Recall 16V647 covers 110,042 2015-2016 Golf, GTI, and A3 Cabriolet vehicles for fuel entering EVAP system. Free suction-pump replacement at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 110,042 2015-2016 Golf, GTI, and A3 Cabriolet vehicles because a suction pump problem inside the fuel tank can send fuel into the EVAP system. Fuel that builds up there can leak through the charcoal canister filter and raise fire risk near an ignition source; Volkswagen dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The suction pump sits inside the fuel tank on 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and A3 Cabriolet vehicles. Its job is to move fuel within the tank so the fuel system can draw from the tank correctly, while the evaporative emissions system, or EVAP system, captures fuel vapors instead of venting them outside the vehicle.
In this recall, seal rings inside the suction pump were assembled with too much tension. That assembly problem damaged the seals, letting liquid fuel move where vapor is supposed to go. Once fuel enters and floods the EVAP system, it can pass through the charcoal canister filter element and leak out.
Before that happens, owners can notice trouble during refueling, including the pump nozzle shutting off early or fuel pushing back out of the filler neck. A fuel smell inside or around the vehicle is also a warning sign for the driver and passengers.
Who's affected?
Spans Golf, GTI, and A3 Cabriolet models across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to fuel system and emission control components.
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf | Emission control |
| 2015 Volkswagen GTI | fuel system |
| 2015 Volkswagen GTI | Emission control |
| 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet | fuel system |
| 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet | Emission control |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf | fuel system |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf | Emission control |
| 2016 Volkswagen GTI | fuel system |
| 2016 Volkswagen GTI | Emission control |
| 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet | fuel system |
| 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet | Emission control |
| Units affected | 110,042 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Fuel accumulating in the EVAP system can leak through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Refueling shutoff, fuel spillback, or fuel smell are warning signs to take seriously. Schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, or A3 Cabriolet is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free suction-pump replacement that addresses fuel entering the EVAP system.
- Ask the dealer whether recall number 16V647 is now handled under superseding recall 24V-110 before the appointment.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen has mailed one, or reference recall number 16V647 when you call.
- Avoid parking near ignition sources if you smell fuel or see a leak, and have the vehicle inspected before driving it again.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician replaces the suction pump inside the fuel tank. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. This campaign has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110, so ask the service desk to confirm the current campaign number before the repair order is opened. Volkswagen used its standard reimbursement plan for this recall. If you paid out of pocket for a related suction pump or fuel tank repair before the recall work, contact Volkswagen customer service and keep documentation for the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 7, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 12, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| October 12, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 17, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 31, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V647?
Recall 16V647 covers 110,042 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, and A3 Cabriolet vehicles with a suction pump problem inside the fuel tank. Fuel can flow into the EVAP system and leak through the charcoal canister filter element, raising fire risk near an ignition source.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, or A3 Cabriolet is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V647. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for the suction pump replacement. Reference recall 16V647 and Volkswagen recall numbers 20Y6 and 20Y5 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen dealers will replace the suction pump free of charge. The recall repair began in November 2016, and the original recall has been fully superseded by recall 24V-110.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fuel leakage. If fuel builds up in the EVAP system, it can leak through the charcoal canister filter element. A fuel leak near an ignition source raises the risk of fire, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, GTI, or A3 Cabriolet can still qualify. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Volkswagen dealer with recall 16V647.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V647000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V647 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V647000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →