2010 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta ranks 2nd-worst of 21 model years, with a Complaint Index of 95 and 852 NHTSA complaints. Fuel System problems dominate at 36% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 44,000, backed by 4 recalls covering brakes, fuel lines, and the DSG transmission control module.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 95/100
- #2 of 21 Jetta years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 852
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 23
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23.5 city / 31.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
Top 2010 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System303 (36%)
- Electrical System237 (28%)
- Engine214 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain111 (13%)
- Other68 (8%)
- Brakes62 (7%)
- Structure & Body32 (4%)
- Airbags31 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires22 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers14 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle rolling away unoccupied due to a defective gear shift selector, in one case causing a crash.
- Some describe the steering wheel locking after warning lights came on, traced to defective electrical wiring.
- Drivers report the car failing to respond to braking and continuing to move despite repeated brake attempts.
- Several owners say the high pressure fuel pump failed and caused the car to stall at highway speed.
- Multiple complaints describe airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed crashes.
- One owner reported an engine fire while the vehicle was parked, later traced to rodent nesting material in the engine bay.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V913000Dec 20, 2016Brakes135,683 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
Risk: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
- NHTSA 11V490000Oct 3, 2011Fuel System168,275 vehicles
Fuel system, diesel
Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi a3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and rpm conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.
Risk: Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
- NHTSA 10V621000Dec 10, 2010Fuel System228,236 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 jetta, new beetle, new beetle convertible, model year 2009 jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. The jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The new beetle and the new beetle convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line.
Risk: If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. Additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 31, 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 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.
2010 compared with other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Jetta ranks 2nd-worst among 21 model years with a Complaint Index of 95 and 852 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Jetta years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?
- Fuel System issues account for 36% of complaints (median mileage 44,000), followed by Electrical System at 28% and Engine problems at 25%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2010 Jetta covering ABS brake control module software, fuel injector lines, underhood fuel line inspection, and DSG transmission control module reprogramming.
- What year Volkswagen Jetta should I avoid?
- Among Jetta years with data, 2009 has the highest Complaint Index at 100, followed by 2010 at 95 and 2019 at 90 — all rated Avoid relative to other Jetta years.
- How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Jetta?
- NHTSA lists 852 complaints for the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, including 23 crashes, 5 fires, and 11 injuries.