Research · Subcompact Cars

2016 Volkswagen EosRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Eos. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and seats (1). The EPA rates it 25 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
25mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jan 2019
Owner complaints
4
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Jan 11, 2019NHTSA 19V014000

Unknown or other

Free remedy

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.

Unknown or otherReported May 16, 2018NHTSA 18V329000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2022 – Aug 2024
  1. Electrical system3
  2. Seats1
  3. Engine1
  4. Power train1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Eos model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200740
200847
200984
201069
201118
201294
201326
201441
20153
20164
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

3 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen EOS. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the battery was drained and was jumpstarted. The contact stated that after the battery had been recharged, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 30, 2024Electrical systemODI 11611815

Seats

1 report1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 20, 2024Electrical system, SeatsFire reportedODI 11566679

Engine

1 report
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 22, 2023EngineODI 11540209
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Eos
Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
223025$3,100354
  • Eos
    Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 30 hwy · $3,100/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Volkswagen Eos as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 10888
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Eos questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Eos have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Eos problems?

Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), seats (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Volkswagen Eos get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Volkswagen Eos at 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026