Is the 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Volkswagen E-Golf

○ Not enough data

2016 Volkswagen E-Golf
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:23.091Z

Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 17
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2016: 17 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2015	28
2016	17
2017	1
2018	1
2019	6

Known problem areas

Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

10 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing accessory.

Show complaint excerpts

I bought a brand new E-Golf, nov 2015. Drove it 4 days and broke! It's been 1 month in the shop and still not repaired. Volkswagen america answer (3RD week) - we will never give you a new car, that's why it has a warranty.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-09

Also filed under Vehicle speed control and electronic stability control (esc)

Engine

5 of 17 total reports mention: engine.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 17 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

Steering

2 of 17 total reports mention: steering.

Power train

2 of 17 total reports mention: power train.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2016-03-17Electrical system, engine and engine cooling16V138000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 e-Golf vehicles manufactured May 21, 2014, to March 1, 2016.

Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will update the battery management software, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-08-22Latches/locks/linkages16V464000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-28Air bags, seat belts16V955000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-11-29Unknown or other18V329000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2022-12-16Air bags22V543000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Volkswagen E-Golf — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V138000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling
Recall 16V464000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Recall 16V955000 · Air bags, seat belts
Recall 18V329000 · Unknown or other
Recall 22V543000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.