Six problems related to water pump have been reported for the 2016 Volkswagen GTI. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Failure of thermostat housing causing coolant leak and water pump failure.
Water pump needed to be replaced after unknown cause.
Thermostat housing/water pump failed at 80,000 miles. This failure could have stranded me during covid pandemic far from home. Use of a plastic part in a critical engine application is problematic. Repair cost $906 dollars to replace this housing. Vw has denied coverage for this critical engine component.
Had a cracked and leaking water pump housing that was replaced and covered by an aftermarket warranty. I had been to multiple shops because of a coolant smell, none could fine the source. I was told by Volkswagen that 'it happens, they always lose a little coolant', that is absolutely not true. It is a closed system and should not lose any coolant or smell like coolant at all. I have seen dozens of others with the same car as myself with the same problem, only after I was forceful and insistent with a Volkswagen dealership was the problem found and corrected.
Failed thermostat housing/coolant loss. Active coolant leak from water pump/thermostat housing at 35,956 miles. Dealer replaced thermostat assembly, water pump, union.
Went into the Volkswagen dealership for routine maintenance at 44,999 miles on Feb 6, 2019 and Volkswagen found that the water pump was leaking and should be replaced under warranty. Thermostat and water pump replaced. Not too long after, noticed low coolant light go on. Went back into Volkswagen for maintenance at 53,339 miles on may 16, 2019 and Volkswagen confirmed that the water pump would have to be replaced again under warranty.