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Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 15 model years, NHTSA lists 66 recalls and 2,923 owner complaints for the Volkswagen Jetta. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
Volkswagen Jetta by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Volkswagen Jetta | 0 | 6 | |
| 2025 Volkswagen Jetta | 2 | 30 | |
| 2024 Volkswagen Jetta | 0 | 46 | |
| 2023 Volkswagen Jetta | 0 | 43 | |
| 2022 Volkswagen Jetta | 1 | 43 | |
| 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | 4 | 70 | |
| 2020 Volkswagen Jetta | 6 | 54 | |
| 2019 Volkswagen Jetta | 11 | 549 | |
| 2018 Volkswagen Jetta | 3 | 32 | |
| 2017 Volkswagen Jetta | 7 | 160 | |
| 2016 Volkswagen Jetta | 5 | 162 | |
| 2015 Volkswagen Jetta | 8 | 197 | |
| 2014 Volkswagen Jetta | 5 | 407 | |
| 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | 6 | 597 | |
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 8 | 527 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All Volkswagen models.
Volkswagen Jetta: questions owners ask
Which Volkswagen Jetta year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the Volkswagen Jetta model years with the most are the 2013 (597), 2019 (549) and 2012 (527). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2018 (32), 2022 (43) and 2023 (43), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 12 Volkswagen Jetta model years, 66 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2019 (11), 2012 (8) and 2015 (8). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most stalling complaints?
389 owner complaints across 12 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2013 (103), 2019 (95) and 2012 (68) model years, out of 12 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most check engine light complaints?
174 owner complaints across 12 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2013 (47), 2014 (31) and 2012 (20) model years, out of 12 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most airbag complaints?
74 owner complaints across 6 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. The most were filed for the 2012 (18), 2013 (18) and 2014 (15) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most no-start complaints?
57 owner complaints across 4 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe the car failing to start. The most were filed for the 2012 (22), 2014 (18) and 2015 (14) model years, out of 4 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
57 owner complaints across 6 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2014 (18), 2012 (16) and 2015 (8) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most transmission failure complaints?
50 owner complaints across 2 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. The most were filed for the 2013 (44) and 2015 (6) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most fuel smell or fuel leak complaints?
28 owner complaints across 3 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. The most were filed for the 2017 (16), 2016 (7) and 2018 (5) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most sunroof complaints?
12 owner complaints across 3 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. The most were filed for the 2024 (5), 2020 (4) and 2021 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most brake complaints?
10 owner complaints across 2 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. The most were filed for the 2015 (6) and 2021 (4) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have the most fire complaints?
10 owner complaints across 2 Volkswagen Jetta model years describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. The most were filed for the 2016 (5) and 2017 (5) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
How often does the Volkswagen Jetta fail its MOT?
In 2023 UK MOT tests, the Volkswagen Jetta's first-time failure rate ranged from 24.4% for cars first registered in 2016 to 36% for 2010, across 8 registration years with at least 100 tests. Older cars fail more often. The most common failure areas were suspension, lights and electrics, brakes. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.