How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?

NHTSA lists 38 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Jetta, which is 24% of the 161 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2016 Jetta?

Yes. Recall campaign 19V615000, reported August 22, 2019, covers the electrical system on the 2011-2018 Jetta among other Volkswagen models. Dealers install an additional switch and circuit board free of charge.

At what mileage do 2016 Jetta electrical failures typically occur?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2016 Jetta is 44,000 miles.

Have there been fires or crashes linked to Jetta electrical issues?

NHTSA data for the 2016 Jetta Electrical System category shows 2 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury among the 38 complaints filed.

How does 2016 compare to other Jetta model years for electrical complaints?

The 2016 Jetta's 24% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is lower than 2010 through 2014, which ranged from 27% to 34%, but higher than 2018's 10% and similar to 2017's 23%.

2016 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 38 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, 24% of the 161 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 44,000. One related recall (19V615000) covers electrical wiring on Jetta and other VW models.

Electrical System complaints: 38; 24% of 161
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 44,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Ignition key gets stuck and won't release from the ignition switch, sometimes traced to a fractured nylon bushing.
Vehicle rolls away after being parked and turned off, in one case leading to a crash with no airbag deployment.
Battery leaks and corrodes cables, shorting the electrical system and disabling starting.
Instrument panel sensors and indicators fail together, including turn signals, brake lights, door indicators, backup camera, and no-start condition.
Horn stops working with no sound produced when pressed.
Fires reported near the front driver's side door and in headlight wiring, with one headlight assembly melting.

When 2016 Volkswagen Jetta electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 17, 2016, latest Jul 10, 2024.

38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2016 to Jul 2024; peak Jun 2019 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta

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.

Electrical System complaints by Jetta model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200557 (23%)
2006138 (24%)
200749 (24%)
200845 (24%)
2009115 (13%)
2010237 (28%)
2011205 (34%)
2012144 (29%)
2013160 (31%)
2014109 (28%)
201553 (27%)
201638 (24%)
201736 (23%)
20183 (10%)
2019162 (30%)
202017 (33%)
202113 (19%)
202210 (23%)
20239 (21%)
20246 (14%)
20254 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?: NHTSA lists 38 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Jetta, which is 24% of the 161 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical problems on the 2016 Jetta?: Yes. Recall campaign 19V615000, reported August 22, 2019, covers the electrical system on the 2011-2018 Jetta among other Volkswagen models. Dealers install an additional switch and circuit board free of charge.
At what mileage do 2016 Jetta electrical failures typically occur?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2016 Jetta is 44,000 miles.
Have there been fires or crashes linked to Jetta electrical issues?: NHTSA data for the 2016 Jetta Electrical System category shows 2 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury among the 38 complaints filed.
How does 2016 compare to other Jetta model years for electrical complaints?: The 2016 Jetta's 24% share of complaints tied to electrical issues is lower than 2010 through 2014, which ranged from 27% to 34%, but higher than 2018's 10% and similar to 2017's 23%.