Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta sits mid-pack among Jetta years: 249 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 213, with 5 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 25 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (44), electrical system (40), and fuel system (35), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
249
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
0
Investigations
33
Crash-involved
8
Fires reported
25
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 44 | 18% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 40 | 16% | — flat |
| Other | 35 | 14% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 35 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 23 | 9% | — flat |
| Transmission | 22 | 9% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 12 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 11 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 8 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 7 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Consequence
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
Defect
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. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Consequence
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Defect
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."
Consequence
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.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Defect
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.
Consequence
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.
Defect
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.
Consequence
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.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I got this vehicle at 36,000 miles and I have put 23,000 on it in one year. There have been no warning messages. I was in idle and my RPMs started jumping I put it in reverse ( jumping stopped) , then drive to have the vehicle get a mile or two down the road and completely die. I was rear ended .…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK AND TURNED OFF, IT ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE HIS CHILD AND ANOTHER CHILD…”
“The contact owned a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 15-25 MPH, she smelled a strong burning gas odor. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact felt an intense heat on her legs. The contact saw a flame on the driver's side of the hood and quickly exited…”
“THE JETTA WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR WAS HIT BY A CHRYSLER 300 TOURING GOING ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WITH THE GRILL OF THE CAR. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL ONTO THE TOP OF THE CAR. A CAR THIS LOW TO THE GROUND AND SIZE SHOULD HAVE CAUSED IT TO SPIN…”
“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. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL IT HIT 2 VEHICLES WITH MY FOOT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND AS THE CAR…”
It is close to typical for the Jetta: 249 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (44 complaints), electrical system (40 complaints), fuel system (35 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Jetta years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2002, 2011, 2001, 2006, 2019, 2013, 2012, 2000, 2003, 2014, 1999, 2005, 1995. The cleanest record among Jetta years belongs to 1983.
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.