2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Volkswagen Golf/GTI
Pictured: 2020 Volkswagen Golf Style 1.5 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
170–220 hp
Transmission
6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
EV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
29 combined · 25 city / 36 hwy
EV range
83 mi · 3.7 h on 240 V
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 220 hp, versus about 106 hp for similar 2016 models.
  • Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 36 highway), 9% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 83 miles and takes about 3.7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.

What changed for 2016

  • No diesel version any more
  • Best combined MPG down from 35 to 29

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Golf/GTI →

Trims, performance & features

Engine170 hp1.8L turbo 4-cyl
Engine211–220 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic · 6-speed manual

Trims

Base, S, SE , SEL/TDI S, SE SEL2.0T Base, Performace Pkg. S, SE, Autobahn1.8 TSI S, SE, SEL, Limited Ed./TDI S, SE, SEL

Built in: Puebla, Mexico

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Golf/GTI configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
e-Golf EV85 kW AC PMSMAutomatic (A1)Front-Wheel Drive83 mi · 29.1765 kWh/100mi–$650–
Golf1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 29+9%$2,300309
Golf1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+9%$2,300305
Golf SportWagen1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 29+6%$2,300310
GTI2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+5%$2,400319
GTI2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28+5%$2,400311
Golf SportWagen1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 28+2%$2,400313
Golf R2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)All-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 25-6%$3,300347
Golf R2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-6%$3,300354
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.6 MPG2016 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI.

Similar 2016 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI (this car)29 MPGNot rated9
2016 Mazda 333 MPGNot rated0
2016 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport31 MPGNot rated0
2016 Toyota Yaris33 MPGNot rated2
2016 Ford Focus34 MPGNot rated11
2016 Subaru WRX23 MPGNot rated3
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer30 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (9)

Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 14, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V110000 · 261,257 vehicles

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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jul 27, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V543000 · 1,216 vehicles

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.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
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 November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Mar 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V188000 · 56,173 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Jul 11, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V464000 · 33,168 vehicles

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.
Unknown Or Other · May 16, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V329000 · 252 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 7, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V647000 · 110,042 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.
Risk
As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5. This recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jun 6, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V403000 · 55 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 26, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V705000 · 91,867 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Risk
If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

85Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
30,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Fuel/Propulsion System29
Engine18
Unknown Or Other14
Air Bags10
Electrical System8
Structure › Body7
Power Train4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/10: 222/12: 123/01: 323/02: 323/03: 223/04: 223/05: 223/06: 123/07: 123/08: 123/09: 123/10: 123/11: 124/01: 124/02: 124/03: 124/04: 224/05: 224/06: 124/07: 124/11: 225/04: 125/09: 126/06: 122/1023/0223/0523/0823/1124/0324/0625/04max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Fuel/Propulsion System — 29 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  3. Engine — 18 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 83 miles.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Golf/GTI years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Golf/GTI28–Not rated00
2026 Golf/GTI27168.9 inNot rated00
2025 Golf/GTI27168.9 inNot rated00
2024 Golf/GTI27168.9 inNot rated00
2023 Golf/GTI28–Not rated011
2022 Golf/GTI28–Not rated081
2021 Golf/GTI33–★★★★★17
2020 Golf/GTI32–★★★★★26
2019 Golf/GTI32–★★★★★663
2018 Golf/GTI29–★★★★★629
2017 Golf/GTI29–★★★★★5117
2015 Golf/GTI35–Not rated12131

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →