Federal safety data shows 3 recalls and 84 complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, a moderate safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

18V3290002018-16-05

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

View at NHTSA

18V4640002018-11-07

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

View at NHTSA

19V1880002019-06-03

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.

If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 84 issues reported over 1 model years, fuel/propulsion system problems are the most common for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Fuel/propulsion System20

02Engine10

03Unknown Or Other9

04Engine,fuel/propulsion System5

05Structure4

84 total across 1 model years (2016–2016)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Volkswagen Golf Fuel Economy

25–29mpg combined

22-25city

30-36hwy

$1,500-$2,300/yr

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf delivers 25 to 29 MPG combined across 6 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Golf - Automatic (S6)

29mpg

1.8L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city35 hwy~$1,500/yr7/10 Clean

Golf - Manual 5-spd

29mpg

1.8L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city36 hwy~$1,500/yr7/10 Clean

Golf SportWagen - Automatic (S6)

29mpg

1.8L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city34 hwy~$1,500/yr7/10 Clean

Golf SportWagen - Manual 5-spd

28mpg

1.8L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city35 hwy~$1,550/yr7/10 Clean

Golf R - Automatic (AM-S6)

25mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

23 city30 hwy~$2,300/yr6/10 Average

Golf R - Manual 6-spd

25mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

22 city31 hwy~$2,300/yr6/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2016 Volkswagen Golf

35States

24%in top 3

California has the most inventory at 9%, with options spread across 35 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

CACalifornia

979%

FLFlorida

868%

TXTexas

727%

DCWashington DC

535%

ILIllinois

505%

PAPennsylvania

485%

MDMaryland

464%

AZArizona

434%

WAWashington

424%

GAGeorgia

424%

COColorado

384%

NYNew York

363%

DEDelaware

323%

OHOhio

293%

MIMichigan

273%

OROregon

262%

MOMissouri

262%

NJNew Jersey

232%

MNMinnesota

222%

NH19

NCNorth Carolina

192%

MA15

NV15

CT14

UT12

WI12

VT11

KY11

IN10

VA10

TN9

NE7

RI7

ME6

OK6

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2016.

2016 Volkswagen Golf: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Golf a good car to buy?

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf has its strengths and its watch-outs. 3 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report fuel/propulsion system as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?

Yes, 3 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?

Depending on configuration, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf delivers 25–29 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?

Out of 84 owner complaints, fuel/propulsion system issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2016 compare to other Volkswagen Golf years?

Each Volkswagen Golf model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Volkswagen Golf overview page.