2016 Volkswagen Jetta electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 19V615000Aug 22, 2019679,027 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE · STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

  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."

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 10, 2024FLTowedElectrical SystemSteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and started to seize, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column and ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…

   NHTSA complaint #11600983 · source
2. Filed Apr 13, 2024MSElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   When driving the car, it will randomly stall, lose power or not accelerate. Sometimes the EPC light and oil light will illuminate other times it gives no warning. It shut off on the interstate while going 72mph. I have taken it to the dealership since a month after I got it and they keep telling me nothing is wrong with it. I have to get oil changes every month despite not driving it much and the gas consumption is 3tines what it should be. I’m having to fill the tank up…

   NHTSA complaint #11582780 · source
3. Filed Jan 28, 2024MSElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   When driving above 45 mph, at time the EPC light will pop up on the dash and power will be slightly lost to the vehicle. Almost immediately after this happens, the oil light will pop on despite the oil being changed and done on a beyond routine basis. we have brought the vehicle into be serviced at the Volkswagen dealership numerous times and the same thing continues to happen. Recently, when driving on the interstate the EPC light came on and the vehicle stalled in the…

   NHTSA complaint #11568336 · source
4. Filed Jul 5, 2023CAElectrical System

   I got off work and was on my way to the pharmacy to pick up a very critical medication. When I got to the destination I was not able to turn off my car the key was stuck in the ignition and the car was in running mode I could not turn it. I struggled with it for about 20 minutes and eventually had to leave the car running unattended to go in and and get the medication. Thankfully the car was still there when I returned so I drove it to a mechanic and they were not able to…

   NHTSA complaint #11530363 · source
5. Filed May 30, 2023151,217 miFLFire1 injuredElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The contact’s mother owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked outside, the contact’s mother was notified that the vehicle had caught fire. The contact stated that upon her mother and sister approaching the vehicle, they noticed that the front driver’s side door was on fire. The contact then stated that her sister used her hand in an attempt to pat the fire away. As a result, the contact’s sister sustained an injury to her right hand…

   NHTSA complaint #11524524 · source
6. Filed Apr 2, 2023NYElectrical System

   The car horn has stopped working along with my alarm horn. Not the first jetta ive had this issue with. My previous one had the same issue where one day it wud work and then stop working.

   NHTSA complaint #11515029 · source
7. Filed Jan 18, 2023UTElectrical SystemEngine

   - Evap System, it is available for inspection upon request. - The check engine light will not turn off because of electrical wiring due to a faulty connection with the Evap system. It has been checked and there are no leaks and I have been told by three locations that it is a electrical wiring issue. Since the check engine light will not turn off I can not be notified if there are other issues that may cause a check engine light to turn on and my family's safety is at risk…

   NHTSA complaint #11502491 · source
8. Filed Jul 7, 2022CAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   At 52,000 miles check engine light came on , car would not go over 50mph, EPC light came on , lights went out. After having car towed to the dealer, had to have EPC ,Turbocharger Boost rod / actuator replaced .

   NHTSA complaint #11472800 · source
9. Filed Jan 8, 2022FLFireBody & StructureElectrical SystemLighting

   -The front right passenger electrical system that contains the wiring in order for the front headlight and front high beam to function properly suddenly started a short circuit and caused the front passenger light system wiring to catch fire to that part and the parts that surround it. The car is available for inspection at any time. -My safety was put at risk because my vehicle caught fire in a matter of seconds and spread so fast that it was impossible to stop the fire…

   NHTSA complaint #11446701 · source
10. Filed Jun 3, 202138,937 miPAElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced for an inspection, she was informed that the horn was not functioning properly. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the horn repaired however, the failure recurred. The independent mechanic informed the contact that there was water in the horn and the horn needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted.…

    NHTSA complaint #11419548 · source
11. Filed May 21, 202136,000 miFLElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal chemical odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, failure was undetermined. The contact was informed that the air conditioning assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was…

    NHTSA complaint #11418015 · source
12. Filed Apr 14, 202146,890 miORElectrical System

    Tl* the contact owns a 2016 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the horn failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to dick hanna volkswagen (12345 e. Burnside st, portland, or 97233, [phone removed]) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the horn needed to be replaced. Additionally, the key fob and alarm failed to operate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,890.

    NHTSA complaint #11408073 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology