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2016 Volkswagen CC problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Volkswagen CC has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 6safety recalls
- 26owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 19%fail the UK MOT
26 complaints, against an average of 98 for the other 5 Volkswagen CC model years.
Every Volkswagen CC model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Volkswagen CC?
The components named most often in the 26 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Volkswagen CC owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 26 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2016 Volkswagen CC been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Air Bags/Restraint Control Module Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Tiguan and CC vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
Risk: Deactivated air bags increases the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Z5.
Air Bags: Frontal: Driver Side: Inflator Module Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015 Passat, 2015-2016 Eos, 2015-2017 CC, 2016-2017 TT Roadster, TT Coupe, 2017 Audi R8 Coupe, and R8 Spyder vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2019. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298; Audi owners may contact Audi at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69S8 (Audi) and 69Y5 (Volkswagen).
Unknown Or Other Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Seats: Front Assembly: Head Restraint Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2017 CC vehicles. Incorrect front seat head restraints (rests) may have been installed, possibly resulting in the seat occupant's head being inadequately restrained in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."
Risk: If the seat occupant's head is inadequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat head restraints, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72G5.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 CC vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016, to February 3, 2016, Golf R and Tiguan vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 28, 2016, and e-Golf vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to January 11, 2016. Vibrations, such as those created by opening and closing a vehicle door, may cause the rear child door locks to disengage, allowing a child to open a rear door while inside the vehicle.
Risk: If an unrestrained child unexpectedly opens a door, they may fall from the vehicle increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the child lock(s), free of charge. The recall began on August 22, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 58C9.
Is the 2016 Volkswagen CC recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSATakata Front airbag
Risk: The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
UK DVSAA condenser may fail in the airbag control unit
Risk: A condenser in the airbag control unit may fail.
Fix: The software of the airbag control unit must be updated.
UK DVSAPassenger airbag may not deploy as intended
Risk: A connection between the detonator and generator in the front passenger airbag module may not be correctly welded. Therefore the airbag may not be triggered in the event of a collision.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag module.
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time.If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAs a result of a production error, a capacitor in the airbag control unit may fail.In rare instances, the control unit may interpret the change in voltage when the capacitor fails as a signal similar to that in a crash and initiate the unwanted activation of the airbag(s) and/or the belt tensioner(s). Unexpected activation of the airbags may increase the risk of injury to the car occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA welded joint in the gas generator of the front passenger airbag may be faulty.This means that, in the event of an accident, the airbag may not deploy properly.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIn the affected vehicles, the mechanical rear-door child-proof locking system may have been damaged during manufacturing.This can cause the child-proof locking system to be switched off without this being noticed, especially in the event of strong vibrations, making it possible for the door to be opened from the inside by children.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Volkswagen CC fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Volkswagen CC owners report?
12 of the 26 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I purchased my Volkswagen CC in 2019. It hasn't been officially 4 years of owning the vehicle, and the clock spring or air bag light comes on in which it seems every 1.5 years. It costs over $800 to repair, and the first repair was replaced by certified VW OEM parts. I can't get an inspection and pass because the horn will not work. My safety is put at risk as I can't warn other drivers who aren't paying attention that I am close by. I actually ended up getting a ticket for switching lanes so fast due to getting out of the way of a vehicle on the interstate who almost ran into me. There is no…
When I put my car in drive (to move forward) from a cold start, the vehicle hesitates, does not respond to the accelerator pedal, and does not move. During this time, the transmission does not engage, and the vehicle shakes and produces a loud clunking sound from underneath. After that faulty start, the vehicle operates normally, until the next cold start (vehicle is at rest for 30 or more minutes). Here is an example that shows the danger of this situation. When I back out onto my street, and I put the car in drive, a driver behind me expects me to move. That driver is not expecting a…
Clock spring broke, now NO airbag and nothing on the steering panel works including the horn and airbag. First I was told by the dealship that it was a California car so they would fix it, today I was told they would not. So we are driving a car with NO airbag. They want $700 to replace this part with a long waiting period.
My 2016 VW CC (VIN: [XXX]) has a clock spring failure. I brought my car in to Riverhead Bay Motors on 2/12/2019, with the hope of diagnosing and fixing the part. They had to order the part, so only diagnosis was done. Diagnosis confirmed that the clock spring (in VW’s own words from the bill): “Upon further diag found clock spring defective”). I was told in conversations prior to bringing the car in, with corporate, if they identified a torn clock spring as the cause, a case manager would look into and consider if my car perhaps had a faulty part and the fix could be covered by Volkswagen…
Vehicle has factory installed splash guards, the car bottoms out when hitting the slightest bump. Nina at VW corporate has been totally useless.
THE CLOCK SPRING HAS FAILED ON MY CC CAUSING ALL AIRBAGS TO BE DISABLED. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO FIX THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE. I'M FILING THIS IN THE EVENT THAT SOMETHING HAPPENS I WILL HAVE FULL RECOURSE AGAINST THEM FOR NEGLIGENCE OVER PROFIT.
SEVERAL TIMES NOW WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN OUT INTO TRAFFIC MY CAR STUTTERS AND CAUSED ME TO ALMOST GET HIT. RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC MY CAR STOPPED RECEIVING GAS AND STARTED COASTING. IT LITERALLY STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WITH MYSELF AND CHILD IN THE CAR. *TR
IT LOOKS LIKE A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ALL MY LIGHT AND SENSORS CAME ON INCLUDING AIRBAGS ETC.. IT HAPPENS WHEN I TURN MY CAR ON TO GO TO WORK.
CONSTANTLY RECEIVING MESSAGE, ' ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING SYSTEM.' AFTER RESEARCH I NOTICED THAT THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE ON OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR AND I FEEL THAT THIS IS CONNECTED BEING THAT IT'S THE SAME MESSAGE RECEIVED AS THE OTHER MODELS. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND I RECEIVE THE MESSAGE EVERY TIME I START THE CAR. JUST PURCHASED CAR AND PICKED UP FROM DEALER SATURDAY EVENING SO I CAN ONLY STATE WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE MESSAGE MYSELF AND NOT WHEN IT ACTUALLY FIRST APPEARED.
WHEN PUMPING GAS, THE PUMP WILL CLICK OFF EVERY FEW SECONDS AS IF THE TANK IS FULL. IT TAKES AT LEAST 15 MINUTES TO FILL THE TANK BECAUSE IT SHUTS OFF EVERY FEW SECONDS. THIS IS AT ANY GAS PUMP.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN CC. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING, THE CONTACT APPLIED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL; HOWEVER, IT CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, SHOULDER, AND ARM INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SCHUMACHER VOLKSWAGEN OF WEST PALM BEACH (LOCATED AT 3001 OKEECHOBEE BOULEVARD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409, (561) 935-4490), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN CC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH RIVERHEAD BAY VOLKSWAGEN (1521 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, RIVERHEAD, NY 11901, 888-289-9637) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN IT WOULD ARRIVE. THE DEALER PLACED THE CONTACT ON A WAITING LIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
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2016 Volkswagen CC: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Volkswagen CC reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen CC; the most common categories were air bags (11, 42.3%), fuel/propulsion system (7, 26.9%), electrical system (4, 15.4%). There are 6 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen CC?
Across 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (42.3% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (26.9% of complaints), electrical system (15.4% of complaints), exterior lighting (7.7% of complaints), service brakes (7.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen CC have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen CC; the most recent (campaign 19V535000, 2019-07-17) concerns Air Bags: Air Bags/Restraint Control Module. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2016 Volkswagen CC?
3 of the 26 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Volkswagen CC (11.5%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 19V535000 (air bags: air bags/restraint control module). The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. One owner wrote: "The clock spring in the steering wheel broke causing the airbag light to come on, the audio controls on the steering wheel to stop working and a noise coming out of the wheel when I turn it. The failure has been confirmed by a mechanic." (NHTSA complaint 11472467, July 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own CC
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.