2016 Volkswagen Golf R
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2016: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
2 of 12 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
- vehicle is getting 19MPG (Mostly highway). Mpg on car is well below published range of 22-31. Vw tell me that I will only get the published mpg after 9000 miles!! - carplay system is not connecting to *any* apple iphone.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-20
Also filed under Engine and electrical system
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 12 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - fuel system/gas tank - yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-02
I'm not entirely sure what is wrong with the car but I was sitting in my car waiting for an appointment for about an hour. I backed out of my parking space and found that there was a large puddle of gas where I was parked.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-26
Engine
2 of 12 total reports mention: engine.
Electrical system
2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system.
Wheels
1 of 12 total reports mentions: wheels.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2016-07-19Equipment16V337000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Golf R vehicles manufactured March 17, 2016 to March 23, 2016.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01B5.
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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.
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R
2022-12-15Electrical system, visibility/wiper22V831000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Golf R vehicles. Incorrect front windshield wiper software was installed which may prevent the wipers from activating.
Remedy: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91EN.
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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.
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I
2023-12-12Recall queryClosed 2024-07-01 Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Volkswagen Golf R — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V337000 · Equipment
- Recall 16V464000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 22V831000 · Electrical system, visibility/wiper
- Recall 22V543000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R 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 Golf R?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R have?
- 4 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.