2016 Volkswagen Jetta

Routine

Owners filed 161 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
42,731 milesMedian miles at failure

93 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine29
110
Electrical System25
121
Fuel/Propulsion System20
211
Unknown or Other17
101
Service Brakes17
606
Power Train13
000
Steering7
000
Air Bags7
504
Vehicle Speed Control3
100
Fuel System, Gasoline3
010

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail20V648000
Filed Oct 21, 2020218,192 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.

Risk. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder20E064000
Filed Sep 23, 202038 vehiclesTenneco Automotive

Defect. Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

Risk. If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module19V615000
Filed Aug 22, 2019679,027 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

Risk. Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail16V403000
Filed Jun 6, 201655 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.

Risk. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine15V705000
Filed Oct 26, 201591,867 vehiclesVolkswagen Group Of America, Inc.

Defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

Risk. If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 28, 2026FL

Ignition not turning all the time leading the steering wheel to lock up.

Service BrakesCrash4 injured
Filed Apr 2, 2026AL

I tried to stop my car and the brake pedal went completely to the floor and did not stop at all. There were no warning lights on, I keep my brakes and car well maintained. My car hit the rear of another car because the brakes failed to engage when I pushed the pedal down. My car which is the vw jetta was totaled in the accident. My insurance company GEICO has the car sitting at copart and it should be able to be inspected. I know the 2015-2016 vw Jetta had a recall for brake failure due to brake vacuum pump.But my 2016 doesn’t have any recalls on it. The police officer inspected the brakes at the scene.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 20, 2026TX

In the past I owned a 2017 jetta, which I sold approximately one year ago. It had a 1.4 liter turbo engine. At some point around 18 to 20 years ago, I started smelling gasoline fumes in the cabin. It was rare and intermittent. I did not check it out as it did not seem like an urgent issue. I sold the vehicle about a year ago. I also now own a 2016 jetta TSI model, 1.8 liter turbo with about 104,000 miles. In the past few days I started smelling gasoline in the cabin while operating the vehicle. It was not serviced in many months so it’s not likely to have anything to do with bad mechanical service and the vehicle runs well. I checked the internet and discovered a massive vw/audi recall for 260,000 vehicles around 2024, having something to do with a seal related to some sort of a fuel pump, which included 2017 model vehicles. I contacted two vw dealerships expecting them to check the problem and handle this serious hazard. Both dealerships decline to check the vehicle other than for cash. They confirmed my vehicle was not subject to a recall. I took my problem to the Volkswagen company today. I was told that there was no fuel related recall for my vin number and they would not accommodate my request. But I was advised that I should not drive the vehicle going forward, but have it towed. This dangerous condition was exhibited by 2 separate jettas I owned. The likelihood of this condition being found in 2 separate vehicles is mere coincidence and not indicative of a dangerous pr

Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2026AL

Car was great for first 100000 miles. Then it was not. While driving in heavy traffic on a three lane highway, car lost power, ability to accelerate and went into limp mode. EPC code went on. Very dangerous. Took it to several mechanics, VW dealerships, could find nothing wrong. Issue has happened over 100x since, but I am unable to afford another vehicle and pray over car continually to keep me and others on road safe. Few times car would suddenly shudder like engine was quitting. Canceled medical trip to city when this happened 50 miles from home. Have had to cancel work as well one day when this happened. Recently bought a FIXD sensor and it diagnosed issues with faulty gas cap and purge valve. Replaced both. That issue seems to have resolved. Car has been burning oil like crazy. Sometimes 1L after driving 150 miles. Fuel efficiency is terrible. Even running 91 grade fuel hasn't helped. In cold weather, around -30, sometimes driver door won't close. Literally have to drive with one hand holding steering wheel and one hand on door. Scary. Newest issue this week. While driving highway speed, low oil light flashed momentarily. Then speedometer and rpm gages quit. Then entire instrument cluster went black. Was almost at work, so prayed and got there safely. After work, instrument cluster worked, but car started and stalled immediately. Mechanic code reader pulls up nothing. My FIXD reader says it's a upstream oxygen sensor. Looking at youtube videos, the issue it describes sou

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 7, 2025IN

Fuel fire hazard. Safety Recall 24Gi performed 5-11-21 @ 67k miles. 4 years and 60k miles later, fuel rail bolts backed out, causing fuel to pour into engine compartment. VW’s repair solution was not adequate. Do I have any recourse?

Steering
Filed Oct 18, 2025CA

Key Ignition malfunction

Fuel/Propulsion SystemCrash
Filed Aug 6, 2025CA

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 15V705000 16V403000 20V648000 20E064000 19V615000

Power Train
Filed Jun 27, 2025NC

Vehicle begins to shudder and slow with no response to attempts to accelerate and eventually stop completely though engine is still on. This has happened on multiple occasions and in many driving situations including on busy streets or in the middle of turning which is a huge risk for an accident! Can restart with regular acceleration after a few minutes. Service indicators will come on with codes indicating transmission related issues. Have had transmission flushed without significant change with transmission replacement as next step.

Engine
Filed Jun 19, 2025TN

My camshaft sensors went bad at 77k miles had it towed to auto repair. Auto shop said my timing tensioner and chain were worn and needed replacement. Cost was 6200.00. A month later the engine blew at 81k miles. This was a lease for the first 3 years so all maintenance was done by Volkswagen. I had it serviced three times after that. Sits in my garage half the year as I travel by airplane or tour bus for work so no need to drive all the time. This shouldn’t be happening.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 30, 202571,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The ignition, the check engine, the ABS, and the camshaft warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle started temporarily and shut off after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact notified the dealer the vehicle was purchased from of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 28, 2025NE

When I drive, the trunk pops open. Forward or reverse. No problems found with wiring in trunk or door but keeps happening. Began months ago and mechanics keep saying that they can't find anything wrong. Scary to drive

Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2025TN

I bought the car brand new in 2016 had the oil changed on its scheduled maintenance and at 77000 mile my timing chain made my car go into limp mode. Now I am looking at a 4700$ in mechanic and engine work.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 5, 2024NJ

FUEL LINE TO FUEL FILTER CAME LOOSE/DISCONNECTED CAUSING A FUEL LEAK INSIDE MY ATTACHED. GARAGE CAUSING A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE THAT REMAINS TO PRESENT DAY EVEN AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CLEAN UP.

Steering
Filed Jul 10, 2024FL

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and started to seize, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train
Filed May 7, 2024IL

The transmission failed due to mechatronics failure without warning

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 19, 2024NH

Fuel rail bolts loosened, causing damage to the fuel rail, as well as fuel injector seals, resulting in leaking fuel in the engine bay.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 13, 2024MS

When driving the car, it will randomly stall, lose power or not accelerate. Sometimes the EPC light and oil light will illuminate other times it gives no warning. It shut off on the interstate while going 72mph. I have taken it to the dealership since a month after I got it and they keep telling me nothing is wrong with it. I have to get oil changes every month despite not driving it much and the gas consumption is 3tines what it should be. I’m having to fill the tank up three times a week despite going to and from work which is 9 miles from my home. I have taken it to the dealership and had to pay $1000s of dollars only for it to start having the same issues within a week

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 7, 2024128,000 milesRI

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the front and rear exterior lights were not functioning as needed. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed an electrical fault with the exterior lights. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 5, 2024TX

Had an accident in Dec where passenger side was hit in the center. The center rail that connects 2 doors was hit so airbags deployed due to roof being pushed in by center bar. But only back airbag had a little air. Front airbag was flat. I took it to the dealer and a month later they are telling me that is normal but I took the picture right after the accident and there is no air in front passenger bag. I told them my child is lucky to be alive. But i know its dangerous if other people are travelling in the same type car as mine. Also bag in the back has a lot of air and no fold creases because it was filled with air. Front airbag looks like it was folded and just fell out and since it has no air all the creases where it folded in roof are still there.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 2024MS

When driving above 45 mph, at time the EPC light will pop up on the dash and power will be slightly lost to the vehicle. Almost immediately after this happens, the oil light will pop on despite the oil being changed and done on a beyond routine basis. we have brought the vehicle into be serviced at the Volkswagen dealership numerous times and the same thing continues to happen. Recently, when driving on the interstate the EPC light came on and the vehicle stalled in the middle of the interstate. Luckily, no accident was caused but it was a near miss. This has been an issue since purchasing the vehicle and the oil is required to be changed much sooner than necessary. Volkswagen keeps "fixing" it but it continues to happen but we have paid over $3500 in getting it "fixed." The problem seems to occur at random times but most notably when going over 45mph.

20 of 161 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20265100Routine
202528200Routine
202443010Routine
202343000Routine
202242100Routine
202168402Fatalities reported
202052600Routine
20195481130Do not drive
201831300Routine
2017159731Fatalities reported
2016 — this page161550Routine
2015194810Routine
2014386520Above average
2013516630Above average
2012499860Above average
20116071090Above average
2010852550Above average
2009888780Above average
2008188640Routine
2007201670Above average
2006580660Above average
20052487140Above average
20042315200High concern
20034574701Fatalities reported
200270277110Fatalities reported
20016687121Fatalities reported
20004395142Fatalities reported
1999349790Above average
1998192380Routine
1997141251Fatalities reported
1996174251Fatalities reported
19952206110Above average
1994117750Routine
199317600Routine
199230430Routine
199131700Routine
199022710Routine

Compare every Jetta year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 21, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.