Volkswagen Jetta 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Volkswagen Jetta 2016 and 161 complaints filed by owners. It has 36% more complaints than the average Volkswagen Jetta from 2016–2025 (118 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Volkswagen Jetta 2016

Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 20V648000 · 2020-10-21

What happens

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

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 20V648000

Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 2019-08-22

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 19V615000

Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 16V403000 · 2016-06-06

What happens

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

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V403000

Engine and cooling
NHTSA campaign 15V705000 · 2015-10-26

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 15V705000

There is also 1 recall on aftermarket replacement parts (headlights, pedals, etc.) that only apply if the car has that part installed.

Complaints from other owners

161 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

18 with a crash · 5 with a fire · 14 injuries

Most reported problems on the Volkswagen Jetta 2016

• Engine: 43 (27% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 36 (22% of complaints)
• Fuel and propulsion: 28 (17% of complaints)
• Powertrain and transmission: 22 (14% of complaints)
• Brakes: 21 (13% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Volkswagen Jetta 2016

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Check for loss of power, stalling or uneven acceleration on the test drive.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Volkswagen Jetta recalls by year

• 2016 : 4 recalls · 161 complaints
• 2017 : 6 recalls · 159 complaints
• 2018 : 2 recalls · 31 complaints
• 2019 : 11 recalls · 549 complaints
• 2020 : 6 recalls · 53 complaints
• 2021 : 4 recalls · 69 complaints
• 2022 : 1 recalls · 43 complaints
• 2023 : 0 recalls · 43 complaints
• 2024 : 0 recalls · 44 complaints
• 2025 : 2 recalls · 29 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Volkswagen Jetta 2016 have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Volkswagen Jetta 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Volkswagen Jetta 2016?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (43 of 161 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.