2016 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and problems

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 safety recalls and 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
162
Crashes / fires
18 / 5
Injuries / deaths
14 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Recall 20V-648: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 21, 2020 · 218,192 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V-615: Electrical System, Steering

Reported Aug 22, 2019 · 679,027 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-403: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jun 6, 2016 · 55 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 15V-705: Engine and Engine Cooling, Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 26, 2015 · 91,867 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine44
Electrical System36
Unknown or Other35
Fuel/Propulsion System28
Power Train22
Service Brakes21
Vehicle Speed Control12
Steering11
Air Bags7
Fuel System, Gasoline7
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)4
Wheels4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Electrical System › Horn — 3
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 42,731 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Volkswagen Jetta complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was shaking erratically, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel was firm, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with spark plugs and valve cover gasket failures and the engine was cleaned. The contact was…
Service Brakes · reported Apr 2, 2026
I tried to stop my car and the brake pedal went completely to the floor and did not stop at all. There were no warning lights on, I keep my brakes and car well maintained. My car hit the rear of another car because the brakes failed to engage when I pushed the pedal down. My car which is the vw jetta was totaled in the accident. My insurance company GEICO has the car sitting at copart and it should be able to be inspected. I know the 2015-2016 vw Jetta had a recall for brake failure due to brake vacuum pump.But my 2016 doesn’t have any recalls on it. The police officer inspected the brakes…
Engine · reported Jan 18, 2026
Car was great for first 100000 miles. Then it was not. While driving in heavy traffic on a three lane highway, car lost power, ability to accelerate and went into limp mode. EPC code went on. Very dangerous. Took it to several mechanics, VW dealerships, could find nothing wrong. Issue has happened over 100x since, but I am unable to afford another vehicle and pray over car continually to keep me and others on road safe. Few times car would suddenly shudder like engine was quitting. Canceled medical trip to city when this happened 50 miles from home. Have had to cancel work as well one day when…
Power Train · reported Jun 27, 2025
Vehicle begins to shudder and slow with no response to attempts to accelerate and eventually stop completely though engine is still on. This has happened on multiple occasions and in many driving situations including on busy streets or in the middle of turning which is a huge risk for an accident! Can restart with regular acceleration after a few minutes. Service indicators will come on with codes indicating transmission related issues. Have had transmission flushed without significant change with transmission replacement as next step.
Engine · reported Jun 19, 2025
My camshaft sensors went bad at 77k miles had it towed to auto repair. Auto shop said my timing tensioner and chain were worn and needed replacement. Cost was 6200.00. A month later the engine blew at 81k miles. This was a lease for the first 3 years so all maintenance was done by Volkswagen. I had it serviced three times after that. Sits in my garage half the year as I travel by airplane or tour bus for work so no need to drive all the time. This shouldn’t be happening.

Other Volkswagen Jetta years

Compare all Volkswagen Jetta years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta: 20V-648 (fuel system, gasoline), 19V-615 (electrical system, steering), 16V-403 (fuel system, gasoline), 15V-705 (engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report engine problems most often (44 reports), followed by electrical system (36). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 42,731 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.