VIN REPORT

3VWC17AU8GM5203882016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen1.8 TSI S, SE, SEL, Limited Ed./TDI S, SE, SEL

36of 100
Moderate Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
3
3 campaigns (all model years)
Safety Grade
F
57/100 composite
Complaints · 2016
56
NHTSA filed · 2016 Golf SportWagen
Vehicle Age
10 yrs
Made in MEXICO
CAUTIONPurchase Verdict

2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 56 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

29 MPG
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen

2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 56 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • 3 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Steering system recall)
  • 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
  • Common owner-reported issues: airbag warning, steering issues, electrical problems
  • Safety Systems is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • Active or settled class action lawsuit on record for this model — VW/Audi TDI Dieselgate Emissions Defeat Device (2009–2016)
  • Manufacturer extended warranty program exists: VW Dieselgate settlement offered buybacks or extended emissions warranty. Most settlement programs have closed — verify status at vwcourtsetlement.com.
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
Owner Complaint Intelligence

56 owner complaints filed — top areas: Safety Systems (23%), Engine/Powertrain (21%), Other (20%). Common issues: airbag warning, steering issues, electrical problems, overheating. 3 crashes reported.

36
of 100
Moderate Risk
3 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
3 Contributing Risk Factors
Known manufacturer defect on record for this model
+19
3 model-wide recalls on record
+9
Active or settled class action lawsuit
+8
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
VOLKSWAGEN
Model
Golf SportWagen
Year
2016
Trim / Series
1.8 TSI S, SE, SEL, Limited Ed./TDI S, SE, SEL
Body Style
Wagon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 1.8L 170.00 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV
Assembly
PUEBLA, MEXICO
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)

Assembly Plant Quality

Volkswagen de México (Puebla)

BQuality61/100
Standard📍 PUEBLA, MEXICO

Builds Jetta and Taos for North America. Average quality; some Jetta recall campaigns.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

F
Score: 57/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety12/30
Complaint History25/30
60/100High
  • ▸Airbag system recall
  • ▸Steering system recall
  • ▸Fuel system recall
2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Low
  • ▸1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
Moderate
  • ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Safety Systems
↻ 1 recall✦ 13 complaints
Fuel System
↻ 1 recall✦ 3 complaints
Steering
↻ 1 recall✦ 2 complaints

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls3

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

56/100
Warning Deferred Risk
The 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen has a documented systemic defect, and its safety systems system is the most-reported owner issue. Confirm it was addressed and inspect thoroughly before purchase.
⚠No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
KNOWN DEFECTCriticalKnown Model Defect
Failure timing unpredictable — defect may already be active
Volkswagen Dieselgate: TDI engines equipped with defeat device software to cheat EPA emissions tests
Documented systemic defect with class action or NHTSA investigation. These issues are often unrepaired at point of sale.
COMMONLY REPORTEDHighSafety Systems
13 owner complaints · 23% of all filings · 3 crash-involved
Inspect the safety systems system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen
Owners of the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalEngine/Powertrain
12 owner complaints · 21% of all filings
Inspect the engine/powertrain system before purchase — the 2nd most-reported problem for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen
Owners of the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDHighElectrical
7 owner complaints · 13% of all filings
Inspect the electrical system before purchase — the 3rd most-reported problem for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen
Owners of the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
VERIFYCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify timing chain tensioner service history with the seller
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
VERIFYCriticalWater Pump
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify water pump service history with the seller
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
VERIFYHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Typical interval: 60,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify transmission fluid / service service history with the seller
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
VERIFYHighCoolant Flush
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify coolant flush service history with the seller
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
VERIFYModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify spark plugs (iridium/platinum) service history with the seller
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
VERIFYModerateFuel Injectors
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify fuel injectors service history with the seller
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

3 RECALLS
3found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~74%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

74%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

VOLKSWAGEN Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
84%Fair

VOLKSWAGEN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
22mo
#18V464000
Nov 2018

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicles. The build of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition while the vehicle shift lever is not in "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Read full details...
ConsequenceRemoving 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.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#22V543000
Invalid Date

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummaryVolkswagen 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn 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.
Est. Repair Completion~78%

~22% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#24V110000
Invalid Date

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

SummaryVolkswagen 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~75%

~25% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

LONG-STANDING OPEN
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
8yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

11/07/2018
3 total campaigns
SteeringSafety SystemsFuel System
3
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
⚠ 1 recall is over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.

Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix

RECALL DIDN'T FIX IT

Owner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components

100% of complaints about "STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE" were filed AFTER recall campaign 18V464000 (2018-11-07) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
100% post-recall
Recall: 2018-11-070 before · 3 after#18V464000

Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.

Manufacturer Recall Response Time

Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance

7mo
Lag from first complaint to recall
First complaint: 2018-04-10 · Recall issued: 2018-11-07

Recall was issued within 7 months of first complaints — relatively prompt response.

Complaints56

Complaint Intelligence

56 complaints analyzed across 9 system categories

Air Bags leads owner complaints (32%), most reported when the vehicle was 3–5 yrs old (around ~38k mi). Also common: Unknown Or Other (21%), Engine (16%). Of the 15 owners who cited mileage, problems clustered around ~46k mi (most ~37k mi–~66k mi).

When issues get reported (vehicle age)
<1 yr
0%
1–2
16%
3–5
43%
6–9
39%
10+
2%

Based on 56 complaints with a reported incident date. Of the 15 owners who cited mileage, most reported issues at ~37k mi–~66k mi.

Most-reported issues & typical onset
Air Bags
typically 3–5 yrs old · ~38k mi
32%
Unknown Or Other
typically 2–4 yrs old
21%
Engine
typically 2–4 yrs old
16%
Electrical System
typically 2–4 yrs old
13%
Fuel/Propulsion System
typically 7–9 yrs old
11%
3 crashes
Safety Systems
3 crash13
Engine/Powertrain
12
Other
11
Electrical
7
Suspension/Wheels
6
Fuel System
3
Steering
2
Body/Structure
1
2018
5
2019
11
2020
11
2021
6
2022
4
2023
8
2024
6
2025
4
2026
1
↓ 51% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Declining -69%
5
Last 24 months
16
Prior 24 months
Electrical failure5
Fire/smoke2
Engine stalling2
Airbag failure1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (9)Rain/wet (7)Startup (6)Parking/low-speed (5)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

56 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

56found
3
Crashes
ODI #11754963AIR BAGS

SRS/airbag warning light illuminated. A diagnostic scan (VCDS) confirmed stored fault codes for both front airbag crash sensors: driver's side 'short to ground' and passenger's side 'open or short to plus.' Upon further inspection, water was found pooled at the airbag control module connector, located under the center dash. The AC condensate drain line is routed directly above this module, and appears to be the source of the water intrusion — water drained from the connector itself when disconnected, and dampness was present at both the upper and lower AC drain hose connections near the module. After drying and reconnecting all components, an attempt was made to clear the fault codes via VCDS. The airbag module returned a 'not acknowledged' response to the clear command, indicating the fault condition and/or internal component damage may still be present. This vehicle's VIN was checked against active airbag recalls for this model year and found not to be included. However, given the safety-critical nature of the SRS system and the apparent design proximity of the AC drain to the airbag module connector, this may represent a broader risk for this chassis. Multiple independent repair shops declined to service this issue, citing liability concerns related to airbag system water intrusion. Volkswagen customer service denied a goodwill repair request, citing vehicle age/mileage without reviewing supporting documentation (VCDS diagnostic report and photos).

ODI #11702007ENGINE

Junction between thermostat and water pump failed leading to total loss of coolant. At the time I was driving north on I-75 in heavy morning traffic at 65 MPH. I was able to steer the vehicle off the road without hitting anyone or coming to a complete stop. Had the vehicle towed to Jim Ellis VW of Kennesaw where they diagnosed the problem and replaced the water pump. The car had 18,762 miles on it at the time. Mechanic stated that the problem was oil from cam covers leaking onto water pump and was frequently seen. Vehicle had low coolant warning lights twice and I added several ounces of distilled water each time. Car had an engine warning light and was being taken to dealer for service that day. When the incident happened, there was an audible alarm for loss of coolant and a flashing yellow light on the dashboard. The car had been serviced and inspected at the dealership annually, there had been no reports of leaking oil from cam covers. There was no indication the water pump would catastrophically fail. The waterpump should not fail with this few miles on it. .

ODI #11699966UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel pump on my 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen failed approximately three months after a safety recall repair for the suction jet pump (recall 20Y6). My independent mechanic explained that failure of the suction jet pump can cause fuel leakage or vapor transfer into the EVAP system, which may create pressure or vacuum imbalance inside the fuel tank. This can potentially damage other fuel-system components, including the fuel pump. My vehicle had no prior fuel-system issues. After the recall repair, the vehicle began experiencing symptoms consistent with fuel delivery problems, and the fuel pump ultimately failed. The mechanic who performed the repair noted that the failure was “highly likely related” to the suction-jet-pump defect because of the short time between the recall repair and the component failure. Volkswagen’s customer-service team stated that the fuel pump and suction jet pump are “unrelated,” but did not provide a technical explanation for that conclusion. Because both components interact within the sealed fuel/EVAP system, I am concerned that the recall defect or repair may have contributed to the fuel-pump failure. This problem may indicate a pattern of post-recall fuel-system failures involving suction-jet-pump malfunction, tank pressure changes, or collateral damage to in-tank components. I am submitting this report so NHTSA can review whether similar issues are occurring in other vehicles.

ODI #11692002UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Component: Sunroof / Roof Assembly - Water Ingress Make / Model / Year: 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~40,000 Sunroof leaks water while closed and glass intact. First replacement frame arrived damaged. Repair extended into second week. Known manufacturer defect (VW bulletin MC-10241196-0001). Volkswagen denied reimbursement based on time expiration despite incredibly low mileage ~40,000. Effect: Interior damage to headliner/carpets, possible electrical damage, disruption of daily use. Requested Action: Document for safety/recall investigation; use data to support future recall or enforcement action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11665944FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My car started smelling like gas 10 days ago. There was no visible leak. We took it to the shop still can’t figure out the issues. Took it to pick up my son from school, it started leaking fuel (I had 1/4 of a tank left). I turned off the car and it stopped leaking fuel. Needing a fix quick, I then drove 4 miles to get to the shop. Before I started driving I checked and it said I had enough gas to drive 15 miles. However, while at a stop light, the car shuddered and completely died. We then had it towed to the shop and hour away. The dealership had had it since then and found that it was related to the fuel pump suction recall. However, because the problem has gotten so bad, I now need a new fuel tank. Because it will in fact continue to keep leaking fuel and no matter how much gas you put it will just leak out. This is a safety hazard not only for me as a driver but also to other drivers. After diagnosing the problem, the dealership called VW corporate to inquire whether they will cover the fix since the recall was what caused the issue. 10 days later, VW is still looking into it, and I’ve now spent over $1500 on a rental car and towing fees. This car was completely unsafe to drive. And it is completely irresponsible for VW to allow customers to drive an unsafe vehicle and make us pay for repairs for issues that we didn’t cause.

ODI #11615900FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VW USA is offering no help in getting our recall work done. Their only suggestion is for us to work with our shipper. Our car is located in Italy because we are an active duty family stationed under orders at naval air station Sigonella. Our shipper has contacted VW Italy, and they refuse to help. The shipper also notes that they can’t ship the car anywhere anyways because the recall has to do with the fuel system. In effect, our car is now trapped in Italy, unable to be shipped off the continent. Perhaps NHTSA could persuade VW USA to perform our recall work here in Italy?

ODI #11610141FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

See attached document for complaint.

ODI #11588744UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

It has been 3 months since the issue below was reported (per NHTSA) and no repair is available. I called and asked what I can do in the meantime to ensure safety of me and my 6 year old and was not provided with any information. Feb 14,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number20UF NHTSA Recall Number24V110 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary The suction jet pump inside the fuel tank is designed to purge fuel from the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system. If a specific seal inside an affected suction jet pump fails, the fuel may flow directly into the EVAP system. If this happens, fuel could accumulate in the EVAP system and may leak through the charcoal canister filter element. Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire. Safety Risk Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire. Remedy REPAIR NOT YET AVAILABLE Manufacturer's Notes If you should have any questions, please contact Volkswagen using your preferred method of communication at www.vw.com/contact or by calling 800-893-5298.

ODI #11588747ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION

Despite settling a class action lawsuit re: moonroof leakage, VW refuses to cover the same repair for my VW Golf Sportwagen. I have the same issue but could not participate in the class action suit due to mileage. I routinely have to bail 1/2 - 1 gallon of water out the spare tire area if its been raining. Water now also collects in the footwell behind the driver's seat/in front of my child's seat. The bolts affixing the seatbelts to the floor are rusted and there is mold under the carpet. The car now has electrical issues, including the alarm no longer sounding when I am reversing and someone is approaching in my blind spot. In addition, when the weather has been wet, the back up camera does not work and, mid trip, the car alarms sound, indicating the car must be serviced and the brakes and airbags are not working. These problems disappear after a few days of dry weather.

ODI #11578205SUSPENSION

Performed NH Safety Inspection. Found upon Inspection Left Rear, Driver Side, Coil Spring has failed. Broken. This will make over Ten VW or Audi vehicles we have seen in the last year with this problem.

ODI #11576762ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

Clockspring failure. VW does not cover this critical safety part under warranty. Air bag is non functional (air bag light on) horn is non functional. Other controls on steering wheel not functional.

ODI #11547064SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving at high speeds, the vehicle started to shake abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear axle coil springs had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

ODI #11538456FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel system is completely shot, with fuel leaking from the gas tank after a ride once and pressure building up in the gas tank. Gas pumps click off after only putting one to two gallons in the tank, despite the tank being nearly empty. Mechanic replaced Evap canister and fuel suction pump, seemingly solving the problem temporarily only for them to resurface. Fuel leaking from the tank while driving severely risks my safety, as it is possible that pressure could cause the fuel to leak onto the engine, thus causing rapid combustion of the vehicle. The dealership has not assessed the problem, only a qualified mechanic has. It has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, but has been inspected by a mechanic. No warning lights or messages have appeared in relation to this problem.

ODI #11532824SUSPENSION

The rear coil spring fractured and caused a suspension issue. This is the same issue as reported in NHTSA campaign number: 19V188000 covering the same vehicles built a few months after mine. The vehcile is being repaired now and the issue has been confirmed. The component has been inspected by a service technician and the issue has been confirmed. Parts have been retained for evidence. There were no warnings, messages or symptoms. VW has been notified, but confirmed this is not their issue to fix. This issue should result in an extended recall to cover the same vehcile, just earlier models, so there are no resulting accidents, injuries, or deaths.

ODI #11527996ENGINE

Car loses power due to clogged wastegate actuator and EPC light turns on and off. This has been confirmed by 2 different service centers. I have seen several cases of people saying they had the same problem which requires you to replace the entire turbo, which my car only has 67,000 miles. I have a 16 year old son who will drive my car and this could cause him an accident if he is not able to accelerate. This is clearly a faulty part as they've discontinued using the model of the original turbo.

ODI #11525519UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

May 27 and May 28: The car turned on the EPC and check engine lights while on parking mode and on. Started to loose power and didnt want to start again. Later on, the lights turned off and it started again. While trying to fill the fuel tank at the gasoline station it stopped and it was only half tank.(The system didnt allowed to continue). While driving in the highway, started to loose power and a strong smell of fuel was inside the car so the driver had to open all the windows to avoid an intoxication with emissions(as it seemed to be). When the driver got to the destination in the highway, near San Juan, the smell of fuel was so strong that had to turn off the car and call a tow truck because the return travel would be long and the smell of fuel was stronger… it seemed to be spilling fuel and it was not safe to drive the car back home. Tow truck carried the car home because the dealer was closed on Sunday. On monday 29, the car was towed again but from home to the Flagship dealer in Ponce, PR. In the dealer they say it doesnt “have anything” . It seems they didnt care about the hazzards being discussed. The dealer returned our car and insisted there wasnt a recall or issue to attend. As soon as the dealer returned the car we drove home and the fuel odor or emissions were perceived inmediately inside the car. The car was stopped at home and a fuel leak was visible on the road. We need help inmediately. It is a matter of safety and risks. Please advice us and help with this issue. It is my only car.

ODI #11523217ENGINE

The EPC light has been continuously coming on for almost a year. It has been taken to the dealership 5 times and they cannot fix it or find the cause of it. At times when driving it enters "limp mode". Other times it has acted like it was overheating. And twice it has completely shut down. The vehicle is now out of warranty and no fix has been put in place. The EPC light will still randomly come on. VW has not addressed or come up with cause for this very common issue on their vehicles.

ODI #11518602SUSPENSION

Both rear coil springs broken

ODI #11509816SEAT BELTS

My driver seat belt comes unbuckled when i'm driving. It's intermittent and random, and i'm very careful to lock in the belt and i pull on it before i start driving to make sure it's locked in, and it still comes undone. I then have to relock it while i'm driving, which is distracting, as well as worrisome that i am without a seatbelt until i can lock it again, especially if i'm on the freeway. I've taken it to my mechanic who drove the car and said the same thing happened to him several times while he was driving.

ODI #11499505AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V543000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer advised the contact to avoid using the front passenger’s side seat. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ODI #11493741POWER TRAIN

In late summer (August 2022) I started seeing a warning but it would disappear so fast. Now it's popping up more: Yellow triangle appears. Engine is giving code# B116229 - "Selector lever park position lock switch Implausible signal" (mileage 104814 km). I originally received a recall notice like this and brought the car into the dealer. He said there was a VIN "Mix up" - something about the last two digits being reversed with another customer. Reading off my dash, this is my VIN [XXX] This sounds a lot like the "Shift Lever Micro Switch" recall which is a safety issue. Thank you INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

ODI #11476587ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen. The contact stated that there was an odor of gasoline in the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was stalling while driving. The contact stated she stopped at a gas station and attempted to add gasoline; however, the tank was already full. The contact was able to drive home safely. After the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that gasoline was leaking underneath the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V647000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine And Engine Cooling) however, the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,400.

ODI #11473452ENGINE

Dealer maintained 2016 VW Golf Sportwagen - coolant level kept getting low. Recent dealer visit indicated a leak in the thermostat housing. This seems to be a common issue with many such VWs, and in some cases other owners have reported multiple repeated failures of this housing. My car only has 66K miles and i haven't had any of my other cars have this issue over 25years of various car ownership.

ODI #11426160SUSPENSION

The passenger side rear coil spring snapped without any warning and with in normal highway and city street use with only 46,244 miles and 5 years of age. The was manufactured in August of 2015, was delivered in November of 2015, and the spring failed in the last week of June 2021. The vehicle is used on road and has had all maintenance done on time or early. I drove the vehicle on June 25th and when I was about 2 miles from home I slowed for an intersection and heard a clank sound from the rear of the vehicle, the remainder of the drive was uneventful. The next day when exiting our garage my wife and I heard a loud clanking sound. I test drove the car around the block and every turn, deceleration, and bump resulted in a clank from the back rear wheel area. The VW dealer confirmed the rear spring had snapped and also noted they had had a number of occurrences on MQB platform VWs and had a Tiguan (same chassis/platform) of similar age in the shop for the same reason. I drove slowly and on low roads to the dealer but it was clear the handling was compromised as it was not predictable in terms of both motions over bumps or when turning or reaction to steering inputs. I spoke with VW corporate and they confirmed an earlier recall on rear coil springs on VW Golf Sportwagens but that recall impacted the 2015. They were unable to assist with the repair but suggested I contact NHTSA. It is fortunate that the failure occurred when it did and not at highway speeds or severe weather. It is also fortunate no fragments of the spring impacted the tire or break components. I have owned many cars with significantly higher miles and managed armored and police vehicle fleets but have never had a car with so few miles have a spring snap.

ODI #11418740AIR BAGSCRASH

1. I BELIEVE THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG MAY HAVE FAILED OR BEEN DISABLED DURING A RECENT COLLISION THAT OCCURRED ON 5/25/21. A DEER STRUCK THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING ON A 55MPH STATE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT A COLLISION REPAIR SHOP GETTING AN ESTIMATE. THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTY WHO RESPONDED TO THE SCENE GAVE AN INITIAL DAMAGE ESTIMATE OF $9000.00. 2. IMMEDIATELY UPON IMPACT THE AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT ILLUMINATED BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. 3.ON 5/26/21, THE DAY AFTER MY ACCIDENT, I RECEIVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION NOTICE DUE TO A POTENTIAL CLOCK SPRING FAILURE THAT COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. 4. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY SHERIFF'S DEPT AND IS CURRENTLY BE EVALUATED BY COLLISION SPECIALIST AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER. 5. THE AIRBAG ERROR LIGHT HAD NEVER ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

ODI #11406665ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

EXISTING NHTSA RECALL 69L2 BUT ON DIFFERENT MODEL YEAR - VW DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND HORN/STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS DISABLED. MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND MY HORN AND STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS BECAME DISABLED SIMULTANEOUSLY AS I WAS IN MOTION DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NOW MY AIRBAG AND HORN/BUTTONS ARE NOT WORKING INCLUDING CRUISE CONTROL. VW RECALLED EARLIER-MODEL VEHICLES BUT THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT STILL HASN'T BEEN SOLVED AND AFFECTS MORE THAN JUST THE MODELS LISTED IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL. I CALLED VW CARE TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER A CAMPAIGN OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER THE PERSON I SPOKE TO TOLD ME THAT MY CLOCK SPRING WAS NOT COVERED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. THIS IS INFURIATING BECAUSE IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE THAT'S DISABLING MY AIRBAG AND HORN BUT VW IS REFUSING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. JUDGING BY HOW MANY COMPLAINTS I'VE SEEN I AM DEFINITELY NOT ALONE. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS ~66K MILES. HERE IS A RELATED VW EXTENDED WARRANTY BULLETIN I FOUND POSTED TO YOUR WEBSITE: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2018/MC-10149942-9999.PDF INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER VW DIDN'T RECALL ENOUGH MODELS: HTTPS://WWW.FORBES.COM/SITES/JENSEN/2018/04/21/FEDS-INVESTIGATE-WHETHER-VW-SHOULD-RECALL-MORE-MODELS/?SH=159D58364C60 CUSTOMERS CONTINUING TO HAVE PROBLEMS EVEN AFTER FIXING, SUGGESTING VW HAS NOT FIXED THE ISSUE: HTTPS://WWW.RATCHETANDWRENCH.COM/ARTICLES/6185-VW-CLOCK-SPRING-RECALL-MAY-HAVE-FAILED HTTP://WWW.VWPROBLEMS.COM/CLOCK-SPRING-FAILURE/ MORE COMPLAINTS: HTTPS://WWW.VEHIE.COM/COMPLAINTS/VOLKSWAGEN?VEHIE_MODEL=GOLF+SPORTWAGEN HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN/GOLF_SPORTWAGEN/2016/SEAT_BELTS_AIR_BAGS/CLOCK_SPRING_BROKEN.SHTML ARTICLE MENTIONING THAT 15/16 SPORTWAGENS NOTORIOUSLY HAVE CLOCK SPRING ISSUES: HTTPS://WWW.WHEELS.CA/CAR-REVIEWS/BUYING-USED-2015-2019-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-SPORTWAGEN/

ODI #11405910STRUCTURE

I PURCHASED MY 2016 VW GOLF SPORTWAGEN IN 2019. SOON AFTER, THERE WAS A RAINSTORM, AND I REALIZED THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF WAS LEAKING HEAVILY ALONG THE BACK PANEL OF THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT A MONTH, AND WAS ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, AS WELL AS REPLACE THE HEADLINER. VW ISSUED A RECALL ON THE FRONT SUNROOF DRAINS IN 2020, IN WHICH THEY MODIFIED THE DRAINS. ONCE THIS WAS PERFORMED, THE SUNROOF BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SENSORS, WHICH WERE DAMAGED DUE TO WATER DAMAGE. THIS REPAIR WAS EXTREMELY COSTLY, BUT I WAS TOLD I COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT, BECAUSE VW WON'T COVER COSTS FROM FAULTY PARTS. I AM NOW LOOKING AT ANOTHER COSTLY REPAIR OF THE SUNROOF, AND A SECOND HEADLINER REPLACEMENT, WITHIN 2 YEARS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE.

ODI #11394513STEERING,AIR BAGS

MY STEERING CLOCK SPRING FAILED AT 37K MILES, THERE'S A RECALL BUT VW SAID MY CAR IS NOT AFFECTED, HOWEVER MANY PEOPLE ON THE FORUMS AND CAR GROUPS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE MORE THAN ONCE, SOME COVERED SOME NOT.

ODI #11389059AIR BAGS

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON

ODI #11385630ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

CLOCK SPRING HAS FAILED WITH HORN AND AIRBAG MALFUNCTION.

ODI #11383104POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

2016 VW GOLF SPORTWAGEN EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK AT THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING/WATER PUMP AT APPROXIMATELY 76,000 MILES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 1.8 ENGINE. DIAGNOSED BY THE VW DEALER AS WELL AS A SEPARATE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. BOTH RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING/WATER PUMP.

ODI #11374194UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

THERMOSTAT HOUSING LEAKING WITH JUST A LITTLE OVER 60K MILES - JUST OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. COST IS ABOUT $1000 AS IT IS POORLY PLACED FOR REPLACEMENT. HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS.

ODI #11352975AIR BAGS

48K MILES, 2016 VW SPORTSWAGEN, FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THERE WAS A CRINKLING,CRUNCHING SOUND WHICH CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, VERY INNOCUOUS NOISE, LIKE A PIECE OF PAPER WAS CAUGHT IN THE COLUMN. IMMEDIATELY A WARNING APPEARED ON THE CONSOLE 'AIRBAG ERROR' WHICH REMAINED ON FOR THE SHORT DRIVE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PARKED, TURNED OFF AND UPON TURNING IGNITION ON AGAIN, THE SAME ERROR WARNING DISPLAYED. UNKNOWN IF OTHER COMPONENTS WERE AFFECTED. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE DETERMINING THE CLOCK SPRING REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THIS RESULTED IN $712 IN REPAIR COSTS AS REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SEEMS LIKE AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH VW.

ODI #11350953FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHILE REFUELING THE FUEL SPEWED BACK OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER NECK SOAKING THE PERSON FUELING THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CHARLES MAUND VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 6900 BURNET RD, ALSTON, TX 78757, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V647000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

ODI #11329576ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

CLOCKSPRING FAILURE AT 32K MILES. TURNED CAR ON AND GOT AN AIRBAG WARNING AND ALL CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL ARE DEAD. OUT OF WARRANTY AND NOT PART OF THE RECALL ACCORDING TO VWOA. *TR

ODI #11321802STEERING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY FIANCE'S VEHICLE HAS THE COMMON CLOCKSPRING ISSUE WHICH RENDERED ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL INACTIVE (HORN, CRUISE CONTROL, AIR BAG, AND RADIO CONTROLS). ONE DAY SHE STARTED THE CAR AND SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. I SCANNED THE VEHICLE AND IT HAD THE KNOWN "B10001 DRIVER AIRBAG IGNITER: RESISTANCE TOO HIGH" CODE. THE DEALER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE COVERED SO LONG AS IT HAD THE CORRECT CODE BUT VWOA DENIED IT. THIS HAS BEEN A VERY WELL KNOWN ISSUE AND HER VEHICLE SHOULD QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY. SHE WAS DENIED BECAUSE HER VIN WAS NOT ON THE LIST EVEN THOUGH HER VEHICLE HAS THE EXACT SAME PARTS AS OTHERS WHICH DO QUALIFY. HER VEHICLE HAD THE SAME CODES REQUIRED ON NHTSA PDF HTTPS://WWW.GOOGLE.COM/URL?SA=T&SOURCE=WEB&RCT=J&URL=HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2018/MC-10149942-9999.PDF&VED=2AHUKEWIZWQZOK_ROAHXJGJQIHU3CBWAQFJABEGQICXAH&USG=AOVVAW3QKZUFKSVTKALROKUEK92M I RECIEVED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR MY 2017 GTI BUT FOR SOME REASON THE GOLF SPORTWAGEN IS NOT COVERED. SEEMS RIDICULOUS TO ONLY COVER SOME MODELS THAT HAVE SAME HARDWARE WHEN ALL SHOULD BE COVERED.

ODI #11318881VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I JUST PURCHASED A PRE-OWNED 2016 SPORTSWAGEN FROM A VW DEALERSHIP IN HOUSTON TEXAS, I'VE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 3 AND A HALF WEEKS AND MY EPC LIGHT HAD CAME ON 4 TIMES SINCE THEN ONLY THIS LAST TIME IT COMPLETELY AFFECTED MY DRIVING BY DROPPING MY SPEED ON THE FREEWAY SUBSTANTIALLY TO WHERE IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I'VE BEEN READING UP ONLINE ON THESE ISSUES AND IT SEEMS TO BE A REOCCURRING ISSUE WITH A FEW OF VOLKSWAGEN'S MODELS YET NOBODY HAS ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE YET, IS HAPPENING WITH VEHICLES COMING RIGHT OFF THE LOT AND VEHICLES THAT ARE A FEW YEARS OLD. I FEEL THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE WHO KNOWS HOW BAD IT CAN GET FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD, MAYBE NEXT TIME IT COULD HAPPEN TO A MOTHER OF FOUR AND THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN BECAUSE OF THE EPC FAILURE AND CAUSES HER TO GET INTO IN ACCIDENT OR WORSE CASE SCENARIO, ME WITH MY KIDS. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE BUT I DO BELIEVE SOMEONE OF HIGHER AUTHORITY SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.

ODI #11318202ENGINE

TOOK CAR IN FOR A USED CAR INSPECTION, COOLANT LEAK NEAR THERMOSTAT HOUSING WAS FOUND. COULD SMELL COOLANT WHILE DRIVING. FIXED UNDER WARRANTY.

ODI #11317943UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VW SERVICE ACTION 60E5 APPLIES TO THE FRONT SUNROOF DRAIN CLEANING AND MODIFICATION. WE HAD UNSEASONABLY HEAVY RAINS OVER THE LAST 2 DAYS. THE RAINWATER BEGAN POURING OUT UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL/FUSE BOX AREA AND CAME THROUGH THE ENTIRE PERIMETER OF THE SUNROOF INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. VW TOLD ME THAT ALL REPAIRS RELATING TO THE SUNROOF LEAK WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE SERVICE ACTION. MY DAUGHTER HAS A COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM AND IS VERY SENSITIVE TO MOLD AND ALLERGENS. THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THE HEADLINER AND ALL ELECTRICAL WOULD BE DRIED WITH FANS AND CLEANED AS NECESSARY. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE THREE ATTACHED PHOTOS. THIS DAMAGE IS A RESULT OF A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE DESIGN OF THE SUNROOF AND I FEEL IT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO THE STATE IT WAS IN BEFORE THE LEAK OCCURRED. THIS IS JUST THE VISIBLE WATER DAMAGE. WE DO NOT KNOW THE EXTENT OF ANY POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO ANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.

ODI #11311671POWER TRAIN

THERMOSTAT HOUSING FOUND TO BE LEAKING WHEN CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR UNRELATED SERVICE. MANY, MANY VW GOLF/GTIS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE.

ODI #11290772AIR BAGSCRASH

I WAS IN A VERY MINOR ACCIDENT INVOLVING ONLY THE FRONT END. I WAS A A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND HIT THE CAR DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME, I HIT THE CAR CAR GOING NO MORE THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR. ALL OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, DRIVER, PASSENGER, AS WELL AS FRONT AND BACK SIDE AIRBAGS. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED THE WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY SHATTERED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. LUCKILY MY SON WAS NOT INJURED WITH THE EXTREME FORE OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. I TOOK THE CAR FOR AN ESTIMATE AND JUST FOR THE INSIDE AIRBAG DAMAGE THE TOTAL WOULD BE $9,300. THIS WAS AN EXTREME SHOCK, NOT ONLY WHEN THE MINOR FENDER BENDER OCCURED BUT NOW THE CAR IS TOTALED BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.IN THIS SITUATION THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OFF FOR SUCH A MINOR CRASH. I NEED THIS TO BE LOOKED INTO FOR OTHER PEOPLE'S SAFETY.

ODI #11252081AIR BAGS

MY CAR WITH APPROXIMATELY 25K MILES ON IT. AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. AT THE SAME TIME, MY HORN, AND OTHER COMPONENTS ON MY STEERING WHEEL STOPPED WORKING. WHEN I DIAGNOSED MY CAR IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL THAT STOPPED WORKING. A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING WILL MAKE IT SO THAT MY AIRBAG DOES NOT FUNCTION. I WAS JUST PARKING MY CAR BUT WERE I IN AN ACCIDENT I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AS MY AIRBAG WOULD NOT WORK. I LOOKED ONLINE AND IT APPEARS VOLKSWAGEN KNOWS OF THIS ISSUE, AND HAS ISSUED WARRANTIES, AND RECALLS BASED ON EVEN THIS PARTICULAR PART WITH THE SAME PART NUMBER. BUT NO RECALL OR WARRANTY OF MY CAR IN PARTICULAR. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS OF MY VEHICLE.

ODI #11218625ENGINE

WHILE DRIVING, THE EPC WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND THE ENGINE LOWERS ITS SPEED. SOMETIMES ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING ALSO COMES ON AT THE SAME TIME. HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SHUT ENGINE OFF AND RESTART TO CLEAR THE EPC WARNING LIGHT. VW SERVICE DEPT. SAYS THEY DON'T KNOW WHY THIS HAPPENS AND NO FIX CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.

ODI #11194730SUSPENSION

BAD REAR SUSPENSION IS DEFORMING THE TIRE AND COULD POSSIUCAUSE A BLOW OUT

ODI #11191890STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SAFETY RECALL. *LD *TR

ODI #11187379UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MICRO SWITCH RECALL. THE KEY MAY BE STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHILE IN PARK AND CANNOT BE REMOVED. I WAS NOTIFIED IN JULY 2018. WANTED TO TRADE THE CAR IN JANUARY 2019 AND THE DEALER GAVE ME A VERY LOW TRADE VALUE DUE TO THE INCOMPLETE RECALL! CAN'T ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ABOUT WHEN IT HAPPENED. DOES NOT APPLY. IT WAS IN JULY 2018 WHEN I WAS NOTIFIED.

ODI #11179733AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I STARTED MY CAR AND THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I THEN NOTICED THAT ALL CONTROLS ON MY STEERING WHEEL NO LONGER WORKED. THIS INCLUDES SPEED CONTROL, HORN, HANDS-FREE PHONE CONTROLS, HANDS-FREE RADIO CONTROLS AN VEHICLE INFORMATION OPTIONS. I ASSUME THAT THE AIR BAG IS ALSO NOT FUNCTIONING. WHEN I RETURNED HOME, I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING WAS THE PROBABLE CAUSE AS IT HAD BEEN RECALLED IN PREVIOUS YEARS BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2016 MODEL. I TOOK THE CAR IN ON 02/12/19. THEY DIAGNOSED ERROR CODE B10001 - INTERNAL FAILURE IN CLOCK SPRING. MY CAR HAS 39,492 MILES WHICH MAKES IT OUT OF WARRANTY. I DECLINED REPAIR ($551.29) AS I FEEL IT SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE. I HAVE 2 ATTACHMENTS.

ODI #11172527UNKNOWN OR OTHER

RECALL HAS BEEN OUT FOR 6 MONTHS, STILL NO FIX AVAILABLE.

ODI #11165958POWER TRAIN

ON JAN. 5TH 2019 THE DASHBOARD WARNING SYSTEM SHOWED A "ERROR - TRANSMISSION". WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP - THEY SAID IT WAS THE SHIFTER UNIT, AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE "POWERTRAIN" WARRANTY. WE WERE TOLD IT WAS STILL SAFE TO DRIVE WHILE THEY ORDERED PARTS. WHILE DRIVING IT HOME FROM THE DEALER, IT WOULD HESITATE WHEN STARTING OFF FROM A STOP - WITH ONCOMMING TRAFFIC, THIS CAN BE A UNSAFE OPTION. LOOKING ON SEVERAL VW SUPPORT FORUMS, I SEE THIS SAME PROBLEM COME UP OFTEN - MOST ARE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY HAPPEN EARLIER THAN OURS DID (36,714 MILES). TO ME IT SEEMS VW HAS A PROBLEM WITH THESE SHIFTER UNITS, BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS THEY ARE FORCED TO.

ODI #11165070AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN. WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED, THE CLOCKSPRING CABLE FRACTURED AND RENDERED THE HORN, AIR BAGS, AND OTHER STEERING WHEEL FUNCTIONS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,669.

ODI #11165629VISIBILITY/WIPER

PANORAMIC SUNROOF IS LEAKING WATER IN MULTIPLE PLACES. WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND EXPOSED TO RAIN OR SNOW THE INSIDE OF PASSENGER CABIN GETS FILED WITH WATER, SPECIFICALY ON REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE AND TRUNK AREA. THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT GET FILLED UP WITH WATER EVERY TIME IT RAINS.

ODI #11118891ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

THE DRAIN ON RETRACTABLE ROOF BECAME BLOCKED. RAINWATER DRAINED INTO CAR SATURATING CARPETS. WATER FLOWED INTO CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSING AN EMERGENCY DASHBOARD ALERT TO STOP DRIVING IMMEDIATELY WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THIS EVENT OCCURRED TWICE: FIRSTLY IN NEW YORK THEN TWO WEEKS LATER IN PA. VW SERVICE IN PA REPLACED CONNECTORS. VW SERVICE IN BROOKLYN NY AND WESTCHESTER PA EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FAULT IN THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN THE RETRACTABLE ROOF.

ODI #11114117AIR BAGS

WHILE DRIVING I COMPLETED A U-TURN AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRING MECHANISM THAT FAILED AND WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. WARRANTY WAS 3 YEAR OR 43,000 MILES, MY VEHICLE HAD 48,846 MILES. THE COST WAS $545.95 TO REPLACE THE PART. I RESEARCHED THIS PART AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE PREVIOUS RECALLS DUE TO FAILURE.

ODI #11111728UNKNOWN OR OTHER

METAL TRIM ON THE BEZEL OF THE GEAR SELECTOR (AT THE BASE) HAS PEELED OFF AND CRACKED. IT IS VERY SHARP AND I CUT MY HAND. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH CARS ON THIS PLATFORM (GOLF, GTI, GOLF SPORTWAGEN).

ODI #11101217AIR BAGSCRASH

WAS HIT IN THE REAR, OTHER DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AROUND 55 MPH AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN (AROUND 5 MPH) TURNING RIGHT FROM A HIGHWAY ONTO ANOTHER ROAD. IMPACT WAS ENOUGH TO CRUSH THE REAR FLOOR PAN AND BEND THE FRAME. I SMELLED AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AFTER THE IMPACT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE WHOLE CAR WENT OFF BUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE STATUS SAYS "ERROR: AIRBAG".

ODI #11084462AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CLOCK SPRING FAILURE IN UNDER 2 YEARS (LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON THE CAR). WHEN CAR WAS TURNED ON ALERTS CAME UP THAT THE AIRBAG HAD MALFUNCTIONED, AND AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION, NONE OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WORKED, AND THE HORN WAS NON-FUNCTIONAL. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH LED ME TO BELIEVE IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRING, AND I ALSO NOTICED VW HAD A CLOCK SPRING RECALL ON CARS FROM 2011-2014, SEEMS LIKE THIS MIGHT BE A LARGER ISSUE. CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED - CLOCK SPRING WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE PROBLEM.

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

HighFUEL PUMP issue detected

▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways

HighDEF issue detected

▸ Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen — recall years marked in red
06110501002018201820192020202120222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 56 total NHTSA complaints filed over 9 years, with the worst year being 2019 (11 complaints, including 1 crash report).

The amber reliability line averaged 94/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 89/100 in 2021.

The recall (red dashed line) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.

Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2018, 2019, 2021) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage

1 known program match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN

VERIFY WITH DEALEREXTENDED WARRANTY
VW/Audi DSG 7-Speed (DQ200) Extended Warranty Program
Transmission – DQ200 7-Speed Dry DSG
COVERAGE:5 years / 60,000 miles (extended program — verify with dealer)

The DQ200 dry 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission exhibits shuddering, jerking, bucking at low speeds, and mechatronic unit failures. VW acknowledged widespread issues and extended coverage on the mechatronic unit and clutch pack under a customer satisfaction program.

HOW TO CLAIM: Visit a VW or Audi dealer and request mechatronic unit inspection and DSG software update 0AM. If shuddering or harsh engagement persists after the software update, the mechatronic unit or clutch pack should be replaced under warranty.

Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.

Details & Analysis
Financial

Repair Cost Intelligence

Estimated repair costs for known VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen defects — quantify your risk in dollars

EmissionsHigh
$0–$2,500
2–8 hrs labor

TDI diesel Dieselgate

VW/EPA consent decree buyback and fix program concluded in 2019. Affected 2.0L vehicles were either bought back or received the approved emissions modification. Verify fix was applied before purchase.

Estimates based on RepairPal averages, ASE mechanic surveys, and NHTSA investigation data. Actual costs vary by region and shop.

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$2,200
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$1,800
Annual Maintenance
10-yr-old vehicle avg
$0
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$29,000

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$35,614
~$594/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$11,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$6,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$6,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $35,614 (~$594/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

3 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,500
Active or settled class action lawsuit for this model−$1,800
1 recall over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$400
Total recommended deduction−$3,700

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2016 VOLKSWAGEN Golf SportWagen — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

⚠ 1 critical inspection item must be resolved before purchase. Do not skip these checks.
CRITICAL
Verify this vehicle has received the EPA-approved emissions fix or was bought back
VW TDI Dieselgate vehicles without the EPA fix may fail emissions in California, NY, and other CARB states. Confirm modification was performed at a VW dealer and obtain written documentation.
HIGH
Inspect for fuel pump issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
HIGH
Inspect for def issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
HIGH
Have a specialist inspect: Volkswagen Dieselgate
Volkswagen Dieselgate: TDI engines equipped with defeat device software to cheat EPA emissions tests
HIGH
Have a specialist inspect: VW settled with US owners for $14.7 billion — one of the largest auto class action settlements in history
VW settled with US owners for $14.7 billion — one of the largest auto class action settlements in history
HIGH
Have a specialist inspect: Affected owners received buyback offers and extended emissions warranty
Affected owners received buyback offers and extended emissions warranty
HIGH
Verify recall STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Volkswagen Golf and Golf Sportwagen vehicl
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe,
HIGH
Verify recall FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

17%
18-month
31%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 31%

17% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • ▸Active class action lawsuit — legal pressure often accelerates recalls

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,450–$1,850/yr
~$121–$154/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 10-year-old vehicle: −18% (depreciated ACV lowers full-coverage cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

VOLKSWAGEN has been fined $19000M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2017: Criminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate.

2016$14700MDieselgate settlement — defeat device software in TDI engines to cheat EPA emissions tests
2017$4300MCriminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN3VWC17AU8GM520388
Model Year2016
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelGolf SportWagen
Trim1.8 TSI S, SE, SEL, Limited Ed./TDI S, SE, SEL
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleWagon
Doors4
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.8
Horsepower170.00

Manufacturer

ManufacturerVOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV
Assembly CityPUEBLA
Assembly CountryMEXICO

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)3VW
Check Digit (Char 9)8
Model Year Code (Char 10)G
Plant Code (Char 11)M
Sequence (Chars 12–17)520388

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count3
NHTSA Complaint Count56

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

3
1
V
2
W
3
C
4
1
5
7
6
A
7
U
8
8
9
G
10
M
11
5
12
2
13
0
14
3
15
8
16
8
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
3
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
V
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
W
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
C17AU
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
8
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
G
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
M
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
520388
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Mexico
From VIN position 1 (3)
Model Year Character
"G" → 2016
Could also be 1986
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/2/2026, 4:18:18 PM.