Research · Compact Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2016 Volkswagen JettaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 164 owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. Most complaints involve engine (45) and electrical system (37). The EPA rates it 27–33 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
27–33mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Oct 2020
Owner complaints
164
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Oct 21, 2020NHTSA 20V648000

Service brakes

Free remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 23, 2020NHTSA 20E064000

Electrical system: control module

Free remedy

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."

Electrical systemReported Aug 22, 2019NHTSA 19V615000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

164 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2015 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine45
  2. Electrical system37
  3. Fuel/propulsion system28
  4. Power train22
  5. Service brakes21
  6. Steering12
  7. Vehicle speed control12
  8. Fuel system, gasoline7
  9. Air bags7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Jetta model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996183
1997141
1998194
1999354
2000451
2001677
2002711
2003463
2004233
2005248
2006580
2007201
2008190
2009905
2010875
2011640
2012527
2013518
2014388
2015196
2016164
2017160
201832
2019552
202054
202171
202243
202343
202446
202532
20266
Crashes reported
18
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
14
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

45 reports2 crashes1 fire
“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. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a smoke and dye test was completed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and valve cover gaskets needed to be replaced. In addition, a full engine cleaning was needed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the following morning, the contact noticed oil all over the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic where the valve cover…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11773936

Electrical system

37 reports1 crash2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2024Steering, Electrical systemODI 11600983

Fuel/propulsion system

28 reports2 crashes1 fire
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 20, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11712200
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo · 1.8L 4-cyl turbo · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic (S6) · Automatic (AM-S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Jetta
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
284033$1,950276
Jetta
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
283932$2,000284
Jetta
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
253529$2,200307
Jetta
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
253629$2,200307
Jetta
Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
243327$2,400327
Jetta
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
233327$2,400333
  • Jetta
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    28 city · 40 hwy · $1,950/yr
    33
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo
    28 city · 39 hwy · $2,000/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo
    25 city · 35 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo
    25 city · 36 hwy · $2,200/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    24 city · 33 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Jetta
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 33 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
11.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 10074
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Jetta questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

Owners filed 164 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (45), electrical system (37), fuel/propulsion system (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta at 27–33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026