The best and worst Volkswagen Jetta years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Volkswagen Jettas old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2018 and 2020 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2006, 2009–2010 and 2019 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2006 Volkswagen Jetta · 34.9 per 10,000 sold (2.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Wiring harness, grounds and connectors, typically around 100,000 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2009 Volkswagen Jetta · 74.6 per 10,000 sold (5.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: ABS module and wheel speed sensors, typically around 100,000 miles; then fuel pump and sending unit.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta · 68.5 per 10,000 sold (4.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 46,243 miles; then infotainment, screen and software.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta · 54.3 per 10,000 sold (3.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body control and other modules, typically around 24,000 miles; then harsh, delayed or erratic shifting.
Years with the fewest complaints
2018 Volkswagen Jetta · 3.4 per 10,000 sold (0.2× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 8,500 miles.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta · 5.6 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 14,000 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Volkswagen Jetta year: 14.7 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Volkswagen Jetta?
Among Volkswagen Jettas old enough to judge (2005–2022), the 2009 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 74.6, about 5.1× a typical Volkswagen Jetta year. The 2006, 2010 and 2019 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Volkswagen Jetta?
The 2018 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Volkswagen Jettas from 2005–2022: 3.4, against 14.7 for a typical year. The 2020 is also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported problem on the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is abs module and wheel speed sensors, typically around 100,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Volkswagen Jetta years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.