2016 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
Compared with other Volkswagen Jetta years
Typical for this model
37/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Volkswagen Jetta year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 39 of its 161 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Multiple warning lights and electrical faults (30 complaints, median 40,900 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 161filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,731miles, 93 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe a strong gasoline odor, stalling or limp-mode driving, and fuel leaks traced to the fuel rail area, along with a cluster of electrical faults (warning lights, inoperative horn, alarm, key stuck in the ignition). Reports are spread from very low mileage up to well past 100,000 miles, and several describe the fuel leak developing gradually before a sudden loss of power.
- Fuel system
Fuel smell, leak at fuel rail, stalling/limp mode
- 24 complaints (15%)
- median 65,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Complaints describe a strong gasoline odor inside or around the car, sometimes with a rough start, EPC and check-engine lights, and a vehicle that will not exceed 20-30 mph or goes into limp mode. Several owners say a dealer found the fuel rail, manifold or related components needed attention; some note the leak began as a faint smell and worsened. A few link the symptom to the fuel rail recall, and some say a remedy was not yet available when they filed. Reported from roughly 32,000 to 160,000 miles, with many in the 47,000-98,000 mile range.
Recall 20V648000Recall 16V403000
What to check: Ask whether the fuel rail recalls (20V648000, 16V403000) were completed and check for any fuel smell around the engine bay or under the car after driving. Look for a service record covering fuel rail or fuel system work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Got a recall for my car's fuel rail in december 2020 and I still have not gotten a letter to get my car fixed. I thought my car was fine but a week after I got the recall paper, I went to start my car and it started smelling like gasoline and ever since then, my car has been sitting in my drive way for 2 months now and I need my car fix”
NHTSA complaint #11397980, filed 2021-02, 40,000 miles“We have a 2016 vw Jetta tsi 1.4l (ea211 engine) with a manual transmission. At approximately 98,000 miles, fuel started leaking from the fuel rail area, slowly at first, just a scent of fuel. Next day, at the end of the day's driving, the vehicle went into limp mode just before my exit on the highway with a strong smell of gas. It limped 3 miles home and died as I pulled into the drive. When we managed to get it started again it gushed fuel from the fuel rail area. …”
NHTSA complaint #11367077, filed 2020-10, 98,000 miles - Electrical system
Multiple warning lights and electrical faults
- 30 complaints (19%)
- median 40,900 mi at 4.0 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe ABS, tire pressure, airbag, traction and steering lights all illuminating together and staying on, sometimes with intermittent deceleration or a wheel speed sensor replaced and the fault returning. Others report the horn failing, the alarm sounding repeatedly, or the key fob and alarm not working; a dealer told one owner a wheel speed sensor was needed. Spread from low mileage up to about 130,000 miles, often in the 20,000-70,000 range.
What to check: Scan the car for stored codes and check that no warning lights stay on after startup; test the horn, alarm and key fob. Ask for any prior diagnostic or sensor replacement records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car alarm goes off consistently without any signs of being tampered with. If I touch the fuse box or open my doors the alarm will go off with the car unlocked. While the car is started the alarm will go off. All hours of the night my alarm is going off. It keeps not only my family awake but also my neighbors.”
NHTSA complaint #11383278, filed 2020-12, 69,892 miles“I bought my car certified preowned from a vw dealership in june with 20,000 miles. Within a month of purchase, accessory lights began illuminating randomly and then switching back off. It is always the same set of lights- ABS, tire pressure, airbag, traction/anti-skid, and steering wheel light all come on at the same time. Now they come on every time I drive and never turn off. I don't notice a difference in the driving, but the lights are worrisome. …”
NHTSA complaint #11277234, filed 2019-10, 23,000 miles - Electrical system
Key stuck or engine won't shut off (ignition switch)
- 23 complaints (14%)
- median 55,000 mi at 3.6 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2017–2023
Owners describe being unable to turn the engine off or remove the key from the ignition after parking, sometimes having to leave the car running for a long time. A dealer reportedly attributed one case to a fractured nylon bushing jamming the key, and another was told the ignition switch needed replacement. Complaints note the steering wheel was not locked and that a spare key behaved the same way. Mostly reported between about 34,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: With the car in park, check that the key turns freely to off and releases cleanly; ask whether the ignition switch or lock cylinder has been replaced. Confirm whether the keyless/ignition recall (19V615000) applies and was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On july 1st ,2020 upon arrival to a store once in park and I tried to turn the car off the key would not turn at all meaning the car was not able to be shut off after about 20 minutes of trying to turn the steering wheel thinking it was locked I finally got the car to shut off after googling it and reading many other forums that talked about the same car issue I was having it said to pull the emergency brake and then to turn the key so I did and it finally shut off it stayed parked till july 6 th that I went to a few different mechanics in …”
NHTSA complaint #11340004, filed 2020-07, 85,000 miles“Often it is nearly impossible to turn the key back to turn the engine off; seems to be mechanical failure of the ignition switch. This seems to be a common and pervasive problem with people reporting being unable to turn the engine off for hours. Will have to have this fixed at probably great expense, as it is obviously not safe to have a car idle unattended for long periods of time.”
NHTSA complaint #11330903, filed 2020-06, 61,000 miles - Engine
Hesitation or delay when accelerating
- 25 complaints (16%)
- median 19,500 mi at 3.8 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe pressing the accelerator and having the car hesitate or fail to pick up, sometimes for several seconds, with engine revving but little movement. Some note it happens randomly and leaves them stuck at intersections, and some say no warning light or code appears at the time. Others report a turbocharger or boost fault code and an EPC light. Reported from very low mileage (around 3,000) up to about 126,000 miles.
What to check: Test acceleration from a stop and during a highway merge, watching for hesitation or a lag; scan for turbo/boost or misfire codes. Ask about any turbocharger, boost sensor or fuel system repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I drive a 2016 vw Jetta ,my epc light came on.when I made an appt with the vw dealer, they did a diagnostic on my car with the code p22630,which is the turbocharger /boost. The cost for the part is about $ 2500. For a car that is only a few years old and having a major repair issue ,iam so disappointed and feel not safe at all. How can a turbo charger boost break already!!!! Thats my complaint. Anyone else has a problem like that?”
NHTSA complaint #11338456, filed 2020-07, 126,000 miles“Shortly after I purchased my vehicle (used at around 73k miles) the turbo failed. I thought that was odd at the mileage so I attempted to submit a claim to Volkswagen. I was denied. My husband was on the freeway when the turbo failed and the car began to slow and lag when he attempted to accelerate. He pulled over and called tge tow truck and when I took it in to volkwagen the service manager suggested that I reach out to Volkswagen to submit a claim because he thought it was too early for that kind of failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11374861, filed 2020-11, 73,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal goes to floor / weak braking
- 12 complaints (7%)
- median 34,650 mi at 2.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2026
Complaints describe the brake pedal traveling to the floor with little or no stopping effect, sometimes with a grinding noise or pulling to one side. Owners report a dealer identifying a failed master cylinder in some cases, while others say the dealer could not reproduce the problem. Some complaints mention a recall related to brake assist having been performed. Reported from very low mileage up to about 88,000 miles.
Recall 15V7050001 related service bulletin
What to check: Test the brake pedal for firmness and any sinking when held under pressure, and ask whether the brake assist recall (15V705000) was completed. Request records of master cylinder or brake hydraulic work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In april 1 2021 I was driving from home to my job in dch tustin acura delar is 10 min drive when I take the exit of freeway I press the brake pedal and the car don't brake , the pedal go all way down and the car don't stop , a technician said that is a problem whit the master cylinder . What can I do now?.”
NHTSA complaint #11406055, filed 2021-04, 88,887 miles“Today (nov14, 2018) when I braked to avoid running into a braking car in front of me, the car didn't seem to reduce speed at all. It resulted in a crash that deployed 5 air bags of my car. The same car had a similar accident in which brake didn't work on march 7, 2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11151631, filed 2018-11, 60,500 miles
Buying note. Check for fuel smell and confirm the fuel rail and brake-assist recalls were done, and verify the key turns off and releases cleanly. A pre-purchase scan for stored codes and a brake pedal check will surface most of what owners report here.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 161 consumer complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. 93 of the complaints include a mileage, and 58% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,731 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 14 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 825 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Volkswagen Jetta model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 37 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine43 27%
- Electrical system36 22%
- Other or unknown36 22%
- Fuel system35 22%
- Brakes23 14%
- Vehicle speed control12 7.4%
- Steering11 6.8%
- Air bags7 4.3%
Also reported: Body and structure (4), Wheels (4), Exterior lighting (3), Tires (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Engine cooling (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “I believe my car is the result of a recent series of bad storms to hit this country and my car. I believe my car is a flood-car that has been very well cleaned inside and out, and cleaned so well that the title got a good wash, known in the industry as title-washing. I bought this car because it carried a guarantee making it a certified used car. A car that carries a certified used title of condition then one would expect nothing less than perfection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11056312, filed 2017-12, 37,017 milesElectrical system: “About a month ago, I wad at an intersection with my Jetta when another vehicle prompted me to slam on my horn. When I attempted to use my horn, no sound eminated from the vehicle. Upon arriving home, I began testing the horn to no avail. Due o this electrical failure, I've been forced to drive without a horn in the state of florida which is illegal and have been put at extreme risk with the inability to alert other drivers with my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11218098, filed 2019-06, 41,600 milesOther or unknown: “My radio in my vw is compromised. The individuals identity themselves as fbi agents and when I speak back to agents I am told, ' I'm not suppose to speak back to agents.' (correct me if I'm wrong) the volume in my car is being adjusted at the confidence of the agents. When the agents put the volume up I can hear lower the speaker, which initiates the volume being raised inside my car. When the volume is lowered inside my car by the agents, it allows the agents to hear what I'm saying inside my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11351060, filed 2020-08, 49,000 milesFuel system: “Jetta engine quit running with no notice in busy highway. Car had to be towed to dealer. Car was not repaired for three weeks. They cited lack of fuel system management computer module. It would take 5-7 business days to get. Fuel computer module and fuel pump were replaced. Have no confidence in car safety. Vw will not replace per my request. My wife is fearful of driving car since she was traumatized.”
NHTSA complaint #10823737, filed 2016-02, 1,200 milesMileage when problems were reported
58% of the 93 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,044 and 69,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.1% risk |
| Jetta HEV · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Volkswagen Jetta version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 28 | 40 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Jetta FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Jetta FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Jetta FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Jetta FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V648000Oct 21, 2020Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel railCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2016–2018
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.
- 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control moduleCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2011–2018, Beetle 2012–2019, Beetle Convertible 2012–2019 +3 more
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…
- 16V403000Jun 6, 2016Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel railCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2016, Golf 2016, Passat 2016
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…
- 15V705000Oct 26, 2015Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Volkswagen Jetta 2015–2016, Passat 2015–2016, Golf 2015–2016 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 825 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038146Sep 17, 2026Engine. Suggested fuel additive
- 11038143Sep 9, 2026Other or unknown. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11036868Aug 6, 2026Other or unknown. Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
- 11036870Aug 4, 2026Other or unknown. Differences between a leak and seepage
- 11036880Aug 3, 2026Steering. Clean and install an additional plastic "ring" to prevent ingress of dirt,hair. Foreign bodies into the clock spring.
- 11035772Jul 15, 2026Electrical system. This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: DA 0019…
- 11035762Jul 9, 2026Engine. Oil Consumption Measurement and Electronic Oil Consumption Measurement
- 11034614Jun 18, 2026Engine. Instruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
- 11034613Jun 18, 2026Engine. Lubricating engine components before reassembly.
- 11034621Jun 11, 2026Air bags. Inquiries
Other model years of the Volkswagen Jetta
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 300 | 1 | 5 | 34 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 32 | — | 2 | 5 | 33 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 46 | 15,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 43 | 11,000 | 0 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 43 | 3,250 | 1 | 5 | 34 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 70 | 9,000 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 29 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 54 | 6,951 | 6 | 5 | 34 | 30 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2019 | 551 | 4,700 | 11 | 5 | 34 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 32 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 32 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 160 | 36,950 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 51 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 161 | 42,731 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 194 | 42,000 | 7 | 5 | 28 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 388 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 62 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 518 | 56,000 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 500 | 55,412 | 5 | 4 | 26 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 607 | 50,000 | 7 | 4 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 852 | 53,939 | 4 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 889 | 60,150 | 6 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 188 | 58,000 | 4 | — | 24 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 201 | 53,661 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 580 | 71,491 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 248 | 71,207 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 231 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 456 | 56,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 702 | 52,000 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 668 | 50,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 439 | 64,400 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 349 | 72,000 | 6 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 192 | 81,282 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 54 | 78,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 31 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 220 | 112,984 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 117 | 91,800 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 17 | 170,000 | 4 | — | 22 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 119,646 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 31 | 117,000 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 22 | 125,000 | 5 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | — | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 19 | — | 7 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 3 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 14 | 97,869 | 2 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 13 | — | 3 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Volkswagen Jetta model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?
Owners of this model year most often describe a strong gasoline odor, stalling or limp-mode driving, and fuel leaks traced to the fuel rail area, along with a cluster of electrical faults (warning lights, inoperative horn, alarm, key stuck in the ignition). The issues reported most often: Fuel smell, leak at fuel rail, stalling/limp mode; Multiple warning lights and electrical faults; Key stuck or engine won't shut off (ignition switch).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA recorded 161 consumer complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 43 complaints (27% of the total), followed by electrical system with 36.
Has the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta (Jetta, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 25 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta reported?
Among the 93 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,731 miles and the middle half falls between 17,044 and 69,000 miles; 58% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.