2016 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 161 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 18 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection system, fuel railOct 21, 2020
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.
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 20V648000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderSep 23, 2020
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.
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignition, anti-theft, control moduleAug 22, 2019
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 19V615000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection system, fuel railJun 6, 2016
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.
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
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.
Campaign 16V403000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineOct 26, 2015
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V705000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2020
WE HAVE A 2016 VW JETTA TSI 1.4L (EA211 ENGINE) WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. AT APPROXIMATELY 98,000 MILES, FUEL STARTED LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL AREA, SLOWLY AT FIRST, JUST A SCENT OF FUEL. NEXT DAY, AT THE END OF THE DAY'S DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE JUST BEFORE MY EXIT ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. IT LIMPED 3 MILES HOME AND DIED AS I PULLED INTO THE DRIVE. WHEN WE MANAGED TO GET IT STARTED AGAIN IT GUSHED FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL AREA. THERE IS A PENDING RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT VOLKSWAGON DECLINED TO DO ANYTHING BEYOND A NORMAL PAID-FOR REPAIR WITH POTENTIAL REIMBURSEMENT (NOT GUARANTEED) UNTIL THE RECALL ISSUES LEAVING US WITHOUT A VEHICLE. WE HAVE A VIDEO DOCUMENTING THE FUEL LEAK.
Engine, Oct 17, 2020
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE ACTIVE GRILL SHUTTERS ARE STUCK IN THE OPEN OR CLOSE POSITION. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO OVER HEAT. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
Engine, Jul 9, 2020
I DRIVE A 2016 VW JETTA ,MY EPC LIGHT CAME ON.WHEN I MADE AN APPT WITH THE VW DEALER, THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR WITH THE CODE P22630,WHICH IS THE TURBOCHARGER /BOOST. THE COST FOR THE PART IS ABOUT $ 2500. FOR A CAR THAT IS ONLY A FEW YEARS OLD AND HAVING A MAJOR REPAIR ISSUE ,IAM SO DISAPPOINTED AND FEEL NOT SAFE AT ALL. HOW CAN A TURBO CHARGER BOOST BREAK ALREADY!!!! THATS MY COMPLAINT. ANYONE ELSE HAS A PROBLEM LIKE THAT?
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 16, 2020
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE'S ENGINE SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY THEN BRAKES AND STEERING WON'T WORK PROPERLY. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON! VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART. CALLED VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD IT TOWED TO SOUTH MOTORS VW DEALERSHIP ON SOUTH DIXIE AND 179 ST. MIAMI. VW CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHATS WRONG WITH THE CAR.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2019
I JUST BOUGHT MY JETTA A WEEK AGO AND AS I DRIVING I'M NOTICING THE CAR TAKES AT LEAST A GOOD 5 SECONDS TO ACCELERATE AND WHEN IT DOES ACCELERATE IT TAKES OFF ALSO WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THEY DON'T WORK I DON'T BELIEVE A CAR WITH 34,000 MILES SHOULD BE HAVING THESE UNSAFE PROBLEMS I'M ALMOST SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 17, 2019
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION. CAN NOT REMOVE IT. MY CAR WAS ON IDLE FOR 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES. NO ONE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE MY KEY. I DROVE IT TO SEVERAL MECHANIC SHOPS
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GUNTHER VOLKSWAGEN OF COCONUT CREEK (4300 FL-7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073) FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V705000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION ON THE VEHICLE WAS HIGH AND METAL SHAVINGS WERE FOUND INSIDE THE OIL RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE METAL SHAVINGS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED THE "ECM" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Engine, Jun 3, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAULT UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE. THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL INSPECTION DONE ON THE VEHICLE. SERRA VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 1490 CENTER POINT PKWY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35215, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AT 205-286-9924, AND THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE. VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. AT PRESENT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DEEMED TO BE DESTROYED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 22, 2019
THE KEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION. I COULD NOT TURN THE CAR OFF. I HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION LOCK HOUSING.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 19, 2019
VEHICLE PAUSES FOR A DANGEROUS NUMBER OF SECONDS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING A VERY BUSY STREET INTERSECTION OR HIGHWAY. IT HAPPENS WHILE MOVING AT ANY TIME. IS UNPREDICTABLE.
Engine, Jul 24, 2018
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 16V4030000.VOLKSWAGON IA WARE OF RECALL
Engine, Feb 15, 2018
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE AND SLOWS TO A STOP. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOT WORK. THE CAR WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY RESTART. IF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND ALLOWED TO SIT FOR 10-15 MINUTES IT WILL USUALLY RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE TIMES.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 24, 2017
I BELIEVE MY CAR IS THE RESULT OF A RECENT SERIES OF BAD STORMS TO HIT THIS COUNTRY AND MY CAR. I BELIEVE MY CAR IS A FLOOD-CAR THAT HAS BEEN VERY WELL CLEANED INSIDE AND OUT, AND CLEANED SO WELL THAT THE TITLE GOT A GOOD WASH, KNOWN IN THE INDUSTRY AS TITLE-WASHING. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE IT CARRIED A GUARANTEE MAKING IT A CERTIFIED USED CAR. A CAR THAT CARRIES A CERTIFIED USED TITLE OF CONDITION THEN ONE WOULD EXPECT NOTHING LESS THAN PERFECTION. HOW I CAME TO KNOW ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A FLOOD-CAR WAS THERE WAS WHAT LOOKED LIKE RIVER GRAVEL DEEP IN THE CARS DOOR SEAL AND THERE WAS A CLEAR WATER-LINE BEHIND WHERE THE MOVING PART OF THE STEERING-WHEEL ATTACHED TO THE CAR. NOW I'M UNSURE IF Y'ALL ARE ABLE TO HELP ME WITH THIS SITUATION, EVEN IF IT'S TO STEER ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO FIND RESOLUTION TO MY FLOOD-CAR ISSUE. I REALLY WANT ALL MY MONEY BACK AND START ALL OVER WITH SOMETHING LESS PRONE TO FLOOD WATERS.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2017
VEHICLE PAUSES FOR UP TO 5 SECONDS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE ACROSS AN INTERSECTION OR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS FAILURE HAPPENS SPORADICALLY WHETHER ON A PUBLIC STREET OR HIGHWAY. I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL OCCUR BUT HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY OTHER VEHICLES SEVERAL TIMES.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 10, 2017
AT ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT, ANY TIME OF THE YEAR, WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THIS CAR WILL FAIL TO ACCELERATE WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE DELAY CAN BE AS LONG AS 5 SECONDS AND SINCE I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN, I FEEL THE VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE. IT CAN FAIL TO ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC COMING AT YOU FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THEIR WAY. I FEEL I TAKE MY LIFE IN MY HANDS EVERY TIME I STEP INTO THIS VEHICLE AND RECOMMEND THAT ON ONE EVER BUY ONE OF THESE DEATH TRAPS!!!!
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Apr 12, 2017
I AM A VW FAN AND I AM HAVING SERIOUS ISSUES WITH REGARDS TO MY VW JETTA 2016 1.4. EVER SINCE MY 1ST SERVICE I ADVISED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT MY BREAKS ARE MAKING A NOISE AND EVERY TIME THEY SAY IT WAS FINE. THERE IS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT SIDE WHEN IT IS SWITCHED ON AND STAYS ON AND GETS WORSE AS YOU DRIVE. WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR THAT SOUND WAS NOT PRESENT. AGAIN I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, IT IS THAT WAY WAS MEAN TO SOUND THAT WAY AND THAT WAS NORMAL. I THEN DID SOME RESEARCH AND SPOKE TO VARIOUS PEOPLE THAT HAVE KNOWLEDGE ON VW AS WELL AS A PREVIOUS SERVICE MANAGER WHO TOLD ME THAT IS AN ISSUE THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO NO FACE IT. I WAS NOT PLEASE TO THEIR RESPOND THE CAR HAS 2,780 MILES ON IT AND 6 MONTHS SINCE I DROVE IT OUT OF THE LOT I ASK THAT SOMEONE DO REALLY NEED TO ADDRESS THIS. THEN I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WILL BE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM VW CORPORATION THAT WILL BE COMING AND THAT HE WOULD BE THE ONE TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THIS SAY IN OCTOBER 2016 TODAY IS APRIL 2 2017. I AM STILL WAITING FOR THAT TO HAPPEN TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED I AM SURE I WILL TOLD NOW IS CLOSE TO YEAR OH YOUR WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THAT I WILL SIT WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FIXING IT MYSELF. I SEE THAT HAPPENING I WANT MY CAR FIXED PROPERLY AS I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH VW BEFORE BUT I AM HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND WORRY ABOUT MY SAFETY. I COMPLAIN AND COMPLAIN AND NOBODY GIVE A DAME OR NOBODY SEEMS TO CARE.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 21, 2016
2016 JETTA SE1.4 NEW FOR 18 YEAR OLD SON FOR COLLEGE. WITHIN A WEEK CAR WAS IN THE SHOP WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES FOR LIGHTER AND USB SHORTING OUT PHONE + RADAR WHILE THE CAR WAS DRIVING. NO ISSUE FOUND WE DROVE 1000+MILES TO SCHOOL, CENTER CONSOLE WOULD BLINK ON AND OFF DURING THE TRIP. NEW DEALER ALSO DID NOT FIND ANY ISSUES. CAR THEN STARTED SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING UNDER 5 MPH IN TRAFFIC IN NYC. WHEN COMING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE REAR VIEW CAMERA TURNED OFF, THE CAR TURNED OFF. VW WAS CALLED THEY HAD HIM TURN OFF THE POWER BY HOLDING THE PUSHBUTTON AND BREAK WHICH RESTARTED THE CAR. NEW DEALER STILL NO ISSUE FOUND. THE CAR CONTINUES TO LOOSE POWER ALL EXCEPT AUXILIARY SEVERAL INCIDENTS VERY UNSAFE. WAS GOING UP A HILL AND THE CAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND STARTED ROLLING BACK, APPLIED THE HANDBRAKE THE BACK WHEELS LOCKED AND THE CAR STOPPED THANKFULLY IT WAS AT NIGHT AND NO TRAFFIC. TWO DAYS LATER AT JFK IN THE ARRIVAL LINE THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE CREEPING FORWARD. TOOK IT TO ANOTHER NEW DEALER THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR ONE WEEK, NO ISSUE FOUND. ISSUES CONTINUED NOW INCLUDING SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR REVVING TO 8000RPM, HAVING TO PUSH FAR DOWN FOR THE BRAKE TO ENGAGE. ALL THE LIGHTS TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING INTERMITTENTLY VERY UNSAFE. TOOK IT TO NEW DEALER THEY FOUND NO ISSUE I REFUSED TO PICK IT UP AND CALLED VW CORP THEY HAD THEM DRIVE THE CAR FOR 50 MILES FINALLY AN ERROR MESSAGE. THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID. IT IS STILL HAVING ISSUES.THE CAR OVERHEATED AND THE ELECTRICAL STOPPED WORKING. HE SMELLED THE COOLANT THREW THE VENTS HE WAS ABOUT TO PULL OVER WHEN THE CAR REVVED TO 8000 RPM AND DROPPED OUT OF GEAR SO HE PULLED OVER AND SLOWED DOWN THE LIGHTS AND RADIO TURNED OFF. WHEN HE LOOKED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS GLOWING RED. THE CAR TOOK AN HR TO COOL DOWN AND ELECTRICAL TO COME BACK. BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN NO ISSUES AGAIN CALLED VW CORP FOR COMPLAINT. *TR
Service brakes, Engine, Mar 18, 2016
I JUST PURCHASED A 2016 VW JETTA S 1.4 GASOLINE TURBO ENGINE ON 3/5/16. IT HAS UNDER 400 MILES ON IT WITH LIGHT DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITHIN A WEEK OF PURCHASE AND WAS TAKEN TO VW DEALER SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. I WAS TOLD ISSUE WAS "DEFECTIVE BRAKE VACUUM AND RELAY". THERE IS CURRENTLY AN NHTSA OPEN RECALL (23R1) THAT APPLIES TO THE 1.8 AND 2.0 TURBO GASOLINE ENGINE, BUT IT SHOULD CLEARLY INCLUDE THE 1.4 TURBO GAS ENGINE. THIS IS A MAJOR, SAFETY CRITICAL ISSUE TO SELL A CAR WITH. BRAKE FAILURE COULD LIKELY LEAD TO FATALITIES DRIVING IN EITHER HIGHWAY OR CITY CONDITIONS THE JETTA 1.4 TURBO GAS ENGINE MODEL SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH RECALL 23R1, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V705000 I FEEL FORTUNATE THAT I WAS NOT DRIVING THE CAR TO EXPERIENCE BRAKE FAILURE, COLLISION OR DEATH. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE IN A NEW CAR AND HAS CAUSED ME TO LOSE FAITH IN THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 17, 2016
THIS IS THE BASE MODEL S AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 1.4 TSI. THIS VEHICLE DOESN'T HAVE A GAUGE FOR MEASURING THE TEMPERATURE. UNABLE TO MAKE A DECISION PROMPTLY IF THE CAR STARTS TO HEAT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE CAR APPARENTLY HAS A MECHANISM TO LOWER THE RPMS IF THE CAR STARTS HEATING AND HAS A LIGHT INDICATING THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM BUT IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT IN 2016 YOU CAN'T SEE THE ENGINE TEMERATURE. I DIDN'T NOTICE THIS WHILE TESTING THE CAR BEFORE DOING THE PURCHASE AND THOUGHT IT WAS A MATTER OF CONFIGURATION BUT CONFIRMED THIS WITH THE MANUAL. THIS CAR HAS 85 MILES AND WHEN RUNNING THROUGH A SLOPE IN RURAL AREA IF IT DECIDES TO DOWN SHIFT THERES A BUMP OR A KNOCK IN THE TRANSMUTATION AS IF YOU WERE ABUSING THE CAR AND THE MOTOR OR TRANSMISSION MOUNTS CAN'T HOLD ITS FORCE. IT REALLY FEELS AWFUL WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS SHOULD HAPPEN SMOOTHLY BUT IT DOESN'T. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT WILL MAKE ITS OWN DECISION OF WHAT IS THE BEST GEAR IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ENOUGH TORQUE TO MANAGE THE SLOPE BUT THIS IS NOT NORMAL. THIS COULD BE A SING OF FUTURE FAILURE AND OF COURSE AN ACCIDENT CAN OCCUR. WOULD LIKE THIS TWO POINTS TO BE INVESTIGATED BY NHTSA.