4.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,327 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Volkswagen Golf body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2016 Volkswagen Golf Owner Comments

problem #7

Feb 022023

Golf

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My VW golf has experienced rear door lock issues where both rear dock locks no longer work (lock or unlock) when pressing the lock button on the key or inside the vehicle. The only way to get the doors to lock is by manually locking the doors via a little slot in the door sill on each side. While it can be unlocked internally by just pulling the handle one time. This is a safety issue as door locks are a necessity for a vehicle to prevent theft of vehicle or items inside. It can also cause safety concerns for passengers in the rear(which is usually children. This also poses a danger to children due to the ease of unlocking from inside the rear passenger seats. The problem was confirmed to be the rear door latches via a dealer on 2/23/2024, however after replacing both latches with new parts, nothing was resolved. This issue is not the first time, as it is known that VW locks and many electrical components may randomly stop working, I have experienced the issue with a previous Volkswagen vehicle as well (2009 VW Jetta). There are no warning lights on the dashboard or other signs of the failure.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

problem #6

Aug 212023

Golf

  • miles
The headlight assembly design, prevents owners from changing a light bulb own their own. Per the law, a car must have functioning headlights. The design on the HID headlight assembly, requires hours of work, removing the bumper, the grill, other parts that require many tools and skilled knowledge of the brand. Considering this is a headlight that is required to be street legal, an owner can't change the bulb in emergencies. An owner must wait for an appointment with a dealer or certified Volkswagen mechanic with the proper training to change a light bulb. Regulation should prevent such designs, as the current design can make it dangerous for the driver. Just as when a driver needs to change a tire that's flat, and use the spare, a light bulb is just as critical to prevent accidents.

- Plantation, FL, USA

problem #5

Jan 192023

Golf

  • miles
Front passenger door opened on its own with a bang while making a left turn. Driving alone, passenger door had been securely locked for over a week, during left turn going 25 mph, a loud banging sound occurred, passenger door opened and indicator warning light in dash came on. Door opened approx 1 cm. Car is not safe to drive for fear of door opening again randomly. VW of America nonchalantly stated they are sorry my door opened and stated they would not cover any potential repairs.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #4

Mar 012021

Golf

  • 32,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car has a water leak in the panoramic sunroof since new. Vwoa has done the tsb's but the problem continues. Leak is around the passenger side a pillar, sunviser and dome light.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #3

Nov 212020

Golf

  • 50,700 miles
Sunroof leaks into headliner and down the side pillars. Occurs when stationary and in motion during periods of extended rain. Results in damage to electronics, sound system and fabric/body components.

- Webster Groves, MO, USA

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problem #2

Oct 152019

Golf 4-cyl

  • 92,589 miles
Sunroof drain reinforcement steel has developed stress cracks. Which has let water leak inside vehicle, onto headliner and down A-pillars saturating front side curtain airbags making them defective. Vehicle can be stationary or operated, it will leak either way. Volkswagen refuses to address issue with airbags and leak saying there is not a safety issue so they wont cover repair which could cost greater than $2,500. Vehicle has also developed black mold between roof and headliner which is hazardous to breath. Technical bulletin #60-17-01(V601701) is the repair instructions for dealership only repair but does not include airbag replace or headliner replacement. I addressed issue with Volkswagen multiple times which they deny any safety issues.

- Sturgeon Bay, WI, USA

problem #1

Apr 012019

Golf

  • 30,000 miles
Sunroof frame leaks water into the car. The water drips on to the center console hardware/electronics and hardware/electronics located on the windshield. The leak is a known defect for VW Golf 2016, as VW previously sent out a recall for the sunroof frame. The leak occurs after heavy rainfall. The water drips right on to the acc cruise control. VW acknowledged in phone message that source of leak was sunroof and that it should be covered by the recall. Originally, I thought the leak derived from dirty drains, but VW clarified the root cause as the sunroof. However, they did not follow up with me. I re-engaged them and they stated they would need to test it again. After the second test, they said they could not reproduce my claim despite despite the initial, positive identification of the sunroof as the leak. I am worried that this will cause other, more serious problems if left untreated. The leak can occur with the car either stationary or in motion. However, the leak is more prominent when stationary. For example, my car leaks the worst when I leave it in the parking lot at work during heavy rainfall. Upon entering my car, standing water will have pooled up in the gear selector cover and drips from my rear view mirror on to the center console. I still possess the voicemail where they identified the sunroof as the source of the leak. I attached a photo of the water stains because it was not raining when I filed the complaint.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

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