2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 164 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, filed between 2015-12-22 and 2026-08-28. The most common problem areas are the engine (44, 27%), electrical system (38, 23%) and fuel/propulsion system (28, 17%). Owners reported 18 crashes, 5 fires and 14 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Volkswagen Jetta complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 44 | 27% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 38 | 23% | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 35 | 21% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 28 | 17% | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Power train | 22 | 13% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 22 | 13% | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| Steering | 12 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 7% | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| Air bags | 8 | 5% | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 7 | 4% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 2% | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Wheels | 4 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 2% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 44 complaints
- 44 complaints of 164 (27%) name the engine.
- 11 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 fire in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta; the recall, campaign 15V705000, says: “In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.”
Electrical system: 38 complaints
- 38 complaints of 164 (23%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta; the recall, campaign 19V615000, says: “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/propulsion system: 28 complaints
- 28 complaints of 164 (17%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta covers this system.
Power train: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 164 (13%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 6 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta covers this system.
Service brakes: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 164 (13%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 4 of them also name the air bags; owners reported 9 crashes and 9 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta; the recall, campaign 20E064000, says: “The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.”
Steering: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 164 (7%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 5 of them also name the unknown or other; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 4 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names JETTA, JETTA GLI, JETTA HEV, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta's most common problem areas are the engine (44 of 164 complaints), electrical system (38 of 164 complaints) and fuel/propulsion system (28 of 164 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA has 164 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, including 18 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.