Every 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 24V110000
Feb 14, 2024Fuel System, Gasoline
- Problem
- 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 (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Full recall details for 24V110000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 22V543000
Jul 27, 2022Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69DY and 61C1.
Full recall details for 22V543000 →Steering · NHTSA 18V464000
Nov 7, 2018Steering:Column Locking:Anti-Theft Device
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37L5.
Full recall details for 18V464000 →
2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, reporting 2 crashes. Volkswagen has issued at least 673 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Air Bags17
- Unknown Or Other10
- Engine9
- Electrical System6
- Fuel/Propulsion System6
- Suspension5
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (301)
- Electrical System (137)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (98)
- Engine (79)
- Visibility (47)
- Unknown Or Other (37)
Read Volkswagen Golf SportWagen owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in one investigation. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
What people reported
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Crash
“1. I BELIEVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG MAY HAVE FAILED OR BEEN DISABLED DURING A RECENT COLLISION THAT OCCURRED ON 5/25/21. A DEER STRUCK THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ON A 55MPH STATE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A COLLISION REPAIR SHOP GETTING AN ESTIMATE.”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGENMay 27, 2021
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11418740
Crash
“I WAS IN A VERY MINOR ACCIDENT INVOLVING ONLY THE FRONT END. I WAS A A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND HIT THE CAR DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME, I HIT THE CAR CAR GOING NO MORE THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR. ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, DRIVER, PASSENGER, AS WELL AS FRONT AND BACK SIDE AIRBAGS.”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGENDec 22, 2019
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11290772
“SRS/airbag warning light illuminated. A diagnostic scan (VCDS) confirmed stored fault codes for both front airbag crash sensors: driver's side 'short to ground' and passenger's side 'open or short to plus.”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGENAug 5, 2026 · MN
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11754963
“Junction between thermostat and water pump failed leading to total loss of coolant. At the time I was driving north on I-75 in heavy morning traffic at 65 MPH. I was able to steer the vehicle off the road without hitting anyone or coming to a complete stop.”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGENNov 29, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11702007
“The fuel pump on my 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen failed approximately three months after a safety recall repair for the suction jet pump (recall 20Y6).”
2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGENNov 17, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11699966
Check your Golf SportWagen by VIN
Not every 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Volkswagen dealer.
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