Volkswagen Jetta years to avoid and best years
Newer Volkswagen Jetta years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 96 (548 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 2 (from 31 complaints), 2020 at 7 (from 52 complaints), and 2022 at 8 (from 43 complaints). The Volkswagen Jetta 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, 109 of 548 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
2018
2020
2022
2025–26
Volkswagen Jetta reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Volkswagen Jetta. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 33.5 |
| 2025 → Too early | 14 | 28 | 2 | Powertrain | 33 |
| 2024 → | 14 | 43 | 0 | Service brakes | 33.7 |
| 2023 → | 11 | 43 | 0 | Engine | 34 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 8 | 43 | 1 | Service brakes | 34 |
| 2021 → | 10 | 69 | 4 | Service brakes | 30.8 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 7 | 52 | 6 | Electrical system | 31 |
| 2019 → Most | 96 | 548 | 11 | Powertrain | 31 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 2 | 31 | 3 | Fuel and propulsion system | 30 |
| 2017 → | 17 | 159 | 7 | Fuel and propulsion system | 29.6 |
| 2016 → | 13 | 161 | 5 | Electrical system | 31.6 |
| 2015 → | 18 | 194 | 8 | Electrical system | 31 |
| 2014 → | 29 | 386 | 5 | Engine | 29.9 |
| 2013 → | 34 | 516 | 6 | Powertrain | 29.4 |
| 2012 → | 41 | 526 | 8 | Electrical system | 28.2 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- VW 502.00/504.00 5W-30 or 0W-20 (engine dependent) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/55R16, 225/45R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 20V648000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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. A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. 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 customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
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- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- VW 508.00 0W-20 (1.4L/1.5L turbo; see manual for 2.0L) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/55R17
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V-904 covers certain 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles among other VW models: rear coil springs may prematurely fracture and damage a rear tire, causing loss of control; dealers replace the rear axle coil springs. Recall 18V-671 covers certain 2019 Jetta vehicles with LED headlights: the passenger-side headlight may be incorrectly positioned, reducing nighttime visibility and failing FMVSS headlamp aim requirements; dealers replace the passenger-side headlight. Confirm VIN applicability because related campaigns also list Atlas and other nameplates under shared totals.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 2 (from 31 complaints), 2020 at 7 (from 52 complaints), and 2022 at 8 (from 43 complaints).
Which Volkswagen Jetta year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 96 (548 complaints). On the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, 109 of 548 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Volkswagen Jetta owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Volkswagen Jetta years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years are too early to compare?
The Volkswagen Jetta 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a Volkswagen Jetta use?
VW 502.00/504.00 5W-30 or 0W-20 (engine dependent)
What does NHTSA recall 20V-648 cover on the Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA safety recall 20V648000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
What generation is the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta?
Mk6 (A6) (2012-2018).