Volkswagen Jetta problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1,616 owner complaints and 39 recalls on file for the Volkswagen Jetta (2005–2026). The 2019 Jetta has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.

Complaints
1,616
Recalls
39
Model years
22
Worst year
2019

Complaints by model year

1020051213200720642009488320117719020131308320159110720172837420195369202143422023442920256
NHTSA complaints per Volkswagen Jetta model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Volkswagen Jetta years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2019 Volkswagen Jetta — 374 complaints, 17 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Electrical System
  2. 2014 Volkswagen Jetta — 130 complaints, 6 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Engine
  3. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta — 190 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain
  4. 2017 Volkswagen Jetta — 107 complaints, 8 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
  5. 2016 Volkswagen Jetta — 91 complaints, 5 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2006 (12 complaints).

Every Volkswagen Jetta model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Jetta60001Electrical System
2025 Jetta294022Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2024 Jetta442100Engine
2023 Jetta421000Engine
2022 Jetta431001Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2021 Jetta693014Brakes
2020 Jetta531026Electrical System
2019 Jetta3741732811Electrical System
2018 Jetta281002Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2017 Jetta1078246Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2016 Jetta915464Engine
2015 Jetta834147Engine
2014 Jetta1306284Engine
2013 Jetta1903034Transmission & Drivetrain
2012 Jetta771125Electrical System
2011 Jetta835227Electrical System
2010 Jetta482213Electrical System
2009 Jetta642024Brakes
2008 Jetta200002Electrical System
2007 Jetta132232Electrical System
2006 Jetta120001Transmission & Drivetrain
2005 Jetta103240Airbags

Most common Volkswagen Jetta problem areas (all years)

  • Electrical System
    439 complaints
  • Engine
    372 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    304 complaints
  • Brakes
    209 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    193 complaints
  • Airbags
    120 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    115 complaints
  • Steering
    91 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    58 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    54 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Volkswagen Jetta received by NHTSA each month.

Volkswagen Jetta recalls

  • Recall 26V185000Mar 25, 202675,323 vehiclesModel years 2025

    Risk: An instrument panel that does not display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 26V138000Mar 11, 202648,165 vehiclesModel years 2025–2026

    Risk: An open circuit may draw a higher current and increase the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 24V110000Feb 14, 2024261,257 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 23V619000Sep 6, 20238 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: Without an audible warning, the driver may be unaware that the key is left in the ignition, which can increase the risk of vehicle theft or a crash.

  • Recall 23V604000Aug 30, 202362,538 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V815000Oct 31, 2022296,044 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020

    Risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V514000Jul 20, 202243,091 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022

    Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V492000Jun 30, 2021379 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: Incorrect positioning of the air bag control module can cause the vehicle's air bags to deploy improperly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the vehicle's air bags can deploy unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V038000Feb 1, 202157 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: The seat can move front and back without restriction if bolts are missing, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 20V716000Nov 18, 202032,048 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: A black or frozen rear view image reduces the driver's visibility when reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V648000Oct 21, 2020218,192 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018

    Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 20V505000Aug 26, 20205,376 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.

  • Recall 20V359000Jun 17, 20201 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: If a brake caliper bolt comes loose, it may affect the vehicle's brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V879000Dec 11, 20198 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2019

    Risk: The excessive stress can cause steering, traction or other stability issues or breakage relating to the front wheels, and increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V679000Sep 25, 2019113 vehiclesModel years 2007–2019

    Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.

  • Recall 19V615000Aug 22, 2019679,027 vehiclesModel years 2011–2018

    Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

  • Recall 19V188000Mar 6, 201956,173 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 19V110000Feb 20, 20194 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the wrong air bag may not work correctly, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 18V904000Dec 19, 20186,322 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V824000Nov 26, 201873,549 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.

  • Recall 18V671000Sep 26, 201828 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: A reduction in the driver's visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V352000May 31, 20172 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: The mismatched VINs make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.

  • Recall 17V137000Mar 2, 20174,875 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V136000Mar 2, 2017797 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 17V070000Feb 3, 20172 vehiclesModel years 2017

    Risk: If the engine seizes, the wheels may suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Volkswagen models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology