There are 3 owner-reported body & structure complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen GTIin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
THE FRONT EDGE OF THE DECORATIVE METAL TRIM AROUND THE GEAR SELECTOR SLICED MY FINGER OPEN. THIS OCCURRED ON 3/12/2019 WHILE REACHING INTO THE BIN IN FRONT OF THE TRIM. THE METAL IS EXTREMELY SHARP AND CAUSED PANIC WHILE DRIVING AS MY FINGER BLED.
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON MY USUAL HIGHWAY ROUTE WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. THERE WERE NOT CARS IN PROXIMITY TO MINE, NONE IN FRONT, TO THE SIDE OR REAR. I WAS ON A BRIDGE, ABOUT MID-SECTION WHEN THE IT HAPPENED. IT WAS LOUD AND SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION. LUCKILY MINIMAL GLASS DROPPED INTO THE INTERIOR. I HAVE NO EXPLANATION FOR WHY IT HAPPENED, IT SEEMED SPONTANEOUS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GTI. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WERE ABNORMAL NOISES COMING FROM THE TOP PART OF BOTH REAR DOORS AND THE HATCHBACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE FRAME AND EXPANDING STRUCTURAL FOAM NEEDED TO BE SPRAYED IN THE HOLLOW PARTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026