2016 Volkswagen Golf Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 12%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, 12% of the 85 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Despite a 2015 recall, 2016 golfs are still being affected by faulty clock spring setups and a lack of some type of cover that is preventing debris from getting inside and breaking them. While driving the car, the airbag warning light went on. I then noticed that none of the control features on the steering wheel worked.. No cruise control, not horn, no system data, etc. Upon further investigation I discovered that the clock spring was the reason for the problem and that this has been an ongoing problem that vw has known about since 2011. …”
NHTSA complaint #11099933, filed 2018-06, 54,000 miles“The left rear wheel speed sensor malfunctioned resulting in false warnings of air bag, stabilization control, ABS system, and tire pressure failures. A replacement part is on back order and/or unavailable. This will result in disregard of any of the above warnings in the future even if they are genuine. This problem occurs randomly at any speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11119886, filed 2018-08, 44,500 miles“First, the airbag warning light came on, then followed by the horn not working and cruise control was lost. I also suspecting the power steering is also gone. This is related to the clock spring failure from my research online. This should have been recall because this is a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11503331, filed 2023-01“Airbag light came on, then all electrics to steering wheel failed, including the horn. Clock spring failed. Safety issue with no airbag and no horn. Known that VWs have a problem with clock spring failure. Should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11521624, filed 2023-05“I am reporting a severe safety system failure regarding the airbag deployment force on a 2016 Volkswagen Golf SE. The vehicle was involved in a collision where the frontal/side air bag safety systems engaged. While the impact speed was moderate, the airbag deployment was violently disproportionate, resulting in severe, direct injuries to the occupant rather than providing the intended safety cushioning or protection. The force of the deployment appeared heavily uncalibrated, acting as a primary source of trauma rather than an emergency restraint. …”
NHTSA complaint #11742727, filed 2026-06Related recalls
- 22V543000Jul 27, 2022Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet…Covers: Volkswagen Golf 2016, E-Golf 2016, Golf R 2016 +7 more
Related service bulletins
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Inquiries
- 11030826Mar 2, 2026The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used…
- 11014956Feb 12, 2025This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: This hotfix is for multiple vehicles for…
- 11013855Jan 8, 2025This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag…
- 11011377Nov 5, 2024This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication for the airbag control module. For trouble code DTC B10001B. Driver airbag…
- 10249688Jan 30, 2024Grinding noises can be heard from the area of the steering wheel/driver airbag or steering column when maneuvering OR Various controls, warnings or fault indicators, such as…
- 10247537Dec 11, 2023Rear of teering wheel trim modification for noise when maneuvering.
- 10231584Feb 2, 2023VW contact when reporting a Airbag or Pyrotechnic safety belt deployment. Update to model year applicability.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 | 10 | 12% |
| 2015 | 21 | 16% |
| 2014 | 4 | 33% |
| 2013 | 9 | 21% |
| 2012 | 10 | 21% |
| 2011 | 12 | 11% |
| 2010 | 11 | 16% |
| 2006 | 2 | 17% |
| 2005 | 6 | 32% |
| 2004 | 3 | 11% |
| 2003 | 11 | 42% |
| 2002 | 22 | 30% |
| 2001 | 32 | 28% |
| 2000 | 16 | 18% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 6% |
| 1995 | 6 | 14% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf
32 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology