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
161 reports, newest first.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 16, 2019
WHEN THE CAR GETS STARTED I HAVE AIRBAG LIGHT, POWER STEERING LIGHT, TIRE, PRESSURE LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ALL ON. THE LIGHTS STAY ON. BUT THE CAR DRIVES OKAY. THE LIGHTS DO NOT GO OFF. FOR A WHILE THEY WOULD TURN OFF AFTER A FEW MINS. NOW THEY STAY ON WHILE DRIVING.
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2019
MY THING IS WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR WHEN THE HEATER WAS TURNED ON YOU SMELL SOMETHING BURNING... TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS PROBABLY SAND GETTING IN THE HEATER...BUT MY CO WORKERS NOTICED IT ALSO IT WENT FROM THAT TO THE WINDOW NOT GOING UP AND DOWN WHEN YOU MASH THE BUTTON TO NOT GOING ALL THE WAY DOWN...THEN THE A/C NOT PUTTING OUT COOL AIR.... THE DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD ABOUT THIS AS WELL AND DID ASK IF A RECALL WAS DONE... NONE WAS DONE THEY NO OFF. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 5, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK AND TURNED OFF, IT ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE HIS CHILD AND ANOTHER CHILD WERE OCCUPYING THE REAR SEATS WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, OTHER 2016 JETTAS WERE INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2019
THIS IS AN IGNITION PROBLEM. WHILE BEING PARKED HAVING TROUBLE TURNING OFF ENGINE, KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION, STEERING WHEEL IS NOT LOCKED. SPARE KEY DOES THE SAME THING. THE SAFETY MECHANISM THAT PREVENTS YOU FROM TURNING THE KEYS FURTHER WHEN CAR IS ALREADY ON IS NO LONGER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF.
Exterior lighting, Aug 30, 2019
HEADLIGHT AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT WIRING MELTED HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE, SKID, AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALLACE VOLKSWAGEN (2805 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34994, (772) 219-0007) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT ANOTHER WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Service brakes, Aug 9, 2019, crash
"BRAKE FAILURE" SON WAS DRIVING VEHICLE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM STARTED TO GO HE SLOWLY FOLLOWED. HE WAS GOING ABOUT 10-15MPH, AND THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF HIM SLAMMED ON BRAKES SUDDENLY. WHEN CAUSED HIM TO HAVE TO BRAKE. WHEN HE HIT THE BRAKES HE HEARD A BOOM ( SOUNDED LIKE A TIN CAN CRUSHING) AND THE CONTINUED TO SLIDE INTO THE TOYOTA TACOMA IN FRONT OF HIM. THE JETTA IS A TOTAL LOSS.
Tires, Jul 8, 2019
THE HANKOOK TIRES I HAVE ARE BOLDING WAY TOO EARLY. THEY STARTED TO AT 32,000 FOR THE FIRST 2 TIRES AND 18,000 FOR THE OTHER 2. THE TIRES ARE RATED FOR 70,000 MILES AND I'M NOT GETTING ANYWHERE NEAR THAT. EVERY TIME IT RAINS I HYDROPLANE AND ITS NOW UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE MY CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED HANKOOK AND WAS TOLD TO GO TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE. SO I GO TO VW AND THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ALL 4 BUT ONLY THE 2. AFTER SOME ARGUING THEY TELL ME TO DRIVE AROUND ON MY BOLDING TIRES AND WERE THEM DOWN MORE AND THEY WILL TRY TO GET ME NEW TIRES BUT I WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY. THIS IS UNSAFE FOR A CAR DEALER TO TELL ME TO CONTINUE DRIVING ON THE, EVEN AFTER THEY SEEN HOW WORN DOWN THEY WERE! THIS IS ALSO THE 2ND SET OF TIRES I HAD FOR THIS CAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR ONLY HAS 52000 MILES NOW.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2019
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR CANNOT BE TURNED OFF.
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE SENSORS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED, AND THE INDICATORS FOR THE TURN SIGNALS, BRAKES, AND DOORS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ALSO, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE BACKUP CAMERA FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
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
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2019, crash
THE JETTA WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR WAS HIT BY A CHRYSLER 300 TOURING GOING ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WITH THE GRILL OF THE CAR. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL ONTO THE TOP OF THE CAR. A CAR THIS LOW TO THE GROUND AND SIZE SHOULD HAVE CAUSED IT TO SPIN NOT ROLL OVER. THIS HAPPENED ON A DRY CITY STREET JETTA WAS GOING STRAIGHT.VEHICLE WAS IN GOOD REPAIR
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.
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2019
ABOUT A MONTH AGO, I WAD AT AN INTERSECTION WITH MY JETTA WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE PROMPTED ME TO SLAM ON MY HORN. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO USE MY HORN, NO SOUND EMINATED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON ARRIVING HOME, I BEGAN TESTING THE HORN TO NO AVAIL. DUE O THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE, I'VE BEEN FORCED TO DRIVE WITHOUT A HORN IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA WHICH IS ILLEGAL AND HAVE BEEN PUT AT EXTREME RISK WITH THE INABILITY TO ALERT OTHER DRIVERS WITH MY VEHICLE.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A STATE EMISSIONS TEST AND WAS GIVEN A CODE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN OF WEST ATLANTA (1981 THORNTON RD, LITHIA SPRINGS, GA 30122) AND WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW EVAP PUMP WAS NEEDED IN ORDER TO PASS EMISSIONS FOR THE STATE OF GEORGIA. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
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.
Air bags, Structure, Wheels, Apr 12, 2019, crash
I WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH THROUGH A CITY STREET INTERSECTION. MY CAR WAS T-BONED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WITH SUCH FORCE THAT MY CAR WAS SPUN AROUND ALMOST 180 DEGREES. 80% OF THE IMPACT WAS ON THE DRIVER'S REAR DOOR, 20% ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THIS INCLUDED A CAR EQUIPPED WITH SIDE/CURTAIN AIRBAGS. I HAD ISSUES PREVIOUSLY WITH THE WINDOWS PROPERLY WORKING AND HAD ALL COMPONENTS MINUS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPLACED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A PASSENGER DOOR. THERE WERE A FEW OTHER ODDITIES AT TIMES WITH THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM OF THE JETTA. CONSIDERING THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT I SUSPECT AN ELECTRICAL GLITCH WITH THE SENSORS OR SOME OTHER PROBLEM THAT PREVENTED THE AIRBAGS FROM DEPLOYING. THE DAMAGE WAS EXTENSIVE ENOUGH THAT THE CAR WAS TOTALED.
Air bags, Mar 4, 2019
VIN NUMBER NOT ON RECALL. LIGHT OF AIR BAG IS ON.
Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2019
THE IGNITION WHEN AUTOMOBILE IS IN PARK YOU CAN'T TURN OFF ENGINE . THIS HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK
Service brakes, Jan 9, 2019
THE VIN NUMBER FOR MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL TO UPDATE THE SOFTWARE THAT AFFECTS THE BRAKE BOOSTER. SINCE ABOUT 2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR IT STARTED TO TRIGGER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2018
ON MY HOME STOP BY WALMART AND THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. DIDN'T GO IN THE STORE AGAIN JUST WENT HOME AND IT STILL WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. SINCE MY NEIGHBOR HAS 2 VW CARS I WENT TO HIS HOUSE AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2016 PASSET. HE CHECKED ON MY CAR AND TRIED TO GET THE KEY OUT AFTER WE CALLED STOKES VW ON ASHLEY PHOSPHATE RD. THE SERVICE PERSON SUGGESTED BRINGING IT IN AN LEAVE IT BUT DIDNT HAVE A LOANER CAR FOR ME TO GET TO WORK..HE SUGGESTED JIGGLING THE KEY WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL BECAUSE THATS WHAT THET DO. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. IN A STORE PARKING LOT. ALSO THE WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP THIS INCIDENT HAPPEN ABOUT A MONTH AFTER I PURCHASE THE CAR. I THOUGHT MAYBE BECAUSE IT WAS AFTER 5 IN THE MORNING. IT HAPPEN AGAIN AND THEN IT HAPPEN AGAIN AND THIS TIME IT WOULD NOT GO UP IT WAS OVER 8 HOURS BEFORE IT DID AND I NEEDED TO GO BACK TO WORK AND LEAVE MY CAR WINDOW DOWN. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN VW.
Steering, Nov 23, 2018
KEY STUCK IN IGNITION WHILE VEHICLE IS STILL ON, IT CAN'T BE TURNED OFF. THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN PARKED POSITION.
Service brakes, Nov 14, 2018, crash
TODAY (NOV14, 2018) WHEN I BRAKED TO AVOID RUNNING INTO A BRAKING CAR IN FRONT OF ME, THE CAR DIDN'T SEEM TO REDUCE SPEED AT ALL. IT RESULTED IN A CRASH THAT DEPLOYED 5 AIR BAGS OF MY CAR. THE SAME CAR HAD A SIMILAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH BRAKE DIDN'T WORK ON MARCH 7, 2018.