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Volkswagen Jetta 2011-2018 (A6)

Volkswagen Jetta
Photo: Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Price
$16,215–$27,500
MPG
44
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Strong running costs
  • Watch-out: Poor reliability
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How it scores for you10 scores
Cheap to buy, thrifty to run and five-star rated, but a heavy record of engine and electrical complaints makes condition matter more than trim.
Reliability21

Recalled about 50% more often than cars of the same model years; 4 of its 15 recalls were serious. About 8% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -5 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs78

About $1,850 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 78% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility64

15.7 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 64% of other sedans we track.

Passenger space62

Class-leading rear legroom for a compact sedan plus a big 15.7 cu ft trunk.

Driving fun48

Mainstream trims are numb if composed; GLI adds real pace but most examples are commuter-tuned.

Tech46

Basic infotainment; CarPlay only arrived with 2016 units, and driver aids were scarce.

Comfort55

Absorbent ride and quiet at speed; a plain but functional cabin.

Value retention55

Typical resale value for a sedan.

Capability0

No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.

Safety & recalls24 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 4/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

24 recalls · 8 common complaint areas across 2015–2018

  • Electrical — 40 complaints (2015)
  • Recall — Electrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device (2018)
  • Electrical — 34 complaints (2016)

2018

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder20E064000

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail20V648000

    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.

  • Complaint clusterAirbags6 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    Passenger airbag light is illuminated after hitting a bump in the road

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other6 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    ignition swith . Same as 2019 and up model recall.NHTSA campaign number: 23V604

  • Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion5 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    My vehicle has an active, federally mandated safety recall for a fuel rail leak (Recall 24Gi / 20V648000), which is a documented fire hazard. The vehicle now has an active "EPC" (Electronic Power Control) dashboard light and a fuel odor. When I called my local authorized Volkswagen dealership—Sout

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain5 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    My car made a loud banging noise and would not move even though engine was running. Had towed and was told car needs new transmission I brought to another mechanic for second opinion and was told the same thing code P073300

2017

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine17V070000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine. These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels17V136000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels17V137000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Mo

  • RecallEquipment: other: labels17V352000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR P

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder20E064000

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail20V648000

    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.

  • Complaint clusterElectrical24 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    I have severe painful burns on my gluteus from the seat heater. I had the heater on intermittently on a drive of about 75 miles. I put the heater on for about 10-15 minutes a few times but did not have it on the entire trip. After getting to my destination I started feeling painful burning sensation

  • Complaint clusterEngine17 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other17 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Horn no longer working, can't signal an impending accident to other drivers. That along with infotainment touch screen, kind of hard to use hands free when I cant select yes on the touchscreen

  • Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion16 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    EPC light came on and I could smell a strong odor of gas. The car immediately began to de-accelerate and I could no longer use the gas pedal. I was on a highway road with lots of curves and limited shoulder, this could have been deadly. The vehicle also could have started a fire. The same exact issu

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain14 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE! Put lever into park: turned off car and turned back on

2016

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine; service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum15V705000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail16V403000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5,

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder20E064000

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail20V648000

    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.

  • Complaint clusterElectrical34 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    When driving the car, it will randomly stall, lose power or not accelerate. Sometimes the EPC light and oil light will illuminate other times it gives no warning. It shut off on the interstate while going 72mph. I have taken it to the dealership since a month after I got it and they keep telling me

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other23 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Ignition not turning all the time leading the steering wheel to lock up.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain20 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Car was great for first 100000 miles. Then it was not. While driving in heavy traffic on a three lane highway, car lost power, ability to accelerate and went into limp mode. EPC code went on. Very dangerous. Took it to several mechanics, VW dealerships, could find nothing wrong. Issue has happened o

  • Complaint clusterEngine16 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    My camshaft sensors went bad at 77k miles had it towed to auto repair. Auto shop said my timing tensioner and chain were worn and needed replacement. Cost was 6200.00. A month later the engine blew at 81k miles. This was a lease for the first 3 years so all maintenance was done by Volkswagen. I had

  • Complaint clusterBrakes14 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    I tried to stop my car and the brake pedal went completely to the floor and did not stop at all. There were no warning lights on, I keep my brakes and car well maintained. My car hit the rear of another car because the brakes failed to engage when I pushed the pedal down. My car which is the vw jett

2015

  • RecallSeats14V670000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not

  • RecallExterior lighting: headlights14V790000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured July 11, 2014, to November 13, 2014. Due to incorrect software within the headlight control module, the low beam headlights may turn off when high beam lights are turned on. As a result,

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail15V028000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20,

  • RecallAirbags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive15V627000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to November 28, 2014, Golf vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to December 3, 2014, and E-Golf vehicles manufactured July 26, 2014, to October 18, 2014. The affected v

  • RecallEngine and engine cooling: engine; service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum15V705000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: anti-theft: control module; steering: column locking: anti-theft device19V615000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of

  • RecallUnknown or other19V679000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission; power train: clutch assembly19V866000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid vehicles equipped with a DQ200 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission. Hairline cracks can develop within the transmission electronic gearbox (mechatronic unit), causing an internal transmission oil leak and a de

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder20E064000

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake flu

  • Complaint clusterElectrical40 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Engine light loss of communication between ecm and abs

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other29 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The turbocharger is out. I've had problems with coolant leaking. Mechanic pressurized tank, its fine. While parked coolant disappears, evaporates, idk..Nothing leaking on ground. Now smoke coming out of exhaust. Car has 56,000 miles.

  • Complaint clusterEngine22 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    My Volkswagen vehicle (Jetta Model 2015, MOdel 4DJSA, VIN [XXX] ) had a first event on [XXX] where the car suddenly stop in the middle of [XXX]. The car was taken to Volkswagen at Inver Grove and the cause was related to failure in a piston. The car was fixed without cost as it was covered by the g

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain21 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Vehicle Information •Make / Model / Year: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE •VIN: [XXX] Recall Information (if known) •Camshaft recall: 23R1 (2016) •ECM software update: 24DR (2020) Description of Problem: My 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE experiences loss of power while driving, where the engine RPM

  • Complaint clusterSteering15 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    I drove over a commercial-grade water hose unraveled in the middle of the lane. It had metal couplings on it and my oil pan was damaged due to the low riding body of the VW to the road. The vehicle was drivable for 5 minutes afterward & the low engine pressure light turned on, but I was in a dangero

Cost to own$14,100 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$16,215–$27,500

Estimated used price, by model year

2018$11,200–$13,100
2017$9,000–$10,500
2016$7,000–$8,300
2015$5,300–$6,200

$1,850/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $16,215–$27,500
Efficiency44 MPG
Seats5
DrivetrainFWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

41

Highway MPG

48

Combined MPG

44

Horsepower

210 hp

Doors

4

Length

183.1 in

Width

70.1 in

Height

57.1 in

Wheelbase

104.3 in

Curb weight

3,007 lb

Cargo volume

15.7 cu ft

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