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Volkswagen Jetta 2019-2026 (A7)

Volkswagen Jetta
Photo: Mr.choppers · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Price
$18,745–$33,000
MPG
35
  • Strength: Strong running costs
  • Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
  • Watch-out: Below-average reliability
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How it scores for you10 scores
A value-first compact sedan with 35 mpg, real rear-seat room and modern tech; crash ratings are unpublished and driving thrills minimal.
Reliability41

Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 5 of its 19 recalls were serious. About 5% 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 -2 points for its wider reputation.

Safety50

Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.

Running costs78

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

Cargo & utility12

14.1 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 12% of other sedans we track.

Passenger space62

Generous rear legroom rivals some midsize sedans.

Driving fun50

Light and easy to drive; the GLI is genuinely quick, but volume trims prioritize efficiency.

Tech58

Digital Cockpit available, standard CarPlay, IQ.Drive suite on later years - strong for the price.

Comfort58

Long wheelbase gives a settled ride; cabin plastics betray the budget focus.

Value retention55

Typical resale value for a sedan.

Capability0

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

Safety & recalls25 recalls

Not yet rated by NHTSA.

25 recalls · 10 common complaint areas across 2019–2026

  • Powertrain — 160 complaints (2019)
  • Recall — Electrical: wiring (2026)
  • Electrical — 138 complaints (2019)

2026

  • RecallElectrical: wiring26V138000

    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.

2025

  • RecallElectrical: wiring26V138000

    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.

  • RecallElectrical: instrument cluster/panel26V185000

    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

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain6 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    There is a noticable whine from the transmission or torque converted between 1000-2000 RPM that does not vary with speed and noticable when lightky pressing gas pedal on 8th geer. This happens only when transmission is waremed up and indicates an issue with 2025 Volkswagen tranmissions. I am afraid

  • Complaint clusterForward collision avoidance5 complaintscomplaints:FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

    I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system in my 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. The ACC system fails suddenly and without warning while driving, including during highway operation. This creates an immediate safety hazard, as the vehicle unexpectedly disengage

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other5 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    2025 Jetta Sport completely loses acceleration on straightaways and during turns, creating an intersection collision hazard. Severe drivability and safety hazard. It drops power during turns, which exposes me to oncoming traffic. Also when I press the gas, the car does not want to go.

2024

  • Complaint clusterBrakes10 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    Brakes were replaced in 2025 after dealership said there was manufacturer issues with premature wear on the brakes. Same day brakes were replaced they started making grinding noises again. We called the dealership ship and they said it would stop with in a few days never did. Now a year later the th

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain7 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    After approximately 30 to 40 minutes of driving, my 2024 Volkswagen Jetta intermittently fails to move after coming to a complete stop. When I press the accelerator, the engine RPMs rise, but the vehicle does not move. The vehicle is in its normal driving mode when this occurs. This has happened wh

  • Complaint clusterEngine6 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    My 2024 VW Jetta GLI 2.0L 40th anniversary edition is throwing false engine codes. The system rings with a warning and the center display shows a statement that "RPM over 4500" while the real RPM's is at or below 2000 at the time of the warning. The system then immediately puts the car into limp mod

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other5 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    On XXX around 4:15PM, i was driving my 2024 volkswagen Jetta at approximately 65 mph onXXX in [XXX] under normal weather conditions. Without warning there was a loud explosion resembling a gunshot. The panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously shattered and exploded, showering the inside of myself and m

2023

  • Complaint clusterBrakes10 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    At only 24,000 miles, the rear brakes are already showing significant wear. When checked by the dealer, they were 2mm, while the front brakes were 12mm. The service representatives at the dealership have said this is a known problem with this model year, and they have already seen several cars with

  • Complaint clusterEngine8 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    Car was started on afternoon of XXX and the Low Coolant alert sound and dashboard light came on. Opened hood and car was completely out of coolant. Took to Royal Automotive, Vestavia Hills, AL on Wednesday XXX to be fixed. Dealer assessment was “PERFORMED COOLING SYSTEM LEAK TEST. THE VEHICLE PA

  • Complaint clusterElectrical8 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The SOS Module failed three times and was replaced three times under warranty. The failure mode is a battery that cannot be ordered due to manufacturer issues. The failed module limits crash reporting. I have attached the three work orders for this vehicle.

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other6 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I bought car back in June or July 2024. Since then Ive had issues with vehicle. Bad breaks, bad wheel bearings that were replaced & car just never drove smooth. Since buying car & driving it around for months I have felt a jerk/pull when in drive mode from 0mi when stepping on gas. The Engine has co

2022

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera; equipment: electrical: infotainment: software22V514000

    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

  • Complaint clusterBrakes9 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    the components that failed are the rear brakes and rotors. we no longer have the components as the vehicle would not pass inspection without having the work completed. The manufacturer sent a letter to customers affected by this issue as it is a known issue for this year/make/model. the inspectio

  • Complaint clusterEngine8 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The vehicle is currently experiencing steady coolant loss with no external puddles.My vehicle is at 65,000 miles, placing it just 5,000 miles outside of the 60,000-mile factory powertrain warranty. This specific issue matches the exact symptoms of Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin #2071245 (Serv

  • Complaint clusterElectrical8 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Rear brakes replaced twice on warranty. The car only has 24,000. Car remains with loud chattering brakes on all 4 brakes especially when brakes are cold. Especially loud chattering and squealing brakes still exist especially on rear brakes. Issue with a fuel valve needing to be replaced on warranty

  • Complaint clusterSteering7 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    The steering wheel touch sensors has malfunctioned and whenever the steering wheel is grabbed from the bottom half, the lake keeping assist errors out and the car throws a "travel assist unavailble" in the guage cluster. My steering wheel was replaced under warranty less than a year ago for this iss

  • Complaint clusterForward collision avoidance5 complaintscomplaints:FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

    My 2022 Volkswagen Jetta (purchased new) has a recurring Travel Assist/Adaptive Cruise Control safety malfunction that has existed since before approximately 24,000 miles. While driving with Adaptive Cruise Control or Travel Assist engaged, the vehicle repeatedly warns me to "Take Control of the Veh

2021

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera20V716000

    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, th

  • RecallSeats; seats: critical fasteners21V038000

    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.

  • RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module21V492000

    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.

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera; equipment: electrical: infotainment: software22V514000

    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

  • Complaint clusterBrakes24 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    There appears to be a known issue with the rear braking system on the VW Jetta for various model years including 2021. The issue seems to be a combination of soft brake pads combined with the autonomous braking system which overuses the brakes and causes premature wear. This rear autonomous brakin

  • Complaint clusterElectrical13 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Mid June 2026 infotainment update was over the air software update. Update caused infotainment failures: looping screen resets, unable to play audio, disruption to screen during safety features such as back up cam, unable to accomplish directions, CarPlay no longer consistent feature. None of thes

  • Complaint clusterFuel and propulsion6 complaintscomplaints:FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    EPC light comes on and vehicle starts losing power while driving, you lose all acceleration. Check engine light has also illuminated I have taken in to have repairs done on this same issue 4 times in a span of owing this car for 7 months, this vehicle has become unreliable and a safety hazard while

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other5 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    While driving home from work last night, I heard a loud noise that sounded like a gun going off right in the passenger compartment of my Jetta. A lot of wind noise followed. I thought initially that a tire might have blown out, but it was the car’s sunroof that had spontaneously and inexplicably exp

  • Complaint clusterAirbags5 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    It cause to have an account

2020

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper20V359000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2020 Jetta vehicle. The front brake caliper bolts may come loose.

  • RecallSeats20V505000

    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.

  • RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module21V492000

    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.

  • RecallTires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems22V815000

    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 t

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: switch23V604000

    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.

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000

    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 vehi

  • Complaint clusterElectrical15 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    On 2 separate occasions (in recent 2 months); the car would not restart and error messages would include printing the electrical parking brake engagement. Attempts to reset were futile. Car had to be towed. After 2nd incident, the VW dealership identified that the ground wire for the electrical har

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other9 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    There was a warning light for the emergency call function unavailable please service immediately.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain6 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    I recently purchased a vehicle on July 11th, and on July 12th, I noticed a significant issue with the transmission. Specifically, the vehicle began grinding when I attempted to engage reverse gear. Concerned for safety, I promptly contacted the dealership. Initially, they advised that the proper pro

2019

  • RecallExterior lighting: headlights18V671000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The passenger side headlight may be incorrectly positioned, reducing the driver's visibility when it is dark. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement

  • RecallElectrical: instrument cluster/panel18V824000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when th

  • RecallSuspension: rear: springs: coil springs18V904000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.

  • RecallAirbags: frontal19V110000

    Volkswagen Group of America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta vehicles. An incorrect driver frontal airbag may have been installed during a service/repair visit.

  • RecallSuspension: rear: springs: coil springs19V188000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.

  • 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

  • RecallWheels19V879000

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Jetta GLI, Golf Alltrack, and Golf GTI vehicles. The front wheel bearings may have been improperly machined, potentially causing excessive stress on the wheel, wheel bolts, or wheel bearings.

  • RecallTires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems22V815000

    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 t

  • RecallElectrical: ignition: switch23V604000

    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.

  • RecallElectrical: instrument cluster/panel23V619000

    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 Fed

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline24V110000

    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 vehi

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain160 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the RPM was revving high with the vehicle violently jerking and vibrating. The vehicle was later towed t

  • Complaint clusterElectrical138 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    My problem is the same as Recall 28H7/or 23V604. I have the some make and model and ignition as the Jettas with the recall but for some reson it is not a part of the recall. When the car gets hot the ignition cuts off while I'm driving and I have not speedometer, turn signals or wippers. Please make

  • Complaint clusterEngine60 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The vehicle is sluggish while driving as if trying to pick up speed as if it is not shifting into the next gear. The other day while making a hard left turn, the vehicle stalled and when picking up speed continued to stall and struggled to gain power. When looking under the hood when it was safe to

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other59 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The electronic dashboard does not display critical information like speed, engine RPM, engine warning lights, etc. The electronic dashboard stopped working and remains a black screen with no information about vehicle speed and other important infomation available to the driver. VW has a technical

  • Complaint clusterStructure18 complaintscomplaints:STRUCTURE

    I was driving when I heard a loud "bang" over my head. I was terrified and swerved because I was startled. This put me at risk of hitting a vehicle in the lane next to me and injuring myself or others. There were no warning lights or anything to indicate what happened and no cars within 100 feet of

Cost to own$16,500 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$18,745–$33,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2026$30,700–$33,000
2025$22,800–$26,800
2024$19,400–$22,800
2023$16,400–$19,300
2022$13,800–$16,200
2021$11,500–$13,600
2020$9,800–$11,500
2019$8,200–$9,600

$1,850/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $18,745–$33,000
Efficiency35 MPG
Seats5
DrivetrainFWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

31

Highway MPG

41

Combined MPG

35

Horsepower

228 hp

Doors

4

Cargo volume

14.1 cu ft

Limited data — dimensions unavailable.

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