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2016 Volkswagen Jetta Gli
Limited data: few reports on file, read the verdict loosely
Too few owner complaints are on file to affirm this car. Treat it as unproven, not endorsed, and lean hard on a professional pre-purchase inspection.
2 owner complaints · 0 recalls · data verified July 15, 2026 · source: NHTSA
What the record shows so far
Only 2 owner complaints on file for this exact model year, too few to judge long-term reliability. Treat this as unproven, not endorsed, and lean on a professional inspection.
The math, shown
Full methodology →How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
5/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 11%
No open NHTSA defect investigations on file.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Gli, plotted where owners report it happening.
Steering
50%1 complaints
“THE KEY PERIODICALLY GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION OR THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN. SOME TIMES WIGGLING THE IGNITION, STEERING WHEEL, SHIFT SELECTOR, PRESSING ON THE BREAK O…”
Electrical system
50%1 complaints
“THE KEY PERIODICALLY GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION OR THE IGNITION WILL NOT TURN. SOME TIMES WIGGLING THE IGNITION, STEERING WHEEL, SHIFT SELECTOR, PRESSING ON THE BREAK O…”
Engine
50%1 complaints
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTAC…”
Recalls (0)
No recall campaigns on file for this model year.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2016 Volkswagen JETTA GLI beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2016? See how every Jetta Gli model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.