The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor clutch and oil consumption issues reported. At $12,250 to $16,750, it’s cheaper than other sedans, making it a great choice for shoppers looking for a German car.
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2016 is a good year for the VW Jetta since it offers a German driving experience on a budget, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the fun driving experience, comfortable cabin, as well as the nice stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other compact sedans, the seats are supportive even for larger passengers, while cargo space is also above average.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are very few issues reported with the 2016 VW Jetta. Buyers should avoid models from 2009–2011 which have mechanical problems. Models from 2012–2018 are all more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is average from the base engines, while the larger 2.0L found in the GLI is quicker than other smalls sedans.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2016 Jetta gets a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Optional safety technology includes a rearview camera, frontal collision warning, as well as automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage /10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 33 MPG, giving 478.5 miles of range from the 14.5 gallon tank. Fuel costs are $54 cheaper than average, at $166 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2016 Jetta is a great value for someone looking for a European sedan on a budget.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Volkswagen Jetta?
- Consumer Reports says the Jetta is an appealing small sedan offering a European driving experience, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Jetta at 4.3/5, praising the excellent passenger room, but doesn’t like the loose steering.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Jetta a 4.4/5, enjoying the sporty driving experience, while owners don’t like the lack of technology.
What Common Problems Does the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Have?
Common problems found on the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta include worn-out clutches on the manual transmission models, excessive oil consumption, as well as noisy brakes. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact cars from 2016, although repair costs are higher due to parts being more expensive.
Worn-out clutches on the manual transmission models is a complaint from owners at around 30,000 miles. Manual transmission models only represent a small percentage of total Jetta models on the road. The original clutch tends to wear down faster than in other cars, which needs to be replaced. Changing out the clutch costs around $1,200, depending on local labor rates.
Excessive oil consumption is another issue mentioned by owners at around 100,000 miles. Some owners simply check the oil regularly, adding oil as needed. Other owners have replaced seals throughout the engine, which costs around $1,000 since it’s a labor-intensive process.
Noisy brakes also show up on some VW Jetta models at around 15,000 miles. Stock brake pads wear out quickly compared to aftermarket options. Changing out the brake pads costs around $400 for the original VW parts. Aftermarket brake pads, which last longer, are around $500.
There are 5 serious recalls on the 2016 VW Jetta which are worse than other compact cars. The most significant recalls cover the fuel rail, which can leak fuel, causing a fire. VW will replace the fuel rails on affected models for free. Other recalls include brake master cylinder issues, which VW will change for free as well.
How Long Will the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Last?
A well-maintained 2016 VW Jetta should last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly more expensive than average, according to data from Repair Pal, at $469 per year.
Since many used 2016 VW Jetta models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the throttle position sensor for $325, wheel speed sensor costing $200, as well as the starter relay, which costs $100.
It had a recall for the manifold intake. It also has some issues with the main computer. Before you buy a used one check to make sure these two issues have been addressed. If not I would definitely ask for a lower price as the main computer cost about $800 to replace.
I have issues with the electric in the car. For example, the windows go all the way down when I am trying to put them back up. I sometimes lose connectivity from my phone for no reason (I am in good cell coverage area).
I have not had any problems with it as of now. It has been very reliable for me and my needs which is so important to me.
As previously mentioned, the doors are somewhat heavy and there have been times when I thought I pushed them open enough but they would swing back at me. Other than that, I have been very happy with the car.
It is a very reliable car and I have had no issues whatsoever. I cannot say enough good things about my Jetta.
The Jetta is extremely reliable. I have not had any issues with it in four years. Every time I take my car in for an oil change it gets a clean bill of health.
I bought it used and it had 42k miles on it. No problems as of yet. Sometimes the seatbelt light will come on if I have something in the passenger seat.
It is reliable to me. In my experience it does not have any unusual problems if you regularly maintain it as instructed.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 5-inch touchscreen stereo as well as Bluetooth. Optional upgrades include a larger 6.3-inch screen, along with an upgraded stereo. Safety technology is average with an optional rear view camera, frontal collision warning, and emergency automatic braking.
Is the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Value?
Yes, the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is a good value for an entry-level German sedan offering good reliability. Blue book prices range from $12,250 to $16,750, making it cheaper than a Honda Civic or Subaru WRX. When new, the price range was $17,680 to $26,410. Depreciation is similar to average, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Volkswagen Jetta?
There are five main models of the VW Jetta offered in 2016, from the base 1.4T S all the way up to the sportier GLI.
1.4T S is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- 4-Speaker Stereo System
1.4T SE is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Push Button Start
- Heated Front Seats
- Premium V-Tex Vinyl Seating
- 3-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
1.8T Sport is next in the lineup with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Sport Tuned Suspension
1.8T SEL has more features such as:
- Unique 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Headlights
- Leather Seating
- Front Reading Lights
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- Cooled Center Console
- 8-Speaker Fender Stereo
2.0T GLI is the sportier model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Upgraded Brakes
- LED Running Lights
- Unique Exterior Styling Elements
What Engines Come In the Volkswagen Jetta?
- The base engine is an average 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder which makes 150 horsepower while getting up to 32 MPG.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 1.8L turbocharged 4-cylinder which produces 170 horsepower at up to 29 MPG.
- Found on the GLI is the more powerful 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which generates 210 horsepower while getting 27 MPG. Performance is good, taking about 6.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Volkswagen Jetta Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2016 VW Jetta is a very comfortable compact car offering seating for up to 5 people. The seats are extremely nice, offering a good mix of support and comfort on long drives.
Passenger room is better than other small sedans with enough legroom in the back seats to fit taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Volkswagen Jetta Have?
There’s more cargo space than other compact sedans as well, with enough space in the trunk to fit 4-5 full size suitcases.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the VW Jetta was launched in 2011, and was replaced by the seventh generation in 2019.
2014: The 5-cylinder engine was discontinued, rearview camera added as an optional upgrade.
2015: Some exterior styling changes, improved safety ratings, upgraded interior materials, and a more efficient diesel engine.
2016: New base engine added, touchscreen stereo system is standard, diesel engine unavailable due to diesel-gate.
2017: Rearview camera is standard on all models, USB connection added.
2018: Upgraded wheel designs available, new Wolfsburg edition model.
2019: Fully redesigned for the seventh generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2020: Standard Car-Net communications system, wireless charging, and 6-speed manual on R-Line model.
How Does the Volkswagen Jetta Compare to the Competition?
The Volkswagen Jetta ranks among the best compact cars of 2016 since it offers more luxury than other small sedans, while still being a reliable choice.
The Volkswagen Passat is another sedan offered by VW which costs around $1,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Volkswagen Passat, while the Volkswagen Jetta has a sportier driving experience. We recommend the Volkswagen Jetta for most people since it’s more affordable to own, although both are good sedans.
The Honda Civic is a compact competitor which costs about $3,000 more. Standard technology is better in the Honda Civic, while the VW Jetta has a much nicer interior. We recommend the VW Jetta for 2016 since there are fewer complaints from owners, however, the competition is much closer in other years.
Do Owners Recommend the Volkswagen Jetta?
Yes, it's reliable and drives really nice. If you are buying one used check to make sure it has all the recall issues addressed. Then one I am aware of is the manifold intake. Also be aware that the main computer brain has had issues in this model, it is about $800 to have replaced.
Yes, for the most part. I have issues with the electrical components. The gas mileage is great and I love that I can hook my phone up to play podcasts, music, navigate, etc.
Yes it is great! It drives well in the snow too. I feel that it is a heavy car so you feel grounded and secure.
It is been a very reliable car. We have not had any mechanical problems. The doors are somewhat heavy for someone with arthritis or limited mobility that can be a little challenging. This would not have been a vehicle I might have looked at but I have been very happy with my car. The seats are very comfortable and the radio and other control panel instruments are easy to manage. I seem to get fairly good gas mileage.
I think it is a great vehicle. It looks very sharp, drives very smooth and handles very well in all weather conditions. Living in New England, with all of the snow we get, I have zero issues.
I love my Jetta. I have had the same one for four years now, and it does fantastic in all the different weather conditions I experience in my state.
Great vehicle, great on gas mileage. Has all kinds of connectivity features. Heated seats sunroof as well as a road kit and first aid kit.
Yes. It drives well and is cheap. Pretty design and good speed and comfort. Love this car a lot and would buy again.