The Lemon Index2016 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is better than average by owner complaints: 73 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 59, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 27 to 44 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Jetta year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 164 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 69K miles on the car (95 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 3K–81K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 21K–58K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 3K–59K miles
Recalls 5
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
- brakes 2020
The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
- electrical 2019
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.".
Show all 5 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.
- engine 2015
In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 825 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tech Tips (Comfort Module (J393) or BCM (J519) Replacement): This document informs if a…
- Informational publication discribing the manufacturing use of rust inhibitors and anti seize…
- Mil-on, fault p309f or p309d, no electric drive mode customer states crank no start and/or…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Jetta HEV 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Was traveling at a slow rate of speed preparing to park car with foot on break. When suddenly car accelerated well my foot was on the break and hoped the curb. Car would not stop and had to use the e brake.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 11120217
More owner reports
The key periodically get stuck in the ignition or the ignition will not turn. Some times wiggling the ignition, steering wheel, shift selector, pressing on the break or rocking the car is necessary.
NHTSA complaint 11184590
Rear view camera doesn't work all the time show error on the screen ' parkpilot is currently not available' I can't use the camera on reverse the reason to bought it was because had a rear camera!!
NHTSA complaint 11278581
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 59; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Jetta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (26%), electrical (25%) and engine (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?
5 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta get?
27 to 44 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,000 and 69,000 miles. The middle report was at 41,600 miles, from 95 complaints.
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Jetta year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2020 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works