Is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

● Typical for this model

2016 Volkswagen Jetta
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:10.125Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 161
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2016: 161 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	0
1982	0
1983	0
1984	1
1985	13
1986	14
1987	18
1988	19
1989	28
1990	22
1991	32
1992	30
1993	17
1994	120
1995	220
1996	173
1997	141
1998	192
1999	349
2000	439
2001	668
2002	702
2003	456
2004	231
2005	248
2006	580
2007	201
2008	188
2009	889
2010	852
2011	607
2012	500
2013	518
2014	387
2015	194
2016	161
2017	160
2018	32
2019	552
2020	54
2021	71
2022	43
2023	43
2024	46
2025	31
2026	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

27% · 43 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA campaign id 15V705000 16V403000 20V648000 20E064000 19V615000

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-06

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Electrical system

22% · 36 reports

Most commonly citing horn and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

17% · 28 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

14% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving at a slow speed with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated independently.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-16

Also filed under Air bags and vehicle speed control

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. While the contact's son was driving 50 MPH, he attempted to make a right turn and lost control of the steering wheel. When he depressed the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond quickly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-29

I drove into a parking lot 27March 2017 and proceeded to park my Jetta in a parking spot however, as I was doing so the car accelerated forward and leaped the curb.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-04-03

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Power train

14% · 22 reports

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2016-03-09Engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic15V705000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-09-16Fuel system, gasoline16V403000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-11-19Electrical system, steering19V615000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-10-30Service brakes, hydraulic20E064000 Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles.

Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-31Fuel system, gasoline20V648000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 43 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 36 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 28 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V705000 · Engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 16V403000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 19V615000 · Electrical system, steering
Recall 20E064000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 20V648000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.