Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Problems

Jetta owners have made 1,244 complaints over 32 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it second to last in overall reliaibility, with significant engine and interior concerns.

9 Common Volkswagen Jetta Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Jetta owners have to deal with.

  1. Front Assist Problems

    VW's collision avoidance technology is detecting objects that don't exist. When that happens it slams on the brakes and ends up putting unsuspecting occupants in harm's way. A lawsuit wants the automaker to do more than simply suggest that …

    Continue reading article "Front Assist Problems" Red warning light of VW's collision avoidance technology

  2. Clock Spring Failure

    Volkswagen owners continue to have clock spring problems years after the parts were first recalled. The failed recall is under investigation, but in the meantime VW owners are staring at a disabled driver's side airbag, horn, and steering-w…

    Continue reading article "Clock Spring Failure" A steering wheel with the VW emblem in the middle

  3. Ignition Coil Failure

    Ignition coils produce a high-voltage current that fires the spark plugs. But VW coils often fail causing the engine to suddenly lose power. This can lead to shaking or hesitation and leave the driver in a vulnerable position.

    Continue reading article "Ignition Coil Failure" An ignition coil diagram over a blurred out image of a car

  4. Jetta Radio Problems

    There's a trend popping up where VW radios are fine one minute, then 'popping' before falling silent. This is particularly true in the 2010-2011 Jetta and once they're gone, they're gone for good.

    Continue reading article "Jetta Radio Problems" Jetta interior with question marks on radio

  5. Oil Sludge in the 1.8L Turbo Engine

    From 1997-2005, VW manufactured a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine with a tiny 3.7 quart oil capacity. That’s simply not a lot of oil to compensate for the amount of heat this engine generates. Complaints sparked a class-action lawsuit with an…

    Continue reading article "Oil Sludge in the 1.8L Turbo Engine" An oil pan covered in sludge

  6. Defective Timing Chain

    Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner problems that can lead to a loose timing chain and catastrophic engine failure. A series of lawsuits eventually led to a settlement that offers an extended warranty and potentia…

    Continue reading article "Defective Timing Chain" Gold timing chain in a VW engine

  7. Diesel Emissions Scandal

    Volkswagen has admitted to using a defeat device on its supposedly 'clean diesel' vehicles. The reason? To skirt around US emissions standards. This doesn't sit well with ... well, just about anybody. In fact, the only group who seems reall…

    Continue reading article "Diesel Emissions Scandal" Emissions cloud coming out of a tailpipe

  8. VW Windows Fall into Door

    The clamps that hold the windows in place for many VW's are made of a very cheap plastic. Sometimes when moisture gets in the door and then freezes, it expands and pushes the windows off the clamps, causing the windows to literally fall int…

    Continue reading article "VW Windows Fall into Door" VW door disassembled to show window regulator

What Jetta Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Jetta Generations

The Jetta has 6 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 5th generation (2006–2010).

Jetta Key Numbers

  1. 1,244 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 2,100 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 68 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Jetta Class-Action Lawsuits

The Jetta has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Settlement

    Coffeng, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America,  Inc.

    3:17-cv-01825-JD

    1. Settlement

      A VW water pump class action settlement has been reached for these Volkswagen and Audi vehicles equipped with 2-liter EA888 TSI or TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder multi-valve engines with codes CCTA, CAEB, CAED and CBFA.

    2. Case Filed

      The VW water pump class action was filed over the primary engine water pump driven off one of the balance shafts, not the electric auxiliary water pump. According to the lawsuit, the pump consists of the thermoplastic water pump module that includes the water pump, thermostat and integrated sensors.

    Settlement
    Filing deadline is April 29, 2020.
    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2014 GTI
    • 2008-2014 Jetta
    • 2009-2014 EOS
    • 2009-2014 CC
    • 2009-2014 Tiguan
    • 2008-2010 Passat
    • 2012-2014 Beetle
    Location
    California

  • Cole, et al., v. Volkswagen Group of America, et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A VW sunroof class action lawsuit alleges California customers must cope with leaking sunroofs that cause water damage to carpets, audio systems, electronics and multiple parts of the interiors.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2016-present Arteon
    • 2016-present Atlas/Teramont
    • 2016-present Golf
    • 2016-present Jetta
    • 2016-present Passat
    • 2016-present Polo
    • 2016-present Tiguan
    • 2016-present Touran
    Location
    California

  • Gjonbalaj, et al., v. Volkswagen Group of America, et al.

    1. Case Filed

      The sunroof leak lawsuit alleges the sunroofs were defectively designed and manufactured due to their drainage systems and seals. In addition, the automaker allegedly doesn't honor warranties when water leaks occur on these vehicles.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2015-present Arteon
    • 2015-present Atlas/Teramont
    • 2015-present Golf
    • 2015-present Jetta
    • 2015-present Passat
    • 2015-present Polo
    • 2015-present Tiguan
    • 2015-present Touran
    Location
    New York
  • Settlement

    Stockalper, et al., vs. Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, et al.

    1. Settlement

      A VW timing chain class-action lawsuit may be nearing the end as the automaker has agreed to settle the multidistrict litigation that comprises seven class-action lawsuits.

    2. Case Filed

      An Audi timing chain lawsuit alleges Audi and Volkswagen vehicles have defects that cause the timing chains to suddenly fail without warning, causing the engines to fail.

    Problem
    Defective Timing Chain
    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2010 Beetle
    • 2012 Beetle
    • 2009-2013 CC
    • 2008 -2012 EOS
    • 2008-2012 Golf
    • 2008-2012 GTI
    • 2008-2012 Jetta
    • 2008-2012 Passat
    • 2008-2011 R32
    • 2008-2010 Rabbit
    • 2009-2012 Routan
    • 2008-2012 Tiguan
    • 2008-2013 Touareg
    • 2011 Touareg Hybrid
    Location
    New Jersey
  • Settlement

    David Zimand, et al v. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Audi of America, Inc.

    1. Settlement

      A VW timing chain class-action lawsuit may be nearing the end as the automaker has agreed to settle the multidistrict litigation that comprises seven class-action lawsuits.

    2. Case Filed

      A Volkswagen timing chain tensioner lawsuit alleges numerous VW and Audi vehicles have defects in the timing chain tensioning systems that cause complete engine failure.

    Problem
    Defective Timing Chain
    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2010 Beetle
    • 2012 Beetle
    • 2009-2013 CC
    • 2008-2012 EOS
    • 2008-2012 Golf
    • 2008-2012 GTI
    • 2008-2012 Jetta
    • 2008-2012 Passat
    • 2008-2011 R32
    • 2008-2010 Rabbit
    • 2009-2012 Routan
    • 2008-2012 Tiguan
    • 2008-2013 Touareg
    • 2011 Touareg Hybrid
    Location
    New Jersey

Recent Jetta News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A new class-action says VW's front assist technology applies the brakes randomly and without warning.

    Customers who complain are typically given two not-so-great options, live with it and document the malfunctions or disable the feature entirely.

    The Missouri-based class-action says that's unacceptable and wants VW to take ownership of the problem. That includes covering any related repairs or costs associated with the system malfunctioning under warranty.

    keep reading article "Volkswagen's Front-Assist Emergency Braking Can Activate For No Reason, Says Lawsuit"

  3. Earlier this summer a lawsuit was filed regarding dangerous defects in the Aisin AWF8F35 8-speed transmission.

    Specifically how it hesitates, shakes, and grinds its way to busted seals, oil leaks, and eventual failure.

    Volkswagen asked for the case to be dismissed on the classic legal defense of sure there complaints, but it's not that many complaints.

    And when they tried to convince the court the plaintiffs shouldn't have a case because VW couldn't have possibly known about the problems before the vehicles were sold, they were asked about a "technical tip" sent to VW dealerships on possile transmission problems before the vehicles were sold. The document describes scraping noises commonly heard when shifting into 5th gear at speeds of 20-25 mph, under light load.

    keep reading article "VW Fails to Convince Judge Their 8-Speed Transmissions Aren't Trash"

  5. Volkswagen is recalling 56,000 vehicles with rear coil springs that can snap, crackle, and pop the tires.

    This appears to be an expansion of a smaller recall for the exact same problem last month. It wasn’t until the cars were shipped and sold that VW’s supplier admitted the coil springs weren’t ready for production. Yikes. Owners of the 2015-2019 Golf, 2017-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, and 2018-2019 Tiguan should watch for a recall notice next month.

    keep reading article "VW Recalls More Vehicles with Rear Coil Springs ‘Not Ready for Production'"

  7. Volkswagen is recalling 6,300 vehicles after their supplier informed them the rear coil springs they provided weren’t ready for production.

    Um, whoops? If the coil spring breaks it will cause an unsettling noise (bad), a sagging backend (worse), and can even puncture a tire leading to a sudden blowout (holy smokes terrible). Owners of the 2018-2019 Atlas, 2015 Golf SportWagen, and 2019 Jetta should be on the lookout for a recall notice in the mail.

    VW Coil Spring Recall

    keep reading article "VW Says Supplier Sent Coil Springs That Can Snap, Crackle, and Pop the Tires"

  8. There’s an important deadline coming up for VW owners who previously paid for repairs to their timing chain system or damage to their engine from a timing chain failure, and want the automaker to pick up the tab.

    A recently approved timing chain settlement benefits thousands of owners by providing them with an extended “new vehicle limited warranty” for any future repairs, plus conditional reimbursements for any previous repairs.

    The extended warranty is applied automatically if you own or lease one of the affected vehicles and didn’t opt out of the class-action.

    Owners who want to be eligible for reimbursements must file a claim by January 25th, 2019. More information is available at TimingChainLitigation.com.

    How to Submit a Claim ∞

    1. Use the VIN lookup tool to check your eligibility
    2. Gather the documents requested by the Claim Administrator
    3. Submit your claim before 11:59 PST on January 25th, 2019
    keep reading article "Upcoming Deadline for Timing Chain Reimbursements"

See All Jetta News

What Owners Say About Their Jetta

I was recently in an accident where I rear ended another car. I had enough braking distance to stop and I was driving at a reasonable speed, which was below the speed limit as I was nearing my exit. However, when the car in front of me stopped on the parkway, despite flooring my brakes, my car slid into the car and the ABS did not kick in at all.

2009 VW Jetta Owner in NY

Other Volkswagen Models