2016 Volkswagen Jetta: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta: 4 recalls, 161 owner complaints and up to 33 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #15V705000 · 2015 · 91,867 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #16V403000 · 2016 · 55 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.
Electrical, Steering Vehicle recall #19V615000 · 2019 · 679,027 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #20V648000 · 2020 · 218,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #20E064000 · 2020 · 38 vehicles
What's wrong: The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder May be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Why it matters: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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. The recall began October 30, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (43): the most common themes are warning light on (15), stalls / loses power (8).
- Electrical (36): the most common themes are warning light on (13), electrical failure (9), stalls / loses power (4).
- Other / unknown (35): the most common themes are warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (6).
- Fuel & propulsion (28): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), warning light on (6), leaks (5).
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta has 161 owner complaints, ranking #22 of 37 Jetta model years for complaints (well below the 274 average). Complaints peaked in 2019 (31 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 42,731 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (194 complaints, 7 recalls), 2017 (159 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 40 | 33 | Regular |
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 35 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
Owners have filed 161 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (43), electrical (36), other / unknown (35).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA ratings run up to 33 mpg combined (1.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.