DecodedCars2016 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi, 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi, 4dr Sedan 2.0l, 4dr Sedan Turbo Hybrid
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 44 combined · 42 city / 48 hwy
- Length
- 183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,804–3,311 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 44 MPG combined — 65% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 3 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,007 lb (4dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 44 MPG combined (42 city / 48 highway), 65% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 164 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
- No diesel version any more
- Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Jetta →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi | 183.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,007 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi | 183.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,241 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan 2.0l | 183.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,804 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo Hybrid | 183.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,311 lb | 60/40 |
| Gli 4dr Sedan 2.0l | 183.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,124 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta Hybrid Hybrid | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 / 48 / 44 | +65% | $1,850 | 200 |
| Jetta | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 40 / 33 | +24% | $2,050 | 276 |
| Jetta | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +20% | $2,100 | 284 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 307 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 307 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +2% | $2,500 | 327 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | +2% | $2,500 | 333 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Oct 21, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V648000 · 218,192 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jun 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V403000 · 55 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 26, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V705000 · 91,867 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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.
Not every 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 44 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 32 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 28 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 41,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Jetta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Jetta | 34 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Jetta | 33 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2024 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 43 |
| 2022 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 43 |
| 2021 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 70 |
| 2020 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 54 |
| 2019 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 549 |
| 2018 Jetta | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 32 |
| 2017 Jetta | 33 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 160 |
| 2015 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 197 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →