2016 Volkswagen Jetta

161 complaints on file, page 1 of 9.

1. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2024Largo, FLUnknown or other

   Ignition not turning all the time leading the steering wheel to lock up.

   NHTSA complaint 11760223
2. Filed Apr 2, 2026Failure Mar 15, 2026Theodor, ALService brakesCrash4 injured

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11728910
3. Filed Jan 20, 2026Failure Jan 15, 2026Dallas, TXFuel/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 for 260,000 vehicles around 2024, having something to do with a seal related to some sort of a fuel pump, which included 2017 model vehicles. I contacted two vw dealerships expecting them to check the problem and handle this serious hazard. Both dealerships decline to check the vehicle other than for cash. They confirmed my vehicle was not subject to a recall. I took my problem to the Volkswagen company today. I was told that there was no fuel related recall for my vin number and they would not accommodate my request. But I was advised that I should not drive the vehicle going forward, but have it towed. This dangerous condition was exhibited by 2 separate jettas I owned. The likelihood of this condition being found in 2 separate vehicles is mere coincidence and not indicative of a dangerous problem created in the manufacturing process is beyond a plausible explanation. Please follow up ASAP as I am being effectively deprived of the use of this vehicle. My phone number is [XXX] . Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11712200
4. Filed Jan 18, 2026Failure Jan 14, 2026Address Above Ignore This Line, ALEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

   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 valve. Replaced both. That issue seems to have resolved. Car has been burning oil like crazy. Sometimes 1L after driving 150 miles. Fuel efficiency is terrible. Even running 91 grade fuel hasn't helped. In cold weather, around -30, sometimes driver door won't close. Literally have to drive with one hand holding steering wheel and one hand on door. Scary. Newest issue this week. While driving highway speed, low oil light flashed momentarily. Then speedometer and rpm gages quit. Then entire instrument cluster went black. Was almost at work, so prayed and got there safely. After work, instrument cluster worked, but car started and stalled immediately. Mechanic code reader pulls up nothing. My FIXD reader says it's a upstream oxygen sensor. Looking at youtube videos, the issue it describes sounds like this may have been what contributed to those EPC codes for last few years. Borrowing a vehicle from family - car is stranded at work. This is my first and likely last VW.

   NHTSA complaint 11711696
5. Filed Nov 7, 2025Failure Nov 6, 2025Macy, INFuel/propulsion system

   Fuel fire hazard. Safety Recall 24Gi performed 5-11-21 @ 67k miles. 4 years and 60k miles later, fuel rail bolts backed out, causing fuel to pour into engine compartment. VW’s repair solution was not adequate. Do I have any recourse?

   NHTSA complaint 11698073
6. Filed Oct 18, 2025Failure Oct 17, 2025Garden Grove, CASteering, Unknown or other

   Key Ignition malfunction

   NHTSA complaint 11694222
7. Filed Aug 6, 2025Failure Aug 1, 2025Mountain Center, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or otherCrash

   NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 15V705000 16V403000 20V648000 20E064000 19V615000

   NHTSA complaint 11678654
8. Filed Jun 27, 2025Failure Sep 26, 2024Winston-Salem, NCPower train

   Vehicle begins to shudder and slow with no response to attempts to accelerate and eventually stop completely though engine is still on. This has happened on multiple occasions and in many driving situations including on busy streets or in the middle of turning which is a huge risk for an accident! Can restart with regular acceleration after a few minutes. Service indicators will come on with codes indicating transmission related issues. Have had transmission flushed without significant change with transmission replacement as next step.

   NHTSA complaint 11669727
9. Filed Jun 19, 2025Failure Jan 28, 2025Nashville, TNEngine

   My camshaft sensors went bad at 77k miles had it towed to auto repair. Auto shop said my timing tensioner and chain were worn and needed replacement. Cost was 6200.00. A month later the engine blew at 81k miles. This was a lease for the first 3 years so all maintenance was done by Volkswagen. I had it serviced three times after that. Sits in my garage half the year as I travel by airplane or tour bus for work so no need to drive all the time. This shouldn’t be happening.

   NHTSA complaint 11667875
10. Filed Apr 30, 2025Failure Jun 30, 202471,000 milesDayton, OHEngine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline

    The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The ignition, the check engine, the ABS, and the camshaft warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle started temporarily and shut off after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact notified the dealer the vehicle was purchased from of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11657757
11. Filed Apr 28, 2025Failure Apr 28, 2025Lincoln, NEBody

    When I drive, the trunk pops open. Forward or reverse. No problems found with wiring in trunk or door but keeps happening. Began months ago and mechanics keep saying that they can't find anything wrong. Scary to drive

    NHTSA complaint 11657266
12. Filed Jan 28, 2025Failure Jan 20, 2025Nashville, TNEngine

    I bought the car brand new in 2016 had the oil changed on its scheduled maintenance and at 77000 mile my timing chain made my car go into limp mode. Now I am looking at a 4700$ in mechanic and engine work.

    NHTSA complaint 11638987
13. Filed Sep 5, 2024Failure Aug 26, 2024Middletown, NJFuel/propulsion system

    FUEL LINE TO FUEL FILTER CAME LOOSE/DISCONNECTED CAUSING A FUEL LEAK INSIDE MY ATTACHED. GARAGE CAUSING A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE THAT REMAINS TO PRESENT DAY EVEN AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CLEAN UP.

    NHTSA complaint 11612805
14. Filed Jul 10, 2024Failure Jul 10, 2024Tampa, FLIgnition, Steering

    The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and started to seize, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

    NHTSA complaint 11600983
15. Filed May 7, 2024Failure May 6, 2024Elmwood park, ILEngine, Power train

    The transmission failed due to mechatronics failure without warning

    NHTSA complaint 11587556
16. Filed Apr 19, 2024Failure Apr 17, 2024Hinsdale, NHFuel/propulsion system

    Fuel rail bolts loosened, causing damage to the fuel rail, as well as fuel injector seals, resulting in leaking fuel in the engine bay.

    NHTSA complaint 11584120
17. Filed Apr 13, 2024Failure Apr 13, 2024Ocean Springs, MSElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

    When driving the car, it will randomly stall, lose power or not accelerate. Sometimes the EPC light and oil light will illuminate other times it gives no warning. It shut off on the interstate while going 72mph. I have taken it to the dealership since a month after I got it and they keep telling me nothing is wrong with it. I have to get oil changes every month despite not driving it much and the gas consumption is 3tines what it should be. I’m having to fill the tank up three times a week despite going to and from work which is 9 miles from my home. I have taken it to the dealership and had to pay $1000s of dollars only for it to start having the same issues within a week

    NHTSA complaint 11582780
18. Filed Feb 7, 2024Failure Feb 7, 2024128,000 milesProvidence, RIExterior lighting

    The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the front and rear exterior lights were not functioning as needed. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed an electrical fault with the exterior lights. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11570563
19. Filed Feb 5, 2024Failure Dec 7, 2023Arlington, TXAir bagsCrash

    Had an accident in Dec where passenger side was hit in the center. The center rail that connects 2 doors was hit so airbags deployed due to roof being pushed in by center bar. But only back airbag had a little air. Front airbag was flat. I took it to the dealer and a month later they are telling me that is normal but I took the picture right after the accident and there is no air in front passenger bag. I told them my child is lucky to be alive. But i know its dangerous if other people are travelling in the same type car as mine. Also bag in the back has a lot of air and no fold creases because it was filled with air. Front airbag looks like it was folded and just fell out and since it has no air all the creases where it folded in roof are still there.

    NHTSA complaint 11570022
20. Filed Jan 28, 2024Failure Jan 26, 2024Ocean Springs, MSElectrical system, Engine, Vehicle speed control

    When driving above 45 mph, at time the EPC light will pop up on the dash and power will be slightly lost to the vehicle. Almost immediately after this happens, the oil light will pop on despite the oil being changed and done on a beyond routine basis. we have brought the vehicle into be serviced at the Volkswagen dealership numerous times and the same thing continues to happen. Recently, when driving on the interstate the EPC light came on and the vehicle stalled in the middle of the interstate. Luckily, no accident was caused but it was a near miss. This has been an issue since purchasing the vehicle and the oil is required to be changed much sooner than necessary. Volkswagen keeps "fixing" it but it continues to happen but we have paid over $3500 in getting it "fixed." The problem seems to occur at random times but most notably when going over 45mph.

    NHTSA complaint 11568336