2016 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine4420.6%
- Electrical3616.8%
- Fuel system3516.4%
- Brakes2310.7%
- Powertrain (other)2210.3%
- Driver assistance167.5%
- Steering115.1%
- Airbags73.3%
- Other / unspecified52.3%
- Body & structure41.9%
- Exterior lighting31.4%
- Tires & wheels31.4%
- Visibility20.9%
- Interior & seats10.5%
- Suspension10.5%
- Seat belts10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 CAMPAIGN ID 15V705000 16V403000 20V648000 20E064000 19V615000
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and started to seize, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
When driving the car, it will randomly stall, lose power or not accelerate. Sometimes the EPC light and oil light will illuminate other times it gives no warning. It shut off on the interstate while going 72mph. I have taken it to the dealership since a month after I got it and they keep telling me nothing is wrong with it. I have to get oil changes every month despite not driving it much and the gas consumption is 3tines what it should be. I’m having to fill the tank up three times a week despite going to and from work which is 9 miles from my home. I have taken it to the dealership and had to pay $1000s of dollars only for it to start having the same issues within a week
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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?
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Key Ignition malfunction
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and started to seize, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had an accident in Dec where passenger side was hit in the center. The center rail that connects 2 doors was hit so airbags deployed due to roof being pushed in by center bar. But only back airbag had a little air. Front airbag was flat. I took it to the dealer and a month later they are telling me that is normal but I took the picture right after the accident and there is no air in front passenger bag. I told them my child is lucky to be alive. But i know its dangerous if other people are travelling in the same type car as mine. Also bag in the back has a lot of air and no fold creases because it was filled with air. Front airbag looks like it was folded and just fell out and since it has no air all the creases where it folded in roof are still there.
MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A MVA IN WHICH SHE SLAMMED ON HER BRAKES AND THE BRAKES LOCKED ON HER. SHE HIT THE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE. SHE WAS GOING ROUGHLY 25-30 MPH. SHE WAS ROUGHLY 30-40 FEET AWAY FROM THE OTHER VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. HER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH CONSIDERING THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE DONE TO HER CAR IS ROUGHLY $6500. I RESEARCHED BOTH ISSUES AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE VW JETTA.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact’s mother owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked outside, the contact’s mother was notified that the vehicle had caught fire. The contact stated that upon her mother and sister approaching the vehicle, they noticed that the front driver’s side door was on fire. The contact then stated that her sister used her hand in an attempt to pat the fire away. As a result, the contact’s sister sustained an injury to her right hand that required medical attention. The fire department was notified, and the fire was extinguished. The fire department determined that the origin of the fire was electrical. A police report was filed. The contact stated that her mother then received recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the contact stated that the dealer refused service. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,217.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I drive, the trunk pops open. Forward or reverse. No problems found with wiring in trunk or door but keeps happening. Began months ago and mechanics keep saying that they can't find anything wrong. Scary to drive
-The front right passenger electrical system that contains the wiring in order for the front headlight and front high beam to function properly suddenly started a short circuit and caused the front passenger light system wiring to catch fire to that part and the parts that surround it. The car is available for inspection at any time. -My safety was put at risk because my vehicle caught fire in a matter of seconds and spread so fast that it was impossible to stop the fire without requesting help of the Miami Gardens Fire Department that arrived on the scene as fast as they could a few minutes later. Other vehicles waiting at the traffic light were also put at risk because of the fire, smoke, and the hazardous wastes that could've possibly led to an explosion from the fire spreading over the whole right side of the engine. -The problem hasn't been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer; however, I do have a police report that states that the Miami Gardens Fire Department confirmed it was an electrical problem that started the fire and the severity of the damage that they believed was a total loss. The vehicle fire was able to be put out once the Miami Dade Fire Rescue got there and managed to stop the fire. The police officer inspected the vehicle once the fire was extinguished and was able to write the police report and gave me the police case #. -There was one warning light on on the driver dashboard that had appeared a week prior to the vehicle catching fire and it was that the front headlight bulb was not working and had to be replaced.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the front and rear exterior lights were not functioning as needed. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed an electrical fault with the exterior lights. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
-The front right passenger electrical system that contains the wiring in order for the front headlight and front high beam to function properly suddenly started a short circuit and caused the front passenger light system wiring to catch fire to that part and the parts that surround it. The car is available for inspection at any time. -My safety was put at risk because my vehicle caught fire in a matter of seconds and spread so fast that it was impossible to stop the fire without requesting help of the Miami Gardens Fire Department that arrived on the scene as fast as they could a few minutes later. Other vehicles waiting at the traffic light were also put at risk because of the fire, smoke, and the hazardous wastes that could've possibly led to an explosion from the fire spreading over the whole right side of the engine. -The problem hasn't been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer; however, I do have a police report that states that the Miami Gardens Fire Department confirmed it was an electrical problem that started the fire and the severity of the damage that they believed was a total loss. The vehicle fire was able to be put out once the Miami Dade Fire Rescue got there and managed to stop the fire. The police officer inspected the vehicle once the fire was extinguished and was able to write the police report and gave me the police case #. -There was one warning light on on the driver dashboard that had appeared a week prior to the vehicle catching fire and it was that the front headlight bulb was not working and had to be replaced.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
After owning the tires for 35000 miles the tires started to split on all four. Shaking was notice about a week before 5/22/21 when i got up to 65 miles an hour on the interstate. Tread life was good on the tires and the tire shop helped me get new ones. I had no warning and I rotated my tires every 4000 miles or so.
BOUGHT THESE TIRES AND TWICE NOTICED BUBBLES ON SIDEWALL APPEAR. HAPPENS 1 MONTH AFTER BEING NEW. MAYBE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE. HAD GET THEM REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WITH LOW MILEAGE. TIRE BRAND MAVIS TIRE TRACTION CONTROL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had hit snd run By this car. IT looks like that Driver had attention to hurt me Moving in same line, I Made him space behind me than he hit on back, I was tih king tha he/she was trying to escape he moved again in right line but he again started to move in left side where I was driving. I hit part of shoulder and there is a damege on my car from the back side and both left side how he/she hit me and right side how I hit on shoulder. Than he/she was trying to run as crazy trought crowd but my car got only body damages and I was able to run after him/her and wrote down License plate. I am a Remitter agent, I was able to find only lien holder for this car but not yet the assigned owner. Hopfully I can get same help from you. Thanks.
GAUGE BACKLIGHT INTENSITY CONTROL VIOLATES "49 CFR 571.101 - STANDARD NO. 101; CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS" THIS REPORT IS ECHO FROM NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11025444 THAT ANOTHER JETTA HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. FIRST, BASIC ISSUE IS, AUTOMATIC GAUGE BACKLIGHT INTENSITY CONTROLS TILL ZERO WHILE DRIVING ON DAY TIME, BUT THE ZERO LEVEL UNDER DARKER AMBIENT LIGHTING SURROUND AREA IS PREVENTING DRIVER TO CHECK SPEED THAT VIOLATING THE REGULATION. SECOND, THE FACT THAT MANY OF VW MODELS WITH THIS LIGHTING SENSOR HAS THE SAME CONTROL OF THE GAUGE AND THIS REPORTING ISSUE IS NOT A SINGLE CAR OR A SINGLE MODEL YEAR ISSUE. IN MY CASE, BOTH 2016 AND 2017 HAS THE SAME ISSUE. THIRD, ADDITIONAL FACT I FOUND OUT IN THE NIGHT TIME, AT VERY DARK ENVIRONMENT, I HAVE FOUND THE GRAPHICAL LCD PANEL IN THE CENTER OF THE GAUGES, ENTERTAINMENT CONTROL LCD PANEL AND THE BOTH REV GAUGE AND SPEED GAUGE NEEDLES ARE ALSO CONTROLLED INTENSITY, BUT NEVER DARKER THAN THE BRIGHTNESS WHILE HEADLIGHT ON. WITH ABOVE FACT, I UNDERSTAND VW'S INTENTION AND IDEA IS RIGHT, CONTROLLING THE BACKLIGHT WHILE IN THE DAYTIME, BUT THE GAUGE BACKLIGHT IS WAY BELOW BRIGHTNESS THAN NIGHTTIME AND TILL ZERO BACKLIGHT, WHILE NEEDLES, GRAPHIC PANEL, AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM IS CONTROLLED AS IDEAL RANGE. SO FAR, VW OF AMERICA CUSTOMER CARE SAID THIS IS EXACTLY THE DESIGN, BUT ZERO INTENSITY BACKLIGHT IS VIOLATING THE REGULATION "S5.3.2 BRIGHTNESS OF ILLUMINATION OF CONTROLS AND INDICATORS" UNDER "49 CFR 571.101 - STANDARD NO. 101; CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." SINCE VW IS NOT LISTENING MY REPORT, I WOULD LIKE THE AUTHORITY TO CHECK THE ISSUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. VIDEO OR PHOTO IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST, BUT YOU CAN REPRODUCE THE ISSUE AT ANY WHERE. SEE ID 11025444.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEATED SEAT PAD HAS BEGUN BURNING A HOLE INTO DRIVER SIDE SEAT. IF NOT CAREFUL, WILL BURN SKIN WHILE FABRIC IS STILL OVER THE PAD. THIS IS HAPPENING WHEN THE SEAT IS TURNED ON AND IS CAUSING A BURNING SMELL IN THE VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver side strut spring snapped. Car became undrivable and pulled to the left, body is very close to tire and spring could cause tire to blow out . Spring is rusted from the inside out Car is at dealership for repairs no warning at all just a rattle then a loud snap
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .