2016 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta has a complaint index of 60, ranking 9th worst out of 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 161 complaints, 4 recalls, and Engine as the top problem area at 34% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 60/100
- #9 of 21 Jetta years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 161
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 18
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 14
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 25 city / 35.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 14 / 0
Top 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine54 (34%)
- Electrical System38 (24%)
- Other36 (22%)
- Fuel System35 (22%)
- Brakes27 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain22 (14%)
- Steering11 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (5%)
- Airbags7 (4%)
- Structure & Body5 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while parking or turning at low speeds, sometimes ending in a crash into another vehicle or a curb.
- Multiple complaints describe the brake pedal failing to slow the car despite being depressed, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Some drivers say the vehicle lurched from a few miles per hour to 40 mph on its own before impact.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in several crashes, including a T-bone collision and a rear-end impact.
- One owner reported an engine-compartment fire that started hours after the car was parked and shut off.
- A vehicle in park reportedly rolled away on its own and struck two other vehicles.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V648000Oct 21, 2020Fuel System218,192 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
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.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Electrical System679,027 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
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."
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 16V403000Jun 6, 2016Fuel System55 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
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.
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 35.5 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2016 Jetta a complaint index of 60 and a Caution verdict, ranking 9th worst among 21 model years of the Jetta. It is not the worst year, but it trails several newer and older model years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jetta?
- Engine complaints make up 34% of reports, followed by Electrical System at 24% and Fuel System at 22%. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 35,558.
- Does the 2016 Jetta have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Jetta covering fuel system, electrical system, and engine components, including a cylinder head replacement and an engine control module software update.
- Which Jetta model years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint index, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2019 all carry Avoid verdicts, with 2009 having the highest complaint index at 100.
- Are there brake problems reported in the 2016 Jetta?
- Yes, Brakes account for 17% of complaints, with owners describing the brake pedal failing to stop the car and resulting crashes; median mileage at failure was 32,700.