2016 Volkswagen E-Golf
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › E-Golf › 2016
These records cover every 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
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. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 e-Golf vehicles manufactured May 21, 2014, to March 1, 2016. Oversensitive diagnostics for the high-voltage battery management system may falsely detect an electrical surge resulting in the vehicle's electric drive motor shutting down unexpectedly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An unexpected vehicle shutdown can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will update the battery management software, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 93B4.
Owner complaints
18 complaints1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
The regenerative braking system on my car shut off for about half a second before re engaging automatically. I was slowing down at a red light and had a car in front of me. As I applied the brakes, I hit a bump in the road and the brakes completely stopped working, causing me to almost hit the car…
The regenerative braking system on my car shut off for about half a second before re engaging automatically. I was slowing down at a red light and had a car in front of me. As I applied the brakes, I hit a bump in the road and the brakes completely stopped working, causing me to almost hit the car in front of me. I do not believe that this issue is known among these vehicles, and I don't know if it has been confirmed by a dealer or testing lab. There were no warning signs for this event, the brakes just shut off for half a second.
- Electrical system
While the vehicle is attached to A/C power for charging, the forced air heating system does not warm the car. This can leave the occupants without heat for an extended period of time while charging in a remote location which could be life threatening. There used to be a "work around" using CarNET…
While the vehicle is attached to A/C power for charging, the forced air heating system does not warm the car. This can leave the occupants without heat for an extended period of time while charging in a remote location which could be life threatening. There used to be a "work around" using CarNET functions for this car, but that service has been discontinued for the 2016 model year. It should also be noted that other battery electric vehicles allow heating and cooling while plugged in to A/C power.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Two miles into my morning commute, I accelerated to 65 mph when the following message appeared on the instrument display "Error: electrical system. Stop!" At the same time, the vehicle lost all electrical motor drive and began to coast and decelerate. As I coasted there was a clicking noise in…
Two miles into my morning commute, I accelerated to 65 mph when the following message appeared on the instrument display "Error: electrical system. Stop!" At the same time, the vehicle lost all electrical motor drive and began to coast and decelerate. As I coasted there was a clicking noise in the drivetrain and remained audible while I changed lanes to the shoulder and made a safe full stop. I powered the vehicle OFF then ON three time or until the error disappeared. The vehicle was driven to a service location and scanned which revealed 14 error codes (ref. attachment) related to electric drivetrain. This error is a safety related fault and needs to be investigated by a NHTSA and a VW safety engineer.
- Electrical system › Propulsion system › Charging › Cable/cord › Accessory
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf. The contact stated that while charging the vehicle with the level 3 charger, the female connector on the vehicle became loosened due to a failure with the 4 tabs holding the connector in place on the vehicle. The level 3 charger loosened and exposed the…
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen E-Golf. The contact stated that while charging the vehicle with the level 3 charger, the female connector on the vehicle became loosened due to a failure with the 4 tabs holding the connector in place on the vehicle. The level 3 charger loosened and exposed the plug with live current going to the part. The contact stated that he smelled a burnt electrical odor and the charger was now inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, there were no trained technicians available to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
- Electrical system · Steering · Vehicle speed control
I was driving down the road and the car halted all of a sudden. an error appeared on the dashboard that said electric failure. Stop. luckily no cars were behind me or it would have been an accident. the car would not start back up for 30-40 minutes.
- Engine · Unknown or other
The drop down v-clamp on the exhaust system at the engine came lose. the screw that IS to secure this clamp does not function properly and will not stay in place to keep the clamp tight allowing the exhaust to come into the cabin of the automobile. I drove around with the windows down for two…
The drop down v-clamp on the exhaust system at the engine came lose. the screw that IS to secure this clamp does not function properly and will not stay in place to keep the clamp tight allowing the exhaust to come into the cabin of the automobile. I drove around with the windows down for two (2) weeks prior to my husband finding the issue. he has finally replaced the screw with another screw and a lock nut in order to keep it closed. first this was a unusual noise, then a smell of exhaust and then, my eyes were burning and running water. And you could not breath. I checked online and this appears to be a very common problem with this car. I am shocked there IS not a recall. I wish I could give this car back as I feel I could have died in that car.
- Unknown or other
Metal trim around center console and steering wheel has sharp edges and can cut hands without warning. my trim was not bent until after it was caught on my hand and sliced my finger in two places.
- Electrical system · Power train
While charging the car, an electric component failed and the card got disabled and would not start anymore. It also stopped charging. The car was then towed away from charging station to the nearest dealership.
- Unknown or other
TL* the contact owns a 2016 volkswagen e-golf. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v329000 (unknown or other). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called autonation (8201 east sprague ave…
TL* the contact owns a 2016 volkswagen e-golf. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v329000 (unknown or other). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called autonation (8201 east sprague ave, spokane, wa 99212, 866-483-4544) and was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they would not repurchase the vehicle. No additional assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Unknown or other
We were lied to by the dealer about the cars history. With this current recall on the car, the major repair we just had, the fact that VW doesn't have techs in the area limiting our repair ability, and the fact that any repairs require VW to send in techs to the area, prolonging the time without the car, I asked VW to do a buy back as there IS no fix for the recall. VW refused to buy the car back.
- Electrical system
Vehicle charging port does not respect the sae j1772 protocol in stopping current flow when depressing the button (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/sae_j1772#safety). This has caused large sparks at charging stations with a broken latch mechanism but working button.
- Engine · Power train
Without warning the car died in the middle of the freeway while I was driving. the engine would not restart and the car had to be towed.
- Unknown or other
Engine turns off and car brakes to an abrupt stop while driving if "start engine start" button IS pressed by user error instead of the adjacent "mode" button used to select either "normal", "eco", or "eco+" energy levels. 1. While driving at low speed both times I have turned off the car while in…
Engine turns off and car brakes to an abrupt stop while driving if "start engine start" button IS pressed by user error instead of the adjacent "mode" button used to select either "normal", "eco", or "eco+" energy levels. 1. While driving at low speed both times I have turned off the car while in motion once prior to making a left turn and then the second time in the middle of an intersection which were both dangerous situations but there was no accident. 2. the car always starts in normal mode so if one IS low on range as I was both times, whenever the car IS restarted one must manually switch back to eco or eco+. if you have already just started driving you might realize the need to change modes to eco from normal for example while in motion. for safety, I keep my eyes on the road so reached down to where I thought the mode button was and instead pressed start engine stop button which dramatically turns off the car. It does not coast, but comes to an immediate stop. 3. the vehicle manual has a warning on page 210 to not turn off the car in motion which IS stating the obvious but manuals do not prevent human error and I am not the first person to do this since have found an entire thread about this on the myvwegolf.com forum. 4. the solution should be a straightforward vehicle software update that will lockout the start engine stop button completely while the car IS in motion, in "drive", "b", or "r" gear selector positions. 5. in the meantime to a resolution to this safety issue, I will be placing a rigid round plastic button over the start engine stop button attached with velcro to prevent this from happening again by mistake. 6. I have reported this safety complaint to VW care via chat and the transcript IS available on request. 7. a photo of the adjacent buttons IS submitted.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2016 volkswagen e-golf. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v138000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). The dealer stated that they could not perform the recall on electric vehicles. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a…
TL* the contact owns a 2016 volkswagen e-golf. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v138000 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). The dealer stated that they could not perform the recall on electric vehicles. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer informed the contact that they would have to drive the vehicle to another state to get the recall performed. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Electrical system
I was driving back from work after charging 100%. after I drove for about 10 miles on an expressway (lawrence), I stopped at the signal light. After the signal turned green, I accelerated the car. immediately, alarms went off and said electric failure. "Electrical system failure: stop!". I…
I was driving back from work after charging 100%. after I drove for about 10 miles on an expressway (lawrence), I stopped at the signal light. After the signal turned green, I accelerated the car. immediately, alarms went off and said electric failure. "Electrical system failure: stop!". I stopped and restarted the car. Again the same error. Immediately, I turned on the flash lights. Car didnt move and cards behind me were honking the horn. I called 911 and police came and saved me dragging the car to the shoulder. I couldnt even get down the car due to safety concerns and cars going at 50mph. I called egolf emergency road service. They came after an hour and towed the car to volkswagon center. car IS brand new with only 1500 miles. on further investigation. Volkswago service rep called me and told that the 12 v battery IS faulty and it will take 6 weeks to replace. one of my friends also had the same battery issue in dec 2015 and he also had the same issue with 12 v battery issue. I am very concerned at this point that I don't want to drive on egolf. one of my friends
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Steering
I pulled out of my office parking lot and as I was trying to cross into traffic going left, my car died, instrument panel light up like a christmas tree, with a car heading my way. By luck I knocked it into neutral and had enough momentum to get out of the way. Barely escaping an accident. At any…
I pulled out of my office parking lot and as I was trying to cross into traffic going left, my car died, instrument panel light up like a christmas tree, with a car heading my way. By luck I knocked it into neutral and had enough momentum to get out of the way. Barely escaping an accident. At any moment in the future, I could see this error again: "electrical system failure: stop!", which kills the motor, and means no brake or steering assistance system (power steering), airbag, safety belt pretensioner, and other vehicle safety features.
- Electrical system · Engine
VW e-golf electrical vehicle died suddenly while driving coming to an abrupt stop (as if the breaks had been fully applied) while entering single lane highway on-ramp during morning rush hour. Unable to roll the car to the side to avoid traffic. Unable to exit the car as other vehicles were…
VW e-golf electrical vehicle died suddenly while driving coming to an abrupt stop (as if the breaks had been fully applied) while entering single lane highway on-ramp during morning rush hour. Unable to roll the car to the side to avoid traffic. Unable to exit the car as other vehicles were swerving on both sides to avoid a collision. Took over 20 minutes to get assistance to pull the car to the side of the road (thanks to a courageous good samaritan) until police and tow truck arrived over 35 minutes after the incident. Vehicle was towed to dealer where mechanics were unable to deal with it (high voltage vehicle) until they received instructions from VW of america. It took about 1 week to have the issue resolved. Complete description of the work performed at the dealership: "1456 vehicle does not go into ready mode electrical system error displayed on mfd. Gff. P060c internal control module main processor performance active/static in 8C module. Contact techline 1548611. Advised to attach mvb from 8C and 51. Attached mvb. Techline advised to charge 12 volt battery and clear faults. Charge 12V battery. Test battery and okay. Clear faults. Vehicle now starts. Road test 30 miles. Then charge hv battery with level 2 charger. Re scan and no faults. Contact qtm and advised to perform another road test. Road tested vehicle additional 20 miles. Re scan. No faults. Qtm advises to release vehicle at this time." service advisor stated that it was a software glitch and it "should" not happen again. I'm concerned for the safety of the driver and passengers if the issue reoccurs.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
I bought a brand new e-golf, nov 2015. Drove it 4 days and broke! It's been 1 month in the shop and still not repaired. volkswagen america answer (3RD week) - we will never give you a new car, that's why it has a warranty. - we will not give your money back. - we don't have to provide you a…
I bought a brand new e-golf, nov 2015. Drove it 4 days and broke! It's been 1 month in the shop and still not repaired. volkswagen america answer (3RD week) - we will never give you a new car, that's why it has a warranty. - we will not give your money back. - we don't have to provide you a loaner nor pay for your transportation while your car IS being repaired. - you will not get compensated for anything. - you owe us this month lease payment, btw! volkswagen america answer (4TH week): we are not allowed to talk you. Get an attorney to reach out to us. still considering to buy an e-golf?? Good luck!
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for…
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010024Lack of paint under roof
- 11010022Engine Oil Standards
- 11010021Additional reporting
- 11010013Service Action Closure Notice
- 11010011Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11008865Battery Health, Remaining Capacity
- 11008861Fluid requirements
- 11008860Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 11008858A list of engine oil that meet Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards
- 11008857How to perform the engine oil consumption measurement
- 11008856Checking Engine Oil and correctly reading dip stick
- 11008853How to manage software versions using VW diagnostic Tool
- 11008852Recommended Gasoline Quality
- 11008851Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008850Fuel additive to help with misfire faults
- 11008846Wind & Water Leak Checking
- 11007398Battery testing
- 11007393Engine Oil Standards
- 11005825Engine oil quality standards
- 11005823KESSY Key adaptation
- 11002875Engine oil quality standards
- 11001522These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- 11001508Engine oil quality standards
- 11001503Forigen objects inside seat belt buckle
- 11001494These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the Class Action Settlement
- 10253481Carefree Maintenance and VW Care Maintenance Plans Interim AdBlue Refills -? Diesel Engines Model Year 2015 and Newer
- 10253480Volkswagen Care Maintenance Plans Claim Coding (Volkswagen Care and Volkswagen Care Plus)
- 10253478Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? VW e-Golf Model Year 2015 and Newer
- 10253477Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program ? Diesel Engines Model Year 2015 and Newer
- 10253474This communication contains important information and SAGA claim entry requirements for the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program for all Model Year 2015 and newer VW models with Gasoline Engines.
- 10253262VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10253192Infotainment Worksheet (U.S. Only)
- 10252209e-Golf Evacuating/Filling Refrigerant
- 10250798VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10249418VW Engine oil quality standards
- 10249414A/C Compressor leak diagnosis
- 10249138Airbag / Pyrotechnic Safety Belt Deployment Inquiries, update to contact information due to retirement.
- 10249136Addressing Cybersecurity or Vehicle Hack concerns
- 10248096Instruction to determine the remaining battery capacity of the high-voltage battery,
- 10245617Reporting procedure for A/C compressor replacement regardless of the reason for failure. Update to model year applicability and new warranty GFF labor operation number
Every Volkswagen E-Golf model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.