Volkswagen Jetta

Name: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Jetta sedan emerged from its 2011 redesign as something altogether more humdrum than the compact, agile and tautly-sprung European car it had been. The cabin is roomier and the trunk is huge, but handling fell short on agility and cornering grip. Interior quality, formerly impeccable, was subpar. The hoary 170-hp, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine carried over. While it delivers adequate performance, it sounds coarse and fuel economy is just OK for a small sedan. The gasoline-powered Jetta scored rather low in our testing.

Adding the TDI diesel engine to the Jetta makes it a more appealing car. Fuel economy jumps from 25 mpg with the gasoline engine to 34 with the diesel with acceleration times remaining similar to the gasoline model. However, the DSG transmission combined with the diesel doesn't shift smoothly at low speeds. The TDI version is also better equipped. But while the TDI scored better than the less-expensive SE, it still suffers from the Jetta's shortcomings of so-so handling and interior quality.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen Jetta

vs. Similar Cars

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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2017

2018

2019

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Volkswagen Jetta

$3,350 - $5,125

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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$3,825

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$3,950 - $4,250

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$2,925 - $4,000

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Honda CR-Z

$5,200 - $5,900

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic

$3,175 - $8,550

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 44 mpg

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2012 Honda Fit

$6,325 - $7,400

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$5,000 - $5,725

EPA MPG 41 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Accent

$4,000 - $4,375

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EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Mazda 2

$4,425 - $4,775

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EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Nissan Sentra

$3,475 - $4,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Nissan Versa

$3,375 - $4,300

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2012 Scion iQ

$5,675

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2012 Scion tC

$5,975 - $6,225

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Scion xB

$6,200 - $6,800

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Scion xD

$5,925 - $6,250

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2012 Smart ForTwo

$3,825 - $4,075

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2012 Subaru Impreza

$4,800 - $12,050

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2012 Suzuki SX4

$2,800 - $3,600

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Toyota Corolla

$6,875 - $7,525

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Toyota Matrix

$6,400 - $6,975

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Toyota Prius

$7,550 - $8,025

EPA MPG 48 mpg

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2012 Toyota Prius C

$6,700

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2012 Toyota Prius V

$7,575

EPA MPG 42 mpg

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2012 Toyota Yaris

$4,925 - $6,475

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Volkswagen Beetle

$4,300 - $6,100

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 turbodiesel (140 hp)
2-liter 4 (115 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (200 hp)
2.5-liter 5 (170 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed sequential
5-speed manual
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The seventh generation Jetta has easy-to-use controls, great fuel economy, good cabin room, and the availability of upscale features. The 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy at times, but delivers responsive acceleration upon demand. Fuel economy is excellent at 34 mpg overall, matching VW's diesel offerings from a decade ago. The ride is absorbent but can be too tender over sharp bumps. Handling is competent but a bit dull. The cabin is relatively quiet for a compact sedan. Most versions come with faux leather seats and automatic climate controls, giving the car an air of premium ambience. For 2022 the Jetta gets a 1.5-liter turbo four cylinder engine instead of the 1.4-liter turbo. A new Sport trim line replaces the R-Line. Also, in 2022 AEB with pedestrian detection, and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning became standard equipment. For 2025, ACC and LCA come standard.

2011-2018

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought a more spacious rear seat, along with cheaper interior materials and handling that wasn't as crisp. Ultimately the gasoline-powered 2011 Jetta scores too low for us to recommend it. (The car has been improved gradually since then.) The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is a more appealing car; however, it is also one of the VW models called into question for emissions test violations. If you're considering one of these, make sure it passes smog before you buy it. A 37-mpg hybrid debuted in 2013. New for 2016 is a refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that got 32 mpg overall in our testing.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

A beautifully finished and sharp-handling premium small car, the Jetta has long been a jewel. Normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a gruff five-cylinder, a thrifty turbodiesel, and a six-cylinder powerplant have all been offered. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. Before its 2006 redesign, the backseat was particularly cramped, but the car rode beautifully. For 2006, the Jetta grew larger, and the base four-cylinder was replaced by a five-cylinder with more torque, though its character is somewhat gruff. The turbodiesel wagon we tested with a manual transmission averaged an impressive 36 mpg.

1999-2004

1999 Redesign Year

A 1999 redesign improved an already capable car and gave the Jetta new styling. This latest version offers a host of well-designed interior touches but also a tighter rear seat. A wagon model was added for 2001. Four, turbo-Four, turbodiesel, and V6 engines are available. The Jetta is a practical, relatively inexpensive car with a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a supple ride, and a comfortable interior. The sporty GLX packs a powerful V6, but even the plainer GL and GLS versions offer excellent handling and responsive steering.