VolkswagenJetta2016Overview/volkswagen/jetta/2016/base/

2016 Volkswagen Jetta

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 Jetta.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta is a passenger car whose reliability record is documented by 160 owner complaints, five recalls, and an Electrical System category that generated the most reports. Within the Jetta’s 1990–2026 complaint history, the 2009 model year stands as the highest with 903 complaints, while the 2026 model year is the lowest with 3. That places the 2016 Jetta below the 2009 peak and above the 2026 low, giving it a moderate complaint footprint within the model’s long-running history.

Model year20262025202420232022202120202016

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. · Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. CCA battery, OE oil filter 04E115561T. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. · Battery group and CCA will vary by model options and region. Refer to the appropriate service information. CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP195/65R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6-J inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04E115561T alt 06L115441D
Engine air filter04E129620 alt 5C0129620
Fuel filter1K0201051K alt 6Q0201051J
Spark plug06K905601D alt 04E905612C
Battery000915089BC alt 000915089F
Front wiper blades5C7955425B alt 5C7955426B
Serpentine belt03C145933A alt 03C260849A
Thermostat04E121119D alt 06K121113G
Cabin air filter1K1819669 alt 1K0819644B

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length183.1 in
Overall width70.1 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase104.3 in
Curb weight3007 lb
Track (front / rear)60.6 / 60.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Jetta of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.3–9.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.30 sec — 2016 GLI SE Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2016GLI SE Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-46.30 sec14.90 sec210 hpFWD
2016SEL Sedan 1.8L Turbo I-47.80 sec15.90 sec170 hpFWD
2016SE Sedan 1.4L Turbo I-48.40 sec16.30 sec150 hpFWD
2016SE Sedan 1.4L Turbo I-48.40 sec16.30 sec150 hpFWD
2016SE Sedan 1.4L Turbo I-49.40 sec16.90 sec150 hpFWD
2017TSI SE Sedan 1.4L Turbo I-47.70 sec16.10 sec150 hpFWD
2014SE Sedan 1.8L Turbo I-47.20 sec15.80 sec170 hpFWD
2014SE Sedan 1.8L Turbo I-47.30 sec15.50 sec170 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 22.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-3-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 4
Clutch FluidDOT 4
Engine CoolantUse genuine VW G13 type coolant/antifreeze
Engine Coolant Capacity8.5
Engine CoolantUse genuine VW G13 type coolant/antifreeze
Engine Coolant Capacity8.5-10.5
Engine CoolantUse genuine VW G13 type coolant/antifreeze
Engine Coolant Capacity5.3-10.5

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts10.3
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6.6
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18.4
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6.6
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts18.4
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs88 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-3-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerVolkswagen
Spark Plug Torque16 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerVolkswagen
Spark Plug Gap.028 - .031 in
Spark Plug Torque22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerVolkswagen
Spark Plug Gap.039 - .043 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.00-1.25 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimumpsi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58
Residual Pressure43.5 min pressure after 10 min psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58
Residual Pressure43.5 min pressure after 10 min psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 22; Rear: 26 /; Front: 22
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 148; Rear: 66 /
ABS Sensor Torque6 / NS
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: FSlll Caliper PR No. 1ZM, 1 ZQ:
Maximum Drum DiameterRear: PR No. 1KG: 9.114

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
190
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts lightly with specified motor oil.

130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
4Bolts 11 3.0 ft. lbs.3 ft. lbs
5Bolts 11 90 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts lightly with specified motor oil.

130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
4Bolts 11 3.0 ft. lbs.3 ft. lbs
5Bolts 11 90 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts lightly with specified motor oil.

130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9048 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs at 120,000 mi; coolant every 10,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 10,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 20,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Suspension Shock or Strut (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect)
Every 40,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Door Stop (lubricate) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Instrument Cluster Warning Indicator (inspect)
Every 60,000 miAir Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
Every 80,000 miTransmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 120,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In the federal record, 2016 records 160 complaints and five recalls, positioning it among the lower‑complaint years of the 2010‑2020 period after 2015’s 193 complaints and before 2017’s 158 complaints. The complaint breakdown shows Electrical System as the leading category with 19 reports, while crash‑related and fire‑related complaints stand at 18 and 5 respectively. This level of complaints is modest compared with the spikes seen in the early 2000s and the upward trend that begins in 2019. The data does not identify a root cause for these issues. Consequently, the 2016 model offers a comparatively low‑complaint profile and can be a reasonable used‑car choice, assuming the buyer confirms that any electrical concerns have been addressed.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
818
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
160
Owner complaints
18 involved a crash · 5 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 160 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Electrical System19
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Engine14
Unknown Or Other14
Service Brakes9
Power Train9
Unknown Or Other,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System3
Air Bags3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V648000Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Fuel RailReported 21/10/2020

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. Remedy: 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…

20E064000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master CylinderReported 23/09/2020

Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles… Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 818 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TT 10-18-02_22026-06-18EngineLubricating engine components before reassembly.
TT 13-20-01_32026-06-18EngineInstruction, how to lubicate engine before initial start.
V6919012010479_172026-06-11Air BagsInquiries
V1719012012855_812026-06-04EngineVolkswagen Engine Oil Standards
VOS-26-212026-03-27EngineThis is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Jetta. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2016 Jetta have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.