2016 Volkswagen Golf Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, 5% of the 85 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,500 miles.
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.
“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“Brake failure. The car was being driven around 20mph, when a 'brake: fluid low see owner's manual' message came on. After seeing this message pressure was applied to the brake pedal and the pedal went to the floor. The pedal made a 'chattering noise' as it moved through the pedal stroke. The parking brake was used to stop the car. This was easily recreated in a parking lot and at the local dealer. The warning light came on each time the car was started after the initial incident, and when pressure was applied to the pedal, the pedal easily went to the floor making the same chattering noise. …”
NHTSA complaint #10948507, filed 2017-01, 11,500 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen GOLF. While driving approximately 20 to 25 MPH, the contact heard a crackling noise when the brake pedal was depressed. The brakes failed without warning. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. It was diagnosed that there was a mechanical failure in the vacuum pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 9,558. The consumer stated the concern was that the vehicle was repaired with the same oem part that initially failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10897131, filed 2016-08, 9,558 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026174Nov 3, 2025Alignment sheet submission.
- 11018927May 29, 2025This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10214795Jun 22, 2022Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation. Addition of mandatory brake form and reference to Volkswagen Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual.
- 10207832Feb 3, 2022Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation Instruction (U.S. Only)
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 29% |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 7% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 8 | 6% |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 5 | 12% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% |
| 2005 | 1 | 5% |
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 3 | 4% |
| 2001 | 10 | 9% |
| 2000 | 12 | 14% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 11% |
| 1995 | 4 | 9% |
| 1994 | 8 | 20% |
| 1990 | 2 | 20% |
| 1989 | 4 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf
32 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 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