2016 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 164 owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The EPA rates it 27 to 44 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 5
- Owner complaints
- 164
- Crashes / fires reported
- 18 / 5
- EPA combined
- 27–44 MPG
2016 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
Fuel System, GasolineOct 21, 2020 · NHTSA 20V648000+
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
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.
Service Brakes, HydraulicSep 23, 2020 · NHTSA 20E064000+
Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Electrical SystemAug 22, 2019 · NHTSA 19V615000+
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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."
Fuel System, GasolineJun 6, 2016 · NHTSA 16V403000+
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
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.
Engine and Engine CoolingOct 26, 2015 · NHTSA 15V705000+
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Engine44
- Electrical System38
- Unknown or Other35
- Fuel/Propulsion System28
- Service Brakes24
- Power Train22
- Steering12
- Vehicle Speed Control12
2016 Volkswagen Jetta gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta Hybrid | 1.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM-S7) | 42 | 48 | 44 | $1,800 |
| Jetta | 1.4 L 4 cyl, Manual 5-spd | 28 | 40 | 33 | $1,950 |
| Jetta | 1.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,000 |
| Jetta | 1.8 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,200 |
| Jetta | 1.8 L 4 cyl, Manual 5-spd | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,200 |
| Jetta | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM-S6) | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,400 |
| Jetta | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,400 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, most recently for the fuel system, gasoline (Oct 21, 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
Owners filed 164 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (44), electrical system (38), unknown or other (35).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta at 27 to 44 MPG combined (best version: 42 city / 48 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.