2016 Volkswagen Golf R: common problems and reliability
An average Golf R year.
12 owner complaints, most about fuel/propulsion system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Golf R?The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R has 12 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel/propulsion system and power train.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Golf R years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Golf R?
Across the 11 Golf R model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2012) to 195 (2017). With 12 complaints, the 2016 Golf R sits about the same as the model's median of 9.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Golf R
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 16V337000Volkswagen 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."
latches/locks/linkages
Campaign 16V464000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 22V543000Volkswagen 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.
visibility/wiper
Campaign 22V831000Volkswagen 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."
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily influenced by price and generation.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Golf R. See the full Golf R owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Golf R listings typically run $21,191–$35,240.
Other Golf R model years
Compare every Golf R year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Golf R against its rivals
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