2016 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 15V705000Oct 26, 201591,867 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

  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.

  Risk: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Jan 18, 2026ALEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Car was great for first 100000 miles. Then it was not. While driving in heavy traffic on a three lane highway, car lost power, ability to accelerate and went into limp mode. EPC code went on. Very dangerous. Took it to several mechanics, VW dealerships, could find nothing wrong. Issue has happened over 100x since, but I am unable to afford another vehicle and pray over car continually to keep me and others on road safe. Few times car would suddenly shudder like engine was…

   NHTSA complaint #11711696 · source
2. Filed Jun 19, 2025TNEngine

   My camshaft sensors went bad at 77k miles had it towed to auto repair. Auto shop said my timing tensioner and chain were worn and needed replacement. Cost was 6200.00. A month later the engine blew at 81k miles. This was a lease for the first 3 years so all maintenance was done by Volkswagen. I had it serviced three times after that. Sits in my garage half the year as I travel by airplane or tour bus for work so no need to drive all the time. This shouldn’t be happening.

   NHTSA complaint #11667875 · source
3. Filed Apr 30, 202571,000 miOHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The ignition, the check engine, the ABS, and the camshaft warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle started temporarily and shut off after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact notified the…

   NHTSA complaint #11657757 · source
4. Filed Jan 28, 2025TNEngine

   I bought the car brand new in 2016 had the oil changed on its scheduled maintenance and at 77000 mile my timing chain made my car go into limp mode. Now I am looking at a 4700$ in mechanic and engine work.

   NHTSA complaint #11638987 · source
5. 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
6. Filed Jan 5, 2024TXEngine

   There is an issue with the amount of engine oil used. It is burned up at a rapid pace. This has caused my car to malfunction (EPC light turns on). This happened to me driving on the highway it put myself and my passengers in danger as the car would slow down and jerk abruptly. My car has been inspected by a VW dealership. They found no issue on it. However, when taking it to an independent VW mechanic shop, I was informed this is a common issue in this car. They engine oil…

   NHTSA complaint #11563762 · source
7. Filed Dec 29, 202387,000 miFLTowedBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while accelerating from idling, the vehicle jolted with the check engine, ABS, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System warning lights illuminated. Additionally, while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle began decelerating to approximately 30 MPH. The contact pulled to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but could not identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was driven, and the contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11562561 · source
8. Filed Oct 18, 2023VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   Even after having the fuel system replaced due to recall, I’m still smelling gas inside of my car. My EPC light and Check Engine light keep coming on and don’t always stay on but when it comes on, while driving… my car will tell me to downshift and then there is no throttle, you can mash the gas pedal to the floor and only dash lights. It has also skipped the downshift indicator and just cut completely off while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11550661 · source
9. Filed Oct 3, 2023160,000 miCOTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and EPC warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would not accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11548097 · source
10. Filed Jun 30, 2023MSEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    We purchased the car in May 2021, within a week, the check engine light, EPC and oil lamp became illuminated. Contacted dealership who "inspected" it and said "nothing was wrong and reset the lights." A few weeks go by and the same thing. We noticed the car was "stuttering" during acceleration. We attempted to bring it to the dealership they couldn't inspect our vehicle because they didn't have "availability". My husband brought it to a local mechanic who recommended…

    NHTSA complaint #11529849 · source
11. Filed Jun 15, 2023PAEngineOther / UnknownSteering

    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 · source
12. Filed May 17, 2023GAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlWheels & Tires

    UNKNOWN; once the car started, it would not accelerate, the EPC and Engine warning lights came on; car still starts up The Tire Pressure sensor light has been going off/on, regardless of the tire pressure being correctly set

    NHTSA complaint #11522546 · 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