2016 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
Electrical issues:
- Horn issue: The Jetta horn issues are very widespread and have been reflected at varying mileage on the odometer. The issue comes as a surprise to the segment and makes it very inconvenient for the drivers to drive since there is no audible warning to let other motorists know, except shouting that is. As a remedial step, the dealerships suggest changing the whole horn setup which makes up for an expensive repair.
- Alarm issues: With the horn, the Jeta alarm system creates a lot of inconveniences as well. The alarm doesn’t subside with the key fob controls even after multiple tries. It goes off when the key is inserted into the ignition and, sometimes, when the car is moving. The only solution it leaves for the owners is to disconnect the terminal from the battery.
Mechanical issues:
- Malfunctioning turbocharger: Many Jetta owners have reported issues with the sedan's turbocharger failing at relatively low mileage. If this happens, the Jetta will start sputtering and lose power gradually. At one point, the engine will just stall. People report that the engine enters Limp Mode and restricts the power to 30 MPH which severely restricts pace and is dangerous on the highways.
- Fuel leakage: The 2016 Jetta leaks fuel from the fuel rail situated near the engine. The issue is a serious one and has caused many units to catch fire since the fuel rails leak fuel onto an ignition source. One complainant states she felt the heat from the gas-pedal area and, upon exiting the car, saw flames in the engine compartment. Another complainant claims to have seen his car burn when it was turned off after a drive. The issue has been remedied under NHTSA Campaign Number 20V648000 after which there was a significant drop in the frequency of such incidents.
- Transmission problems: The VW group’s gearbox is a troublesome unit and the Jetta’s is no different. There are numerous complaints against the transmission, including a complete failure of the whole unit at low mileage. The owners are “fed-up” with the unreliability the gearbox brings with it and has written emails to the German carmaker. If the unit doesn’t fail, there are constant low-speed jerking issues that affect driveability.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
October 26, 2015 |
15V705000 |
Engine and Engine Cooling, Service Brakes, Hydraulic |
Shearing off of the camshaft lobe driving the brake vacuum pump may cause loss of braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Volkswagen will notify the owners and initiate a recall in March 2016. The dealerships will update the engine control module (ECM) free of charge. |
|
2. |
June 6, 2016 |
16V403000 |
Fuel System, Gasoline |
Detachment of the fuel rail from the cylinder head may result in a fuel leak. This leaking fuel can come in contact with an ignition source and increase the source of a fire. |
Volkswagen will notify the owners. The dealerships will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. |
|
3. |
August 22, 2019 |
19V615000 |
Electrical System, Steering |
A silicate build-up in the microswitch contacts may allow the owner to remove the key from the ignition when the transmission isn’t in park, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Volkswagen will notify the owners and initiate a recall on November 19, 2019. The dealerships will install an additional switch and circuit board free of charge. |
|
4. |
September 23, 2020 |
20E064000 |
Service Brakes, Hydraulics |
Insufficient fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may leak the brake fluid, affecting the braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash. |
Beck/Arnley will notify the owners and initiate a recall on October 30, 2020. The dealerships will exchange the affected master cylinders for a new one, free of charge. |
|
5. |
October 21, 2020 |
20V648000 |
Fuel System, Gasoline |
Loose fuel rail bolts may loosen over time and cause fuel leakage, increasing the risk of a fire. |
Volkswagen will notify the owners and initiate a recall on March 31, 2021. The dealerships will replace the fuel rail bolts, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is a superb vehicle on paper and is pretty hard to not recommend over its rivals. The sedan gets a good driveability score on our list but the issues posted here aren’t something to take lightly. As mentioned, the Jetta is prone to catch fire due to fuel leakage from the fuel rail. The frequency of this issue alone is the sole reason for us to NOT RECOMMEND the subcompact sedan new since it is fatal and a recall for the same might be too little too late for many. As such, we’d suggest going for a used one and give a thorough inspection of the recalls the car has been in. check out for the issues we’ve mentioned and ask around to get peace of mind. If you want to go for a new compact sedan, a Kia Forte might suit you better since it offers everything you need at a good price.
