2016 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA, including 18 crashes, 5 fires, 14 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (44 reports).

4Recalls
162Owner complaints
18Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Jetta?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2016 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Loose fuel rail bolts can leak fuel and cause fire

Recall 20V648Oct 21, 2020218,192 vehicles affected

The fuel rail bolts on certain vehicles may loosen over time.

Key can be pulled out before Park, risking rollaway

Recall 19V615Aug 22, 2019679,027 vehicles affected

A buildup of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in Park.

Fuel rail can detach and leak fuel, risking fire

Recall 16V403Jun 6, 201655 vehicles affected

Certain 2016 Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, and Passat vehicles may have a fuel rail that can detach from the cylinder head, causing a fuel leak.

Brake Assist Can Fail, Lengthening Stopping Distance

Recall 15V705Oct 26, 201591,867 vehicles affected

A camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may break off in these vehicles.

Most common 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Problem areas named in the 162 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine44
Electrical System36
Unknown Or Other35
Fuel/Propulsion System28
Power Train22
Service Brakes21
Vehicle Speed Control12
Steering11
Air Bags7
Fuel System, Gasoline7

What owners report

2026-10-27, Engine
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 informed that the engine was covered in oil. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. T
2026-08-28, Unknown Or Other
Ignition not turning all the time leading the steering wheel to lock up.
2026-04-02, Service Brakes
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 at the scene.
2026-01-20, Fuel/Propulsion System
In the past I owned a 2017 jetta, which I sold approximately one year ago. It had a 1.4 liter turbo engine. At some point around 18 to 20 years ago, I started smelling gasoline fumes in the cabin. It was rare and intermittent. I did not check it out as it did not seem like an urgent issue. I sold the vehicle about a year ago. I also now own a 2016 jetta TSI model, 1.8 liter turbo with about 104,000 miles. In the past few days I started smelling gasoline in the cabin while operating the vehicle. It was not serviced in many months so it’s not likely to have anything to do with bad mechanical service and the vehicle runs well. I checked the internet and discovered a massive vw/audi recall
2026-01-18, Engine
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 this happened. Recently bought a FIXD sensor and it diagnosed issues with faulty gas cap and purge

2016 Volkswagen Jetta questions

Does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta: Loose fuel rail bolts can leak fuel and cause fire; Key can be pulled out before Park, risking rollaway; Fuel rail can detach and leak fuel, risking fire; Brake Assist Can Fail, Lengthening Stopping Distance. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (44), Electrical System (36), Unknown Or Other (35).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Volkswagen Jetta has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Volkswagen Jetta years

Other 2016 Volkswagen models