Compact cars · A6 generation
Fair Below average
It scores 35 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $10,607 to own, including $2,262 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Volkswagen Jetta.
Reliability
35/100
Below average
Repairs, 5 years
$2,262
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$6,182
33 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$8,345
$7,344 – $9,347, estimate
Recalls
7
on record
Owner complaints
160
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
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.
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
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 ignitio
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."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine. These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
Of the years we rate, the 2018 scores best (94/100) and the 2019 worst (3/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2027 | Not rated yet |
| 2026 | Not rated yet |
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | 10/100 |
| 2023 | 22/100 |
| 2022 | 39/100 |
| 2021 | 56/100 |
| 2020 | 48/100 |
| 2019 | 3/100 |
| 2018 | 94/100 |
| 2017 | 35/100 |
| 2016 | 31/100 |
| 2015 | 33/100 |
Not especially. It scores 35 out of 100, below average for compact cars; the 2018 scored better.
It scores 35 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,262 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $10,607 over 5 years: $2,163 in lost value, $2,262 in repairs and $6,182 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $8,345 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2018 scores best (94/100) and the 2019 worst (3/100).
7 recalls on record with NHTSA.