2016 Volkswagen Jetta Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 162 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of the 162 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Key gets stuck in ignition. Can not remove it. My car was on idle for 2 hours and 30 minutes. No one was able to remove my key. I drove it to several mechanic shops”
NHTSA complaint #11220719, filed 2019-06, 38,000 miles“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 town I found one that tried to help same with him he…”
NHTSA complaint #11340004, filed 2020-07, 85,000 miles“Ignition cylinder and housing issues . Key got stuck in ignition and would not shut off the car . The car was on and running for 4 hours straight while I waited for aaa to tow it to the dealership . I had to replace the cylinder , bolt and steer lock .”
NHTSA complaint #11270857, filed 2019-10“Key stuck in Ignition lock cylinder; stuck in the on position with engine running and cannot switch to the off position to remove ignition key. -ALSO, CAR DOORS WILL NOT LOCK WITH KEY IN IGNITION- Note: Other complaints for this same issue are listed under: UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, STEERING, ENGINE VW dealer estimated a $1100 repair”
NHTSA complaint #11527214, filed 2023-06“The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving 40 MPH and attempting to engage the brakes, the brake pedal traveled to the floor and failed to stop the vehicle without warning. Also, the vehicle veered to the right and emitted an abnormal grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the brake pads and performed an alignment. …”
NHTSA complaint #10811646, filed 2015-12, 500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11036880Aug 3, 2026Clean and install an additional plastic "ring" to prevent ingress of dirt,hair. Foreign bodies into the clock spring.
- 11018934May 22, 2025Using Alignment Sheet Submission Form
- 10247537Dec 11, 2023Rear of teering wheel trim modification for noise when maneuvering.
- 10235284Apr 27, 2023This Document was revised. The model year chat was removed for VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 7 | 16% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 7% |
| 2019 | 12 | 2% |
| 2017 | 14 | 9% |
| 2016 | 11 | 7% |
| 2015 | 15 | 8% |
| 2014 | 17 | 4% |
| 2013 | 37 | 7% |
| 2012 | 42 | 8% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 13 | 2% |
| 2009 | 24 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 0% |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1998 | 12 | 6% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 10% |
| 1995 | 14 | 6% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
44 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsFuel system
35 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology