2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
55
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
9 complaints
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 repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer advised the contact to avoid using the front passenger’s side seat. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Dec 30, 2022
1. I BELIEVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG MAY HAVE FAILED OR BEEN DISABLED DURING A RECENT COLLISION THAT OCCURRED ON 5/25/21. A DEER STRUCK THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ON A 55MPH STATE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A COLLISION REPAIR SHOP GETTING AN ESTIMATE. THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTY WHO RESPONDED TO THE SCENE GAVE AN INITIAL DAMAGE ESTIMATE OF $9000.00. 2. IMMEDIATELY UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT ILLUMINATED BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. 3.ON 5/26/21, THE DAY AFTER MY ACCIDENT, I RECEIVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION NOTICE DUE TO A POTENTIAL CLOCK SPRING FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. 4. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY SHERIFF'S DEPT AND IS CURRENTLY BE EVALUATED BY COLLISION SPECIALIST AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER. 5. THE AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT HAD NEVER ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
May 27, 2021
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON
Jan 20, 2021
48K MILES, 2016 VW SPORTSWAGEN, FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THERE WAS A CRINKLING,CRUNCHING SOUND WHICH CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, VERY INNOCUOUS NOISE, LIKE A PIECE OF PAPER WAS CAUGHT IN THE COLUMN. IMMEDIATELY A WARNING APPEARED ON THE CONSOLE 'AIRBAG ERROR' WHICH REMAINED ON FOR THE SHORT DRIVE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PARKED, TURNED OFF AND UPON TURNING IGNITION ON AGAIN, THE SAME ERROR WARNING DISPLAYED. UNKNOWN IF OTHER COMPONENTS WERE AFFECTED. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE DETERMINING THE CLOCK SPRING REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THIS RESULTED IN $712 IN REPAIR COSTS AS REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SEEMS LIKE AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH VW.
Sep 03, 2020
I WAS IN A VERY MINOR ACCIDENT INVOLVING ONLY THE FRONT END. I WAS A A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND HIT THE CAR DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME, I HIT THE CAR CAR GOING NO MORE THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR. ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, DRIVER, PASSENGER, AS WELL AS FRONT AND BACK SIDE AIRBAGS. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THE WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY SHATTERED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. LUCKILY MY SON WAS NOT INJURED WITH THE EXTREME FORE OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I TOOK THE CAR FOR AN ESTIMATE AND JUST FOR THE INSIDE AIRBAG DAMAGE THE TOTAL WOULD BE $9,300. THIS WAS AN EXTREME SHOCK, NOT ONLY WHEN THE MINOR FENDER BENDER OCCURED BUT NOW THE CAR IS TOTALED BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.IN THIS SITUATION THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OFF FOR SUCH A MINOR CRASH. I NEED THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO FOR OTHER PEOPLE'S SAFETY.
Dec 22, 2019
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
6 complaints
Junction between thermostat and water pump failed leading to total loss of coolant. At the time I was driving north on I-75 in heavy morning traffic at 65 MPH. I was able to steer the vehicle off the road without hitting anyone or coming to a complete stop. Had the vehicle towed to Jim Ellis VW of Kennesaw where they diagnosed the problem and replaced the water pump. The car had 18,762 miles on it at the time. Mechanic stated that the problem was oil from cam covers leaking onto water pump and was frequently seen. Vehicle had low coolant warning lights twice and I added several ounces of distilled water each time. Car had an engine warning light and was being taken to dealer for service that day. When the incident happened, there was an audible alarm for loss of coolant and a flashing yellow light on the dashboard. The car had been serviced and inspected at the dealership annually, there had been no reports of leaking oil from cam covers. There was no indication the water pump would catastrophically fail. The waterpump should not fail with this few miles on it. .
Nov 29, 2025
Car loses power due to clogged wastegate actuator and EPC light turns on and off. This has been confirmed by 2 different service centers. I have seen several cases of people saying they had the same problem which requires you to replace the entire turbo, which my car only has 67,000 miles. I have a 16 year old son who will drive my car and this could cause him an accident if he is not able to accelerate. This is clearly a faulty part as they've discontinued using the model of the original turbo.
Jun 20, 2023
The EPC light has been continuously coming on for almost a year. It has been taken to the dealership 5 times and they cannot fix it or find the cause of it. At times when driving it enters "limp mode". Other times it has acted like it was overheating. And twice it has completely shut down. The vehicle is now out of warranty and no fix has been put in place. The EPC light will still randomly come on. VW has not addressed or come up with cause for this very common issue on their vehicles.
May 22, 2023
Dealer maintained 2016 VW Golf Sportwagen - coolant level kept getting low. Recent dealer visit indicated a leak in the thermostat housing. This seems to be a common issue with many such VWs, and in some cases other owners have reported multiple repeated failures of this housing. My car only has 66K miles and i haven't had any of my other cars have this issue over 25years of various car ownership.
Jul 11, 2022
TOOK CAR IN FOR A USED CAR INSPECTION, COOLANT LEAK NEAR THERMOSTAT HOUSING WAS FOUND. COULD SMELL COOLANT WHILE DRIVING. FIXED UNDER WARRANTY.
Mar 16, 2020
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SUSPENSION
6 complaints
Performed NH Safety Inspection. Found upon Inspection Left Rear, Driver Side, Coil Spring has failed. Broken. This will make over Ten VW or Audi vehicles we have seen in the last year with this problem.
Mar 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving at high speeds, the vehicle started to shake abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle coil springs had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Sep 28, 2023
The rear coil spring fractured and caused a suspension issue. This is the same issue as reported in NHTSA campaign number: 19V188000 covering the same vehicles built a few months after mine. The vehcile is being repaired now and the issue has been confirmed. The component has been inspected by a service technician and the issue has been confirmed. Parts have been retained for evidence. There were no warnings, messages or symptoms. VW has been notified, but confirmed this is not their issue to fix. This issue should result in an extended recall to cover the same vehcile, just earlier models, so there are no resulting accidents, injuries, or deaths.
Jul 17, 2023
Both rear coil springs broken
Apr 24, 2023
The passenger side rear coil spring snapped without any warning and with in normal highway and city street use with only 46,244 miles and 5 years of age. The was manufactured in August of 2015, was delivered in November of 2015, and the spring failed in the last week of June 2021. The vehicle is used on road and has had all maintenance done on time or early. I drove the vehicle on June 25th and when I was about 2 miles from home I slowed for an intersection and heard a clank sound from the rear of the vehicle, the remainder of the drive was uneventful. The next day when exiting our garage my wife and I heard a loud clanking sound. I test drove the car around the block and every turn, deceleration, and bump resulted in a clank from the back rear wheel area. The VW dealer confirmed the rear spring had snapped and also noted they had had a number of occurrences on MQB platform VWs and had a Tiguan (same chassis/platform) of similar age in the shop for the same reason. I drove slowly and on low roads to the dealer but it was clear the handling was compromised as it was not predictable in terms of both motions over bumps or when turning or reaction to steering inputs. I spoke with VW corporate and they confirmed an earlier recall on rear coil springs on VW Golf Sportwagens but that recall impacted the 2015. They were unable to assist with the repair but suggested I contact NHTSA. It is fortunate that the failure occurred when it did and not at highway speeds or severe weather. It is also fortunate no fragments of the spring impacted the tire or break components. I have owned many cars with significantly higher miles and managed armored and police vehicle fleets but have never had a car with so few miles have a spring snap.
Jul 23, 2021
+ 1 more complaint for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
Component: Sunroof / Roof Assembly - Water Ingress Make / Model / Year: 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~40,000 Sunroof leaks water while closed and glass intact. First replacement frame arrived damaged. Repair extended into second week. Known manufacturer defect (VW bulletin MC-10241196-0001). Volkswagen denied reimbursement based on time expiration despite incredibly low mileage ~40,000. Effect: Interior damage to headliner/carpets, possible electrical damage, disruption of daily use. Requested Action: Document for safety/recall investigation; use data to support future recall or enforcement action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Oct 08, 2025
VW SERVICE ACTION 60E5 APPLIES TO THE FRONT SUNROOF DRAIN CLEANING AND MODIFICATION. WE HAD UNSEASONABLY HEAVY RAINS OVER THE LAST 2 DAYS. THE RAINWATER BEGAN POURING OUT UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL/FUSE BOX AREA AND CAME THROUGH THE ENTIRE PERIMETER OF THE SUNROOF INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. VW TOLD ME THAT ALL REPAIRS RELATING TO THE SUNROOF LEAK WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE SERVICE ACTION. MY DAUGHTER HAS A COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM AND IS VERY SENSITIVE TO MOLD AND ALLERGENS. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THE HEADLINER AND ALL ELECTRICAL WOULD BE DRIED WITH FANS AND CLEANED AS NECESSARY. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE THREE ATTACHED PHOTOS. THIS DAMAGE IS A RESULT OF A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE DESIGN OF THE SUNROOF AND I FEEL IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO THE STATE IT WAS IN BEFORE THE LEAK OCCURRED. THIS IS JUST THE VISIBLE WATER DAMAGE. WE DO NOT KNOW THE EXTENT OF ANY POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO ANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.
Mar 13, 2020
MICRO SWITCH RECALL. THE KEY MAY BE STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHILE IN PARK AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. I WAS NOTIFIED IN JULY 2018. WANTED TO TRADE THE CAR IN JANUARY 2019 AND THE DEALER GAVE ME A VERY LOW TRADE VALUE DUE TO THE INCOMPLETE RECALL! CAN'T ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ABOUT WHEN IT HAPPENED. DOES NOT APPLY. IT WAS IN JULY 2018 WHEN I WAS NOTIFIED.
Mar 17, 2019
RECALL HAS BEEN OUT FOR 6 MONTHS, STILL NO FIX AVAILABLE.
Jan 28, 2019
METAL TRIM ON THE BEZEL OF THE GEAR SELECTOR (AT THE BASE) HAS PEELED OFF AND CRACKED. IT IS VERY SHARP AND I CUT MY HAND. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CARS ON THIS PLATFORM (GOLF, GTI, GOLF SPORTWAGEN).
Jul 16, 2018
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
My car started smelling like gas 10 days ago. There was no visible leak. We took it to the shop still can’t figure out the issues. Took it to pick up my son from school, it started leaking fuel (I had 1/4 of a tank left). I turned off the car and it stopped leaking fuel. Needing a fix quick, I then drove 4 miles to get to the shop. Before I started driving I checked and it said I had enough gas to drive 15 miles. However, while at a stop light, the car shuddered and completely died. We then had it towed to the shop and hour away. The dealership had had it since then and found that it was related to the fuel pump suction recall. However, because the problem has gotten so bad, I now need a new fuel tank. Because it will in fact continue to keep leaking fuel and no matter how much gas you put it will just leak out. This is a safety hazard not only for me as a driver but also to other drivers. After diagnosing the problem, the dealership called VW corporate to inquire whether they will cover the fix since the recall was what caused the issue. 10 days later, VW is still looking into it, and I’ve now spent over $1500 on a rental car and towing fees. This car was completely unsafe to drive. And it is completely irresponsible for VW to allow customers to drive an unsafe vehicle and make us pay for repairs for issues that we didn’t cause.
Jun 09, 2025
VW USA is offering no help in getting our recall work done. Their only suggestion is for us to work with our shipper. Our car is located in Italy because we are an active duty family stationed under orders at naval air station Sigonella. Our shipper has contacted VW Italy, and they refuse to help. The shipper also notes that they can’t ship the car anywhere anyways because the recall has to do with the fuel system. In effect, our car is now trapped in Italy, unable to be shipped off the continent. Perhaps NHTSA could persuade VW USA to perform our recall work here in Italy?
Sep 23, 2024
The fuel system is completely shot, with fuel leaking from the gas tank after a ride once and pressure building up in the gas tank. Gas pumps click off after only putting one to two gallons in the tank, despite the tank being nearly empty. Mechanic replaced Evap canister and fuel suction pump, seemingly solving the problem temporarily only for them to resurface. Fuel leaking from the tank while driving severely risks my safety, as it is possible that pressure could cause the fuel to leak onto the engine, thus causing rapid combustion of the vehicle. The dealership has not assessed the problem, only a qualified mechanic has. It has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, but has been inspected by a mechanic. No warning lights or messages have appeared in relation to this problem.
Aug 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
3 complaints
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.
Mar 12, 2024
CLOCK SPRING HAS FAILED WITH HORN AND AIRBAG MALFUNCTION.
Dec 30, 2020
CLOCKSPRING FAILURE AT 32K MILES. TURNED CAR ON AND GOT AN AIRBAG WARNING AND ALL CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL ARE DEAD. OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOT PART OF THE RECALL ACCORDING TO VWOA. *TR
Jun 18, 2020
POWER TRAIN
3 complaints
In late summer (August 2022) I started seeing a warning but it would disappear so fast. Now it's popping up more: Yellow triangle appears. Engine is giving code# B116229 - "Selector lever park position lock switch Implausible signal" (mileage 104814 km). I originally received a recall notice like this and brought the car into the dealer. He said there was a VIN "Mix up" - something about the last two digits being reversed with another customer. Reading off my dash, this is my VIN [XXX] This sounds a lot like the "Shift Lever Micro Switch" recall which is a safety issue. Thank you INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Nov 16, 2022
THERMOSTAT HOUSING FOUND TO BE LEAKING WHEN CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR UNRELATED SERVICE. MANY, MANY VW GOLF/GTIS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE.
Feb 26, 2020
ON JAN. 5TH 2019 THE DASHBOARD WARNING SYSTEM SHOWED A "ERROR - TRANSMISSION". WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP - THEY SAID IT WAS THE SHIFTER UNIT, AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE "POWERTRAIN" WARRANTY. WE WERE TOLD IT WAS STILL SAFE TO DRIVE WHILE THEY ORDERED PARTS. WHILE DRIVING IT HOME FROM THE DEALER, IT WOULD HESITATE WHEN STARTING OFF FROM A STOP - WITH ONCOMMING TRAFFIC, THIS CAN BE A UNSAFE OPTION. LOOKING ON SEVERAL VW SUPPORT FORUMS, I SEE THIS SAME PROBLEM COME UP OFTEN - MOST ARE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY HAPPEN EARLIER THAN OURS DID (36,714 MILES). TO ME IT SEEMS VW HAS A PROBLEM WITH THESE SHIFTER UNITS, BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS THEY ARE FORCED TO.
Jan 09, 2019
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
See attached document for complaint.
Aug 22, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHILE REFUELING THE FUEL SPEWED BACK OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK SOAKING THE PERSON FUELING THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CHARLES MAUND VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 6900 BURNET RD, ALSTON, TX 78757, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V647000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Aug 24, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
It has been 3 months since the issue below was reported (per NHTSA) and no repair is available. I called and asked what I can do in the meantime to ensure safety of me and my 6 year old and was not provided with any information. Feb 14,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number20UF NHTSA Recall Number24V110 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank is designed to purge fuel from the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system. If a specific seal inside an affected suction jet pump fails, the fuel may flow directly into the EVAP system. If this happens, fuel could accumulate in the EVAP system and may leak through the charcoal canister filter element. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire. Safety Risk Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire. Remedy REPAIR NOT YET AVAILABLE Manufacturer's Notes If you should have any questions, please contact Volkswagen using your preferred method of communication at www.vw.com/contact or by calling 800-893-5298.
May 14, 2024
May 27 and May 28: The car turned on the EPC and check engine lights while on parking mode and on. Started to loose power and didnt want to start again. Later on, the lights turned off and it started again. While trying to fill the fuel tank at the gasoline station it stopped and it was only half tank.(The system didnt allowed to continue). While driving in the highway, started to loose power and a strong smell of fuel was inside the car so the driver had to open all the windows to avoid an intoxication with emissions(as it seemed to be). When the driver got to the destination in the highway, near San Juan, the smell of fuel was so strong that had to turn off the car and call a tow truck because the return travel would be long and the smell of fuel was stronger… it seemed to be spilling fuel and it was not safe to drive the car back home. Tow truck carried the car home because the dealer was closed on Sunday. On monday 29, the car was towed again but from home to the Flagship dealer in Ponce, PR. In the dealer they say it doesnt “have anything” . It seems they didnt care about the hazzards being discussed. The dealer returned our car and insisted there wasnt a recall or issue to attend. As soon as the dealer returned the car we drove home and the fuel odor or emissions were perceived inmediately inside the car. The car was stopped at home and a fuel leak was visible on the road. We need help inmediately. It is a matter of safety and risks. Please advice us and help with this issue. It is my only car.
Jun 05, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
The fuel pump on my 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen failed approximately three months after a safety recall repair for the suction jet pump (recall 20Y6). My independent mechanic explained that failure of the suction jet pump can cause fuel leakage or vapor transfer into the EVAP system, which may create pressure or vacuum imbalance inside the fuel tank. This can potentially damage other fuel-system components, including the fuel pump. My vehicle had no prior fuel-system issues. After the recall repair, the vehicle began experiencing symptoms consistent with fuel delivery problems, and the fuel pump ultimately failed. The mechanic who performed the repair noted that the failure was “highly likely related” to the suction-jet-pump defect because of the short time between the recall repair and the component failure. Volkswagen’s customer-service team stated that the fuel pump and suction jet pump are “unrelated,” but did not provide a technical explanation for that conclusion. Because both components interact within the sealed fuel/EVAP system, I am concerned that the recall defect or repair may have contributed to the fuel-pump failure. This problem may indicate a pattern of post-recall fuel-system failures involving suction-jet-pump malfunction, tank pressure changes, or collateral damage to in-tank components. I am submitting this report so NHTSA can review whether similar issues are occurring in other vehicles.
Nov 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
Despite settling a class action lawsuit re: moonroof leakage, VW refuses to cover the same repair for my VW Golf Sportwagen. I have the same issue but could not participate in the class action suit due to mileage. I routinely have to bail 1/2 - 1 gallon of water out the spare tire area if its been raining. Water now also collects in the footwell behind the driver's seat/in front of my child's seat. The bolts affixing the seatbelts to the floor are rusted and there is mold under the carpet. The car now has electrical issues, including the alarm no longer sounding when I am reversing and someone is approaching in my blind spot. In addition, when the weather has been wet, the back up camera does not work and, mid trip, the car alarms sound, indicating the car must be serviced and the brakes and airbags are not working. These problems disappear after a few days of dry weather.
May 14, 2024
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
My driver seat belt comes unbuckled when i'm driving. It's intermittent and random, and i'm very careful to lock in the belt and i pull on it before i start driving to make sure it's locked in, and it still comes undone. I then have to relock it while i'm driving, which is distracting, as well as worrisome that i am without a seatbelt until i can lock it again, especially if i'm on the freeway. I've taken it to my mechanic who drove the car and said the same thing happened to him several times while he was driving.
Mar 02, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that there was an odor of gasoline in the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was stalling while driving. The contact stated she stopped at a gas station and attempted to add gasoline; however, the tank was already full. The contact was able to drive home safely. After the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that gasoline was leaking underneath the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine And Engine Cooling) however, the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,400.
Jul 29, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
EXISTING NHTSA RECALL 69L2 BUT ON DIFFERENT MODEL YEAR - VW DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND HORN/STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS DISABLED. MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND MY HORN AND STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS BECAME DISABLED SIMULTANEOUSLY AS I WAS IN MOTION DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NOW MY AIRBAG AND HORN/BUTTONS ARE NOT WORKING INCLUDING CRUISE CONTROL. VW RECALLED EARLIER-MODEL VEHICLES BUT THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT STILL HASN'T BEEN SOLVED AND AFFECTS MORE THAN JUST THE MODELS LISTED IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I CALLED VW CARE TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER A CAMPAIGN OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER THE PERSON I SPOKE TO TOLD ME THAT MY CLOCK SPRING WAS NOT COVERED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS INFURIATING BECAUSE IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE THAT'S DISABLING MY AIRBAG AND HORN BUT VW IS REFUSING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. JUDGING BY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS I'VE SEEN I AM DEFINITELY NOT ALONE. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS ~66K MILES. HERE IS A RELATED VW EXTENDED WARRANTY BULLETIN I FOUND POSTED TO YOUR WEBSITE: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2018/MC-10149942-9999.PDF INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER VW DIDN'T RECALL ENOUGH MODELS: HTTPS://WWW.FORBES.COM/SITES/JENSEN/2018/04/21/FEDS-INVESTIGATE-WHETHER-VW-SHOULD-RECALL-MORE-MODELS/?SH=159D58364C60 CUSTOMERS CONTINUING TO HAVE PROBLEMS EVEN AFTER FIXING, SUGGESTING VW HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE: HTTPS://WWW.RATCHETANDWRENCH.COM/ARTICLES/6185-VW-CLOCK-SPRING-RECALL-MAY-HAVE-FAILED HTTP://WWW.VWPROBLEMS.COM/CLOCK-SPRING-FAILURE/ MORE COMPLAINTS: HTTPS://WWW.VEHIE.COM/COMPLAINTS/VOLKSWAGEN?VEHIE_MODEL=GOLF+SPORTWAGEN HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN/GOLF_SPORTWAGEN/2016/SEAT_BELTS_AIR_BAGS/CLOCK_SPRING_BROKEN.SHTML ARTICLE MENTIONING THAT 15/16 SPORTWAGENS NOTORIOUSLY HAVE CLOCK SPRING ISSUES: HTTPS://WWW.WHEELS.CA/CAR-REVIEWS/BUYING-USED-2015-2019-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-SPORTWAGEN/
Apr 06, 2021
STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I PURCHASED MY 2016 VW GOLF SPORTWAGEN IN 2019. SOON AFTER, THERE WAS A RAINSTORM, AND I REALIZED THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF WAS LEAKING HEAVILY ALONG THE BACK PANEL OF THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT A MONTH, AND WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, AS WELL AS REPLACE THE HEADLINER. VW ISSUED A RECALL ON THE FRONT SUNROOF DRAINS IN 2020, IN WHICH THEY MODIFIED THE DRAINS. ONCE THIS WAS PERFORMED, THE SUNROOF BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SENSORS, WHICH WERE DAMAGED DUE TO WATER DAMAGE. THIS REPAIR WAS EXTREMELY COSTLY, BUT I WAS TOLD I COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT, BECAUSE VW WON'T COVER COSTS FROM FAULTY PARTS. I AM NOW LOOKING AT ANOTHER COSTLY REPAIR OF THE SUNROOF, AND A SECOND HEADLINER REPLACEMENT, WITHIN 2 YEARS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE.
Apr 01, 2021
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
MY STEERING CLOCK SPRING FAILED AT 37K MILES, THERE'S A RECALL BUT VW SAID MY CAR IS NOT AFFECTED, HOWEVER MANY PEOPLE ON THE FORUMS AND CAR GROUPS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE MORE THAN ONCE, SOME COVERED SOME NOT.
Feb 03, 2021
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
2016 VW GOLF SPORTWAGEN EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK AT THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING/WATER PUMP AT APPROXIMATELY 76,000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 1.8 ENGINE. DIAGNOSED BY THE VW DEALER AS WELL AS A SEPARATE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. BOTH RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING/WATER PUMP.
Dec 11, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
THERMOSTAT HOUSING LEAKING WITH JUST A LITTLE OVER 60K MILES - JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. COST IS ABOUT $1000 AS IT IS POORLY PLACED FOR REPLACEMENT. HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS.
Nov 11, 2020
STEERING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
MY FIANCE'S VEHICLE HAS THE COMMON CLOCKSPRING ISSUE WHICH RENDERED ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL INACTIVE (HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, AIR BAG, AND RADIO CONTROLS). ONE DAY SHE STARTED THE CAR AND SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. I SCANNED THE VEHICLE AND IT HAD THE KNOWN "B10001 DRIVER AIRBAG IGNITER: RESISTANCE TOO HIGH" CODE. THE DEALER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE COVERED SO LONG AS IT HAD THE CORRECT CODE BUT VWOA DENIED IT. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY WELL KNOWN ISSUE AND HER VEHICLE SHOULD QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY. SHE WAS DENIED BECAUSE HER VIN WAS NOT ON THE LIST EVEN THOUGH HER VEHICLE HAS THE EXACT SAME PARTS AS OTHERS WHICH DO QUALIFY. HER VEHICLE HAD THE SAME CODES REQUIRED ON NHTSA PDF HTTPS://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/URL?SA=T&SOURCE=WEB&RCT=J&URL=HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2018/MC-10149942-9999.PDF&VED=2AHUKEWIZWQZOK_ROAHXJGJQIHU3CBWAQFJABEGQICXAH&USG=AOVVAW3QKZUFKSVTKALROKUEK92M I RECIEVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR MY 2017 GTI BUT FOR SOME REASON THE GOLF SPORTWAGEN IS NOT COVERED. SEEMS RIDICULOUS TO ONLY COVER SOME MODELS THAT HAVE SAME HARDWARE WHEN ALL SHOULD BE COVERED.
Apr 21, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I JUST PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2016 SPORTSWAGEN FROM A VW DEALERSHIP IN HOUSTON TEXAS, I'VE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 3 AND A HALF WEEKS AND MY EPC LIGHT HAD CAME ON 4 TIMES SINCE THEN ONLY THIS LAST TIME IT COMPLETELY AFFECTED MY DRIVING BY DROPPING MY SPEED ON THE FREEWAY SUBSTANTIALLY TO WHERE IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I'VE BEEN READING UP ONLINE ON THESE ISSUES AND IT SEEMS TO BE A REOCCURRING ISSUE WITH A FEW OF VOLKSWAGEN'S MODELS YET NOBODY HAS ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE YET, IS HAPPENING WITH VEHICLES COMING RIGHT OFF THE LOT AND VEHICLES THAT ARE A FEW YEARS OLD. I FEEL THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE WHO KNOWS HOW BAD IT CAN GET FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD, MAYBE NEXT TIME IT COULD HAPPEN TO A MOTHER OF FOUR AND THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN BECAUSE OF THE EPC FAILURE AND CAUSES HER TO GET INTO IN ACCIDENT OR WORSE CASE SCENARIO, ME WITH MY KIDS. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE BUT I DO BELIEVE SOMEONE OF HIGHER AUTHORITY SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.
Mar 21, 2020
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SAFETY RECALL. *LD *TR
Apr 03, 2019
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I STARTED MY CAR AND THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I THEN NOTICED THAT ALL CONTROLS ON MY STEERING WHEEL NO LONGER WORKED. THIS INCLUDES SPEED CONTROL, HORN, HANDS-FREE PHONE CONTROLS, HANDS-FREE RADIO CONTROLS AN VEHICLE INFORMATION OPTIONS. I ASSUME THAT THE AIR BAG IS ALSO NOT FUNCTIONING. WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING WAS THE PROBABLE CAUSE AS IT HAD BEEN RECALLED IN PREVIOUS YEARS BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2016 MODEL. I TOOK THE CAR IN ON 02/12/19. THEY DIAGNOSED ERROR CODE B10001 - INTERNAL FAILURE IN CLOCK SPRING. MY CAR HAS 39,492 MILES WHICH MAKES IT OUT OF WARRANTY. I DECLINED REPAIR ($551.29) AS I FEEL IT SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE. I HAVE 2 ATTACHMENTS.
Feb 13, 2019
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
PANORAMIC SUNROOF IS LEAKING WATER IN MULTIPLE PLACES. WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND EXPOSED TO RAIN OR SNOW THE INSIDE OF PASSENGER CABIN GETS FILED WITH WATER, SPECIFICALY ON REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE AND TRUNK AREA. THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT GET FILLED UP WITH WATER EVERY TIME IT RAINS.
Jan 03, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE DRAIN ON RETRACTABLE ROOF BECAME BLOCKED. RAINWATER DRAINED INTO CAR SATURATING CARPETS. WATER FLOWED INTO CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSING AN EMERGENCY DASHBOARD ALERT TO STOP DRIVING IMMEDIATELY WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THIS EVENT OCCURRED TWICE: FIRSTLY IN NEW YORK THEN TWO WEEKS LATER IN PA. VW SERVICE IN PA REPLACED CONNECTORS. VW SERVICE IN BROOKLYN NY AND WESTCHESTER PA EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FAULT IN THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN THE RETRACTABLE ROOF.
Aug 10, 2018
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CLOCK SPRING FAILURE IN UNDER 2 YEARS (LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON THE CAR). WHEN CAR WAS TURNED ON ALERTS CAME UP THAT THE AIRBAG HAD MALFUNCTIONED, AND AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION, NONE OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WORKED, AND THE HORN WAS NON-FUNCTIONAL. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH LED ME TO BELIEVE IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRING, AND I ALSO NOTICED VW HAD A CLOCK SPRING RECALL ON CARS FROM 2011-2014, SEEMS LIKE THIS MIGHT BE A LARGER ISSUE. CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED - CLOCK SPRING WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE PROBLEM.
Apr 10, 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen have?
The 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen currently has 55 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen?
The most common problems reported for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen
2025 Problems
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2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
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