NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 11 recalls, 84 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf.
29 mpg combined
8.1 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The most consistent pattern across 2016 Volkswagen Golf complaints centers on the fuel and propulsion system, followed by engine-related issues. Owners frequently report fuel odor inside the cabin and, in some cases, visible fuel leaks while the vehicle is stationary or in motion. Several owners describe fuel spraying or leaking upon startup, with technicians sometimes unable to identify a clear source at the fuel lines or tank. The EPC (Electronic Power Control) warning light is a recurring engine complaint, owners describe it illuminating intermittently, accompanied by the vehicle losing power and refusing to accelerate past roughly 25 mph. Restarting the engine tends to clear the light and restore normal driving, and owners often report no stored diagnostic codes at the time of the event. Structure complaints round out the top three reported systems, though at lower volume than the fuel and engine categories.
84
Total Complaints
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf has 11 recalls, the most serious involving fire risk from fuel leaks and a camshaft failure that can reduce braking power and extend stopping distances.
Two separate fuel system issues can allow gasoline to escape the vehicle: a faulty suction pump inside the fuel tank can push fuel into the evaporative emissions system, where it may leak out through the charcoal canister, and a separate fuel rail defect on certain vehicles built in a narrow window in late 2015 can also produce an external fuel leak. Either condition raises the risk of fire near an ignition source. On the engine side, a camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump can shear off, leaving the driver with significantly reduced braking assistance. There is also a front passenger airbag recall where the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin during deployment. Rear coil springs on some vehicles can fracture while driving and puncture a rear tire, causing a loss of control. Two related recalls cover a shift interlock fault that can allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is out of Park, risking an unintended rollaway. Rear door child safety locks can disengage from vibration alone and allow a rear door to be opened from inside. A lighting compliance issue affects vehicles with lane and light assist, and one recall addresses pre-production vehicles that may not meet all regulatory requirements.
At a glance
What can fail
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
A faulty seal on the suction pump inside the fuel tank allows fuel to flow into the emissions control system and potentially leak from the charcoal canister.
What the fix does
The suction pump will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag may explode or deploy incorrectly during deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition even when the transmission is not in Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear coil springs may break prematurely, potentially affecting vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever micro switch contacts allows the ignition key to be removed while the shift lever is not in Park, preventing proper theft and rollaway protection.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no charge to restore proper ignition key and shift lever function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Modifications made during an internal evaluation period may have left these vehicles not fully compliant with applicable regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair vehicles to restore full compliance or Volkswagen will repurchase them at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty suction pump inside the fuel tank can allow fuel to flow into the evaporative emissions system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the suction pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some vehicles with lane and light assist have a camera that doesn't meet Canadian lighting standards because it lacks a required test mode.
What the fix does
No repair needed. Manufacturing has been updated to prevent this issue in future vehicles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear door child safety locks may disengage from vibration, such as when closing a door. This allows a child to accidentally open the door.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the child locks and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel rail may separate from the cylinder head, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the cylinder heads at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump can shear off, causing loss of brake assist.
What the fix does
Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module software to address the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
