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P0016 on VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
3
Most Affected
2005, 2012, 2014

What P0016 Means on Your VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Real VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

"Car has thrown a cel of p0016. timing chain tensioner is shot and needs to be replaced along with chains, guides, and possible valves. this is a problem with 2005.5 and 2006 jetta 2.5 engines."

— 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA owner • ENGINE • Filed 06/29/2011

"The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 15 mph, the vehicle made a clunking sound then loss motive power without warning. The crankshaft position sensor was illuminated."

— 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA owner • ENGINE • Filed 08/04/2021

"While driving the vehicle, it starts to stall or have stalled while slowing down or sitting in rush hour traffic; or while stopped at a red light. the dealer stated the code was p0011 and the camshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. the part was about $75 and the labor just under $400."

— 2014 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA owner • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE • Filed 08/06/2019

Data from NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. All reports are filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Common Causes of P0016 on VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

66.7%
33.3%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2005
1
2012
1
2014
1

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50-$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2-3 quotes. Dealer vs independent shop prices often differ 30-50% for the same repair.

P0016 on Other Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the SAE J2012 OBD-II standard. Code definitions follow the SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standard. Owner reports are filed directly with NHTSA by vehicle owners. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional automotive diagnosis. Always consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle repair decisions.

Last updated: March 2026