The 2016 Volkswagen GTI is a performance-oriented hatchback, part of the Golf family's legacy of sporty driving. Available as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback, the GTI's sixth generation spanned model years 2015-2017 with minimal changes. Key trims include the base GTI, S, SE, and Autobahn. New, they ranged from around $25,000 to $35,000. Its blend of practicality, performance, and German engineering make it a perennial favorite.
The Good
The 2016 GTI boasts a responsive turbocharged engine for thrilling performance, appealing to enthusiasts. It offers a comfortable ride and practical hatchback versatility for everyday needs. Its iconic design and well-built interior provide a premium feel. While not the most efficient, it strikes a good balance with performance. It represents strong value in the hot hatch segment.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses include potential for water pump failures, carbon buildup on the intake valves of the direct-injection engine, and possible electrical issues. Some owners have reported problems with the infotainment system. Pre-purchase inspections are recommended to check for deferred maintenance and any signs of these issues. The infamous water pump issue is a big one.
2016 Volkswagen GTI: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (TSI)
- Horsepower: 210 hp (220 hp with Performance Package)
- Torque: 258 lb-ft
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated): 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway (with manual transmission), 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (with DSG automatic)
- 0-60 mph: Around 6.4 seconds (manual), slightly faster with DSG.
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
- Trim-Level Features:
- GTI: Cloth upholstery, touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth, USB port, rearview camera, performance monitor.
- GTI S: Adds keyless entry, upgraded brakes (optional performance package).
- GTI SE: Leather upholstery, sunroof, premium audio system, blind spot monitoring.
- GTI Autobahn: Adaptive suspension, navigation system, automatic climate control, premium wheels, LED taillights.
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive.
2016 Volkswagen GTI Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2016 |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTI |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4-Door 6-Speed Automatic |
| Type | - |
| Category | - |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | - |
| Manufacturing City | - |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | - |
| Engine Size | - |
| Engine Cylinders | - |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | - |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Vehicle
Specifications
Specifications
Ownership
History
History
All History
Events
Events
NMVTIS Title
History Check
History Check
Salvage/Rebuilt
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Accident
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Theft
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Open Lien
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Past Sale
Listings
Listings
Safety
Recalls
Recalls
Odometer
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Market Price
Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2016 Volkswagen GTI Have?
Frequently reported problems for the 2016 Volkswagen GTI often revolve around the cooling system. Water pump failure is a common issue, sometimes occurring at relatively low mileage. This can lead to overheating and potentially serious engine damage if not addressed promptly. Carbon buildup on the intake valves is another concern with direct-injection engines like the GTI's. This can reduce performance and fuel economy over time, requiring periodic cleaning. Some owners have also reported issues with the infotainment system, including glitches and connectivity problems. There have been recalls for various issues, including fuel system leaks and potential problems with the sunroof. Long-term reliability can be affected by these issues, as well as the general wear and tear associated with a performance-oriented vehicle. Regular maintenance and proactive repairs are essential for maintaining the GTI's reliability. Check NHTSA.gov for the latest recall information specific to your VIN. The 2016 model year is not significantly different from the 2015 and 2017 models in terms of these common issues.
How long will the 2016 Volkswagen GTI last?
With proper maintenance, a 2016 Volkswagen GTI can easily reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. Many owners report 10+ years of service. However, long-term durability depends heavily on maintenance habits. Neglecting oil changes, failing to address cooling system leaks, or ignoring carbon buildup can significantly shorten its lifespan. Weaknesses over time include potential turbocharger issues, suspension component wear, and the aforementioned carbon buildup and water pump failures. Regular preventative maintenance is key to mitigating these risks.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 2016 GTI features a standard touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a rearview camera. Higher trims offer a larger touchscreen, navigation, and a premium Fender audio system. Driver-assistance features, depending on the trim, include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking. These features enhance safety and convenience. Safety features include standard anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a suite of airbags. Optional features included a performance package with upgraded brakes and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA are generally positive, with the 2016 GTI earning top scores in most categories. It received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS when equipped with optional forward collision warning. The NHTSA gave it a 5-star overall safety rating. These ratings reflect the GTI's strong safety performance in various crash scenarios. The inclusion of advanced safety features in higher trims further enhances its appeal as a safe and practical vehicle.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Pure White
Deep Black Pearl Effect
Tornado Red
Carbon Steel Gray Metallic
Night Blue Metallic
Reflex Silver Metallic
Dark Iron Blue Metallic
Interior Colors
Titan Black
Clark Plaid
2016 Volkswagen GTI Prices and Market Value
When new, the 2016 Volkswagen GTI ranged from approximately $25,000 to $35,000, depending on the trim level and options. Current used market prices vary widely based on mileage, condition, and trim, but typically fall between $14,000 and $22,000. Depreciation is relatively moderate compared to some other vehicles in its class. Factors affecting resale value include overall condition, maintenance history, mileage, and the presence of desirable options like the Performance Package or a well-maintained DSG transmission. GTIs in excellent condition with low mileage command higher prices.
2016 Volkswagen GTI Cost of Ownership
Insurance costs for the 2016 GTI are moderate, reflecting its sporty nature. Fuel costs are reasonable, especially with careful driving. Maintenance can be moderately expensive due to potential issues like carbon buildup and water pump failures. Repair costs can also be higher than average, especially if using a dealership for service. Overall, long-term ownership costs are slightly above average for its class due to potential maintenance and repair needs. It is not the most economical choice, but its fun factor justifies the expense for many owners.
2016 Volkswagen GTI Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
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Fuel Capacity
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City Mileage
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Highway Mileage
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2016 Volkswagen GTI Safety Rating
NHTSA
2016 Volkswagen GTI Recalls & Defects
Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
Recall date
2016-09-07
Recall no.
16v647000
Source
NHTSA
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.
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.
Remedy
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. This Recall HAS Been Fully Superseded BY Recall 24v-110.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Recall date
2016-09-07
Recall no.
16v647000
Source
NHTSA
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.
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.
Remedy
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. This Recall HAS Been Fully Superseded BY Recall 24v-110.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Steering:column Locking:anti-Theft Device
Recall date
2019-08-22
Recall no.
19v615000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2015-2019 Gti, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen and 2011-2018 Jetta Vehicles Equipped With AN Automatic Transmission, Manual Handbrake and Keyless Entry. A Build-up OF Silicate ON THE Shift Lever Micro Switch Contacts MAY Enable THE KEY TO BE Removed From THE Ignition When THE Transmission Shift Lever IS NOT IN "park."
Consequence
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.
Remedy
Volkswagen Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Install AN Additional Switch and Circuit Board, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began November 19, 2019. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 37m2.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:control Module
Recall date
2019-08-22
Recall no.
19v615000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2015-2019 Gti, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen and 2011-2018 Jetta Vehicles Equipped With AN Automatic Transmission, Manual Handbrake and Keyless Entry. A Build-up OF Silicate ON THE Shift Lever Micro Switch Contacts MAY Enable THE KEY TO BE Removed From THE Ignition When THE Transmission Shift Lever IS NOT IN "park."
Consequence
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.
Remedy
Volkswagen Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Install AN Additional Switch and Circuit Board, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began November 19, 2019. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 37m2.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
Recall date
2022-07-27
Recall no.
22v543000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf Gti, Golf A7, and E Golf Vehicles. During AIR BAG Deployment, THE Front Passenger AIR BAG MAY Explode or Deploy Improperly.
Consequence
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 OF Injury IN A Crash.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Front-Passenger AIR BAG Module, Free OF Charge. Owner Notification Letters Were Mailed December 16, 2022. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen's Customer Service AT 1-800-893-5298. Audi's Customer Service AT 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 69dy and 61c1.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.nhtsa.gov.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Recall date
2024-02-14
Recall no.
24v110000
Source
NHTSA
Summary
Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain Front-Wheel Drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta Gli, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf Gti, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 Vehicles. DUE TO A Problem With A Suction JET Pump Seal Inside THE Fuel Tank, Fuel MAY Flow Into THE Evaporative Emissions (Evap) System and Possibly Leak OUT OF THE Charcoal Canister.
Consequence
A Fuel Leak IN THE Presence OF AN Ignition Source Increases THE Risk OF A Fire.
Remedy
Dealers Will Replace THE Suction Pump, Free OF Charge. Final Owner Notification Letters FOR Audi Owners Were Mailed ON July 25, 2024. Final Owner Letters FOR VW Owners Were Mailed ON August 13, 2024. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-893-5298 or Audi Customer Service AT 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's Numbers FOR This Recall ARE VW: 20uf/Audi: 20yf. Vehicles That Were Previously Recalled Under 16v-647 Will Need TO Have THE NEW Remedy Completed. This Recall Expands and Replaces Previous Recall Number 16v-647.
Notes
Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.nhtsa.gov.
2016 Volkswagen GTI Insurance
Insurance for a 2016 Volkswagen GTI is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Vehicle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2016 Volkswagen GTI Compare to Other Vehicle?
The 2016 Volkswagen GTI competes with the Ford Focus ST, Mazda 3, Subaru WRX, and Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line. In terms of performance, the GTI offers a balanced blend of power and handling, similar to the Focus ST but less raw than the WRX. Feature-wise, the GTI boasts a more refined interior and better infotainment than the Focus ST, but the Mazda 3 offers a more luxurious feel. Reliability is where the GTI falls slightly behind, as the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic Si tend to be more reliable. Price-wise, the GTI is generally competitive. Alternatives to consider include the Mazda 3 for better reliability and a more upscale interior, the Honda Civic Si for a more engaging driving experience and strong reliability, and the Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line for a more affordable option with a sporty edge. The Subaru WRX offers superior all-weather performance and more power, but sacrifices some refinement. While the Ford Focus ST is a strong contender, finding one in good condition can be a challenge.
Ranks #135 Hatchback
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback | (0.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Civic Type R | (1.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 BMW i4 | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2016 Ford Focus Electric | (0.0★) |
| 6 | 2023 Audi A7 | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Nissan LEAF | (0.0★) |
| 8 | 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | (5.0★) |
| 9 | 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Jaguar I-PACE | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Tesla Model S | (5.0★) |
| 12 | 2022 Porsche Panamera | (0.0★) |
| 135 | 2016 Volkswagen GTI | (0.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2016 Volkswagen GTI a Good Vehicle?
The 2016 Volkswagen GTI is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a practical and fun-to-drive hatchback. It offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and features. Whether it's worth buying depends on the condition and price. A well-maintained used GTI, especially an SE or Autobahn trim, can be a great value. However, be prepared for potential maintenance needs. A pre-purchase inspection is crucial. Consider a lower-mileage example with a documented service history. If budget allows, a newer GTI might offer improved reliability and updated features, but the 2016 represents a sweet spot in terms of price and performance. It's a worthwhile purchase for those who appreciate German engineering and a sporty driving experience, provided they're aware of potential maintenance considerations.
Cathleen V
Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.