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2016 Volkswagen Jetta

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Jetta years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

93 reports with mileage · 68 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports5 fire reports10 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

36 reports
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36,000 miles · May 21, 2021
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal chemical odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, failure was undetermined. The contact was informed that the air conditio…

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The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal chemical odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, failure was undetermined. The contact was informed that the air conditioning assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

NHTSA ODI #11418015

46,890 miles · Apr 14, 2021
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DICK HANNA VOLKSWAGEN (12345 E. BURNSIDE ST, PORTLAND, OR 97233, (503) 822-3467) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HORN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE KEY FOB AND ALARM…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DICK HANNA VOLKSWAGEN (12345 E. BURNSIDE ST, PORTLAND, OR 97233, (503) 822-3467) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HORN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE KEY FOB AND ALARM FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,890.

NHTSA ODI #11408073

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2021
Electrical System

UPON GOING TO THE BANK, I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF OR EVEN GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF OR GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAD TOTAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WATS INFOMED THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER A PART, WHICH IS GOING TO COST A LARG…

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UPON GOING TO THE BANK, I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF OR EVEN GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE HOME ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. UNABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF OR GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. I HAD TOTAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WATS INFOMED THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER A PART, WHICH IS GOING TO COST A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY.

NHTSA ODI #11399836

69,892 miles · Dec 14, 2020
Electrical System

MY CAR ALARM GOES OFF CONSISTENTLY WITHOUT ANY SIGNS OF BEING TAMPERED WITH. IF I TOUCH THE FUSE BOX OR OPEN MY DOORS THE ALARM WILL GO OFF WITH THE CAR UNLOCKED. WHILE THE CAR IS STARTED THE ALARM WILL GO OFF. ALL HOURS OF THE NIGHT MY ALARM IS GOING OFF. IT KEEPS NOT ONLY MY FAMILY AWAKE BUT ALSO MY NEIGHBORS.

NHTSA ODI #11383278

49,000 miles · Aug 25, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

MY RADIO IN MY VW IS COMPROMISED. THE INDIVIDUALS IDENTITY THEMSELVES AS FBI AGENTS AND WHEN I SPEAK BACK TO AGENTS I AM TOLD, ' I'M NOT SUPPOSE TO SPEAK BACK TO AGENTS.' (CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG) THE VOLUME IN MY CAR IS BEING ADJUSTED AT THE CONFIDENCE OF THE AGENTS. WHEN THE AGENTS PUT THE VOLUME UP I CAN HEAR LOWER THE SPEAKE…

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MY RADIO IN MY VW IS COMPROMISED. THE INDIVIDUALS IDENTITY THEMSELVES AS FBI AGENTS AND WHEN I SPEAK BACK TO AGENTS I AM TOLD, ' I'M NOT SUPPOSE TO SPEAK BACK TO AGENTS.' (CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG) THE VOLUME IN MY CAR IS BEING ADJUSTED AT THE CONFIDENCE OF THE AGENTS. WHEN THE AGENTS PUT THE VOLUME UP I CAN HEAR LOWER THE SPEAKER, WHICH INITIATES THE VOLUME BEING RAISED INSIDE MY CAR. WHEN THE VOLUME IS LOWERED INSIDE MY CAR BY THE AGENTS, IT ALLOWS THE AGENTS TO HEAR WHAT I'M SAYING INSIDE MY CAR. (MY ASSUMPTION) TODAY I TRIED ADJUSTING MY TREBLE, BASS AND MID-RANGE VOLUME AND WAS ABLE TO BUT NO CHANGES TO MY SYSTEM OCCURRED. THE SAME SITUATION IS OCCURRING WITH MY APPLE IPHONE WHEN I LISTEN TO MUSIC THROUGH AIR PODS VIA BLUETOOTH AND WIRED PODS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD BY THE AGENTS 'I SHOULD BEEN SHOT,' I DO FIND THIS VERY ALARMING AND A VIOLATION OF MY U.S. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #11351060

70,000 miles · Jul 21, 2020
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE EPS, BRAKES, CHECK ENGINE, TPMS, AND FRONT ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ALSO INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE EPS, BRAKES, CHECK ENGINE, TPMS, AND FRONT ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ALSO INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TWO UNKNOWN SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11340653

61,000 miles · Jun 25, 2020
Electrical System

OFTEN IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE KEY BACK TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF; SEEMS TO BE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON AND PERVASIVE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE REPORTING BEING UNABLE TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF FOR HOURS. WILL HAVE TO HAVE THIS FIXED AT PROBABLY GREAT EXPENSE, AS IT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT SAFE…

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OFTEN IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE KEY BACK TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF; SEEMS TO BE MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON AND PERVASIVE PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE REPORTING BEING UNABLE TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF FOR HOURS. WILL HAVE TO HAVE THIS FIXED AT PROBABLY GREAT EXPENSE, AS IT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT SAFE TO HAVE A CAR IDLE UNATTENDED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11330903

41,300 miles · Jun 8, 2020
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF. THE POLICE WAS CONTACTED FOR ASSISTANCE, AND AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, AN OFFICER REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOMS RIVER VO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF. THE POLICE WAS CONTACTED FOR ASSISTANCE, AND AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS, AN OFFICER REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOMS RIVER VOLKSWAGEN (256 NJ-37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED PRIOR TO ANY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,300.

NHTSA ODI #11327745

12,000 miles · May 18, 2020
Electrical System

JUNE 1, 2019. HORN STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING, NOW WORKS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY. BY THE TIME I CAN SCHEDULE SERVICE FROM VW THE HORN STARTS WORKING AGAIN. MARCH 15, 2020. HORN COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11324980

17,044 miles · Feb 16, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE'S ENGINE SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY THEN BRAKES AND STEERING WON'T WORK PROPERLY. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON! VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART. CALLED VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD IT TOWED TO SOUTH MOTORS VW DEALERSHIP ON SOUTH DIXIE AND 179 ST. MIAMI. VW CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHATS WRON…

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WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE'S ENGINE SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY THEN BRAKES AND STEERING WON'T WORK PROPERLY. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON! VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART. CALLED VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD IT TOWED TO SOUTH MOTORS VW DEALERSHIP ON SOUTH DIXIE AND 179 ST. MIAMI. VW CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHATS WRONG WITH THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11309462

Official recalls

4

20V648000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

Oct 21, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V615000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device

Aug 22, 2019

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device

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."

Consequence: 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.

16V403000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

Jun 6, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

15V705000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Oct 26, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

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.

Consequence: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

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.

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.