How many problems does the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf have?

The 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf currently has 84 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?

The most common problems reported for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf 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 problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf Problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

20 complaints

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 calling and speaking to someone from service and told yes I could bring it in and the recall part would be replaced free but I would have to leave the vehicle there. When I arrived they told me I would have to pay a diagnostic of 185 dlls and the repair. Which was not what I was told when I called earlier. So I had to pay again to have the vehicle removed from the premises without having the recall part changed.

Apr 23, 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.

Nov 27, 2024

We are unable to fill up the gas tank due the recall issue. The dealership says we can bring it in and they will repair but at this time we would have to pay for the repair. VW has not come up with a fix for the recall problem at this time. This problem has rendered our vehicle not drivable. What is the recourse? Fuel also leaks out when trying to fill the gas tank. It could start a fire.

May 24, 2024

My vehicle is leaking fuel. I have been unable to drive it for a few weeks due to the recall not having an approved repair. The dealership did not offer me any solution other than to pay for the repair out of pocket. This has been a known issue since February and no remedy is available from Volkswagen.

May 14, 2024

When refueling, the gasoline spills out and can't fill the tank. Took the car to the dealer and they are asking for 2,500$ for repair.

Apr 30, 2024

+ 15 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

10 complaints

GFF TEST PLAN ON STORED ENGINE LIGHT. RECOMMEND REPLACING THERMOSTAT HOUSING CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. RECOMMNED REPLACE THERMOSTAT HOUSING. SEEP/SLIGHT COOLING LEAK. ADVISED TO WATCH COOLANT LEVELS UNTIL FIXED.

Nov 24, 2023

Thermostat and Gasket repair quoted by VW dealership. The coolant is leaking according to their inspection. Car could malfunction unexpectedly and leave me stranded as a road hazard Many more claims in this thread. They quote $1,600 to repair. https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/drna5m/mk775_thermostat_housing_issue_and_coolant_loss/

Jun 29, 2023

Dealer found thermostat housing leak and recommended housing and pump replacement at a cost of over $2K. Thermostat is housing leak could cause loss of coolant which could strand you in the middle of the road. There were no warning lamps active. This appears to be a common issue with these vehicles. The thermostat should not be having problems like this at this mileage. The component has not been inspected by insurance, manufacturer, or police, only the dealer.

May 26, 2023

The vehicle overheated during normal driving. The car advised the driver to stop immediately. The car was inspected later the same day by a VW dealer service department that determined the water pump and thermostat housing required replacement. Estimated cost is $1400.

Feb 27, 2023

EPC light comes on whenever turbo is engages, loss of power (no turbo). EPC light goes off when car is restarted, back on after a few minutes of driving. Error codes indicate turbo issues. Vehicle has 40K odometer mikes. Chat forums have numerous similar reports from other owners. Seems to be a known turbo issue with early MK7 GTIs

Jun 16, 2022

+ 5 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9 complaints

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.

Jan 28, 2024

Sunroof Frame Cracked. Leaky sunroof. Drains are cleaned. A pillars get wet where airbags and wiring are located. Could cause a short.

Mar 12, 2023

The sunroof leaks water into the passenger side A pillar

Feb 16, 2023

Leaking coolant due to thermostat housing breaking

Jan 07, 2022

The gear shifter inside vehicle has a decorative aluminum trim that when you slide your hand in center cubby over time tends to separate. It creates sharp edges and I cut my hand while retrieving something from center console cubby.

May 16, 2021

+ 4 more complaints for this component

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 complaints

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. Each time it did, my car would shake and it would feel like I was losing control of the vehicle. I received another recall notice for the suction jet pump inside the fuel tank. When I called Jack Ingram VW to schedule this work, I asked if this had anything to do with my EPC light coming on. They weren't sure. The recall work for both the suction jet pump inside the fuel tank and the gear shift trim were completed on 8/28/24. Car worked fine until about a month later and the EPC light came on again. Called another VW mechanic in Montgomery (Powell's Automotive) to see if they can fix it. On 9/20/24 they replaced battery, spark plugs, ignition coil, and did an oil change. Worked great until [XXX] when my engine failed and left me stranded in the road. There were no warning lights prior to the engine failing. Could not restart car. Had it towed to Powell's who could not fix it, then to Jack Ingram VW. I asked them if this had anything to do with the recall work that was done. They said this would be the first if it was. They told me the in tank fuel pump needed replacing. Work completed 10/25/24. How can they work on the suction jet pump inside the fuel tank and not get a diagnostic that the in tank fuel pump was failing? I've already paid a lot of money to try to resolve the issue, and my EPC light is still coming on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Nov 05, 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 car has a recall since 2/14/2024 and I’ve had no update on my vehicles recall or if it’s repairable. My car will refuse to start at times and I’ve told this dealership this car will most likely kill me since I’ve put so much money into it for nothing to be fixed? And if it’s been this recall error what do I do? Please help me bought from Allen web Mitsubishi. All the symptoms are there but I’m scared

Apr 03, 2024

The car had a few hiccup on the freeway. Eventually the car had a strong gas smell, did not allow to add/fill up gas and was leaking gas at the back of the car. The car could have caught fire without us knowing. The problem was reproduced and known to the dealers. The second dealer Hewlett had seen another 3 cars with same issue as my car! Please see all invoices showing the parts and issues with car. suction pump in the fuel tank, fuel pump gasket, purge valve, evap canister, N80 valve. There is a recall for same issue but my car was never recalled! Recall 16V647000 Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. Recall 16V647000 Consequence As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Recall 16V647000 Solution Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5.

Jul 18, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.

Mar 13, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V647000 (FUEL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RECEIVE ADEQUATE FUEL MILEAGE AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE LOCAL DEALER (OURISMAN VOLKSWAGEN OF BETHESDA LOCATED AT 7001 ARLINGTON RD, BETHESDA, MARYLAND 20814) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED PARTS FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND THAT THE CONTACT WAS PLACED ON A WAITING LIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MAKING FLORIDA AND PUERTO RICO A PRIORITY FIRST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Jun 02, 2017

STRUCTURE

4 complaints

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.

Jan 19, 2023

CAR HAS A WATER LEAK IN THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SINCE NEW. VWOA HAS DONE THE TSB'S BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. LEAK IS AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE A PILLAR, SUNVISER AND DOME LIGHT.

Mar 27, 2021

SUNROOF LEAKS INTO HEADLINER AND DOWN THE SIDE PILLARS. OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY AND IN MOTION DURING PERIODS OF EXTENDED RAIN. RESULTS IN DAMAGE TO ELECTRONICS, SOUND SYSTEM AND FABRIC/BODY COMPONENTS.

Nov 28, 2020

SUNROOF FRAME LEAKS WATER INTO THE CAR. THE WATER DRIPS ON TO THE CENTER CONSOLE HARDWARE/ELECTRONICS AND HARDWARE/ELECTRONICS LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE LEAK IS A KNOWN DEFECT FOR VW GOLF 2016, AS VW PREVIOUSLY SENT OUT A RECALL FOR THE SUNROOF FRAME. THE LEAK OCCURS AFTER HEAVY RAINFALL. THE WATER DRIPS RIGHT ON TO THE ACC CRUISE CONTROL. VW ACKNOWLEDGED IN PHONE MESSAGE THAT SOURCE OF LEAK WAS SUNROOF AND THAT IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL. ORIGINALLY, I THOUGHT THE LEAK DERIVED FROM DIRTY DRAINS, BUT VW CLARIFIED THE ROOT CAUSE AS THE SUNROOF. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT FOLLOW UP WITH ME. I RE-ENGAGED THEM AND THEY STATED THEY WOULD NEED TO TEST IT AGAIN. AFTER THE SECOND TEST, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE MY CLAIM DESPITE DESPITE THE INITIAL, POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUNROOF AS THE LEAK. I AM WORRIED THAT THIS WILL CAUSE OTHER, MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IF LEFT UNTREATED. THE LEAK CAN OCCUR WITH THE CAR EITHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. HOWEVER, THE LEAK IS MORE PROMINENT WHEN STATIONARY. FOR EXAMPLE, MY CAR LEAKS THE WORST WHEN I LEAVE IT IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK DURING HEAVY RAINFALL. UPON ENTERING MY CAR, STANDING WATER WILL HAVE POOLED UP IN THE GEAR SELECTOR COVER AND DRIPS FROM MY REAR VIEW MIRROR ON TO THE CENTER CONSOLE. I STILL POSSESS THE VOICEMAIL WHERE THEY IDENTIFIED THE SUNROOF AS THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK. I ATTACHED A PHOTO OF THE WATER STAINS BECAUSE IT WAS NOT RAINING WHEN I FILED THE COMPLAINT.

Jul 24, 2019

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

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.

Aug 19, 2022

Injuries: 1

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

Nov 17, 2021

Thermostat housing failure. Leaking coolant. Yes it is available for inspection. The dealer has confirmed this is not an uncommon problem, and indicated this can be cause by the seal swelling (Dirito Bros dealer, CA BAR Reg# 257857). This issue was found by an independent mechanic during a routine oil change on 10/12/21 There is a warning lamp for low coolant, which is the first indicator, and occurred around Sept- 2021.

Oct 12, 2021

COOLANT LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT HOUSING. THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANT. I BELIEVE IT IS LEAKING AGAIN AS IT WAS REPLACED WITH THE SAME FAULTY PARTS AND I HAVE NOTICED A SLIGHT DROP IN COOLANT AND A SMELL, WHICH WAS THE ISSUE ORIGINALLY.

Nov 02, 2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 complaints

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 manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 36,018. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Jul 03, 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.

Jun 17, 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 was approximately 41,000.

Feb 09, 2024

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

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. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distributions disconnect.

Feb 02, 2023

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Oct 06, 2022

THE CLOCK SPRING ON MY CAR WENT BAD AFTER 46,000 MILES. MAKES AIRBAG UNUSEABLE AND STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS DO NOT WORK EITHER

Jul 10, 2018

WHEELS

2 complaints

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.

Sep 16, 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.

Jul 02, 2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

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.

May 11, 2023

ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS INOPERATIVE. THIS INCLUDES AIRBAG, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, RADIO CONTROLS, ETC.

Dec 14, 2020

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

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

Mar 06, 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 been recalled for rear spring issues.

Sep 13, 2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

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 MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

May 08, 2017

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.

Apr 04, 2016

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Sep 20, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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 children due to the ease of unlocking from inside the rear passenger seats. The problem was confirmed to be the rear door latches via a dealer on 2/23/2024, however after replacing both latches with new parts, nothing was resolved. This issue is not the first time, as it is known that VW locks and many electrical components may randomly stop working, I have experienced the issue with a previous Volkswagen vehicle as well (2009 VW Jetta). There are no warning lights on the dashboard or other signs of the failure.

Mar 12, 2024

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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 designs, as the current design can make it dangerous for the driver. Just as when a driver needs to change a tire that's flat, and use the spare, a light bulb is just as critical to prevent accidents.

Aug 21, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

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.

Apr 01, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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.

Jan 24, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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 Volkswagen Update 60C7. This does not seem to be true.

Dec 14, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

at 80.7k miles the car began to smell heavily of gasoline and I found gasoline leaking from the back right bumper just in front of the tire. I took the car to the dealership the next day and today they've told me that it could be a number of parts but what we have on order is the EVAP cannister and the N80 purge valve. If this does not fix it then it is the entire gas tank, very expensive. There were NO warning lamps and this issue was reproduced at the dealership. They've told me there's no recalls or warranties but I have read that many other people in the MK7 group have had this issue. Volkswagen needs to own up to their previous emissions hang-ups

Aug 20, 2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

Water Pump Failed twice

Aug 11, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

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.

Jul 29, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

SUNROOF DRAIN REINFORCEMENT STEEL HAS DEVELOPED STRESS CRACKS. WHICH HAS LET WATER LEAK INSIDE VEHICLE, ONTO HEADLINER AND DOWN A-PILLARS SATURATING FRONT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS MAKING THEM DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE CAN BE STATIONARY OR OPERATED, IT WILL LEAK EITHER WAY. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO ADDRESS ISSUE WITH AIRBAGS AND LEAK SAYING THERE IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SO THEY WONT COVER REPAIR WHICH COULD COST GREATER THAN $2,500. VEHICLE HAS ALSO DEVELOPED BLACK MOLD BETWEEN ROOF AND HEADLINER WHICH IS HAZARDOUS TO BREATH. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #60-17-01(V601701) IS THE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FOR DEALERSHIP ONLY REPAIR BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRBAG REPLACE OR HEADLINER REPLACEMENT. I ADDRESSED ISSUE WITH VOLKSWAGEN MULTIPLE TIMES WHICH THEY DENY ANY SAFETY ISSUES. *TR

Oct 22, 2019

AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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.

Aug 14, 2018

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

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 INTO DOING A RECALL IN 2015. THE PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY STILL EXISTS SINCE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CONTINUED COMPLAINTS STILL BEING FILED.

Jun 05, 2018

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

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.

Aug 22, 2017

STEERING

1 complaint

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.

Feb 20, 2017

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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. THERE WERE NO SYMPTOMS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. THE BRAKE SYSTEM SEEMED TO FUNCTION AS IT SHOULD AND HAD EVERY OTHER TIME THE CAR WAS DRIVEN. I CHECKED FOR BRAKE FLUID LEAKS AT THE MASTER CYLINDER AND AT EACH OF THE FOUR CALIPERS, AND DID NOT FIND ANY LEAKED FLUID. IT APPEARED THAT THERE WAS STILL BRAKE FLUID IN THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. UPON INITIAL CONTACT, THE DEALER SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. AFTER THEIR INITIAL ASSESSMENT BY THE DEALER, THEY BELIEVED IT WAS A MASTER CYLINDER ISSUE AND THE SEAL ON THE SIDE OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD FAILED, AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKED INTO THE BOOSTER.

Jan 30, 2017

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CRACKLING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE VACUUM PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,558. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CONCERN WAS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH THE SAME OEM PART THAT INITIALLY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE BOUGHT BACK BUT, THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED AND OFFERED A 200.00 GIFT CARD. *JS

Aug 19, 2016

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

SUDDEN VIOLENT SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THEY REPLACED ALL FOUR FUEL INJECTORS, SECOND TIME HAPPENED A MONTH LATER. SHAKING WHILE DRIVING. THEY CANNOT FIX. MILES JUST UNDER 2000 ON SECOND OCCURRENCE.

Jul 25, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

SAFETY ISSUE - 2016 EGOLF WOULD NOT MOVE AFTER A ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP WITH "MAIN CHARGING FAILED" ERROR. DURING A NORMAL COMMUTE AFTER 3, 4 MILES OF DRIVING 30 - 40 MPH, CAR WOULDN'T MOVE AFTER A ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP RIGHT AFTER A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THIS IS EVENING 6PM RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, CAR JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. WHILE REST OF THE SYSTEMS SEEM TO BE FUNCTIONING, THE CAR IGNITION IS ON, PRESSING ACCELERATOR PEDAL DOESN'T DO ANYTHING WITH "ELECTRICAL ERROR , STOP" MESSAGE ON THE DASH. AFTER GETTING STUCK IN A LANE FOR AN HOUR IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, GOT THE CAR TOWED TO NEARBY VW DEALER. DEALER INFORMED THAT THE MAIN CHARGING MODULE THAT CHARGES BATTERY FAILED, WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH NEW PART FORM GERMANY. IT COULD TAKE UP TO TWO WEEKS. SAFETY ISSUE - THE FACT THAT CAR JUST STOPS WHILE DRIVING EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY HAS PLENTY OF CHARGE LEFT POSES A SERIOUS AND SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IS JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN.I WAS TOLD THAT THE DESIGN PROTECTS DRIVERS AGAINST GETTING STRANDED AFTER BATTERY IS DISCHARGED, SINCE THE CHARGING MODULE FAILED. THIS SEEMS TOTALLY ILLOGICAL THAT THE DESIGN IS TRYING TO PROTECT YOU FROM STRANDED WHEN BATTERY RUNS OUT, SO IT RATHER STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD TO GET THE MODULE FIXED BEFORE YOU CAN DRIVE IT TO A SAFE PLACE. THERE ARE QUITE A FEW INCIDENTS REPORTED LIKE THIS, SO VW HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE TO FIX ON 2016 EGOLF IMMEDIATELY. MAYBE IT REQUIRES A DESIGN FIX TO LET DRIVERS DRIVE TO A DEALER TO GET THE FAULTY PART TO BE FIXED, INSTEAD OF STRANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

Dec 29, 2015

2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf Problems & Complaints

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