Volkswagen Jetta Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, which carry the highest complaint index scores (93, 87, 80, and 100) and the most recalls, including a do-not-drive recall on the 2019. The 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2023 model years score lowest for complaints and are the better picks.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2019Best 2018Best 2020Best 2022Best 2023
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 4,223
- Recall campaigns
- 39
- Crashes reported
- 182
- Fires reported
- 38
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Jetta Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Volkswagen Jetta problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 93 | 844 | 23 | 5 | 3 | Fuel System | 26 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 87 | 607 | 27 | 9 | 7 | Electrical System | 27.5 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 80 | 499 | 24 | 6 | 5 | Electrical System | 26.5 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 73 | 516 | 12 | 3 | 4 | Electrical System | 26.5 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 67 | 386 | 20 | 2 | 4 | Engine | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 47 | 194 | 8 | 1 | 7 | Electrical System | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 60 | 161 | 18 | 5 | 4 | Engine | 29 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 53 | 159 | 18 | 3 | 6 | Fuel System | 29 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Best | 0 | 31 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Fuel System | 30 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 100 | 548 | 19 | 3 | 11 ! | Electrical System | 31 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Best | 13 | 52 | 1 | 0 | 6 | Electrical System | 31 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Good | 27 | 69 | 3 | 0 | 4 | Brakes | 30.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 7 | 43 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 34 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Best | 20 | 43 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 34 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Good | 33 | 43 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Engine | 34 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Good | 40 | 28 | 4 | 0 | 2 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 33 | 5★ |
Jetta years to avoid: what went wrong
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Index 100 · 548 complaints · 11 recalls
The 2019 Jetta is the worst year overall, with a complaint index of 100, 548 complaints, 11 recalls, and 1 do-not-drive recall. Electrical, engine, and transmission complaints are tied at 30% each, with failures reported at very low mileage — median 887 to 26,500 miles depending on category. Owners described vehicles shutting down while parked, brake rotors shearing off causing a wheel lock-up, and airbags that stayed inflated after a rear-end crash. This year also recorded 36 injuries, more than any other Jetta model year.
2019 electrical system problems →2019 engine problems →2019 transmission & powertrain problems →
2010 Volkswagen Jetta Index 93 · 844 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2010 Jetta has a complaint index of 93 and ranks second-worst of all years, with 844 total complaints and 3 recalls. Fuel system problems dominate, making up 36% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 44,000. Owners reported stalling and fuel pump failures, including a high-pressure fuel pump failure that caused a stall at highway speed. Electrical system issues followed at 28% of complaints with a median mileage of 67,000, and engine complaints made up 25% at a median of 45,000 miles. NHTSA also recorded 23 crashes and 5 fires for this year.
2010 fuel system problems →2010 electrical system problems →2010 engine problems →
2011 Volkswagen Jetta Index 87 · 607 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2011 Jetta shows a complaint index of 87 and ranks third-worst, with 607 complaints across 7 recalls, including an airbag recall over a steering wheel clock spring issue. Electrical system problems lead at 34% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 60,000, followed by fuel system issues at 27% (median 35,233 miles). Owners described sudden fires after crashes and gear shifters that moved unexpectedly from park into reverse. NHTSA logged 27 crashes and 9 fires for this model year.
2011 electrical system problems →2011 fuel system problems →2011 engine problems →
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Index 80 · 499 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2012 Jetta carries a complaint index of 80, ranking fourth-worst, with 499 complaints and 5 recalls. Electrical system issues top the list at 29% of complaints (median mileage 61,888), followed by engine problems at 20% (median 44,250 miles). Owners reported stalling at highway speed, brake pedals sinking to the floor without stopping the car, and a case of a vehicle catching fire in a garage. NHTSA recorded 24 crashes and 6 fires tied to this year.
2012 electrical system problems →2012 engine problems →2012 fuel system problems →
Most common Volkswagen Jetta problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System1,206 (29%)
- Engine1,065 (25%)
- Fuel System795 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain669 (16%)
- Other668 (16%)
- Brakes374 (9%)
- Airbags248 (6%)
- Steering200 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires186 (4%)
- Structure & Body157 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Volkswagen Jetta years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2019 Jetta as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 93, 87, 80, and 100 respectively — the highest among all 16 model years covered.
- Which Volkswagen Jetta model years are the best?
- The 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2023 Jetta rank as the best years, with complaint index scores of 0, 13, 7, and 20 — far below the 2019's score of 100.
- Does the 2019 Jetta have a do-not-drive recall?
- Yes. The 2019 Jetta has 11 recalls total, one of which is flagged as a do-not-drive recall, more than any other Jetta model year in this data.
- What is the most common problem area across all Jetta years?
- Electrical System complaints are the most common, accounting for 1,206 of 4,223 total complaints (29%), followed by Engine complaints at 25% and Fuel System complaints at 19%.
- Is the 2010 Jetta reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Jetta ranks among the worst years, with 844 complaints, a complaint index of 93, and fuel system problems affecting 36% of reported cases.