2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen: 3 recalls, 51 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Steering Vehicle recall #18V464000 · 2018 · 33,168 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019.
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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #24V110000 · 2024 · 261,257 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi a3 sedan, 2015-2019 Audi a3 cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen jetta gli, 2018 golf sportwagen gp, 2018-2019 golf sportwagen a7, 2015-2017 golf sportwagen, 2015-2020 golf gti, and 2015-2020 golf a7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel May flow into the evaporative emissions…
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for vw owners were mailed on August 13, 2024.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (17): the most common themes are warning light on (8).
- Other / unknown (10): the most common themes are leaks (6), warning light on (3).
- Engine (9): the most common themes are leaks (6), warning light on (2), overheating (2).
- Electrical (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen has 51 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 6 Golf Sportwagen model years for complaints (1.8× the average Golf Sportwagen year). Complaints peaked in 2020 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 44,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (59 complaints, 3 recalls), 2017 (38 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 34 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 35 | 28 | Regular |
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 Sportwagen.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. 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 Sportwagen problems?
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (17), other / unknown (10), engine (9).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen 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.