling the handle one time. This is a safety issue as door locks are a necessity for a vehicle to prevent theft of vehicle or items inside. It can also cause safety concerns for passengers in the rear(which is usually children. This also poses a danger to childre…”
NHTSA complaint #11577026, 2023

“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 desig…”
NHTSA complaint #11539859, 2023

“Front passenger door opened on its own with a bang while making a left turn. Driving alone, passenger door had been securely locked for over a week, during left turn going 25 mph, a loud banging sound occurred, passenger door opened and indicator warning light in dash came on. Door opened approx 1 cm. Car is not safe to drive for fear of door opening again randomly. VW of America nonchalantly stated they are sorry my door opened and stated they would not cover any potential repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #11502623, 2023

Power Train 5 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11480145, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 to take vehicle to authorized dealership for diagnosis if light stays illuminated.”
NHTSA complaint #11688624, 2025

“EPC light illuminated on dash board. Vehicle was taken to dealer and it was determined that the thermostat housing had failed. Would have caused the vehicle to overheat had it been driven for any length of time with the failure”
NHTSA complaint #11440745, 2021

Service Brakes 4

“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 Vo…”
NHTSA complaint #11497479, 2022

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11119886, 2018

“BRAKE FAILURE. THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AROUND 20MPH, WHEN A 'BRAKE: FLUID LOW SEE OWNER'S MANUAL' MESSAGE CAME ON. AFTER SEEING THIS MESSAGE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE PEDAL MADE A 'CHATTERING NOISE' AS IT MOVED THROUGH THE PEDAL STROKE. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE CAR. THIS WAS EASILY RECREATED IN A PARKING LOT AND AT THE LOCAL DEALER. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON EACH TIME THE CAR WAS STARTED AFTER THE INITIAL INCIDENT, AND WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE PEDAL, THE PEDAL EASILY WENT TO THE FLOOR MAKING THE SAME CHATTERING NOISE.…”
NHTSA complaint #10948507, 2017

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“Airbag light came on, then all electrics to steering wheel failed, including the horn. Clock spring failed. Safety issue with no airbag and no horn. Known that VWs have a problem with clock spring failure. Should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11521624, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11476454, 2022

“ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS INOPERATIVE. THIS INCLUDES AIRBAG, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, RADIO CONTROLS, ETC.”
NHTSA complaint #11383440, 2020

Fuel System 3

“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. 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 contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank suction jet pump had failed, causing damage to the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacture…”
NHTSA complaint #11598685, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11594770, 2024

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11571071, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“First, the airbag warning light came on, then followed by the horn not working and cruise control was lost. I also suspecting the power steering is also gone. This is related to the clock spring failure from my research online. This should have been recall because this is a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11503331, 2022

“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 MIL…”
NHTSA complaint #10984229, 2016

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10853372, 2016

Steering 2

“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 INT…”
NHTSA complaint #11099933, 2018

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10955589, 2017

Suspension 2

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11510372, 2023

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11484279, 2022

Wheels 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11544872, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11105166, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11119886, 2018

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

Exterior Lighting 1

“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 desig…”
NHTSA complaint #11539859, 2023

Visibility 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11018861, 2017

Visibility/Wiper 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11514895, 2023