VehicleVerdict

2016 Volkswagen Eos problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Eos — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Eos years?

Eos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted123 complaints2007: 54 complaints2008: 62 complaints2009: 123 complaints2010: 84 complaints2011: 21 complaints2012: 114 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 47 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 6 complaints
Eos NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Eos years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Eos problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System350%
Engine117%
Seats117%
Transmission117%

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Eos have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V014000AirbagsJanuary 11, 2019 · 119,394 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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).

18V329000OtherMay 16, 2018 · 252 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“My seat heaters were on for 1 minute and started to smoke and burned multiple quarter sized holes in my seat. They burned holes in my winter coat and even made my skin have minor burns. There was a smoke that appeared and a very bad burning smell. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 18, 2024 · fire

“On 2 separate occasions, I lost transmission service to my 2016 VW EOS. 65K miles. While driving, my RPM increased dramatically, and it felt like the car went into neutral and wouldn't accelerate. I came to a slow, uncontrolled stop on the side of the road. The EPC code, check engine light and the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 8, 2022

“Multiple random misfires and failed ignition coils. My mechanic suggested that I report this because he has seen multiple instances of this in VW models like mine.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 22, 2023

“My seat heaters were on for 1 minute and started to smoke and burned multiple quarter sized holes in my seat. They burned holes in my winter coat and even made my skin have minor burns. There was a smoke that appeared and a very bad burning smell. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · January 18, 2024 · fire

2016 Volkswagen Eos — common questions

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Eos reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Eos have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Volkswagen Eos. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Eos years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Eos years to avoid are 2009, 2012, 2010, 2014, 2013, 2011. The cleanest record among Eos years belongs to 2016.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.