Cars · Top 10
Best Volkswagen Jetta Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
Direct answer
The best Volkswagen Jetta model year is 2023, with the 2018 at #2 and the 2022 at #3. The worst is the 2010 TDI: NHTSA lists 875 complaints, against 0 recalls and 43 complaints for the 2023. The 2019 and 2011 are the other years to avoid.
At a glance
| # | Pick | Base price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023 Volkswagen Jetta (A7) | Starts at $20,655 for the 2023 Jetta | The best-balanced used Jetta: no recalls and 35 mpg |
| 2 | 2018 Volkswagen Jetta (A6) | Starts at $18,645 for the 2018 Jetta | The cheapest Jetta with a clean record |
| 3 | 2022 Volkswagen Jetta (A7) | Starts at $20,365 for the 2022 Jetta | The first refreshed Jetta at the lowest price of the three |
| 4 | 2020 Volkswagen Jetta (A7) | Starts at $18,895 for the 2020 Jetta | A modern MQB Jetta after the 2019 launch problems |
| 5 | 2016 Volkswagen Jetta (A6) | Starts at $17,680 for the 2016 Jetta | A post-refresh Jetta under the 2018 in price |
| 6 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (A5) | Starts at $16,990 for the 2008 Jetta | The best Mk5 year, with fewer complaints than 2006 |
| 7 | 2004 Volkswagen Jetta (A4) | Starts at $18,005 for the 2004 Jetta | The least-complained Mk4 Jetta |
| 8 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (A6) | Starts at $14,995 for the 2011 Jetta | The lowest used price on the list |
| 9 | 2019 Volkswagen Jetta (A7) | Starts at $18,745 for the 2019 Jetta | Shoppers who want the new Mk7 body at a used price |
| 10 | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition (A5) | Starts at $17,735 for the 2010 Jetta | Diesel fans who accept the emissions history |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2023 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)
Fewest complaints
2018 Volkswagen Jetta (A6)
Best older Mk5
2008 Volkswagen Jetta (A5)
Lowest price
2011 Volkswagen Jetta (A6)
Year to avoid
2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition (A5)
The ranking
1
2023 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)
Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe year to buy.
Base price: Starts at $20,655 for the 2023 JettaNHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed for model year 2023 JettasNHTSA complaints: 43 complaints for model year 2023 JettasFuel economy: 35 mpg combined (31 city, 41 highway) for the 2023 1.5 L turbo automatic, fueleconomy.govFacelift: The 2022 refresh brought the 1.5 liter turbo four-cylinder in place of the 1.4 TSI and a new Sport trim in place of R-Line
The 2023 Jetta has the 1.5 liter turbo from the 2022 refresh, 0 NHTSA recalls and 43 complaints, and rates 35 mpg combined, from $20,655.
Go ifThe best-balanced used Jetta: no recalls and 35 mpg
Skip ifYou want a cheaper, older Jetta
Why #1 over #2: Its 0 recalls beat the 2022’s 1 recall at a similar 43 complaints.
2
2018 Volkswagen Jetta (A6)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe fewest complaints of any year.
Base price: Starts at $18,645 for the 2018 JettaNHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed for model year 2018 JettasNHTSA complaints: 32 complaints for model year 2018 JettasFuel economy: 32 mpg combined (28 city, 38 highway) for the 2018 1.4 L turbo automatic, fueleconomy.govRefresh: The 2015 refresh gave every US Jetta fully independent rear suspension and a standard rearview camera; the hybrid and diesel were discontinued by 2017Owner complaints: CarComplaints.com lists higher-speed vibration, throttle body and excessive oil consumption as the top 2018 problems
The 2018 Jetta has the fewest NHTSA complaints of any year at 32, with 3 recalls, 32 mpg combined and a base price of $18,645.
Go ifThe cheapest Jetta with a clean record
Skip ifYou want the Mk7 platform and infotainment
Why #2 over #3: It costs $18,645, less than the 2022’s $20,365, though the 2022 has 1 recall.
3
2022 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictNearly as good as the 2023.
Base price: Starts at $20,365 for the 2022 JettaNHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed for model year 2022 JettasNHTSA complaints: 43 complaints for model year 2022 JettasFuel economy: 35 mpg combined (31 city, 41 highway) for the 2022 1.5 L turbo automatic, fueleconomy.govRefresh: First facelift year, with the 1.5 liter turbo replacing the 1.4 TSI; the SEL Premium trim was dropped and the GLI simplified into one modelRecall: The 1 NHTSA recall for 2022 covers 2021 Golf GTI, Jetta GLI and other VW models: an infotainment memory module may leave the rearview camera blank (22V514)
The 2022 Jetta is the first refreshed model, with 1 recall (a rearview camera memory module) and 43 complaints, from $20,365.
Go ifThe first refreshed Jetta at the lowest price of the three
Skip ifYou want zero recalls
Why #3 over #4: Its 1 recall and 43 complaints beat the 2020’s 6 recalls and 54 complaints.
4
2020 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe 2019 fixed, with 54 complaints.
Base price: Starts at $18,895 for the 2020 JettaNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed for model year 2020 JettasNHTSA complaints: 54 complaints for model year 2020 JettasFuel economy: 34 mpg combined (30 city, 40 highway) for the 2020 1.4 L turbo automatic, fueleconomy.govGLI: The Jetta GLI, revealed at the Chicago Auto Show on 7 February 2019, uses the 228 hp EA888 2.0 liter turbo and a multi-link rear suspensionRecall: Recall 21V492 covers 2020-2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI: the air bag control module was welded in the wrong position
The 2020 Jetta settled down after the 2019 launch, with 54 complaints against 549, and 34 mpg combined from $18,895.
Go ifA modern MQB Jetta after the 2019 launch problems
Skip ifYou want the refreshed 1.5 liter engine
Why #4 over #5: Its 54 complaints beat the 2016’s 161.
5
2016 Volkswagen Jetta (A6)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictFair, with 161 complaints.
Base price: Starts at $17,680 for the 2016 JettaNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed for model year 2016 JettasNHTSA complaints: 161 complaints for model year 2016 JettasFuel economy: 32 mpg combined (28 city, 39 highway) for the 2016 1.4 L turbo automatic, fueleconomy.govEngine change: From 2016 the S and SE models switched to the 1.4 liter turbo engine, replacing the 2.0 liter fourOwner complaints: CarComplaints.com lists clutch burn-out, turbocharger valve pin metal fatigue and wheel speed sensor as the top 2016 problems
The 2016 Jetta moved the S and SE to the 1.4 liter turbo and has 161 complaints and 5 recalls, with 32 mpg combined from $17,680.
Go ifA post-refresh Jetta under the 2018 in price
Skip ifYou dislike clutch and turbo complaints
Why #5 over #6: Its 161 complaints beat the 2008’s 190.
6
2008 Volkswagen Jetta (A5)
Photo: OSX / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best of the Mk5 era.
Base price: Starts at $16,990 for the 2008 JettaNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed for model year 2008 JettasNHTSA complaints: 190 complaints for model year 2008 JettasFuel economy: 24 mpg combined (21 city, 29 highway) for the 2008 2.5 L five-cylinder automatic, fueleconomy.govEngine: The 2.5 liter five-cylinder 20-valve engine powers most Mk5 trims in the AmericasOwner complaints: CarComplaints.com lists problems shifting, brake failure and no throttle response as the top 2008 problems
The 2008 Jetta uses the 2.5 liter five-cylinder, rated 24 mpg combined, with 190 complaints and 6 recalls, from $16,990.
Go ifThe best Mk5 year, with fewer complaints than 2006
Skip ifYou want better than 24 mpg
Why #6 over #7: Its 190 complaints beat the 2004’s 233.
7
2004 Volkswagen Jetta (A4)
Photo: SsmIntrigue / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best Mk4, with risks.
Base price: Starts at $18,005 for the 2004 JettaNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed for model year 2004 JettasNHTSA complaints: 233 complaints for model year 2004 JettasFuel economy: 22 mpg combined (19 city, 27 highway) for the 2004 1.8 L turbo automatic, fueleconomy.govMk4 engine: The fourth-generation Jetta added the 1.8 liter turbo four-cylinder, and production began in July 1999Owner complaints: CarComplaints.com lists failed transmission, engine failure and oil sludge in the engine as the top 2004 problems
The 2004 Jetta is the least-complained Mk4 with 233 complaints and 5 recalls, rated 22 mpg combined with the 1.8 liter turbo, from $18,005.
Go ifThe least-complained Mk4 Jetta
Skip ifYou want modern safety technology
Why #7 over #8: Its 233 complaints are far below the 2011’s 640.
8
2011 Volkswagen Jetta (A6)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictCheap, with 10 recalls.
Base price: Starts at $14,995 for the 2011 JettaNHTSA recalls: 10 recall campaigns listed for model year 2011 JettasNHTSA complaints: 640 complaints for model year 2011 JettasFuel economy: 27 mpg combined (24 city, 31 highway) for the 2011 2.5 L five-cylinder automatic, fueleconomy.govLaunch: The sixth-generation Jetta was announced on 16 June 2010 as a larger, cheaper car, with lower-quality interior materials in North AmericaRecalls: Include rear trailing arm durability (14V656) and a fuse layout that could disconnect the converter box (11V196)
The 2011 Jetta is the cheapest here at $14,995, but NHTSA lists 10 recalls and 640 complaints, including the rear trailing arm.
Go ifThe lowest used price on the list
Skip ifYou want a low-recall year
Why #8 over #9: It costs $14,995, against $18,745 for the 2019, which has 549 complaints.
9
2019 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe rough Mk7 launch year.
Base price: Starts at $18,745 for the 2019 JettaNHTSA recalls: 11 recall campaigns listed for model year 2019 JettasNHTSA complaints: 549 complaints for model year 2019 JettasFuel economy: 34 mpg combined (30 city, 40 highway) for the 2019 1.4 L turbo automatic, fueleconomy.govReliability view: CarComplaints.com rates 2019 the worst Jetta model year, led by a grinding noise from the transmissionRecalls: Include rear coil spring fracture (19V188), a mispositioned LED headlight (18V671) and a wrong driver air bag (19V110)
The 2019 Jetta launched the Mk7 with 11 recalls and 549 complaints, and CarComplaints.com rates it the worst Jetta year, from $18,745.
Go ifShoppers who want the new Mk7 body at a used price
Skip ifYou want a low-complaint year
Why #9 over #10: Its 549 complaints are below the 2010 TDI’s 875.
10
2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition (A5)
Photo: steve lyon from yosemite, ca, usa / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe most complaints of any year.
Base price: Starts at $17,735 for the 2010 JettaNHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed for model year 2010 JettasNHTSA complaints: 875 complaints for model year 2010 JettasFuel economy: 32 mpg combined (29 city, 37 highway) for the 2010 2.0 L TDI diesel automatic, fueleconomy.govCup Edition: The 2010 TDI Cup Street edition went on sale in January 2010 with a base MSRP of $24,990Dieselgate: The EPA alleged in September 2015 that 2.0 liter TDI engines sold in the US from 2009 to 2015 carried a defeat device
The 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Edition has 875 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls, rates 32 mpg combined, and sits in the 2009 to 2015 diesel emissions scandal.
Go ifDiesel fans who accept the emissions history
Skip ifYou want a trouble-free used Jetta
How we ranked these
We ranked each model year on NHTSA recall and complaint counts, known problem years from CarComplaints.com, fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, base price from iSeeCars and the changes each generation brought. NHTSA counts cover every Jetta variant for that year, and recall counts include campaigns that cover other VW models. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Volkswagen Jetta year?
The 2023 Jetta: NHTSA lists 0 recalls and 43 complaints, and it is rated 35 mpg combined. The 2018 has the fewest complaints at 32, and the 2022 is close behind with 1 recall.
What Jetta years should you avoid?
Avoid the 2010 TDI first (875 complaints), then the 2011 (10 recalls, 640 complaints) and the 2019 (11 recalls, 549 complaints; CarComplaints.com calls it the worst year).
Which Jetta year has the most complaints?
The 2010 has 875 NHTSA complaints. CarComplaints.com notes that 2006 has the most overall complaints in its database and rates 2019 the worst year.
Is the VW Jetta reliable?
It depends on the year. NHTSA complaints fall from 875 for 2010 to 32 for 2018 and 43 for 2023.
NHTSA complaints by model year at a glance
2018 Volkswagen Jetta (A6)32 complaints
2023 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)43 complaints
2022 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)43 complaints
2020 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)54 complaints
2016 Volkswagen Jetta (A6)161 complaints
2008 Volkswagen Jetta (A5)190 complaints
2004 Volkswagen Jetta (A4)233 complaints
2019 Volkswagen Jetta (A7)549 complaints
2011 Volkswagen Jetta (A6)640 complaints
2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition (A5)875 complaints
Official sites
- 2023 Volkswagen Jetta (A7) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2018 Volkswagen Jetta (A6) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2022 Volkswagen Jetta (A7) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2020 Volkswagen Jetta (A7) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2016 Volkswagen Jetta (A6) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (A5) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2004 Volkswagen Jetta (A4) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (A6) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2019 Volkswagen Jetta (A7) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition (A5) · en.wikipedia.org
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org
- carcomplaints.com
- iseecars.com
- iseecars.com
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- iseecars.com
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- carcomplaints.com
- iseecars.com
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- iseecars.com
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- iseecars.com
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- fueleconomy.gov
- carcomplaints.com
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.