Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. Highlighted: 2001. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
New York safety inspections
Share of first inspections failed on safety, by model year. Older cars fail more as miles build up, so compare each year with the average car of the same year. Best against its own year: 2026.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections, initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Jetta | 6 | 1 |
| 2025 Jetta | 30 | 2 |
| 2024 Jetta | 46 | 0 |
| 2023 Jetta | 43 | 0 |
| 2022 Jetta | 43 | 1 |
| 2021 Jetta | 69 | 4 |
| 2020 Jetta | 54 | 6 |
| 2019 Jetta | 549 | 11 |
| 2018 Jetta | 31 | 2 |
| 2017 Jetta | 160 | 6 |
| 2016 Jetta | 161 | 4 |
| 2015 Jetta | 194 | 7 |
| 2014 Jetta | 387 | 4 |
| 2013 Jetta | 518 | 4 |
| 2012 Jetta | 500 | 5 |
| 2011 JettaMost complaints | 607 | 7 |
| 2010 JettaMost complaints | 852 | 4 |
| 2009 JettaMost complaints | 889 | 6 |
| 2008 Jetta | 188 | 4 |
| 2007 Jetta | 201 | 4 |
| 2006 JettaMost complaints | 580 | 4 |
| 2005 Jetta | 248 | 4 |
| 2004 Jetta | 231 | 2 |
| 2003 Jetta | 456 | 2 |
| 2002 JettaMost complaints | 702 | 5 |
| 2001 JettaMost complaints | 668 | 6 |
| 2000 Jetta | 439 | 4 |
| 1999 Jetta | 349 | 6 |
| 1998 Jetta | 192 | 2 |
| 1997 Jetta | 54 | 1 |
| 1996 Jetta | 31 | 1 |
| 1995 Jetta | 220 | 4 |
| 1994 Jetta | 117 | 5 |
| 1993 Jetta | 17 | 4 |
| 1992 Jetta | 30 | 2 |
| 1991 Jetta | 31 | 5 |
| 1990 Jetta | 22 | 5 |
| 1989 Jetta | 28 | 4 |
| 1988 Jetta | 19 | 7 |
| 1987 Jetta | 18 | 3 |
| 1986 Jetta | 14 | 2 |
| 1985 Jetta | 13 | 3 |
| 1984 | 1 | 1 |
| 1983 | 0 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 | 1 |
| 1981 | 0 | 3 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Electrical system2,144
- Power train1,618
- Engine1,084
- Engine and engine cooling899
- Air bags844
- Unknown or other806
- Fuel/propulsion system605
- Visibility535
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 989 Jetta vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died, and 537 people died inside them. These are counts, not crash rates: a model with more cars on the road shows up more often, and people killed outside the vehicle are not counted here.
| Model year | Vehicles in fatal crashes | Deaths in the vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | 3 |
| 2022 | 6 | 1 |
| 2021 | 32 | 14 |
| 2020 | 32 | 13 |
| 2019 | 90 | 55 |
| 2018 | 15 | 15 |
| 2017 | 82 | 40 |
| 2016 | 84 | 38 |
| 2015 | 51 | 26 |
| 2014 | 72 | 33 |
| 2013 | 69 | 24 |
| 2012 | 65 | 28 |
| 2011 | 58 | 28 |
| 2010 | 33 | 18 |
| 2009 | 35 | 15 |
| 2008 | 28 | 17 |
| 2007 | 34 | 22 |
| 2006 | 48 | 31 |
| 2005 | 23 | 11 |
| 2004 | 24 | 21 |
| 2003 | 31 | 25 |
| 2002 | 23 | 23 |
| 2001 | 16 | 12 |
| 2000 | 15 | 8 |
| 1999 | 8 | 7 |
| 1998 | 4 | 3 |
| 1997 | 1 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 | 1 |
| 1991 | 1 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 | 1 |
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain) · how we count
Crash-test ratings by year
NHTSA 5-star results for 17 model-year variants; 14 of 17 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Year | Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 2027 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 4 DR ICE FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.0 % |
| 2026 | 2026 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 4 DR N/A FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.0 % |
| 2025 | 2025 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.0 % |
| 2024 | 2024 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.0 % |
| 2023 | 2023 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.0 % |
| 2022 | 2022 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.0 % |
| 2021 | 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.1 % |
| 2020 | 2020 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.1 % |
| 2019 | 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 13.1 % |
| 2018 | 2018 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 11.1 % |
| 2017 | 2017 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 11.1 % |
| 2016 | 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 11.1 % |
| 2015 | 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 11.1 % |
| 2014 | 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 11.1 % |
| 2013 | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | 12.1 % |
| 2012 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | 12.1 % |
| 2011 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | 12.1 % |
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption by year
Official Canadian test results for 31 model years, best variant per year. Combined consumption ranges from 5.4–10.1 L/100 km.
| Year | Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.2 | 5.9 | 7.2 |
| 2025 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.4 | 6.1 | 7.4 |
| 2024 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.9 | 5.7 | 6.9 |
| 2023 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.7 | 5.7 | 6.8 |
| 2022 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.7 | 5.7 | 6.8 |
| 2021 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.9 | 5.8 | 6.9 |
| 2020 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.8 | 5.9 | 7.0 |
| 2019 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 7.8 | 5.9 | 7.0 |
| 2017 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.3 | 5.9 | 7.2 |
| 2016 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.3 | 5.9 | 7.2 |
| 2015 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.3 | 6.3 | 7.9 |
| 2014 | Jetta Turbo Hybrid · Compact · Premium gasoline | 5.6 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| 2013 | Jetta Turbo Hybrid · Compact · Premium gasoline | 5.5 | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| 2012 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 10.1 | 7.3 | 8.9 |
| 2011 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 10.4 | 7.2 | 9.0 |
| 2010 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 10.0 | 7.5 | 8.9 |
| 2009 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 10.3 | 8.1 | 9.3 |
| 2008 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 10.6 | 8.2 | 9.6 |
| 2007 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 10.6 | 8.2 | 9.6 |
| 2006 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 10.8 | 8.2 | 9.6 |
| 2005 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 11.3 | 8.2 | 9.9 |
| 2004 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 11.3 | 8.2 | 9.9 |
| 2003 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 11.1 | 8.1 | 9.7 |
| 2002 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 11.0 | 8.2 | 9.7 |
| 2001 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 11.0 | 8.3 | 9.8 |
| 2000 | Jetta · Compact · Premium gasoline | 11.1 | 8.3 | 9.8 |
| 1999 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 11.5 | 8.3 | 10.1 |
| 1998 | Jetta · Compact · Regular gasoline | 11.5 | 8.3 | 10.1 |
| 1997 | Jetta Diesel · Compact · Diesel | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.6 |
| 1996 | Jetta GL Diesel · Compact · Diesel | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.6 |
| 1995 | Jetta GL Diesel · Compact · Diesel | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.6 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
In New Zealand
566 Jetta cars are on the New Zealand register; 72% arrived as used imports.
| Model year | Registered | Sold new in NZ | Used imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2015 | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| 2014 | 19 | 0 | 17 |
| 2013 | 22 | 0 | 22 |
| 2012 | 12 | 1 | 10 |
| 2011 | 6 | 1 | 5 |
| 2010 | 27 | 4 | 23 |
| 2009 | 55 | 28 | 26 |
| 2008 | 86 | 20 | 62 |
| 2007 | 120 | 28 | 92 |
| 2006 | 174 | 48 | 122 |
| 2005 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1995 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1994 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1991 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 1990 | 13 | 10 | 0 |
| 1989 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 1988 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
6,692 Jetta cars are on Dutch roads; 13% arrived later as imports, and 88 still have a recall open. Open a year for APK defects, odometer checks and colours.
| First registered | On the road | Median list price |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 28 | €36,225 |
| 2015 | 33 | €31,026 |
| 2014 | 125 | €29,228 |
| 2013 | 1,425 | €32,230 |
| 2012 | 561 | €27,222 |
| 2011 | 643 | €27,000 |
| 2010 | 233 | €25,790 |
| 2009 | 294 | €26,875 |
| 2008 | 405 | €26,789 |
| 2007 | 741 | €33,535 |
| 2006 | 802 | €31,503 |
| 2005 | 76 | — |
| 1991 | 119 | €16,419 |
| 1990 | 138 | — |
| 1989 | 84 | — |
| 1988 | 86 | — |
| 1987 | 148 | — |
| 1986 | 193 | — |
| 1985 | 151 | — |
| 1984 | 143 | — |
| 1983 | 143 | — |
| 1982 | 95 | — |
| 1981 | 26 | — |
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles (CC0) · list price is the manufacturer's catalogue price when new
In Finland
8,436 Jetta cars were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026: 79% petrol, 21% diesel. Mileage is the odometer reading at the last inspection.
| First registered | In use | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 15 | 97,000 km |
| 2017 | 291 | 122,000 km |
| 2016 | 331 | 134,000 km |
| 2015 | 381 | 150,000 km |
| 2014 | 385 | 169,000 km |
| 2013 | 457 | 183,000 km |
| 2012 | 813 | 196,000 km |
| 2011 | 1,065 | 216,000 km |
| 2010 | 467 | 211,000 km |
| 2009 | 360 | 234,000 km |
| 2008 | 756 | 272,000 km |
| 2007 | 1,053 | 254,000 km |
| 2006 | 1,587 | 261,000 km |
| 2005 | 278 | 267,000 km |
| 1991 | 25 | 225,000 km |
| 1990 | 49 | 282,000 km |
| 1989 | 19 | 277,000 km |
| 1988 | 27 | 251,000 km |
| 1987 | 16 | 203,000 km |
| 1986 | 19 | 220,000 km |
| 1985 | 9 | 258,000 km |
| 1984 | 14 | 272,000 km |
| 1983 | 13 | 187,000 km |
| 1982 | 6 | 186,000 km |
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use, 30 Jun 2026 · CC BY 4.0
Road collisions in Great Britain
From 2021 to 2025, 377 Jetta cars were involved in road collisions in Great Britain that injured someone and were reported to the police. 6 of those collisions were fatal and 82 caused serious injuries. As with any count, models with more cars on British roads appear more often.
| Year | Cars in injury collisions | Fatal | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 53 | 0 | 14 |
| 2024 | 67 | 2 | 19 |
| 2023 | 72 | 1 | 16 |
| 2022 | 95 | 1 | 18 |
| 2021 | 90 | 2 | 15 |
Department for Transport, STATS19 road safety data 2021–2025 · Open Government Licence v3.0 · how we count
In the United Kingdom
14,157 Jetta cars were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, by year of manufacture.
| Built | Licensed | Off the road (SORN) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 1 |
| 2023 | 5 | — |
| 2022 | 3 | — |
| 2021 | 4 | — |
| 2020 | 4 | — |
| 2019 | 9 | 1 |
| 2018 | 30 | — |
| 2017 | 384 | 8 |
| 2016 | 1,057 | 21 |
| 2015 | 1,567 | 43 |
| 2014 | 1,295 | 66 |
| 2013 | 1,397 | 110 |
| 2012 | 1,471 | 183 |
| 2011 | 1,086 | 152 |
| 2010 | 629 | 121 |
| 2009 | 955 | 249 |
| 2008 | 1,320 | 427 |
| 2007 | 1,621 | 912 |
| 2006 | 1,070 | 894 |
| 2005 | 17 | 22 |
| 2004 | 5 | 2 |
| 2003 | 2 | 3 |
| 2002 | 1 | 1 |
| 2001 | 0 | 2 |
| 2000 | 0 | 2 |
| 1994 | 1 | 2 |
| 1992 | 1 | 16 |
| 1991 | 46 | 175 |
| 1990 | 39 | 193 |
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
15,080 Jetta cars took their annual MOT test in 2023; 65% passed first time, against 63% for all cars of the same ages. Older cars fail more often, so compare a year with the same year of other cars.
| First registered | Tests | Passed first time |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 352 | 75% |
| 2016 | 800 | 76% |
| 2015 | 1,176 | 73% |
| 2014 | 1,061 | 69% |
| 2013 | 1,127 | 68% |
| 2012 | 1,280 | 65% |
| 2011 | 1,001 | 65% |
| 2010 | 747 | 64% |
| 2009 | 1,232 | 63% |
| 2008 | 1,851 | 62% |
| 2007 | 2,558 | 59% |
| 2006 | 1,895 | 59% |
Why they fail
Share of all first tests that ended in a fail because of each part of the car (one test can fail on several).
| Area | Jetta | All cars, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 16.6% | 13.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 11.2% | 16.0% |
| Brakes | 8.9% | 9.2% |
| Tyres | 7.3% | 7.2% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 5.5% | 5.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.5% | 4.5% |
| Visibility | 4.5% | 5.8% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.9% | 1.5% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests of cars only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
New registrations in Europe
102,461 new Volkswagen Jetta cars registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland between 2010 and 2022, from the European Environment Agency's CO₂ monitoring of every new car. In 2022 the largest markets were Germany (46), Spain (1).
| Year | New cars | CO₂ g/km |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 47 | 191 (WLTP) |
| 2021 | 88 | 199 (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 83 | 200 (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 112 | 194 (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 3,028 | 115 (NEDC) |
| 2017 | 6,538 | 113 (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 9,501 | — |
| 2015 | 10,865 | — |
| 2014 | 9,588 | — |
| 2013 | 14,382 | — |
| 2012 | 17,993 | — |
| 2011 | 21,588 | — |
| 2010 | 8,648 | — |
Averages are weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value (NEDC until the WLTP switch). European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the Jetta in 7 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.
Defective material may be used in the rear suspension helical springs. As a result, the springs could break, impairing the driving stability and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation o…
The tubular frame of the driver’s seat may have been incorrectly welded. This could impair the stability of the seat and its restraining effect in the event of an accident, in particular in the event of a rear-end collision.
Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
The earth connection of the ABS/ESP system may be interrupted as a result of thermomechanical overload. This would lead to the failure of the ABS/ESP system and the risk of an accident.
The fuel rail in the engine may leak which could lead to a fire.
In the affected vehicles, the mechanical rear-door child-proof locking system may have been damaged during manufacturing. This can cause the child-proof locking system to be switched off without this being noticed, especially in the event of strong vibrations,…
The vehicles concerned may have a leaking fuel rail. There is a danger of fire in some cases.
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
79 campaigns cover the Jetta; the latest 12 are below.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Jetta and Taos vehicles. The instrument panel may fail to display warning lights or gauges. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Jetta vehicles. The transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, causing an open electrical circuit.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, "Theft Protection."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI, Jetta NF, Arteon FL, Tiguan LWB, 2022 Taos, Jetta PA, Tiguan PA, 2021-2022 Atlas Cross Sport, and Atlas FL vehicles. The manufacturing process of the eMMC memory module in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles. The air bag control module was welded in the incorrect position.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Long Wheelbase and Jetta vehicles. Bolts may be missing from the front seat tracks.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan LWB, Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas FL and Arteon vehicles. The rear view camera could malfunction during an ignition cycle, leading to a black screen or infotainment system freeze. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
NHTSA recalls