Volkswagen Jetta — All Years

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

We have Volkswagen Jetta specifications on file for 17 model years, 2010–2026, covering saloon/sedan trims. Across those years EPA data lists 6 different engines. Combined fuel economy runs from 30 to 42 mpg (UK) depending on year, engine and transmission. 13 of the 15 rated model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating. Select a year below for full engine, fuel economy, dimensions and safety data.

YearEngine(s)FuelMPG (UK)CO₂ g/kmNHTSARecallsComplaints
20261.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline411655★06
20251.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline401685★229
20241.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline411635★044
20231.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline41–421595★043
20221.5L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline40–411615★143
20211.4L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline34–411625★469
20201.4L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline34–411635★653
20191.4L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline34–411635★11549
20181.4L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline32–401685★331
20171.4L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline32–401685★7159
20161.4L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl turboRegular Gasoline32–531715★5164
20151.4L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turboDiesel31–531785★8197
20141.4L 4-cyl turbo / 1.8L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cylDiesel30–531965★6440
20131.4L 4-cyl turbo / 2L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cylDiesel30–531964★7632
20122L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cylDiesel30–38196—8527
20112L 4-cyl / 2L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cylDiesel30–381964★11640
20102L 4-cyl turbo / 2.5L 5-cylDiesel30–38196—6875

Best and Worst Volkswagen Jetta Years: What the NHTSA Data Shows

Across the 13 Volkswagen Jetta model years from 2010 to 2022 that have NHTSA data, the typical year has about 197 owner complaints on file. These are the extremes:

Fewest owner complaints

  • 2018 — 31 complaints, 3 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2022 — 43 complaints, 1 recall campaign, 5★ NHTSA
  • 2020 — 53 complaints, 6 recall campaigns, 5★ NHTSA

Most owner complaints

  • 2010 — 875 complaints, 6 recall campaigns
  • 2011 — 640 complaints, 11 recall campaigns, 4★ NHTSA
  • 2013 — 632 complaints, 7 recall campaigns, 4★ NHTSA

Complaint counts are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and rise with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so treat them as a pointer for what to inspect, not a reliability score. Model years after 2022 are left out because they have had little time to accumulate reports. Always check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine History

Engines are those EPA lists for each model year; the MPG (UK) column shows the range across configurations where more than one exists.

Compare the Volkswagen Jetta With Rivals

Frequently Asked Questions

What years is the Volkswagen Jetta covered on this site?

We have data for 17 model years of the Volkswagen Jetta, from 2010 to 2026.

What engines does the Volkswagen Jetta come with?

EPA data lists: 2L 4-cyl turbo (2010–2021); 2.5L 5-cyl (2010–2014); 2L 4-cyl (2011–2015); 1.4L 4-cyl turbo (2013–2021); 1.8L 4-cyl turbo (2014–2018); 1.5L 4-cyl turbo (2022–2026).

Which Volkswagen Jetta year has the best fuel economy?

The 2023 model returns the highest combined MPG (UK) on record here, at 42 mpg on its most efficient configuration.

Does the Volkswagen Jetta have a 5-star NHTSA safety rating?

Yes — the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 model years hold an overall 5-star NHTSA rating on record here.

Which Volkswagen Jetta model years have the most recalls and complaints?

The 2011 model year has the most NHTSA recall campaigns on record (11), and the 2010 has the most owner complaints (875). NHTSA lists no recalls for 2023–2024 and 2026. Counts are from NHTSA as of 6 October 2026 and change over time; complaints are unverified owner reports.

What body style is the Volkswagen Jetta?

The Volkswagen Jetta is classed as a saloon/sedan on this site.

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