2016 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta has 44 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

Engine complaints

18%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Jetta engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

15V705000EngineOctober 26, 2015 · 91,867 units

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.

What owners report

“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 .…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 18, 2021 · crash

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?

NHTSA has 44 complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta engine — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 15V705000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.