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2016 Volkswagen

Golf

Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo

Volkswagen Golf: best and worst years

Overview

Body
Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Manual 5-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
170
Power to weight
0.056 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.39
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Start-stop system
NoEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
36 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
25 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
29 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,150EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
CO₂
305 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Eco Score
7/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Dimensions & capacity

Length
167 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
71 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
57 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
104 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,025 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
9
Owner complaints
85
Reported injuries
2

Feature availability

Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.

Standard

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM25%
  • ENGINE16%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER12%
  • AIR BAGS9%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7%
  • STRUCTURE6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 115 total.

Volkswagen Golf: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • RQ23007opened Dec 12, 2023FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
Maintenance
2 yr / 20k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.