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    Welcome to Consumer Reports.

    We’re so glad to have you as a member. You now have access to benefits that can help you choose right, be safe and stay informed.
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    2016
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Volkswagen Jetta Change Vehicle

    The Volkswagen Jetta appeals to the buyer who wants plenty of space, solid feel and a European driving experience. The broad line spans a frugal hybrid and diesel versions and tops out with a sporty, upscale GLI. While the current-generation Jetta started out as a coarse and decontented car, continual updates have significantly improved how the Jetta drives and how it scores in our testing.
    Alerts
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2016
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Volkswagen Jetta

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
    IIHS Side Crash Good
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    NA
    2001
    NA
    2002
    NA
    2003
    2004
    2005
    NA
    2006
    2007
    NA
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    NA
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS standard. Side air bags standard, available in rear from 2006. Head protection air bags standard from 2001. ESC available in 2003, standard from 2009.
    Road Test

    The Volkswagen Jetta appeals to the buyer who wants plenty of space, solid feel and a European driving experience. The broad line spans a frugal hybrid and diesel versions and tops out with a sporty, upscale GLI. While the current-generation Jetta started out as a coarse and decontented car, continual updates have significantly improved how the Jetta drives and how it scores in our testing. Now it's a solid, competent and well-rounded sedan with good driving dynamics, roomy interior, easy controls, and competitive performance and fuel economy -- all of which make it very competitive in its compact sedan class.

    Introduced for the 2016 model year is a 1.4-liter, 150-hp turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline variant, which might be the most satisfying of all of the small turbos on the market.

    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear
    Drive Wheels
    Front
    Warranty

    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
    Body Styles
    sedan
    Transmissions Available
    • 7-speed Sequential
    • 6-speed Automatic
    • 6-speed Sequential
    • 5-speed Manual
    • 6-speed Manual
    Engines Available
    • 1.4-liter 4 turbo (150 hp)
    • 1.4-liter 4 hybrid (170 hp)
    • 1.8-liter 4 turbo (170 hp)
    • 2-liter 4 turbo (210 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Volkswagen Jetta owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen difficult to see

    “in bright sunlight screen almost wiped out”

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sport 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    “Dated maps, current and only update of maps is dated June 2015”

    Michael M., IN (2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “It doesn't always pair”

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Volkswagen Jetta S 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Radio

    “Sirius XM freezes up and goes blank”

    K S., FL (2016 Volkswagen Jetta Unsure 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Speakers

    “Rear right speaker doesn't work”

    Anonymous, TX (2016 Volkswagen Jetta S 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    “Noise”

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Squeaks or rattles

    “The interior of the car has developed rattles inside of the car both near the driver and passenger doors. The driver setback has developed creaks”

    Grant H., MD (2016 Volkswagen Jetta S 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “The car feels solid, but lots of cheap plastic all-around the dash and doors rattles often, even if the car is new (3800km). Some roads are bad around here, but still surprising with a car this new. My 2014 Jetta had very little squeaks or rattles”

    Serge B., NB (2016 Volkswagen Jetta S 1.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    “Driver and passenger side windows squeak when putting up. Driver side Door squeaks when putting up”

    Anonymous, NS (2016 Volkswagen Jetta Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Wind noise

    “Noise6”

    Anonymous, MD (2016 Volkswagen Jetta Sport 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Load more

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    Gauges

    “Digital screen went black”

    Anonymous, NS (2016 Volkswagen Jetta Unsure 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    “Brake light lamp”

    Anonymous, NY (2016 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    “it stopped working at 40k miles and is t covered. y warranty. It cost $1750 to repair.the car also has bad air temp sensos a d whenthe a/cco.pressor blew, it blew other fuses also”

    Anonymous, IN (2016 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Doors or sliding doors

    “Strap that stops length of 'throw' became loosened”

    Joshua A., IN (2016 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose interior trim or moldings

    “Loose drivers side visor”

    Norm G., TX (2016 Volkswagen Jetta SEL 1.8-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    Change Vehicle