2016 Volkswagen Golf R: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R: 4 recalls, 12 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #16V337000 · 2016 · 11 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #16V464000 · 2016 · 5,658 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they May fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #22V543000 · 2022 · 1,216 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022.
Electrical, Visibility/Wiper Vehicle recall #22V831000 · 2022 · 5 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Windshield wipers that cannot be activated May lead to reduced visibility for the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R has 12 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 12 Golf R model years for complaints (1.8× the average Golf R year). Complaints peaked in 2017 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 18,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 2017 (15 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 25 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Golf R problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (2), engine (2), transmission & drivetrain (2).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AM-S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Volkswagen Golf R repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.