Recall 22V831 affects 5 2016 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles for incorrect windshield-wiper software. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 5 2016 Golf R vehicles because incorrect front windshield wiper software can keep the wipers from activating. The fault can reduce driver visibility and increase crash risk, so Volkswagen dealers will install the correct software free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R uses a body control module, a small electronic controller that runs body functions. Its software tells the car how to operate equipment such as the front windshield wipers when the driver turns the stalk or requests washing. For this recall, the concern is the wiper-control software loaded into that module.
On affected Golf R vehicles, the module was built with an incorrect software level, including recalled software level 0172. Volkswagen says those modules were not correctly identified before installation in production. Because the wrong software is in place, the front wipers can fail to activate when commanded, leaving the windshield without the wiping function required for clear visibility.
There is no warning sign before failure. The wipers can work normally until the moment they do not respond, so an owner would notice the problem only when the front wipers fail to turn on.
Who's affected?
Both listed components trace to the same body control module software level.
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf R | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf R | wiper system |
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific hatchback.
What's the safety risk?
If the windshield wipers cannot be activated, driver visibility drops in rain or road spray, and the crash risk increases. There is no warning sign before the wipers fail to respond, so avoid wet weather until your VIN is checked and the repair is completed. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Volkswagen Golf R is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free body control module software update that fixes the windshield wiper activation problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V831 and Volkswagen recall 91EN when you call.
- Avoid driving when visibility requires windshield wipers until the software update is complete if the wipers do not activate.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician updates the body control module software so the front windshield wiper system uses the correct programming. The software update and labor are free under recall 22V831. Volkswagen will offer a reimbursement plan under this recall. If you already paid for a related wiper software repair before the recall work, ask Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation under recall 91EN.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 9, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 15, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 6, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| January 6, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 6, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V831?
Recall 22V831 covers 5 2016 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles with incorrect front windshield wiper software. The defect can stop the wipers from activating, which reduces driver visibility and increases crash risk. Volkswagen dealers update the body control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Volkswagen Golf R is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Golf R is included in recall 22V831. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer and ask for the body control module software update. Reference recall 22V831 or Volkswagen recall number 91EN when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Volkswagen to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy says dealers update the body control module software free of charge. A franchised Volkswagen dealer performs the recall repair without charging for parts or labor.
Is it safe to drive a 2016 Volkswagen Golf R with this recall?
The recall risk is reduced visibility if the windshield wipers do not activate, which increases crash risk. Volkswagen has not issued a do-not-drive instruction for recall 22V831. If your VIN is included, schedule the free software update and avoid driving in rain until the repair is complete.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V831000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V831 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V831000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →