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2016 Volkswagen Jetta Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 161 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, most often about the engine (27% of complaints, typically around 42,000 miles). It is 18th of 27 Jetta model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Engine
44 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles.
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…
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
Electrical
36 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 41,500 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, horn.
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…
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that she was unable to remove the key from the ignition after parking the vehicle and turning the vehicle off. The police was contacted for assistance, and after multiple attempts, an officer removed the key from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to toms…
Fuel system
35 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 47,000 miles. Parts named most often: fuel injection system.
Possible fuel rail system detached from cylinder fuel pressure sensor needs to be replaced vehicle was in idle when ECM light went on and vehicle RPM were going crazy from 1-3 vehicle stalled out and shut off 4 times
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to merge into another lane, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer and the…
Other or unspecified
35 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 42,500 miles.
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
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…
Brakes
23 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 35,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock.
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
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…
Transmission
22 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 32,000 miles.
At 32,000 miles the clutch started slipping. Even though covered under warranty I was told my my local vw dealer and by vw of america that they would have to pull the car apart to determine if it is covered. If they determine it is normal wear and tear it won't be covered and I'm out $1100 for the diagnostic.…
My vehicle has started to hesitate when I try to accelerate randomly. It doesn't happen every time I drive but it happens multiple times per week. I will press my gas, and my car will hesitate, I hear it revving but my rpms go nowhere. It's almost like it's not catching. This will occur for around 5 seconds, leaving…
Speed control
12 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 18,500 miles.
I drove into a parking lot 27march 2017 and proceeded to park my Jetta in a parking spot however, as I was doing so the car accelerated forward and leaped the curb. I stepped on the brake but the car would not stop until it hit 2 vehicles with my foot pressing the brake pedal and as the car impacted the other cars.
When pulling into a parking space in a large parking lot, as soon as I started the turn, my car accelerated dramatically causing the car to jump the curb and hit the concrete base of a light pole head on. Airbags were not deployed. Insurance declared the vehicle a total loss. I did contact vw customer care who has…
Steering
11 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles.
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
On july 1st ,2020 upon arrival to a store once in park and I tried to turn the car off the key would not turn at all meaning the car was not able to be shut off after about 20 minutes of trying to turn the steering wheel thinking it was locked I finally got the car to shut off after googling it and reading many other…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
Fuel system: fuel rail
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: 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 injury or a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Fuel system: fuel rail
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (44 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles); electrical (36 complaints, typically around 41,500 miles); fuel system (35 complaints, typically around 47,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 21, 2020 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the Volkswagen Jetta?
- It is 18th of 27 Jetta model years by number of complaints, with 161 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.