2016 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11711696

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 15V705000 16V403000 20V648000 20E064000 19V615000

NHTSA ID

11678654

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11667875

Incident

Jan 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The ignition, the check engine, the ABS, and the camshaft warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle started temporarily and shut off after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact notified the dealer the vehicle was purchased from of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID

11657757

Incident

Jun 30, 2024

Mileage

71,000 mi

I bought the car brand new in 2016 had the oil changed on its scheduled maintenance and at 77000 mile my timing chain made my car go into limp mode. Now I am looking at a 4700$ in mechanic and engine work.

NHTSA ID

11638987

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

The transmission failed due to mechatronics failure without warning

NHTSA ID

11587556

Incident

May 6, 2024

When driving above 45 mph, at time the EPC light will pop up on the dash and power will be slightly lost to the vehicle. Almost immediately after this happens, the oil light will pop on despite the oil being changed and done on a beyond routine basis. we have brought the vehicle into be serviced at the Volkswagen dealership numerous times and the same thing continues to happen. Recently, when driving on the interstate the EPC light came on and the vehicle stalled in the middle of the interstate. Luckily, no accident was caused but it was a near miss. This has been an issue since purchasing the vehicle and the oil is required to be changed much sooner than necessary. Volkswagen keeps "fixing" it but it continues to happen but we have paid over $3500 in getting it "fixed." The problem seems to occur at random times but most notably when going over 45mph.

NHTSA ID

11568336

Incident

Jan 26, 2024

There is an issue with the amount of engine oil used. It is burned up at a rapid pace. This has caused my car to malfunction (EPC light turns on). This happened to me driving on the highway it put myself and my passengers in danger as the car would slow down and jerk abruptly. My car has been inspected by a VW dealership. They found no issue on it. However, when taking it to an independent VW mechanic shop, I was informed this is a common issue in this car. They engine oil burns drastically. This has caused me to spend a significant amount of money to replenish the oil level every week. My current situation is using about 3 quartz of oil every 1500 miles! Otherwise, my car will run with no oil which could lead to permanent engine problems and dangerous driving conditions. The low oil warning goes off almost all the time. I was quoted a repair cost from an independent shop of more than $3,000 to fix this well known issue by reconstructing parts of the car to mirror newer models for which VW fixed this problem. This indicates to me VW is aware of this factory defect. Moreover, tons of people are reporting this issue online. I recall is in order.

NHTSA ID

11563762

Incident

Oct 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while accelerating from idling, the vehicle jolted with the check engine, ABS, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle began decelerating to approximately 30 MPH. The contact pulled to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but could not identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was driven, and the contact became aware that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. After waiting for a while, the electrical power returned but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The mechanic suggested that the transmission might be the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ID

11562561

Incident

Jul 29, 2023

Mileage

87,000 mi

Even after having the fuel system replaced due to recall, I’m still smelling gas inside of my car. My EPC light and Check Engine light keep coming on and don’t always stay on but when it comes on, while driving… my car will tell me to downshift and then there is no throttle, you can mash the gas pedal to the floor and only dash lights. It has also skipped the downshift indicator and just cut completely off while driving.

NHTSA ID

11550661

Incident

Oct 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and EPC warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would not accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel rail and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11548097

Incident

Sep 29, 2023

Mileage

160,000 mi

We purchased the car in May 2021, within a week, the check engine light, EPC and oil lamp became illuminated. Contacted dealership who "inspected" it and said "nothing was wrong and reset the lights." A few weeks go by and the same thing. We noticed the car was "stuttering" during acceleration. We attempted to bring it to the dealership they couldn't inspect our vehicle because they didn't have "availability". My husband brought it to a local mechanic who recommended bringing it to the dealership again because of the codes it was throwing. We scheduled an appt which was 4 months out. During that time the oil was changed every 1.5 months because the lights kept coming on. Moved to Mississippi and the issues became worse. The vehicle would seem to lose power while driving on the interstate causing a Semi to veer into the other lane because the car went from 70mph to 20mph in a matter of seconds. Brought it to VW of South MS, was told Timing case, sealant, rail, tensioner, gasket, and several other things were needed to be replaced. Was told the vehicle was burning oil, lower timing cover was replaced and found bolts from tensioner broken and metal shavings. Was charged over $2500. 1 week later same exact issues occurred again. Brought it in, reset lights told us "it's fine" Few weeks of the car not being driven, happens again. We bring it back and they inform us of an array of "new issues" charges us $2000 and within a week the car is back for the same exact issue. I reviewed the recalls but it is saying none of them apply to my vehicle but they are the exact things that are going on. It is unsafe to drive the car. My husband will not allow me to drive it out of fear that it will stall and result in a serious MVA. Why isn't VW doing anything about this issue? How many people have to get injured or killed for them to conduct an investigation for this issue?

NHTSA ID

11529849

Incident

Jun 10, 2021

Key stuck in Ignition lock cylinder; stuck in the on position with engine running and cannot switch to the off position to remove ignition key. -ALSO, CAR DOORS WILL NOT LOCK WITH KEY IN IGNITION- Note: Other complaints for this same issue are listed under: UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, STEERING, ENGINE VW dealer estimated a $1100 repair

NHTSA ID

11527214

Incident

Jun 10, 2023

UNKNOWN; once the car started, it would not accelerate, the EPC and Engine warning lights came on; car still starts up The Tire Pressure sensor light has been going off/on, regardless of the tire pressure being correctly set

NHTSA ID

11522546

Incident

May 14, 2023

While driving in the morning rush hour my vehicle lost power. As I pushed on the accelerator the vehicle did not speed up and maxed out at 40 mph. I was not able to keep up with the speed limit or traffic and I pulled over to the shoulder to get out of traffic so that I did not cause an accident. Dealer confirmed that my transmission had gone out. The check engine light came on.

NHTSA ID

11518972

Incident

Apr 21, 2023

- Evap System, it is available for inspection upon request. - The check engine light will not turn off because of electrical wiring due to a faulty connection with the Evap system. It has been checked and there are no leaks and I have been told by three locations that it is a electrical wiring issue. Since the check engine light will not turn off I can not be notified if there are other issues that may cause a check engine light to turn on and my family's safety is at risk because I do not know if it is only because of a electrical wiring issue. - The problem has been checked by three local auto shops who have all smoked the Evap system but have never found a leak and have each individually told me it is a wiring issue. - It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others to my knowledge because the car was sold to me by a dealership anything prior to that event I am not aware of. - They first appeared one week and a half from purchase from the dealership. The dealership said it would not fix it because it wasn't in their books. The check engine light turned on when I turned on the car after that time period. I was not driving when it had turned on.

NHTSA ID

11502491

Incident

Oct 27, 2018

At 52,000 miles check engine light came on , car would not go over 50mph, EPC light came on , lights went out. After having car towed to the dealer, had to have EPC ,Turbocharger Boost rod / actuator replaced .

NHTSA ID

11472800

Incident

Jul 1, 2022

Water pump and thermostat housing inspected and needing to be replaced according to inspection by Volkswagen Welsey Chapel on this 2016 Jetta. The quoted repair needs immediate attention and costs $1025.46. A leaking water pump could also cause the engine to stop functioning while the car is in motion. Even if the driver pulled over, being stranded on the side of a highway waiting for a tow could be dangerous. I notified VW customer care and was directed NHTSA as there is no recall for this cars year. There were not warnings of this issue until noticed at inspection. Volkswagen has yet to issue a recall for this severe problem.

NHTSA ID

11450829

Incident

Feb 4, 2022

I got this vehicle at 36,000 miles and I have put 23,000 on it in one year. There have been no warning messages. I was in idle and my RPMs started jumping I put it in reverse ( jumping stopped) , then drive to have the vehicle get a mile or two down the road and completely die. I was rear ended . Got it into a repair shop to be told by a certified mechanic it was throwing codes for the camshaft as well as needing an evap purge at just under 60,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11441394

Incident

Nov 18, 2021

Excessive oil consumption over a short period of time - inspected by auto mechanic and VW dealer - no leaks and no buring of oil noted. Loosing a quart over the period of one month after an oil change - warning light comes on but when you are alone on the highway at night you cant always pull over.

NHTSA ID

11423346

Incident

Jan 22, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, SHE DETECTED AN ABNORMAL GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. DOTHAN VOLKSWAGEN (2730 ROSS CLARK CIR, DOTHAN, AL 36301) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,700.

NHTSA ID

11413087

Incident

Apr 12, 2021

Mileage

97,700 mi

BEGINNING AT 60K MILES I REALIZED THAT MY JETTA SPORT 1.8L BEGAN TO CONSUME OIL AT A MUCH HIGHER RATE THAN USUAL SO MUCH SO THAT I TOOK IT TO MY NEARBY DEALERSHIP AND HAD IT LOOKED AT. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO LEAKS AND THAT THE OLDER VW'S GET THE MORE THEY BURN OIL. HOWEVER, THEY REFERRED TO THE OIL BURNING AT AROUND A QUART EVERY 5,000 MILES BUT MY CAR IS BURNING OIL AT 5 TIMES THAT SPEED OF A QUART EVERY 1,000 MILES. I HAVE TO KEEP A QUART OF OIL IN MY CAR AT ALL TIMES AND IT IS BEGINNIGN TO BECOME EXPENSIVE. I TRAVEL BETWEEN STATES OFTEN AND DO THE ARIZONA-INDIANA AND BACK TRIP ONCE A YEAR SO IT DOES HAVE MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID

11399197

Incident

Jun 4, 2019

Mileage

64,000 mi

VOLKSWAGON RELEASED RECALL NUMBER 24GI ON OCTOBER 14, 2020, THE SUMMARY OF WHICH STATES, "THE FUEL RAIL BOLTS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY BECOME LOOSE OVER TIME. THIS CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK. SAFETY RISK: LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE." AS OF THE DATE JANUARY 19,2021, A REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE FROM EITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR THE DEALER

NHTSA ID

11388787

Incident

Oct 14, 2020

Mileage

65,000 mi

SEAT BELTS NO LONGER WORKING EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER SIDE. PASSAGES SIDE WILL NOT LOCK AND POPS OUT. ALL THREE BACK SEAT BELTS ARE STUCK AND WILL NOT RELEASE. I'VE HAD THE CAR ONLY A YEAR PURCHASED FROM DRIVETIME. THEN MY KEY GOT STUCK IN MY IGNITION AND COULD NOT TURN CAR OFF HAD TO RUSH TO DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT THE ISSUES HAD TO PAY FOR SOMETHING I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER. THEN HAD ISSUES WITH THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, AND TRUBO SUPERCHARGER ISSUES LOSING POWER. ALMOST WAS HIT MY A SEMI TRUCK ON THE FREEWAY FOR LOSING POWER TO MY CAR. THESE ISSUES I FEEL HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH ME A A CUSTOMER TO HAVE TO PAY FOR ONLY HAVING THE CAR A YEAR. THESE ISSUES ARE LIFE THREATENING. I WAS FORCED TO PURCHASED GAP AND THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR NOTHING TO BE COVERED! THIS CAR IS A LEMON, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT HAS IGNITION AND ENGINE ISSUES. THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD.

NHTSA ID

11378463

Incident

Aug 1, 2020

SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE (USED AT AROUND 73K MILES) THE TURBO FAILED. I THOUGHT THAT WAS ODD AT THE MILEAGE SO I ATTEMPTED TO SUBMIT A CLAIM TO VOLKSWAGEN. I WAS DENIED. MY HUSBAND WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE TURBO FAILED AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW AND LAG WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. HE PULLED OVER AND CALLED TGE TOW TRUCK AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO VOLKWAGEN THE SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED THAT I REACH OUT TO VOLKSWAGEN TO SUBMIT A CLAIM BECAUSE HE THOUGHT IT WAS TOO EARLY FOR THAT KIND OF FAILURE.

NHTSA ID

11374861

Incident

Oct 1, 2019

Mileage

73,000 mi