2016 Volkswagen Golf Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,350miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, 8% of the 85 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,350 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.
“Sunroof leaks into headliner and down the side pillars. Occurs when stationary and in motion during periods of extended rain. Results in damage to electronics, sound system and fabric/body components.”
NHTSA complaint #11376865, filed 2020-11, 50,700 miles“Car has a water leak in the panoramic sunroof since new. Vwoa has done the TSB's but the problem continues. Leak is around the passenger side a pillar, sunviser and dome light.”
NHTSA complaint #11405153, filed 2021-03, 32,000 miles“Sunroof frame leaks water into the car. The water drips on to the center console hardware/electronics and hardware/electronics located on the windshield. The leak is a known defect for vw GOLF 2016, as vw previously sent out a recall for the sunroof frame. The leak occurs after heavy rainfall. The water drips right on to the acc cruise control. Vw acknowledged in phone message that source of leak was sunroof and that it should be covered by the recall. Originally, I thought the leak derived from dirty drains, but vw clarified the root cause as the sunroof. …”
NHTSA complaint #11234534, filed 2019-07, 30,000 miles“Front passenger door opened on its own with a bang while making a left turn. Driving alone, passenger door had been securely locked for over a week, during left turn going 25 mph, a loud banging sound occurred, passenger door opened and indicator warning light in dash came on. Door opened approx 1 cm. Car is not safe to drive for fear of door opening again randomly. VW of America nonchalantly stated they are sorry my door opened and stated they would not cover any potential repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #11502623, filed 2023-01“My VW golf has experienced rear door lock issues where both rear dock locks no longer work (lock or unlock) when pressing the lock button on the key or inside the vehicle. The only way to get the doors to lock is by manually locking the doors via a little slot in the door sill on each side. While it can be unlocked internally by just pulling the handle one time. This is a safety issue as door locks are a necessity for a vehicle to prevent theft of vehicle or items inside. It can also cause safety concerns for passengers in the rear(which is usually children. …”
NHTSA complaint #11577026, filed 2024-03Related service bulletins
- 11010024Oct 30, 2024Lack of paint under roof
- 11008846Sep 12, 2024Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 10232117Feb 20, 2023Strut or Shock leak assessment.
- 10220342Sep 6, 2022update to required vehicle wash shampoo.
- 10206817Jan 5, 2022Water under transportation wrapping appears as paint defect. Update model year applicability.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | 10% |
| 2017 | 8 | 7% |
| 2016 | 7 | 8% |
| 2015 | 10 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 8% |
| 2011 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 1 | 5% |
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2002 | 3 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 4 | 5% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 14% |
| 1995 | 5 | 12% |
| 1991 | 1 | 13% |
| 1986 | 3 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf
32 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 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 28, 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