2016 Volkswagen Golf R Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#3 most-complained of 11 Golf R years
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R has a Complaint Index of 80, ranking 3rd worst out of 11 model years, with 12 complaints, 4 recalls, and a top problem area of Electrical System (17% share). NHTSA rates its verdict as Avoid relative to other Golf R years.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22.5 city / 30.5 hwy
Top 2016 Volkswagen Golf R problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Backup camera and park pilot system intermittently fail, showing a 'park pilot currently not available' message, a recurring issue since purchase that dealers repeatedly failed to fix.
- Keyless start intermittently fails to work even with the key near the vehicle, and the infotainment system sometimes does not turn on.
- Coolant level drops unexpectedly, with owners reporting the check engine light coming on and coolant needing to be topped off repeatedly.
- A coolant leak traced to a defective thermostat housing and water pump appeared at 56,117 miles, with owners suggesting Volkswagen modified the part to compensate for a design flaw.
- Fuel leaks near the rear passenger wheel well produced a fuel smell in the cabin and a puddle of gas under the parked car.
- Chrome trim around the shifter peeled and exposed sharp edges near a storage cubby, which one owner reported caused a cut.
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 12 NHTSA complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What problems does the 2016 Golf R have?
- NHTSA complaints point to the Electrical System as the top problem area (17% share), including backup camera and keyless start glitches, plus reported issues with the engine, fuel system, suspension, and transmission.
- Does the 2016 Golf R have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Golf R, covering windshield wiper software, a front-passenger airbag module, child lock inspection, and a certification label correction. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How many people were injured in 2016 Golf R incidents?
- NHTSA data shows 2 injuries and 0 deaths reported among 2016 Golf R complaints, with 0 crashes and 0 fires.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Golf R?
- EPA rates the 2016 Golf R at 25 mpg combined (22.5 city / 30.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200.