YearToAvoid

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#2 most-complained of 4 Jetta Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid ranks 2nd worst out of 4 model years, with a Complaint Index of 67 and a Caution verdict. NHTSA logs 20 complaints and 2 transmission recalls, with most issues (75%) tied to the DQ200 DSG transmission at a median 94,750 miles.

Complaints
20
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
44
41 city / 48 hwy

Top 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain15 (75%)
  2. Engine4 (20%)
  3. Electrical System3 (15%)
  4. Brakes2 (10%)
  5. Fuel System2 (10%)
  6. Steering1 (5%)

What owners report

  • Vehicle stalls or the engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving at low speeds, sometimes triggering hybrid error or check engine warnings.
  • Transmission jerks, bucks, or shifts unexpectedly during acceleration or deceleration, in some cases tied to clutch wear.
  • Electrical system failures, including a shaved wiring harness and a failed electric drive power control module, have left the car undrivable and required towing.
  • Brake pedal feel and pressure vary depending on hybrid battery charge state, and the engine sometimes fails to engage on inclines, letting the vehicle roll backward.
  • A defective shift lever caused the transmission to stall when shifting into reverse.
  • One owner reported a stall combined with steering lockup after exiting a freeway.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month4Jun 2014Jan 2018Sep 2018Apr 2021Aug 2022Jan 2024
27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2014 to Jan 2025; peak Apr 2019 (4).

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 19V866000Dec 6, 2019Transmission & Powertrain2,167 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission

    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 decrease in oil pressure.

    Risk: A decrease in transmission oil pressure can cause the clutch to fail to engage, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a repair kit and, as necessary, replace affected parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 34J6.

  2. NHTSA 13V568000Nov 14, 2013Transmission & Powertrain3,837 vehicles

    Power train

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Jetta Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 2012 through October 2013 and equipped with a DQ-200 direct-shift gearbox. Due to gearbox fluid additives, the control module within the gearbox may corrode. The deposits from this corrosion may cause an electrical short and result in a stall-like condition.

    Risk: This sudden loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive version, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 34F6/4V.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
41 MPG
Highway
48 MPG
Combined
44 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2014 compared with other Jetta Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Avoid10079344
2014Caution6720244
2015No verdict01144
2016No verdict331044

All Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid reliable?
Among the 4 model years with data, 2014 ranks 2nd worst with a Complaint Index of 67 and a Caution verdict. It has fewer complaints than 2013 (79 complaints, Index 100, Avoid) but more reported issues than 2015 and 2016.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Jetta Hybrid?
NHTSA data shows Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 75% of complaints, followed by Engine problems at 20%. Median mileage at failure for transmission issues is 94,750 miles.
Does the 2014 Jetta Hybrid have a transmission recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists two transmission recalls: campaign 13V568000 for gearbox oil corrosion and campaign 19V866000 for hairline cracks in the transmission electronic control module.
Should I avoid the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid?
NHTSA data gives it a Caution verdict, not the worst year but still notably above 2015 and 2016 in complaint volume. The 2013 model year is the one to avoid, with a Complaint Index of 100.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.