2016 Volkswagen GTI
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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 |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 18 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 45 |
| 2001 | 74 |
| 2002 | 124 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 8 |
| 2006 | 43 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 67 |
| 2009 | 167 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 54 |
| 2012 | 40 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 66 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 178 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
20% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
IN VERY HOT WEATHER (OVER 110 F) THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. IT STAYS IN LOW GEARS AND REV'S THE ENGINE FAR TOO MUCH. AT COOLER TEMPS IT DRIVES FINE. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER IN JULY 2016 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160719
8% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WERE ABNORMAL NOISES COMING FROM THE TOP PART OF BOTH REAR DOORS AND THE HATCHBACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160914
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen GTI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while refueling, the gasoline was leaking from the vehicle from an unknown location.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240408
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016.
Campaign 16V647000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 19V615000 — 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 GTI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V647000 (engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V543000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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FAQ
Is the 2016 Volkswagen GTI reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Volkswagen GTI is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen GTI?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen GTI have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.