2016 Volkswagen Golf — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf is a hatchback powered by a 1.8L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine. It returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Volkswagen Golf workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Volkswagen Golf: Fuel economy slips from 42 to 35 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. No longer listed: 2L 4-cyl turbo. It holds a 5★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2015 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual 5-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 93 cu ft (2,633 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 30 urban / 43 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 25 city / 36 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, all with the 1.8L 4-cyl turbo engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/35) | 192 | $2,300 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/36) | 190 | $2,300 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 93 cubic feet (about 2,633 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf
Running Costs: 2016 Volkswagen Golf
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Volkswagen Golf at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Volkswagen Golf Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 12 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Volkswagen Golf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (3), Visibility/wiper (1), Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 24V110000, reported 14 February 2024. Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Visibility/wiper — campaign 22V831000, reported 9 November 2022. Risk: Windshield wipers that cannot be activated may lead to reduced visibility for the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 22V543000, reported 27 July 2022. 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…
- Electrical system — campaign 19V615000, reported 22 August 2019. Risk: Removing 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.
Showing the 4 most recent of 12 campaigns.
Owners have filed 219 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (50), Engine (47), Unspecified (38). Complaints include 5 reported crashes, 13 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 64 complaints across the 12 Volkswagen Golf model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (3 recall campaigns · 50 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Engine (47 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 33 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Visibility (1 recall campaign) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Volkswagen models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 Volkswagen Golf's 35 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 23 g/km lower than the 213 g/km Volkswagen average.
Of the 12 Volkswagen Golf model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 10th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined, against a high of 42 mpg). See every Volkswagen Golf year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf have?
It's fitted with a 1.8L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine, paired with a manual 5-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 12 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Volkswagen Golf (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (3), Visibility/wiper (1), Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf?
Among the 219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (50 complaints), Engine (47 complaints), Unspecified (38 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2016 Volkswagen Golf have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 93 cubic feet (about 2,633 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.