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    GREEN CHOICE

    Volkswagen GTI

    EPA MPG: NA

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2016 GTI is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2016 Volkswagen GTI has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Volkswagen GTI owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "Water is leaking from the sunroof into the mirror visor and then down to the floor every time I make a hard left turn."

    Anonymous A., PA (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Powertrain cooling leaks

    "Plastic flange connecting radiator/coolant supply to the engine broke and all the coolant leaked out. Immediately stopped driving and had car towed and broken flange replaced."

    Anonymous A., CA (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "A seal (likely on the sunroof but still awaiting repair) had a gap that allowed water into the car where it pooled below the spare tire. The issue has not been repaired yet."

    Anonymous A., CA (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "My car is on coil overs. There is a small squeak near the front passenger side wheel that comes and goes randomly. The shop i brought it too couldnt diagnose what the squeak was coming from. Still trying to figure out what it could be."

    Anonymous A., CT (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Evaporator

    "Evaporator core leaking. AC not cooling. Part is on backorder nationally."

    Anonymous, HI (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other climate system problem

    "The Recirculation Door Actuator / Air Intake Door would make a loud clicking noise whenever you tried to switch between recirculated vs fresh air. Unclear if it was working loudly or not working at all. It required dismantling the dashboard and many hours of mechanic labor to fix."

    Anonymous A., MD (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "The oil pan on the 2015-2021 GTI (MK7 revision) is fiber-reinforced plastic. Similar to some plastic thermostat housings, heat and time make it warp, and the gasket no longer seals. VW recommends replacing the oil pan and an oil baffle (the ribs of the baffle deform on install so it is single use) increasing the cost and not resolving the root cause. Some 2015MY GTI MK7s shipped with the steel oil pan from the MK6, so there are service instructions and torque specs, and the part number for the MK6 steel pan and shorter bolts are available and fit. This provides a permanent fix, but for some reason there is no service bulletin to do this by default. Its telling that 2022 and later (MK8) GTIs ship with a steel oil pan as well."

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Volkswagen GTI S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""Brought to shop to find oil leaking. Oil pan had a hairline crack, and Camshaft Girdle had a small crack that was leaking oil. Had everything replaced including some hoses and belts. This was the first time it leaked oil. Also had the oil cap replaced.""

    Anonymous A., CT (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Clutch replacement

    "Clutch was slipping requiring replacement"

    Anonymous, IL (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Factory clutch plate is weak."

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "The infotainment is mostly reliable. Very rarely, it will connect to CarPlay and display video but refuse to pass audio. The phone believes its connected and should play audio through CarPlay, but sound doesnt route to the speakers. The only solution is to hold the power button for about 30sec to force it to reboot."

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Volkswagen GTI S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Loss of compression on 2 of 4 cyl--fuel washing from defective injectors/High pressure fuel pump. Cylinders worn ridiculously. $15k for VW replacement"

    Anonymous, VA (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Antifreeze leaks

    "This has been an issue with VW of this era. A few years ago the dealer worked on it, no recurrence until recently. So far, it has been minor, so I have not brought it in for service. No overheating has occurred."

    Anonymous, IL (2016 Volkswagen GTI SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "Issue with the right headlight assembly that needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous, CA (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Poor quality paint finish from new--orange peel and poor gloss"

    Anonymous, VA (2016 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    2016 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
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    Engine Minor
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    Engine Cooling
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    Engine Electrical
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    Transmission Major
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    Transmission Minor
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    Drive System
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    Fuel System/Emissions
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    Exhaust
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    Suspension/Steering
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    Brakes
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    Climate System
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    Build Quality
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    Electrical Accessories
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    Body Hardware
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    Paint/Trim
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    Noises/Leaks
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    In-car Electronics
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    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Feb 14, 2024
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V110000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 261257
    AIR BAGS
    Jul 27, 2022
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V543000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1216
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
    Aug 22, 2019
    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.
    Summary:
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V615000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 679027
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Sep 07, 2016
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V647000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 110042
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