2016 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen

On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle. This recall covered certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 passenger car vehicles. The recall remedy repair replaced SJP Version 1.0 with an improved version, Version 1.1. The SJP is designed to purge fuel from the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. VW’s recall filing stated the SJP may have been damaged during assembly, which could potentially allow fuel to flow directly into the EVAP system. Over time, the fuel could accumulate in, and cause a leak from, the charcoal canister filter element. ODI received consumer complaints of SJP failure leading to a fuel leak, refueling spit back, refueling shutoff, and/or fuel odor in vehicles previously repaired under recall 16V-647. Additional complaints alleging SJP failure leading to the previously stated outcomes were received in vehicles outside the scope of recall 16V-647, including MY 2016-2020 VW Golf and Audi A3 vehicles. VW issued recall 24V-110 on February 14, 2024, to address issues with SJPs Versions 1.0 and 1.1. The recall remedy replaces the SJP Version 1.0 or 1.1 with an improved version, Version 2.0. Recall 24V-110 covers certain MY 2015-2020 VW Golf (including Golf GTI), 2015-2020 Audi A3, and 2019-2020 VW Jetta GLI vehicles, including vehicle previously repaired under 16V-647. Vehicle owners were notified of this recall in April 2024 and VW’s projected date for owner notification of recall remedy availability is August 2024. In view of the recall being conducted by VW, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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).

NHTSA ID

11754963

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

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. .

NHTSA ID

11702007

Incident

Oct 8, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11699966

Incident

Oct 8, 2025

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)

NHTSA ID

11692002

Incident

May 30, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11665944

Incident

May 2, 2025

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?

NHTSA ID

11615900

Incident

Jul 31, 2024

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11610141

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11588747

Incident

May 14, 2024

This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019 - Hotfix 12-V battery test(s) – No battery diagnosis - Inconclusive test result.

Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement

Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.

Lubricating engine components before reassembly.

Inquiries

Volkswagen Engine Oil Standards