2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2015 | 59 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: air bags — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210527
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191222
SRS/airbag warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260805
18% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230928
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 18V464000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 22V543000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024.
Campaign 24V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V464000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V543000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 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 Sportwagen?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.