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At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 6 recalls, 161 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta.
27–44 mpg combined
5.3–8.7 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 7 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For 2016 Jetta owners, the electrical system draws the most complaints, followed by a near-tie between engine and fuel system issues. On the electrical side, owners describe a range of warning lights illuminating unexpectedly, intermittent power loss, and systems behaving erratically without clear cause. Engine complaints center on the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder entering limp mode while driving, often triggered by an EPC warning, leaving the car unable to accelerate normally until the vehicle is restarted or serviced. Fuel system reports describe a fuel rail hardware issue where fasteners can back out over time, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment, typically surfacing after 50,000–60,000 miles. A smaller number of owners report brake pedal complaints, describing the pedal traveling to the floor with little or no stopping force, though this pattern appears in fewer reports than the engine and fuel concerns.
161
Total Complaints
18
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
10
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta has 6 recalls, the most serious being a combination of fuel rail bolts that can loosen and allow fuel to leak into the engine compartment, creating a fire risk, and a camshaft lobe failure that can eliminate brake assist and significantly extend stopping distances.
The fuel rail and camshaft issues are the most pressing concerns here. Loose fuel rail bolts let raw gasoline escape near hot engine components, and while there may be a noticeable fuel odor as an early warning, the leak itself can ignite. Separately, a lobe on the camshaft that drives the brake vacuum pump can shear off entirely, meaning the brake pedal will feel much harder to press and the vehicle will take considerably longer to stop than the driver expects.
On the electrical side, the Jetta's keyless entry system has a recall affecting vehicles with an automatic transmission and a manual handbrake. A software condition allows the key to be removed from the ignition while the shifter is still in a gear position other than Park, which means the transmission is not mechanically locked and the vehicle can roll away without warning.
There is also a compliance recall covering certain vehicles where unspecified regulatory requirements may not be fully met, carrying a general elevated risk of crash, fire, or injury. Because the components involved are not detailed in the filing, the precise physical failure mode is not described.
At a glance
What can fail
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Fuel rail bolts may loosen over time, potentially causing fuel odor or leaks in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and inspect the fuel rail for damage, replacing it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the fuel rail may gradually loosen, potentially causing fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, if needed, replace the fuel rail itself.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During internal evaluation, modifications were made to these vehicles that may prevent them from meeting all applicable safety and emissions regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will repurchase the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified and can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition even when the transmission is not in Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel rail may separate from the cylinder head, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the cylinder heads at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump can shear off, causing loss of brake assist.
What the fix does
Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module software to address the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
