2017 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
53/100
#8 most-complained of 16 Jetta years
The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has a Complaint Index of 53 and ranks 8th worst of 16 model years, earning a "Caution" rating relative to other Jetta years. It has 159 complaints and 6 recalls, led by fuel system issues.
- Complaints
- 159
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 18 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 25 city / 35 hwy
Top 2017 Volkswagen Jetta problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System41 (26%)
- Engine40 (25%)
- Electrical System36 (23%)
- Other27 (17%)
- Airbags21 (13%)
- Brakes20 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain15 (9%)
- Steering14 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras6 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report brakes suddenly failing to slow or stop the car, sometimes leading to collisions with curbs, walls, or other vehicles.
- Some drivers describe the vehicle stalling or losing braking and steering ability shortly after purchase, with dash warning lights coming on.
- Airbags reportedly did not deploy in several low-speed collisions despite visible impact damage.
- Owners describe losing control of the steering wheel at highway speed, resulting in the vehicle sliding off the road.
- Some report the engine or wheels seizing without warning while driving at low speed.
- One owner described the vehicle shutting off while still in drive, causing it to roll unexpectedly into another vehicle.
2017 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V648000Oct 21, 2020Fuel System218,192 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
- NHTSA 19V615000Aug 22, 2019Electrical System679,027 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
- NHTSA 17V352000May 31, 2017Other2 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk: The mismatched VINs make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners and has replaced the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 06A8.
2017 Volkswagen Jetta fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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.
2017 compared with other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
- Compared to other Jetta model years, the 2017 is rated "Caution" with a Complaint Index of 53, ranking 8th worst out of 16 years covered. It is not among the best or worst years overall.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Jetta?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Fuel System issues make up 26% of complaints (41 complaints), followed by Engine at 25% (40 complaints) and Electrical System at 23% (36 complaints).
- Does the 2017 Jetta have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 Jetta, covering fuel rail bolts that may loosen and leak fuel, an engine block casting issue on 1.4L engines, an electrical system switch, incorrect VIN markings, and incorrect tire information labels.
- How does the 2017 Jetta compare to other years?
- The 2017 Jetta's Complaint Index of 53 is lower than 2010 through 2014 and 2019, all rated "Avoid," but higher than 2015, 2018, 2020-2025, which rank as "Good" or "Best" among Jetta years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Jetta?
- The EPA rates the 2017 Jetta at 29 mpg combined (25 city / 35 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250.