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2016 Volkswagen Jetta Engine Problems

16 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

16
Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
Jan 2024Nov 2021
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Engine Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #15V705000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

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.

Owner Complaints (16)

criticalENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

Your camshaft sensors failed at 77,000 miles, and the repair shop discovered your timing chain and tensioner were also worn and needed replacement—a $6,200 repair. Despite having the work done, your engine failed completely just 4,000 miles later at 81,000 miles. The car had regular Volkswagen maintenance during the lease period and was serviced three additional times after purchase, with the vehicle sitting unused for extended periods.

NHTSA #: 11667875
criticalENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Filed: Apr 2025

Your car won't accelerate past 30 MPH and multiple warning lights are on (check engine, ABS, ignition, and camshaft). After refueling, your car won't restart and shuts off repeatedly. The dealer said your warranty has expired and won't diagnose or repair the issue. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the warning light codes and potentially replacing fuel system components, the camshaft sensor, or engine control module.

NHTSA #: 11657757
highENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

Your timing chain failed at 77,000 miles despite regular oil changes, causing your engine to enter limp mode and requiring expensive repairs. This is a significant engine problem that will need professional mechanic work to diagnose and potentially replace the timing chain and related components.

NHTSA #: 11638987
highENGINE
Filed: Jan 2024

Your engine is burning through oil at an unusually rapid rate — you're losing about 3 quarts every 1,500 miles — which causes the EPC warning light to come on. When this happens, your car may slow down and jerk abruptly, creating a safety hazard. An independent VW mechanic confirmed this is a known issue with your model year. Fixing it typically involves rebuilding internal engine components, which can cost over $3,000.

NHTSA #: 11563762
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2022

Water pump and thermostat housing inspected and needing to be replaced according to inspection by Volkswagen Welsey Chapel on this 2016 Jetta. The quoted repair needs immediate attention and costs $1025.46. A leaking water pump could also cause the engine to stop functioning while the car is in motion. Even if the driver pulled over, being stranded on the side of a highway waiting for a tow could be dangerous. I notified VW customer care and was directed NHTSA as there is no recall for this cars year. There were not warnings of this issue until noticed at inspection. Volkswagen has yet to issue a recall for this severe problem.

NHTSA #: 11450829
mediumENGINE
CrashFiled: Nov 2021

I got this vehicle at 36,000 miles and I have put 23,000 on it in one year. There have been no warning messages. I was in idle and my RPMs started jumping I put it in reverse ( jumping stopped) , then drive to have the vehicle get a mile or two down the road and completely die. I was rear ended . Got it into a repair shop to be told by a certified mechanic it was throwing codes for the camshaft as well as needing an evap purge at just under 60,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11441394
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2021

Excessive oil consumption over a short period of time - inspected by auto mechanic and VW dealer - no leaks and no buring of oil noted. Loosing a quart over the period of one month after an oil change - warning light comes on but when you are alone on the highway at night you cant always pull over.

NHTSA #: 11423346
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2021

BEGINNING AT 60K MILES I REALIZED THAT MY JETTA SPORT 1.8L BEGAN TO CONSUME OIL AT A MUCH HIGHER RATE THAN USUAL SO MUCH SO THAT I TOOK IT TO MY NEARBY DEALERSHIP AND HAD IT LOOKED AT. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO LEAKS AND THAT THE OLDER VW'S GET THE MORE THEY BURN OIL. HOWEVER, THEY REFERRED TO THE OIL BURNING AT AROUND A QUART EVERY 5,000 MILES BUT MY CAR IS BURNING OIL AT 5 TIMES THAT SPEED OF A QUART EVERY 1,000 MILES. I HAVE TO KEEP A QUART OF OIL IN MY CAR AT ALL TIMES AND IT IS BEGINNIGN TO BECOME EXPENSIVE. I TRAVEL BETWEEN STATES OFTEN AND DO THE ARIZONA-INDIANA AND BACK TRIP ONCE A YEAR SO IT DOES HAVE MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES ON IT.

NHTSA #: 11399197
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2021

VOLKSWAGON RELEASED RECALL NUMBER 24GI ON OCTOBER 14, 2020, THE SUMMARY OF WHICH STATES, "THE FUEL RAIL BOLTS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY BECOME LOOSE OVER TIME. THIS CAN RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK. SAFETY RISK: LEAKING FUEL, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE." AS OF THE DATE JANUARY 19,2021, A REMEDY FOR THIS ISSUE IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE FROM EITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR THE DEALER

NHTSA #: 11388787
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2020

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 #: 11374861
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2020

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. THERE IS A PENDING RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT VOLKSWAGON DECLINED TO DO ANYTHING BEYOND A NORMAL PAID-FOR REPAIR WITH POTENTIAL REIMBURSEMENT (NOT GUARANTEED) UNTIL THE RECALL ISSUES LEAVING US WITHOUT A VEHICLE. WE HAVE A VIDEO DOCUMENTING THE FUEL LEAK.

NHTSA #: 11367077
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2020

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE ACTIVE GRILL SHUTTERS ARE STUCK IN THE OPEN OR CLOSE POSITION. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO OVER HEAT. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.

NHTSA #: 11364855
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2020

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 #: 11338456
mediumENGINE
FireFiled: Jun 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAULT UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE. THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL INSPECTION DONE ON THE VEHICLE. SERRA VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 1490 CENTER POINT PKWY, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35215, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AT 205-286-9924, AND THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE. VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. AT PRESENT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DEEMED TO BE DESTROYED.

NHTSA #: 11217474
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2018

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 16V4030000.VOLKSWAGON IA WARE OF RECALL

NHTSA #: 11113298
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2018

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE AND SLOWS TO A STOP. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOT WORK. THE CAR WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY RESTART. IF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND ALLOWED TO SIT FOR 10-15 MINUTES IT WILL USUALLY RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST THREE TIMES.

NHTSA #: 11073064

Other 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Issues