How many engine complaints does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf have?

NHTSA lists 22 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Golf, which is 26% of the 85 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an engine recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?

Yes. Recall campaign 15V705000, reported in October 2015, covers a camshaft lobe defect in the 2015-2016 Golf and related VW models; the remedy is an engine control module software update.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2016 Golf?

The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2016 Golf is 3,500 miles, though some owners reported issues like coolant leaks appearing much later.

Did the 2016 Golf engine problems cause crashes or fires?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires linked to the reported engine complaints for the 2016 Golf.

2016 Volkswagen Golf Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 22 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, 26% of all complaints filed for the year. A related recall (campaign 15V705000) addresses a camshaft lobe defect affecting engine control module software.

Engine complaints: 22; 26% of 85
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 3,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Sudden violent shaking or misfiring while driving, sometimes tied to fuel injector replacements.
Unintended acceleration or intermittent loss of power in second and third gear without pedal input.
Thermostat housing and water pump coolant leaks reported around 25,000 to 65,000 miles, sometimes recurring after dealer repair.
EPC warning light with turbo-related error codes causing intermittent power loss on GTI models.
Fuel leak with a strong gas smell reported near the rear of the vehicle, with dealers aware of similar cases.
Check engine light linked to a diagnosed fuel leak at 37,000 miles.

When 2016 Volkswagen Golf engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 29, 2015, latest Sep 20, 2025.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2015 to Sep 2025; peak Dec 2015 (1).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf

NHTSA 15V705000Oct 26, 2015Engine91,867 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Risk: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

Engine complaints by Golf model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201016 (23%)
201129 (26%)
201212 (25%)
201315 (35%)
20142 (18%)
201534 (26%)
201622 (26%)
201722 (19%)
20184 (14%)
201936 (57%)
20202 (33%)
20211 (14%)
202228 (35%)
20232 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf have?: NHTSA lists 22 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Golf, which is 26% of the 85 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?: Yes. Recall campaign 15V705000, reported in October 2015, covers a camshaft lobe defect in the 2015-2016 Golf and related VW models; the remedy is an engine control module software update.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2016 Golf?: The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2016 Golf is 3,500 miles, though some owners reported issues like coolant leaks appearing much later.
Did the 2016 Golf engine problems cause crashes or fires?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires linked to the reported engine complaints for the 2016 Golf.