2016 Volkswagen Golf R recalls and problems

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R has 4 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
12
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Volkswagen Golf R recalls

Recall 22V-831: Electrical System, Visibility/Wiper

Reported Nov 9, 2022 · 5 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-543: Air Bags

Reported Jul 27, 2022 · 1,216 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-464: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Jun 24, 2016 · 5,658 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-337: Equipment

Reported May 23, 2016 · 11 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Golf R vehicles manufactured March 17, 2016 to March 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a Federal Certification Label that lists an incorrect rear axle weight limit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Risk: The listed weight limit is low enough that the vehicle owner may ignore the weight limits and overload the vehicle and exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01B5.

2016 Volkswagen Golf R problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System2
Engine2
Power Train2
Unknown or Other2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Wheels1
Visibility/Wiper1
Structure1
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 18,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Volkswagen Golf R complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Tires · reported Feb 18, 2026
On 04/24, I purchased 4 P235/40ZR18 Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires from Tire Rack. The tires have approx 15000 miles on them. I discovered the tires started to show approx 1/2 in cracks all around the tire where the tread transitions to the sidewall. This appears to be a safety issue because if the cracks worsen, the tread may separate from the tire. I have also spoken to Tire Rack were I`ll be filing a complaint.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Dec 2, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - fuel system/gas tank - yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - smell of fuel in the car, can't fill up the tank without auto shut off Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Not yet
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Mar 26, 2024
I'm not entirely sure what is wrong with the car but I was sitting in my car waiting for an appointment for about an hour. I backed out of my parking space and found that there was a large puddle of gas where I was parked. I moved back into the parking space and stopped the car. I found that there was a leak coming out of the rear passanger wheel well. I have pictures of the leak. This happened while sitting stationary in the car. No warning signals popped up but if the gas caught on fire my car would have been at risk. My little sister was in the car with me. it is available for inspection.…
Structure · reported Jul 28, 2022
Chrome trim around the shifter began peeling and exposed sharp edges. Sharp edges of raised trim are close to a storage cubby so there is a risk of touching them and being cut, something which has happened to me (driver). Issue has not been inspected by a dealer or manufacturer etc. No warning lamps or other symptoms were present. NOTE: This issue appears to be the same as one covered under NHTSA Service Action 34J7/34L9. I believe that the aforementioned service action should be expanded to cover 2015-2017 Golf R models, as the part exhibiting peeling chrome trim is shared with other…
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 26, 2021
Trim around the shifter boot has delaminated, and when reaching into the storage compartment causes lacerations to the hand. Razor sharp Metal protrudes and cuts fingers and hands on all 2016 Golf R and GTI vehicles

Other Volkswagen Golf R years

Compare all Volkswagen Golf R years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R: 22V-831 (electrical system, visibility/wiper), 22V-543 (air bags), 16V-464 (latches/locks/linkages), 16V-337 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 18,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.