Volkswagen Jetta
The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta offers a good reliability profile with zero recalls and complaints, but 33 TSBs indicate potential minor issues that require thorough inspection.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2026 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 29 | 40 | 34 | 8.11 | 5.88 | 6.92 |
| 2025 | 29 | 39 | 33 | 8.11 | 6.03 | 7.13 |
| 2024 | 30 | 41 | 34 | 7.84 | 5.74 | 6.92 |
| 2023 | 29 | 42 | 34 | 8.11 | 5.6 | 6.92 |
| 2022 | 29 | 43 | 34 | 8.11 | 5.47 | 6.92 |
| 2021 | 29 | 39 | 33 | 8.11 | 6.03 | 7.13 |
| 2020 | 25 | 32 | 28 | 9.41 | 7.35 | 8.4 |
| 2019 | 30 | 40 | 34 | 7.84 | 5.88 | 6.92 |
| 2018 | 24 | 33 | 27 | 9.8 | 7.13 | 8.71 |
| 2017 | 24 | 33 | 27 | 9.8 | 7.13 | 8.71 |
| 2016 | 24 | 33 | 27 | 9.8 | 7.13 | 8.71 |
| 2015 | 22 | 33 | 26 | 10.69 | 7.13 | 9.05 |
| 2014 | 23 | 29 | 25 | 10.23 | 8.11 | 9.41 |
| 2013 | 23 | 29 | 25 | 10.23 | 8.11 | 9.41 |
| 2012 | 23 | 29 | 25 | 10.23 | 8.11 | 9.41 |
| 2011 | 23 | 29 | 25 | 10.23 | 8.11 | 9.41 |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Engine code | Transmission | Drivetrain | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | sedan | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2025 | sedan | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (S8) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2024 | sedan | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | — | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2023 | sedan | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | — | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2022 | sedan | 4 | 1.5 | Regular | — | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2021 | sedan | 4 | 1.4 | Regular | — | Automatic | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2020 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (AM-S7) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2019 | sedan | 4 | 1.4 | Regular | — | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2018 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | TSI | Automatic (AM-S6) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | TSI |
| 2017 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (AM-S6) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2016 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2015 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2014 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2013 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2012 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
| 2011 | sedan | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | — | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | pricing | Trim | Note | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | Trim: SEL | SEL | — | — |
| 2023 | Trim: SE | SE | — | — |
| 2022 | Trim: S | S | — | — |
| 2021 | Trim: TSI S / TSI SE / TSI R-Line | TSI S / TSI SE / TSI R-Line | — | — |
| 2020 | Trim: S, R-Line, Note: AM/FM radio, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth | S, R-Line | AM/FM radio, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth | — |
| 2019 | Base price: $18,745, Trim: SEL Premium, Premium w/ CWP | SEL Premium, Premium w/ CWP | — | $18,745 |
| 2018 | Base price: $26,245, Trim: SEL | SEL | — | $26,245 |
| 2017 | Base price: $20,895, Trim: SEL, SEL Premium | SEL, SEL Premium | — | $20,895 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Seat rows | GVWR | Keyless ignition | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 5 | — | — | — | Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | 2 | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | 2 | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | GVWR: Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | — | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 5 | 4 | 399 | 14.1 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | 399 | 14.1 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 105.6, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 105.6 | 18 | 18 |
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 105.7, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 105.7 | 17 | 17 |
| 2019 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 105.7, Front wheel: 16, Rear wheel: 16 | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 105.7 | 16 | 16 |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 445 | 15.7 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 104.4, Front wheel: 16, Rear wheel: 16 | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 104.4 | 16 | 16 |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 104.4, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18 | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 104.4 | 18 | 18 |
| 2016 | — | 4 | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 4 | 510 | 15.7 | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | 4 | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | 4 | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | 4 | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | 4 | — | — | — | GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | blindSpotMonitoring | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | adaptiveCruiseControl | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotIntervention | rearAeb | laneCenteringAssist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2026 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 4 DR N/A FWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2025 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2024 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2023 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2023 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2022 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2022 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard |
| 2020 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2020 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2018 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2017 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | — | standard | standard | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | 4 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SW FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Model year reports
2026
NewestThe 2026 Volkswagen Jetta offers a good reliability profile with zero recalls and complaints, but 33 TSBs indicate potential minor issues that require thorough inspection.
2025
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta presents average reliability, with early-life failures in critical systems like the sunroof glass and powertrain being the primary ownership concern.
2024
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta offers average reliability, but potential buyers must prioritize inspecting the **engine** for persistent misfires and the **service brakes** for premature wear.
2023
Approach the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta with caution; its below-average reliability, primarily due to documented engine and brake issues, makes it a high-risk used purchase.
2022
Approach the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by documented engine performance issues, specifically EPC faults and stalling, which can significantly impact drivability and potentially lead to costly repairs.
2021
Approach the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant issues with premature rear brake wear.
2020
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to documented electrical system failures causing power loss and stalling.
2019
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta presents a mixed bag for used car shoppers, with a strong safety score offset by significant powertrain and electrical system concerns that lead to a 'Below Average' reliability verdict.
2018
The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta is a below-average risk for used car buyers, primarily due to documented issues with its fuel system.
2017
Approach the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta with caution; its below-average reliability verdict is primarily driven by significant risks associated with engine seizure.
2016
The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to documented issues with its engine and fuel system.
2015
The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta presents a mixed bag for used car buyers.
2014
The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta is a practical compact car with a strong safety score, but its below-average reliability, particularly concerning engine stalling and electrical system faults, warrants careful consideration for used car shoppers.
2013
The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta presents a substantial ownership risk due to a significant number of critical recalls and a high volume of complaints, particularly concerning the powertrain, electrical system, and engine.
2012
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), especially in TDI models, and widespread electrical system issues.
2011
The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is a below-average reliability choice, primarily due to frequent high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures in diesel models and widespread electrical system issues.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Volkswagen Jetta?
Carfocal currently has 16 published Jetta reports, covering 2011 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta offers a good reliability profile with zero recalls and complaints, but 33 TSBs indicate potential minor issues that require thorough inspection.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Volkswagen Jetta. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 volkswagen jetta offers a good reliability profile with zero recalls and complaints, but 33 tsbs indicate potential minor issues that require thorough inspection. and the 2026 volkswagen jetta is a sensible used-car buy, especially if priced competitively. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
16 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Jetta?
Across Carfocal's published Jetta guides, recurring problem areas include Engine, Transmission, and Brakes. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Engine, Transmission, and Brakes.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 16
- Years tracked
- 16
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints