Free 2016 Volkswagen Golf VIN Decoder

Discover the unique attributes and history of your dynamic Volkswagen Golf with our free VIN decoder. Enter your VIN in the box below to get started.

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How to decode a 2016 Volkswagen Golf VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 Volkswagen Golf VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that is the initial segment of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and specific attributes. For the 2016 Volkswagen Golf, the WMI is “3VW,” indicating that Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb, Mexico, manufactures this particular vehicle. The car falls under the category of a passenger car, and the specific years of manufacture using this WMI include 2015 through 2021. This essential code assists in tracking the vehicle’s origin, ensuring compliance with global standards, and facilitating recall and warranty services.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 Volkswagen Golf

WMI: 3VW

  • Model Years Covered: 1989-1991, 1996-1999, 2015-2021
  • Example VIN: 3VW117AU0GM004159
  • Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV
  • Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
  • City: Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb
  • State or Province:
  • Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2016 Volkswagen Golf VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

  • Engine type
  • Transmission
  • Model or trim
  • Body style
  • Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2016 Volkswagen Golf:

Known VDS for a 2016 Volkswagen Golf
117AU817AU917AU217AU

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2016 Volkswagen Golf VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2016 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Year Code

Year Code Year
G 2016

11th Character in the 2016 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 Volkswagen Golf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code Plant City Plant State Plant Country Plant Company Name Example VIN
M Puebla Mexico 3VW117AU0GM004159

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 Volkswagen Golf

The final 6 characters in a 2016 Volkswagen Golf’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?

How to find a 2016 Volkswagen Golf’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2016 Volkswagen Golf is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

  1. Examine the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The VIN can usually be found on a small plate viewable from outside the vehicle.
  2. Look at the driver’s side door frame on your Volkswagen Golf. The VIN is often located on a sticker/label where the door latches when closed.
  3. Check under the hood of your Volkswagen Golf; the VIN might be stamped on the front engine block.
  4. Inspect the trunk area of your Volkswagen Golf; sometimes the VIN can be found on the floor or below the trunk carpet near the spare tire.
  5. Explore the rear-wheel well, specifically on the driver’s side of your Volkswagen Golf. Sometimes the VIN may be found in this area.
  6. Review your Volkswagen Golf’s vehicle registration, insurance documents, or the owner’s manual, which may list the VIN among the details of your car.
VIN Decoder

What info can a 2016 Volkswagen Golf VIN reveal?

  • Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating its production year, which in the case of the example vehicle is the year 2016, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
  • Engine Type: Equipped with a Volkswagen 1.8 TSI engine, the vehicle showcases an engine displacement of 1.8 liters or 1800.0 cc, capable of delivering 170 hp, and is turbocharged for enhanced performance, offering a powerful and efficient driving experience.
  • Fuel Type: The vehicle runs on gasoline, providing insights into the fuel choice flexibility and efficiency.
  • Safety Features: It’s fitted with advanced front airbags, curtain airbags for the 1st row (driver and passenger), and side airbags, highlighting a commitment to passenger safety, contributing to a sense of reassurance for occupants.
  • Body Class and Doors: Classified as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 4 doors, it combines convenience and style, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
  • Emission Standard: Notably adheres to PZEV II / Bin 2 emission standards, suggesting an environmentally conscious vehicle design, indicating a potential commitment to reducing emissions and environmental impact.
  • Manufacturing Location: Assembled in Puebla, Mexico, this aspect reveals the geographical origin of the vehicle’s manufacturing, offering insights into the production line and quality standards, providing potential insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing process and history.
VIN Decoder

Don’t have your 2016 Volkswagen Golf’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 Volkswagen Golf

Vehicle Spec Value
Body Class Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Curtain Air Bag Locations 1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Displacement (CC) 1800.0
Displacement (CI) 109.84273937051
Displacement (L) 1.8
Doors 4
Engine Brake (hp) From 170.00
Engine Manufacturer Volkswagen
Engine Model 1.8 TSI
Engine Number of Cylinders 4
Front Air Bag Locations 1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model Golf
Model Year 2016
Other Engine Info Fuel: Gas (50-St); Emissions Certification Test Group: GVGAV02.0APA; Federal / California Emission Standard: PZEV II / Bin 2
Other Restraint System Info Advanced Front Airbags
Plant City Puebla
Plant Company Name
Plant Country Mexico
Seat Belt Type Manual
Series Base, S, SE , SEL/TDI S, SE SEL
Side Air Bag Locations 1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type Indirect
Transmission Speeds 6
Transmission Style Automatic
Turbo Yes
Vehicle Descriptor 3VW217AU*GM
Vehicle Type Passenger Car
Sample_VIN 3VW217AU0GM000715

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