2016 Volkswagen Golf R

The defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Golf R vehicles. Incorrect front windshield wiper software was installed which may prevent the wipers from activating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

The risk

Windshield wipers that cannot be activated may lead to reduced visibility for the driver and increase the risk of a crash.

The remedy

Dealers will update the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91EN.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 5 vehicles across all model years covered

The defect

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.

The 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.

The remedy

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.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 1,216 vehicles across all model years covered

The defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016. Vibrations, such as those created by opening and closing a vehicle door, may cause the rear child door locks to disengage, allowing a child to open a rear door while inside the vehicle.

The risk

If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.

The remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 58C9.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 5,658 vehicles across all model years covered

The defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Golf R vehicles manufactured March 17, 2016 to March 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with a Federal Certification Label that lists an incorrect rear axle weight limit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

The risk

The listed weight limit is low enough that the vehicle owner may ignore the weight limits and overload the vehicle and exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01B5.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · up to 11 vehicles across all model years covered

On 04/24, I purchased 4 P235/40ZR18 Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires from Tire Rack. The tires have approx 15000 miles on them. I discovered the tires started to show approx 1/2 in cracks all around the tire where the tread transitions to the sidewall. This appears to be a safety issue because if the cracks worsen, the tread may separate from the tire. I have also spoken to Tire Rack were I`ll be filing a complaint.

NHTSA complaint 11718914. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - fuel system/gas tank - yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - smell of fuel in the car, can't fill up the tank without auto shut off Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Not yet

NHTSA complaint 11628365. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

I'm not entirely sure what is wrong with the car but I was sitting in my car waiting for an appointment for about an hour. I backed out of my parking space and found that there was a large puddle of gas where I was parked. I moved back into the parking space and stopped the car. I found that there was a leak coming out of the rear passanger wheel well. I have pictures of the leak. This happened while sitting stationary in the car. No warning signals popped up but if the gas caught on fire my car would have been at risk. My little sister was in the car with me. it is available for inspection. Since the issue it has been sitting untouched at my mechanics.

NHTSA complaint 11579504. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Chrome trim around the shifter began peeling and exposed sharp edges. Sharp edges of raised trim are close to a storage cubby so there is a risk of touching them and being cut, something which has happened to me (driver). Issue has not been inspected by a dealer or manufacturer etc. No warning lamps or other symptoms were present. NOTE: This issue appears to be the same as one covered under NHTSA Service Action 34J7/34L9. I believe that the aforementioned service action should be expanded to cover 2015-2017 Golf R models, as the part exhibiting peeling chrome trim is shared with other 2015-2017 Golf models which are covered under that service action.

NHTSA complaint 11476305. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

56,117 miles

I DISCOVERED A COOLANT LEAK AFTER MOVING MY CAR FROM MY GARAGE. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND UPON THEIR TESTING THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING AND WATER PUMP WERE DETERMINED TO BE DEFECTIVE. IT APPEARS VOLKSWAGEN HAS MODIFIED THE PART TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS DESIGN FLAW. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. IF THIS PROBLEM CONTINUES THE CAR COULD BECOME STRANDED IF IT LOSES ENOUGH COOLANT AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATS.

NHTSA complaint 11399858. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.