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 wheel was firm, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with spark plugs and valve cover gasket failures and the engine was cleaned. The contact was informed that the engine was covered in oil. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a smoke and dye test was completed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and valve cover gaskets needed to be replaced. In addition, a full engine cleaning was needed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the following morning, the contact noticed oil all over the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic where the valve cover gaskets, sealants, and spark plug were replaced. In addition, the engine was cleaned again. The failure reoccurred with the low battery warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the serpentine belt was shredded. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was driven to the residence, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that in addition, the vehicle was smoking and the engine seized. The contact referenced a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure.
The worst 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine45
- Electrical36
- Fuel system35
- Brakes23
- Transmission22
- Acceleration12
- Steering11
- Airbags7
- Body4
- Driver assistance4
- Wheels4
- Lights3
- Tires3
- Visibility2
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
Check engine light 21Stalling 8Fuel smell 7ABS 6No deployment 6Fire or smoke 6Headlights 6Loss of power 6Oil consumption 6Brake failure 5Transmission failure 5
Recalls 4
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 20V648000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 19V615000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 16V403000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 15V705000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 831
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- These documents are for the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Warranty Extension as part of the...
- Prevent Sporatic Misfire Faults.
- Checking engine oil level.
- Reprogramming Control Module process
- Engine missfire diagnostic aid
- Identifying and Mixing Volkswagen Engine Coolants
- Safety Related Inquiry and Reporting
- Suggested fuel additive
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
2016 Volkswagen Jetta fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 28 | 39-40 | 32-33 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 25 | 35-36 | 29 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 23-24 | 33 | 27 |
What 2016 Volkswagen Jetta owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Ignition not turning all the time leading the steering wheel to lock up.
I tried to stop my car and the brake pedal went completely to the floor and did not stop at all. There were no warning lights on, I keep my brakes and car well maintained. My car hit the rear of another car because the brakes failed to engage when I pushed the pedal down. My car which is the vw jetta was totaled in the accident. My insurance company GEICO has the car sitting at copart and it should be able to be inspected. I know the 2015-2016 vw Jetta had a recall for brake failure due to brake vacuum pump.But my 2016 doesn’t have any recalls on it. The police officer inspected the brakes at the scene.
In the past I owned a 2017 jetta, which I sold approximately one year ago. It had a 1.4 liter turbo engine. At some point around 18 to 20 years ago, I started smelling gasoline fumes in the cabin. It was rare and intermittent. I did not check it out as it did not seem like an urgent issue. I sold the vehicle about a year ago. I also now own a 2016 jetta TSI model, 1.8 liter turbo with about 104,000 miles. In the past few days I started smelling gasoline in the cabin while operating the vehicle. It was not serviced in many months so it’s not likely to have anything to do with bad mechanical service and the vehicle runs well. I checked the internet and discovered a massive vw/audi recall for 260,000 vehicles around 2024, having something to do with a seal related to some sort of a fuel pump, which included 2017 model vehicles. I contacted two vw dealerships expecting them to check the problem and handle this serious hazard. Both dealerships decline to check the vehicle other than for cash. They confirmed my vehicle was not subject to a recall. I took my problem to the Volkswagen company today. I was told that there was no fuel related recall for my vin number and they would not accommodate my request. But I was advised that I should not drive the vehicle going forward, but have it towed. This dangerous condition was exhibited by 2 separate jettas I owned. The likelihood of this condition being found in 2 separate vehicles is mere coincidence and not indicative of a dangerous problem created in the manufacturing process is beyond a plausible explanation. Please follow up ASAP as I am being effectively deprived of the use of this vehicle. My phone number is [XXX] . Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 over 100x since, but I am unable to afford another vehicle and pray over car continually to keep me and others on road safe. Few times car would suddenly shudder like engine was quitting. Canceled medical trip to city when this happened 50 miles from home. Have had to cancel work as well one day when this happened. Recently bought a FIXD sensor and it diagnosed issues with faulty gas cap and purge valve. Replaced both. That issue seems to have resolved. Car has been burning oil like crazy. Sometimes 1L after driving 150 miles. Fuel efficiency is terrible. Even running 91 grade fuel hasn't helped. In cold weather, around -30, sometimes driver door won't close. Literally have to drive with one hand holding steering wheel and one hand on door. Scary. Newest issue this week. While driving highway speed, low oil light flashed momentarily. Then speedometer and rpm gages quit. Then entire instrument cluster went black. Was almost at work, so prayed and got there safely. After work, instrument cluster worked, but car started and stalled immediately. Mechanic code reader pulls up nothing. My FIXD reader says it's a upstream oxygen sensor. Looking at youtube videos, the issue it describes sounds like this may have been what contributed to those EPC codes for last few years. Borrowing a vehicle from family - car is stranded at work. This is my first and likely last VW.
Fuel fire hazard. Safety Recall 24Gi performed 5-11-21 @ 67k miles. 4 years and 60k miles later, fuel rail bolts backed out, causing fuel to pour into engine compartment. VW’s repair solution was not adequate. Do I have any recourse?
Key Ignition malfunction
the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN ID 15V705000 16V403000 20V648000 20E064000 19V615000
Vehicle begins to shudder and slow with no response to attempts to accelerate and eventually stop completely though engine is still on. This has happened on multiple occasions and in many driving situations including on busy streets or in the middle of turning which is a huge risk for an accident! Can restart with regular acceleration after a few minutes. Service indicators will come on with codes indicating transmission related issues. Have had transmission flushed without significant change with transmission replacement as next step.
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 it serviced three times after that. Sits in my garage half the year as I travel by airplane or tour bus for work so no need to drive all the time. This shouldn’t be happening.
Compare the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Owners have filed 162 complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, fewer than a typical Jetta model year.
What is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta year score?
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta scores 77 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Volkswagen Jetta: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?
Engine and cooling, with 45 complaints, typically around 46,000 miles. Next is electrical (36).
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?
4 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, electrical system and engine and engine cooling.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 15V705000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volkswagen Jetta have bad engine?
The Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most engine complaints are 2010 (188 complaints), 2009 (168 complaints) and 2019 (149 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta get?
Official estimates for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta range from 27 to 33 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 28 city and 39-40 highway.
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