2017 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has a complaint index of 55, ranking 10th of 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. It has 159 complaints and 6 recalls, with Fuel System (26%) and Engine (25%) as the top problem areas.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 Jetta years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 159
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 18
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 25 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 1
Top 2017 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe brakes that fail to slow or stop the vehicle even when pedal is applied firmly, sometimes leading to collisions.
- Some report the vehicle stalling shortly after purchase, with dashboard warning lights coming on and loss of braking and steering ability.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in low-speed crashes despite visible vehicle damage.
- One owner described losing control of the steering wheel at highway speed, resulting in a crash.
- Electrical issues such as flickering headlights and a radio turning on and off were reported alongside airbag warning lights.
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?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 Jetta a complaint index of 55, ranking 10th out of 21 model years, with a Caution verdict relative to other Jetta years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Jetta?
- Fuel System complaints make up 26% of reports, followed by Engine at 25% and Electrical System at 23%, based on NHTSA owner complaints.
- Does the 2017 Jetta have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2017 Jetta, including a fuel rail bolt leak recall, an electrical system recall, an engine block casting defect recall, and label-related recalls.
- How many complaints has the 2017 Jetta received?
- NHTSA has logged 159 complaints for the 2017 Jetta, including 18 crashes, 3 fires, 9 injuries, and 1 death.
- What is the median mileage for fuel system failures on the 2017 Jetta?
- The median mileage at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2017 Jetta is 58,950 miles, according to NHTSA data.