2016 Volkswagen Golf R Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R ranks 3rd worst out of 11 model years, with a complaint index of 80, 12 complaints, and 4 recalls. It is rated Avoid relative to other Golf R years, with electrical system issues as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #3 of 11 Golf R years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 12
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22.5 city / 30.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2016 Volkswagen Golf R problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System2 (17%)
- Engine2 (17%)
- Fuel System2 (17%)
- Other2 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (17%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report intermittent backup camera failures showing a "park pilot currently not available" message when shifting into reverse.
- Infotainment and connectivity issues include Apple CarPlay failing to connect and the infotainment screen sometimes not turning on.
- Keyless start intermittently fails to recognize the key, preventing the car from starting.
- Coolant loss was reported alongside a check engine light, later traced by a dealer to a defective thermostat housing and water pump.
- Fuel system complaints describe a strong fuel smell inside the car and gasoline leaking from the rear passenger wheel well.
- Tires developed cracking near the sidewall-tread transition after moderate mileage, raising concern about possible tread separation.
2016 Volkswagen Golf R recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V831000Nov 9, 2022Electrical System5 vehicles
Electrical system:body control module:software
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."
Risk: Windshield wipers that cannot be activated may lead to reduced visibility for the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 22V543000Jul 27, 2022Airbags1,216 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
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. During air bag deployment, the front passenger air bag may explode or deploy improperly.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. An improper air bag deployment may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing their risk of injury in a crash.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.
- NHTSA 16V464000Jun 24, 2016Structure & Body5,658 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016. Vibrations, such as those created by opening and closing a vehicle door, may cause the rear child door locks to disengage, allowing a child to open a rear door while inside the vehicle.
Risk: If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 58C9.
2016 Volkswagen Golf R fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22.5 MPG
- Highway
- 30.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Golf R years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R reliable?
- Compared with other Golf R model years, the 2016 ranks 3rd worst out of 11 years tracked, with a complaint index of 80 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the main problems with the 2016 Golf R?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem area is the electrical system, followed by engine, fuel system, suspension/wheels/tires, and transmission/powertrain issues, each accounting for 17% of complaints.
- Does the 2016 Golf R have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2016 Golf R covering the electrical system (wiper software), airbags (passenger airbag module), structure/body (child lock inspection), and a certification label error.
- What mileage do problems tend to show up on the 2016 Golf R?
- The median mileage at failure across reported problems was 18,000 miles overall, though electrical system complaints had a much lower median of 800 miles and transmission/powertrain complaints a median of 28,158.5 miles.
- How does the 2016 Golf R compare to other years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 80 is worse than 2018 (40, rated Good) and 2019 (50, rated Caution), but better than 2017 (90) and 2024 (100), both rated Avoid.