2016 Volkswagen Jetta
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 31 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 117 |
| 1995 | 220 |
| 1996 | 31 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 192 |
| 1999 | 349 |
| 2000 | 439 |
| 2001 | 668 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 455 |
| 2004 | 231 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 188 |
| 2009 | 888 |
| 2010 | 852 |
| 2011 | 606 |
| 2012 | 499 |
| 2013 | 515 |
| 2014 | 386 |
| 2015 | 193 |
| 2016 | 160 |
| 2017 | 158 |
| 2018 | 30 |
| 2019 | 537 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 65 |
| 2022 | 41 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: engine — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 15V705000 16V403000 20V648000 20E064000 19V615000
NHTSA ODI report, 20250806
19% of complaints: electrical system — 30 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY18% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 15V705000 16V403000 20V648000 20E064000 19V615000
NHTSA ODI report, 20250806
14% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: service brakes — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20180716
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, 20170629
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, 20170403
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 15V705000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V403000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V615000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20E064000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V648000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V705000 (engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V403000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V615000 (electrical system, steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20E064000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V648000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.