35 of the
249 complaints about the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta are about the
fuel system — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
47,000 miles.
D
35
Complaints
2
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Fuel/Propulsion System
2880.0%
Fuel System, Gasoline
617.1%
Fuel Rail
12.9%
Fuel & Propulsion across every Volkswagen Jetta year
In the past I owned a 2017 jetta, which I sold approximately one year ago. It had a 1.4 liter turbo engine. At some point around 18 to 20 years ago, I started smelling gasoline fumes in the cabin. It was rare and intermittent. I did not check it out as it did not seem like an urgent issue. I sold the vehicle about a year ago. I also now own a 2016 jetta TSI model, 1.8 liter turbo with about 104,000 miles. In the past few days I started smelling gasoline in the cabin while operating the vehicle. It was not serviced in many months so it’s not likely to have anything to do with bad mechanical service and the vehicle runs well. I checked the internet and discovered a massive vw/audi recall for 260,000 vehicles around 2024, having something to do with a seal related to some sort of a fuel pump, which included 2017 model vehicles. I contacted two vw dealerships expecting them to check the problem and handle this serious hazard. Both dealerships decline to check the vehicle other than for cash. They confirmed my vehicle was not subject to a recall. I took my problem to the Volkswagen company today. I was told that there was no fuel related recall for my vin number and they would not accommodate my request. But I was advised that I should not drive the vehicle going forward, but have it towed. This dangerous condition was exhibited by 2 separate jettas I owned. The likelihood of this condition being found in 2 separate vehicles is mere coincidence and not indicative of a dangerous problem created in the manufacturing process is beyond a plausible explanation. Please follow up ASAP as I am being effectively deprived of the use of this vehicle. My phone number is [XXX] . Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11712200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macy, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel fire hazard. Safety Recall 24Gi performed 5-11-21 @ 67k miles. 4 years and 60k miles later, fuel rail bolts backed out, causing fuel to pour into engine compartment. VW’s repair solution was not adequate. Do I have any recourse?
NHTSA complaint #11698073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mountain Center, CACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 15V705000 16V403000 20V648000 20E064000 19V615000
NHTSA complaint #11678654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesDayton, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 dealer the vehicle was purchased from of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #11657757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL LINE TO FUEL FILTER CAME LOOSE/DISCONNECTED CAUSING A FUEL LEAK INSIDE MY ATTACHED. GARAGE CAUSING A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE THAT REMAINS TO PRESENT DAY EVEN AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CLEAN UP.
NHTSA complaint #11612805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hinsdale, NH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel rail bolts loosened, causing damage to the fuel rail, as well as fuel injector seals, resulting in leaking fuel in the engine bay.
NHTSA complaint #11584120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocean Springs, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 three times a week despite going to and from work which is 9 miles from my home. I have taken it to the dealership and had to pay $1000s of dollars only for it to start having the same issues within a week
NHTSA complaint #11582780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesDenver, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel rail and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11548097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesDecatur, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to merge into another lane, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11534758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocean Springs, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 bringing it to the dealership again because of the codes it was throwing. We scheduled an appt which was 4 months out. During that time the oil was changed every 1.5 months because the lights kept coming on. Moved to Mississippi and the issues became worse. The vehicle would seem to lose power while driving on the interstate causing a Semi to veer into the other lane because the car went from 70mph to 20mph in a matter of seconds. Brought it to VW of South MS, was told Timing case, sealant, rail, tensioner, gasket, and several other things were needed to be replaced. Was told the vehicle was burning oil, lower timing cover was replaced and found bolts from tensioner broken and metal shavings. Was charged over $2500. 1 week later same exact issues occurred again. Brought it in, reset lights told us "it's fine" Few weeks of the car not being driven, happens again. We bring it back and they inform us of an array of "new issues" charges us $2000 and within a week the car is back for the same exact issue. I reviewed the recalls but it is saying none of them apply to my vehicle but they are the exact things that are going on. It is unsafe to drive the car. My husband will not allow me to drive it out of fear that it will stall and result in a serious MVA. Why isn't VW doing anything about this issue? How many people have to get injured or killed for them to conduct an investigation for this issue?
NHTSA complaint #11529849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna Hills, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There was no incident. Engine light came on. EVAP EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM Current Engine Control module software does not always allow the N80 valve to close completely so seems like there is a small leak detected
NHTSA complaint #11519368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated upon entering the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a rough start. The electronic power control (EPC) and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle; however, the gasoline odor became stronger and stronger while driving and the vehicle would not exceed 20 MPH. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact’s father met her on the side of the road and upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that gasoline was leaking out of the fuel rail upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel rail needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall and recall repairs were completed one-time free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised as the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11512842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, AR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car went into limp mode and smelled heavily of gas I went to a garage to have it checked out and they told me there diagnostic said it was fuel rail.
NHTSA complaint #11482946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alpharetta, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I brought my car in for the 60k service and the check engine light had just turned on. After being told they had to run a diagnostic and keep my car for several days, the dealership came back with "it had a fault for a purge valve. Tested the purge valve with a vacuum tester and found it would not hold a vacuum." I was asked if my emissions was due soon, but I had emissions completed two months ago with no problems. This issue is a big deal and I know VW has had many public issues with their emissions. I barely drive this car and to have such a major issue occur is mind blowing. The dealership quoted me $890. for this repair when I see the average cost of this repair is about $300-400 with parts. I had it completed, but no one wants to talk to me about why I was charged so much when this technically should be a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11477564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11469955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The problem happens when the car is on, and when attempting to accelerate the car will feel like it was put into neutral and you cannot do anything other than coast. The car has done this a few times while driving. Also, when trying to accelerate from a stop at a signal light, the car can suddenly stall, and you won't be able to do anything. From a safety standpoint, this is very bad since if you had to quickly accelerate to avoid a collision or other possible scenario and the car won't move, or accelerate, to reach speeds on a freeway or highway. Problem occurred last night when attempting to accelerate and merge onto the highway, felt like the car was in neutral ('D' light was blinking as well as the 'Hybrid' light). What is concerning is that VW did know about this problem and they only did a recall for very small number of vehicles. We called VW and they said no recalls on our 2016 Jetta Hybrid for this problem. I'm reporting the problem here because we have experienced the same problem multiple times and the dealer said to replace the Mechatronic J743 unit, this was very cost prohibited for us at the time.
NHTSA complaint #11469028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, NMFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car started on fire as driving to work January 21 2022 at 7:30 am.After researching after the fire Not knowing how and why that happened car had been perfectly fine no warning signs or any difference with the way it drove , I came to find out about fuel rail recall on my car that will cause car to start on fire .I almost and could have got stuck in the car which as i panicked was having trouble getting safety belt off and the door is so heavy that it had always closed back on me getting my leg smashed.I have not got any update from Manny the VW Man he ignores my calls and only left a message in response to my request to customer service i have lost my job because i do not have a car now my son has been missing school now about to be getting evicted as soon as the eviction lift is up i have 5 children i am a single widowed mother and need a car i was still paying on my car for 3 and a half years the bank screwd me over and insurance only covered them to pay off car for the bank i was financing it threw this is not fair i see q&a's on VW and they say yes to providing loaner vehicles to the ones that are having recall repaired why can i not get treated the same Manny response was that i had to pay for my own rental car they have to investigate my car to see if it was the recall that caused fire i sent him the fire police report . My car clearly had a recall this is ridiculous and not fair Do You think i did this on purpose expecting something back from these greedy not caring people in the world today lol yeah right . i loved my car was satisfied and had no issues until this one complete horrific incident that i almost got locked in and could of got injured or died. I was working and paying for my car i do not expect anything from anyone for free and that is why all the VW customer satisfaction guarantee literature i have read is of course just a bunch of sound good tell the customers what they want to hear and of course yeah Of coursr to good to be true !!!!
NHTSA complaint #11452882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCarlsbad, NMFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owned a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 15-25 MPH, she smelled a strong burning gas odor. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact felt an intense heat on her legs. The contact saw a flame on the driver's side of the hood and quickly exited the vehicle. The contact stated that there was also fire underneath the driver's side of the hood. The fire was extinguished with the assistance of the fire department. There were no injuries sustained. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. A police report was not filed. The contact became aware that her VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11452241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burbank, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unknown just want to fix recall on my 2016 Jetta please help [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11421227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,700 milesOzark, AL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, SHE DETECTED AN ABNORMAL GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. DOTHAN VOLKSWAGEN (2730 ROSS CLARK CIR, DOTHAN, AL 36301) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,700.
NHTSA complaint #11413087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesChico, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GOT A RECALL FOR MY CAR'S FUEL RAIL IN DECEMBER 2020 AND I STILL HAVE NOT GOTTEN A LETTER TO GET MY CAR FIXED. I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS FINE BUT A WEEK AFTER I GOT THE RECALL PAPER, I WENT TO START MY CAR AND IT STARTED SMELLING LIKE GASOLINE AND EVER SINCE THEN, MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVE WAY FOR 2 MONTHS NOW AND I NEED MY CAR FIX
NHTSA complaint #11397980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V648000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONTACTED BY MIKE STEVEN VOLKSWAGEN (11211 E KELLOGG DR N, WICHITA, KS 67207) WHO SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TRADED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DECLINED THE TRADE IN OFFER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11389394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesCorona, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CAR SEEMED TO HAVE A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. ROTORS AND STRUTS WENT OUT VERY FAST ON VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #11373198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesOverland, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 complaint #11367077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesPalmdale, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
POSSIBLE FUEL RAIL SYSTEM DETACHED FROM CYLINDER FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED VEHICLE WAS IN IDLE WHEN ECM LIGHT WENT ON AND VEHICLE RPM WERE GOING CRAZY FROM 1-3 VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND SHUT OFF 4 TIMES
NHTSA complaint #11350362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ONE YEAR AGO, I NOTICED THAT MY CAR HAS TROUBLE STARTING. IT IS A PUSH-TO-START CAR, AND SOMETIMES IT CUTS OFF AND I HAVE TO PUSH THE BUTTON TO HAVE IT RESTART. IT HAPPENS DURING ALL TYPES OF WEATHER, AND I'VE HAD THE BATTER TESTED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS IN GOOD STANDING, AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THIS LAST ONE YEAR OF HAVING THE CAR. THE FIRST TIME I HAD TO DO THAT WAS LITERALLY WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF BUYING THE CAR. FURTHERMORE, THE RANGE FEATURE THAT GIVES YOU AN AUTOMATIC READING OF THE GAS GAUGE IS INACCURATE. WHEN I FILL UP THE TANK IF SOMETIMES READS OVER 300 MILES, AND THEN SOMETIMES IT READS OVER 400; AND THEN WHEN THE GAS IS LOW AND NEARING EMPTY, IT NOTIFIES ME AT 30 MILES LEFT TILL EMPTY BUT THEN RAPIDLY DROPS TO 15 OR LESS BY INCREMENTS OF 5.
NHTSA complaint #11344192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,709 milesParadise, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE ABRUPTLY BOGGED OUT AND DIED DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD AT NORMAL SURFACE ROAD TRAFFIC SPEED (CITY STREET), SUBSEQUENT RESTART ATTEMPTS, TWICE (2) PRODUCED STRONG ODOR OF FUEL AND LARGE PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDERNEATH AUTOMOBILE. FUEL RAIL, MANIFOLD AND ASSOCIATED COMPONENTS FAILURE PER REPAIR ORDER FROM DEALER SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #11302857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,500 milesBoynton Beach, FLCrash1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY VEHICLE HAS STARTED TO HESITATE WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE RANDOMLY. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY TIME I DRIVE BUT IT HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES PER WEEK. I WILL PRESS MY GAS, AND MY CAR WILL HESITATE, I HEAR IT REVVING BUT MY RPMS GO NOWHERE. IT'S ALMOST LIKE IT'S NOT CATCHING. THIS WILL OCCUR FOR AROUND 5 SECONDS, LEAVING ME INCAPABLE OF MOVING. IT HAS LEFT ME STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS, TAKING UNSAFE TURNS OUT OF PARKING LOTS, ETC. IT IS A VERY SCARY ISSUE. HOWEVER, NO CHECK ENGINE OR OTHER LIGHTS ILLUMINATE AT THAT MOMENT, AND NO CODES ARE FOUND WHEN THE CAR IS SCANNED. I HAVE A SPRINT DRIVE DEVICE THAT IS CONSTANTLY PLUGGED IN TO THE OEM PORT AND IT HAS NEVER PICKED UP ON AN ISSUE WHICH MAKES DIAGNOSIS VERY DIFFICULT. THIS LEAVES ME IN SERIOUS FEAR OF DRIVING MY CAR THAT I JUST PURCHASED CERTIFIED USED 3 MONTHS AGO, WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT. I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE WHERE THE SAME SET OF LIGHTS COME ON EVERY TIME I DRIVE- ABS, TIRE PRESSURE, AIRBAG, TRACTION/ANTI-SKID, AND STEERING WHEEL LIGHT ALL COME ON AT THE SAME TIME... BUT NOT SURE IF THEY'RE RELATED BECAUSE THEY DON'T INITIATE SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE DELAY IN ACCELERATION.
NHTSA complaint #11277236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,100 milesNorth Chesterfield, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I JUST BOUGHT MY JETTA A WEEK AGO AND AS I DRIVING I'M NOTICING THE CAR TAKES AT LEAST A GOOD 5 SECONDS TO ACCELERATE AND WHEN IT DOES ACCELERATE IT TAKES OFF ALSO WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THEY DON'T WORK I DON'T BELIEVE A CAR WITH 34,000 MILES SHOULD BE HAVING THESE UNSAFE PROBLEMS I'M ALMOST SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR
NHTSA complaint #11266051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.