RoadVitals

2016 Volkswagen Golf Fuel system Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the fuel system system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Fuel system reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
32
Latest Sep 20, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
38%
of 85 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 32 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming fuel system

The 25 most recent of 32, in the owner's own words

EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 20, 2025

The EPC light has luminated 3 times in the last several months. The vehicle stutters and will not accelerate past 25 MPH. Shutting off the engine and restarting it clears the light and vehicle drives normally. The check engine light does not illuminate and no OBDII codes are stored. Manual states to take vehicle to authorized dealership for diagnosis if light stays illuminated.

NHTSA ID
11688624
Incident
Sep 19, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Apr 23, 2025

I was driving my vehicle on the highway when a driver stopped me and warned me that my vehicle was leaking a huge amount of gasoline. I had a technician inspect the car to see if it might be a fuel line, the technician told me the fuel.lines were good and there were no signs of the gas coming from the lines and no cracks on the tank either. I received a letter from Volkswagen about the recall and I researched it and it says that if that is the problem the car would be leaking gas and it was dangerous as an ignition might cause a fire. I towed my vehicle to the Volkswagen here in Laredo after calling and speaking to someone from service and told yes I could bring it in and the recall part would be replaced free but I would have to leave the vehicle there. When I arrived they told me I would have to pay a diagnostic of 185 dlls and the repair. Which was not what I was told when I called earlier. So I had to pay again to have the vehicle removed from the premises without having the recall part changed.

NHTSA ID
11656404
Incident
Apr 23, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Nov 27, 2024

Car began spraying fuel upon turning the key in the ignition. Recall work pertaining to the suction jet pump was recently performed and is the only likely cause of this issue. Car did not leak when fuel pump was disengaged. Very lucky that issue occurred in a parking lot while not moving and did not lead to a fire or crash.

NHTSA ID
11627766
Incident
Nov 25, 2024
EngineFuel system
Filed Nov 5, 2024

My EPC light began to appear randomly in early 2024. I received a recall notice on the gear shift trim around the same time, so called Jack Ingram VW in Montgomery to schedule a time for them to fix it (and also ensure they had the part). I asked them to also check on why the EPC light was coming on. Brought in my car on 2/28/24. Service Dept then tells me they weren't sure what was causing the EPC light to come on, and they didn't have the gear shift trim part. They quoted me a lot of work to do, which I wasn't prepared financially to have completed. EPC light continued to appear at random. Each time it did, my car would shake and it would feel like I was losing control of the vehicle. I received another recall notice for the suction jet pump inside the fuel tank. When I called Jack Ingram VW to schedule this work, I asked if this had anything to do with my EPC light coming on. They weren't sure. The recall work for both the suction jet pump inside the fuel tank and the gear shift trim were completed on 8/28/24. Car worked fine until about a month later and the EPC light came on again. Called another VW mechanic in Montgomery (Powell's Automotive) to see if they can fix it. On 9/20/24 they replaced battery, spark plugs, ignition coil, and did an oil change. Worked great until [XXX] when my engine failed and left me stranded in the road. There were no warning lights prior to the engine failing. Could not restart car. Had it towed to Powell's who could not fix it, then to Jack Ingram VW. I asked them if this had anything to do with the recall work that was done. They said this would be the first if it was. They told me the in tank fuel pump needed replacing. Work completed 10/25/24. How can they work on the suction jet pump inside the fuel tank and not get a diagnostic that the in tank fuel pump was failing? I've already paid a lot of money to try to resolve the issue, and my EPC light is still coming on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11623672
Incident
Oct 25, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Jul 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank suction jet pump had failed, causing damage to the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 36,018. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11598685
Incident
Jul 1, 2024
Mileage
36,018 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 17, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated there was fuel leaking from the charcoal canister. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ID
11594770
Incident
Feb 15, 2024
Mileage
41,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 24, 2024

We are unable to fill up the gas tank due the recall issue. The dealership says we can bring it in and they will repair but at this time we would have to pay for the repair. VW has not come up with a fix for the recall problem at this time. This problem has rendered our vehicle not drivable. What is the recourse? Fuel also leaks out when trying to fill the gas tank. It could start a fire.

NHTSA ID
11590634
Incident
May 23, 2024
Fuel system
Filed May 14, 2024

My vehicle is leaking fuel. I have been unable to drive it for a few weeks due to the recall not having an approved repair. The dealership did not offer me any solution other than to pay for the repair out of pocket. This has been a known issue since February and no remedy is available from Volkswagen.

NHTSA ID
11588794
Incident
Apr 24, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Apr 30, 2024

When refueling, the gasoline spills out and can't fill the tank. Took the car to the dealer and they are asking for 2,500$ for repair.

NHTSA ID
11586168
Incident
Apr 1, 2024
EngineFuel system
Filed Apr 3, 2024

I have had this car since 2021, when I first bought it they had to keep it for another week due to a coolant break error? Had to fix it but later on I had to put tons of money into the car almost more money than it’s worth. And I’ve had a engine light on religiously for the entirety of the car, however my cars engine lights flash at times when I am driving and it gets hard to accelerate and reeks of gas- I’ve given up on dealerships because they have done everything else but what I have asked them to do and I still leave and the engine light turns on after. I did some research and learned my car has a recall since 2/14/2024 and I’ve had no update on my vehicles recall or if it’s repairable. My car will refuse to start at times and I’ve told this dealership this car will most likely kill me since I’ve put so much money into it for nothing to be fixed? And if it’s been this recall error what do I do? Please help me bought from Allen web Mitsubishi. All the symptoms are there but I’m scared

NHTSA ID
11581003
Incident
Apr 1, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Feb 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact drove to the residence and became aware that there was a puddle of gasoline under the passenger’s side rear wheel nearby the fuel tank. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ID
11571071
Incident
Feb 1, 2024
Mileage
41,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 12, 2023

After parking car and turning off engine, I exited vehicle and noticed a cascade of fuel falling to the pavement by the rear wheel near the fuel tank. Fire Department was called as I was in a public parking lot. Vehicle was towed to dealer.

NHTSA ID
11549709
Incident
Oct 12, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Jul 5, 2023

My vehicle is unable to fuel up, when attempting to fuel at the pump the fuel will build up in the filler neck causing the pump ti stop and fuel spill out from the filler neck and when driven, fuel will begin to leak from the EVAP canister located on the right rear of the vehicle. Dealership is unwilling to correct this issue as it is a known issue to them of the problem

NHTSA ID
11530543
Incident
Jun 25, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Apr 19, 2023

Fuel was found to be leaking from the rear passenger side wheel well. A secondary flame source could cause a significant fire risk. Issue is being investigated by local VW dealer. There are no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. Dealer recommends a replacement of the charcoal filter and N80 valve in order to have the ability to test the fuel pressure and fuel pump. My particular VIN number is not part of an existing recall on the fuel pump where fuel leak, bad charcoal canister, and N80 valve are symptomatic (secondary failures) of a bad fuel pump (primary failure). I question if the parts under the existing recall should be expanded to include a larger population.

NHTSA ID
11517819
Incident
Apr 15, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Jan 30, 2023

Fuel leaking and pooling from the rear right tire well. Tire well saturated with fuel. Occurs after engine hesitation at high speeds, similar to running out of gas. Opening the gas cap causes some fuel splashing around the opening and gurgling and hissing sounds. Difficulty re-fueling after incident, gas pump keeps shutting off. Fuel siphon pump was tested, and vehicle has been inspected by dealership, problem is not reproducible on demand. No warning lamps turn on.

NHTSA ID
11504539
Incident
Jan 9, 2023
Fuel system
Filed Oct 20, 2022

Fuel leaking and pooling from the rear right tire well. Tire well saturated with fuel. Occurs after engine hesitation at high speeds, similar to running out of gas. Opening the gas cap causes some fuel splashing around the opening and gurgling and hissing sounds. Difficulty re-fueling after incident, gas pump keeps shutting off. Fuel siphon pump was tested, and vehicle has been inspected by dealership, problem is not reproducible on demand. No warning lamps turn on.

NHTSA ID
11490211
Incident
Oct 8, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Sep 3, 2022

At 80. 7k miles the car began to smell heavily of gasoline and I found gasoline leaking from the back right bumper just in front of the tire. I took the car to the dealership the next day and today they've told me that it could be a number of parts but what we have on order is the evap canister and the n80 purge valve. If this does not fix it then it is the entire gas tank, very expensive. There were no warning lamps and this issue was reproduced at the dealership. They've told me there's no recalls or warranties but I have read that many other people in the local VW group have had this issue. Volkswagen needs to own up to their previous emissions hang-ups.

NHTSA ID
11482782
Incident
Aug 2, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Sep 2, 2022

I was driving my 2016 Volkswagen Golf on a roadtrip from Pennsylvania to North Carolina on 8/13. I did the 60k mile service and had my mechanic do a safety check before the roadtrip. I spent the night of 8/13 in Richmond, VA. I went to put gas in the car the next day and it was not taking the gas instead it was propelling it out of the car. The gas station attendant managed to get some gas in the tank and chalked it up to the new pumps. I stopped in NC to get more gas and none would go in. I noticed there was gas coming out of the car on the passenger side, right behind the rear tire. I had to get the car towed to my destination in NC. A dealer in NC looked at the car and diagnosed that there was a problem with the evap system. They tried this "to start with the remedy of the fuel issue on the golf we will need to start by replacing the charcoal canister -AND LDP valve (one unit) N80 purge valve. Now if it came down to replacing that fuel tank (a rough idea) there may be some additional parts we could need with replacement of the tank because it is an updated unit compared to the original. that is a big job, the rear subframe does need to be removed and in doing so the car will need to be aligned afterwards. you could be looking at an additional..." At no part in the journey were there any warning lights that indicated something was wrong with the car. Others here have pointed out that there was a recall for the EVAP system for this model and year of car. https://auto-recalls.justia.com/volkswagen/gti/2016/16v647000/ Like others I called VW Customer Care and they told me that my vehicle was not covered under any current recall and they would not confirm the 2016 recall happened at all.

NHTSA ID
11482655
Incident
Aug 13, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Aug 20, 2022

at 80.7k miles the car began to smell heavily of gasoline and I found gasoline leaking from the back right bumper just in front of the tire. I took the car to the dealership the next day and today they've told me that it could be a number of parts but what we have on order is the EVAP cannister and the N80 purge valve. If this does not fix it then it is the entire gas tank, very expensive. There were NO warning lamps and this issue was reproduced at the dealership. They've told me there's no recalls or warranties but I have read that many other people in the MK7 group have had this issue. Volkswagen needs to own up to their previous emissions hang-ups

NHTSA ID
11480310
Incident
Aug 18, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 18, 2022

The car had a few hiccup on the freeway. Eventually the car had a strong gas smell, did not allow to add/fill up gas and was leaking gas at the back of the car. The car could have caught fire without us knowing. The problem was reproduced and known to the dealers. The second dealer Hewlett had seen another 3 cars with same issue as my car! Please see all invoices showing the parts and issues with car. suction pump in the fuel tank, fuel pump gasket, purge valve, evap canister, N80 valve. There is a recall for same issue but my car was never recalled! Recall 16V647000 Summary Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. Recall 16V647000 Consequence As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Recall 16V647000 Solution Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298, Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 20Y6 and 20Y5.

NHTSA ID
11474603
Incident
Jul 3, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Dec 11, 2021

If I try to refill the gas tank, it will spill the gas back at me. And when I got home it was pouring gas to the floor. I’ve read is the suction pump but for some reason my car is not listed on this recall and is happening to me now. Is very dangerous because is gasoline pouring in the ground plus I can’t put any more gasoline in the tank. It just won’t let me. I have videos of the problem. Tried contacting VW dealers but they told me that there’s no recall on this for my vehicle. Online there’s a recall for this exact same problem and my car has it. I don’t want my car to catch fire or something.

NHTSA ID
11443427
Incident
Dec 10, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Nov 22, 2021

While parked the gas tank started leaking gas from rear passenger-side wheel well.

NHTSA ID
11441391
Incident
Nov 7, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Sep 21, 2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "Volkswagen" is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen, GTI, Audi A3 sedan and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Due to a problem with the suction pump inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions "EVAP" system. As fuel accumulates in the EVAP system, it may leak out through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. VW is not honoring the recall in my vehicle because it notes that my VIN number is not associated with the defected part, but this is the same issue that happened to my vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11433810
Incident
Sep 3, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Dec 27, 2020

RAW FUEL SMELL IN CABIN. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER A SHORT TRIP. I STOP AND RESTART WITHIN A FEW MINUTES AND IT IS QUITE A HEAVY SMELL LIKE A FUEL LEAK. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE THIS MONTH.

NHTSA ID
11385092
Incident
Dec 24, 2020
Mileage
28,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 22, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GTI S 4D AUTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY TO FLAGSHIP VOLKSWAGEN CARRETERA (#2 14.7, BAYAMN, 00922, PUERTO RICO, 787-302-2718) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EVAP SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 31,546.

NHTSA ID
11245909
Incident
Aug 21, 2019
Mileage
31,546 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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