repaired · 2023 Q3
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
2016 Volkswagen JettaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 162 owner complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-615 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 27, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta has problems
162 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
44Engine3 crash/fire/injury
36Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
28Fuel/propulsion system3 crash/fire/injury
22Power train2 crash/fire/injury
21Service brakes9 crash/fire/injury
12Vehicle speed control
11Steering
7Fuel system, gasoline
7Air bags
2813 other systems8 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 44 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 36 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 28 | 3 |
| Power train | 22 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 21 | 9 |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 5 |
| Steering | 11 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 7 | 1 |
| Air bags | 7 | 5 |
| 13 other systems | 28 | 8 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2016 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Anti-theft: control module
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…
repaired · 2017 Q4
Fuel injection system: fuel rail
Risk. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
repaired · 2017 Q2
Engine and engine cooling: engine
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volkswagen.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
38kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 23 engine complaints. 91% were reported before 100,000 miles.
9under 30k miles21under 100k miles2100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Jetta year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Jetta median. How we score
0000113141819282231301711722031541923494396687024562312485802011888898526075005183881941621603255354714342463461
'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Volkswagen Jetta safety ratings
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Jetta owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was shaking erratically, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the steering…
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…
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…
Own a 2016 Jetta?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.