KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION. WILL NOT SHUT OFF
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Jetta years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Unknown Or Other complaints
35 reportsI BELIEVE MY CAR IS THE RESULT OF A RECENT SERIES OF BAD STORMS TO HIT THIS COUNTRY AND MY CAR. I BELIEVE MY CAR IS A FLOOD-CAR THAT HAS BEEN VERY WELL CLEANED INSIDE AND OUT, AND CLEANED SO WELL THAT THE TITLE GOT A GOOD WASH, KNOWN IN THE INDUSTRY AS TITLE-WASHING. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE IT CARRIED A GUARANTEE MAKING IT A …
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I BELIEVE MY CAR IS THE RESULT OF A RECENT SERIES OF BAD STORMS TO HIT THIS COUNTRY AND MY CAR. I BELIEVE MY CAR IS A FLOOD-CAR THAT HAS BEEN VERY WELL CLEANED INSIDE AND OUT, AND CLEANED SO WELL THAT THE TITLE GOT A GOOD WASH, KNOWN IN THE INDUSTRY AS TITLE-WASHING. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE IT CARRIED A GUARANTEE MAKING IT A CERTIFIED USED CAR. A CAR THAT CARRIES A CERTIFIED USED TITLE OF CONDITION THEN ONE WOULD EXPECT NOTHING LESS THAN PERFECTION. HOW I CAME TO KNOW ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A FLOOD-CAR WAS THERE WAS WHAT LOOKED LIKE RIVER GRAVEL DEEP IN THE CARS DOOR SEAL AND THERE WAS A CLEAR WATER-LINE BEHIND WHERE THE MOVING PART OF THE STEERING-WHEEL ATTACHED TO THE CAR. NOW I'M UNSURE IF Y'ALL ARE ABLE TO HELP ME WITH THIS SITUATION, EVEN IF IT'S TO STEER ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO FIND RESOLUTION TO MY FLOOD-CAR ISSUE. I REALLY WANT ALL MY MONEY BACK AND START ALL OVER WITH SOMETHING LESS PRONE TO FLOOD WATERS.
THIS CAR CONTINUES TO SPORADICALLY GO IN REVERSE WHILE I AM IN DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE WAITING IN LIKE AT A DRIVE THROUGH, FOOT ON BREAK WHILE IN DRIVE WHILE WAITING FOR FOOD, THEN TOLD TO PULL UP ONLY TO NEARLY BACK INTO THE CAR IN LINE BEHIND ME. HAD TO PUT CAR IN PARK AND SHUT OFF ENGINE- RESTART TO CORRECT PROBLEM. H…
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THIS CAR CONTINUES TO SPORADICALLY GO IN REVERSE WHILE I AM IN DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE WAITING IN LIKE AT A DRIVE THROUGH, FOOT ON BREAK WHILE IN DRIVE WHILE WAITING FOR FOOD, THEN TOLD TO PULL UP ONLY TO NEARLY BACK INTO THE CAR IN LINE BEHIND ME. HAD TO PUT CAR IN PARK AND SHUT OFF ENGINE- RESTART TO CORRECT PROBLEM. HAS HAPPENED WHILE FOOT ON BREAK AT RED LIGHT WHILE IN DRIVE, TOOK FOOT OFF BREAK WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN - CAR WENT INTO REVERSE WHILE DRIVE SHAFT "D" STILL LIT UP ALMOST BACKING INTO CAR BEHIND ME. AND AGAIN THIS HAPPENED WHILE BACKING UP IN MY APARTMENT PARKING LOT, PUT CAR INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT, BREAK, WHEN TO PUT CAR INTO DRIVE AND CAR WENT INTO REVERSE. EACH TIME THE CAR HAS WENT INTO REVERSE WHILE IN DRIVE I HAVE HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR COMPLETELY AND RESTART TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AND THREATENING TO MY CAR, MY SAFETY, AND OTHER DRIVERS. DEALERSHIP CANNOT RECREATE PROBLEM AND SAYS THEREFORE THERE IS NO PROBLEM, VW CUSTOMER CARE IS NO HELP EITHER AS THEY SIMPLY KEEP TELLING ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. START/STOP HYBRID MOTOR STARTING EVERY THREE SECONDS WHEN VEHICLE STOPPED. APPLICATION OF BRAKES MEETS WITH OCCASIONAL SURGE IN SPEED.
I AM A VW FAN AND I AM HAVING SERIOUS ISSUES WITH REGARDS TO MY VW JETTA 2016 1.4. EVER SINCE MY 1ST SERVICE I ADVISED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT MY BREAKS ARE MAKING A NOISE AND EVERY TIME THEY SAY IT WAS FINE. THERE IS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT SIDE WHEN IT IS SWITCHED ON AND STAYS ON AND GETS WORSE AS …
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I AM A VW FAN AND I AM HAVING SERIOUS ISSUES WITH REGARDS TO MY VW JETTA 2016 1.4. EVER SINCE MY 1ST SERVICE I ADVISED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT MY BREAKS ARE MAKING A NOISE AND EVERY TIME THEY SAY IT WAS FINE. THERE IS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT SIDE WHEN IT IS SWITCHED ON AND STAYS ON AND GETS WORSE AS YOU DRIVE. WHEN I PURCHASE THE CAR THAT SOUND WAS NOT PRESENT. AGAIN I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, IT IS THAT WAY WAS MEAN TO SOUND THAT WAY AND THAT WAS NORMAL. I THEN DID SOME RESEARCH AND SPOKE TO VARIOUS PEOPLE THAT HAVE KNOWLEDGE ON VW AS WELL AS A PREVIOUS SERVICE MANAGER WHO TOLD ME THAT IS AN ISSUE THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO NO FACE IT. I WAS NOT PLEASE TO THEIR RESPOND THE CAR HAS 2,780 MILES ON IT AND 6 MONTHS SINCE I DROVE IT OUT OF THE LOT I ASK THAT SOMEONE DO REALLY NEED TO ADDRESS THIS. THEN I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WILL BE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM VW CORPORATION THAT WILL BE COMING AND THAT HE WOULD BE THE ONE TO HAVE IT INSPECTED. THIS SAY IN OCTOBER 2016 TODAY IS APRIL 2 2017. I AM STILL WAITING FOR THAT TO HAPPEN TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED I AM SURE I WILL TOLD NOW IS CLOSE TO YEAR OH YOUR WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THAT I WILL SIT WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FIXING IT MYSELF. I SEE THAT HAPPENING I WANT MY CAR FIXED PROPERLY AS I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH VW BEFORE BUT I AM HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED AND WORRY ABOUT MY SAFETY. I COMPLAIN AND COMPLAIN AND NOBODY GIVE A DAME OR NOBODY SEEMS TO CARE.
Official recalls
420V648000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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