Best and worst VW Jetta years — which to avoid

The Jetta is known for great ride quality for its price, but not all of the model years rank well on the reliability and driver satisfaction scale. If you are in the market to buy one, it’s essential to be aware of the best ones to buy, and the worst VW Jetta years to avoid.

Since it’s not such an easy feat, perhaps this guide on the best and worst VW Jetta years can help. Our team of experts reviewed all the complaint reports among NHTSA submissions along with details on VW Jetta recalls and reviews to assemble a list of the years to avoid, and we’ll also help with the best options for complete buying advice.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst VW Jetta years

While reviewing the best and worst VW Jetta years, our team used renowned sites of automotive safety agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We’ve scanned through the complaint reports, recall logs, and common issues to identify the worst-rated models reliability-wise.

On top of that, we also took into consideration car review sites and their ratings including Edmunds, KBB, and Consumer Reports, while also keeping an eye on popular Jetta forum threads for genuine driving impressions. Finally, we cross-referenced our findings coupled with safety ratings that certain model years achieved, and we’ll start with the fourth-generation model since the earlier models didn’t get many complaints:

Most common VW Jetta problems

Jetta is one of Volkswagen’s most popular models thanks to its impressive handling and attractive style. However, like other vehicles, it has some common problems that are common to it. Knowing the potential issues on time would help you better plan your maintenance schedule to suit the vehicle, so let’s take a look together:

1. Hard shifting

Jettas with automatic transmissions suffer the most from this issue. Drivers reported that the vehicle jerks when shifting from the second to third gear. There were also reports of a slipping transmission when driving at 35 to 50 miles per hour. For severe cases, replacing the valve body did little to salvage the situation, causing drivers to replace the entire transmission.

Jetta models of 1990 to 2012 and 2016 are most notorious for having this issue.

2. Body problems

Some Jetta drivers complained of squeaking doors and chopping paint. It was a more severe problem for those driving the 2017 model, which had the problem as a recurring issue. Even after replacing the door hinge multiple times, it would still develop the squeaking problem.

3. Defective window regulator

Many drivers of the Jetta have had to replace their windows regulators due to malfunctions. Because of this problem, the power windows often got stuck. Some fortunate drivers got only one defective windows regulator, while others had to change three or all four. The cost of replacing a windows regulator costs about $200 plus labor.

4. Defective ABS module

Some drivers gave reports of steering difficulties, malfunctioning speedometer, slow acceleration, and beeping noises indicative of a defective anti-braking system module. Due to this issue, there have been cases of the Jetta rear-ending other vehicles. The model to avoid specifically for this issue is the 2009 Jetta. So, if you are wondering “why is the ABS light on“, you now know it could be due to a defective module in certain Jetta model years.

Volkswagen had to issue a recall for the 2009 to 2010 Jettas so they could rectify the issue as it was a safety problem. It caused drivers to lose control of their vehicles, increasing the chances of crashes and accidents. The ABS control module software got an update that allowed it to upgrade itself to improve safety and eliminate the issue.

5. Failed clutch

Many Jetta drivers complained of a stuck clutch pedal, making it difficult to engage gears. A burning smell from under the hood usually accompanied this issue. What was most annoying was that the problem usually occurred while the vehicle was still brand new. This issue also included the clutch pedal being stuck due to improper pressure in the hydraulic system, and some clutch slipping symptoms.

2005 Jettas were most notorious for developing this problem—replacing the clutch costs between $500 and $1,500, including labor.

6. Electrical issues

Electrical issues on the Jetta mainly affect the air conditioning settings, heating ventilation, door locks, wipers, and cruise control system. The 1990 to 2014 models have quite a number of these issues. Therefore, if you own any of these models, you should attempt preventive maintenance to keep some of these issues at bay and save yourself some inconvenience and stress.

7. Oil and coolant leaks

Oil and coolant leaks are common problems for Jettas because their valve cover gasket and water pump often get defective. Drivers of many of the 1990 to 2008 VW Jetta complain of hearing hissing sounds from under the hood, sometimes accompanied by coolant pouring out from the engine, especially near the passenger side. Even some newer models like the 2015 Jetta suffered from coolant leaks that were mostly caused by cracked hoses.

To fix this issue, drivers had to replace their water pump or valve cover gasket. Buying the replacements from aftermarket markets costs $200 tops, including labor.

Worst VW Jetta years to avoid

When buying a VW Jetta, you must pay close attention to its reliability rating. Not all Jettas deliver on their promise with an adequate amount of safety. As the time comes to make a final decision, you may catch yourself wondering – what are the worst VW Jetta years?

The worst VW Jetta years include the 2001, 2006, and 2009 models, but here’s a complete overview:

• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2006
• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2019

As you can see, there are quite a few years worth avoiding, so we’ll break it all down for you regarding their issues and malfunctions that made them bad choices for owners.

Fifth-generation Jetta (2006, 2009, and 2010 model years)

The 2006 Jetta model had the most complaints, making it the one you should avoid at all costs. It suffered from transmission problems quite early, together with a bunch of other issues that caused the check engine light to be illuminated for long periods. Often, the transmission had to be replaced, costing drivers up to $4,000 in repairs.

The 2009 model closely follows the 2006 model for Jettas to avoid. It had several brake failure reports, all linked to the malfunctioning ABS module. There were so many severe cases of this brake failure which led to multiple accidents, the National Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) had to step in and issue a recall for the daily ABS module.

Following the 2009 model, the 2010 Jetta seems harmless at first glance. Its most common issue was its malfunctioning stereo system which often died and cost about $600. Since it did not impact drivability, many drivers don’t think much of it.

However, the model suffered from other problems like engine stalling, pump failure, poor acceleration, and constant check engine warning lights. These problems made its performance below what is expected from the Jetta, causing drivers to avoid it.

Sixth-generation Jetta (2012-2013 model years)

While the 2012 model does not have as many issues as the other problematic models, its reliability is not enough to grant it a place with the safe-to-drive models. It is notorious for its misfiring engine and faulty automatic transmission. Many drivers have had to replace the entire transmission, which is a pretty expensive venture.

Following in the footsteps of the 2012 model, the 2013 Jetta was even less reliable and came with many problems. Its engine was known to stall as early as 68,000 miles. It also delivered poor performance and often plagued drivers with fuel pump failure. 

Seventh-generation Jetta (2019 model year)

Despite the comfort and ease the 2019 Jetta provides, it is far from being regarded as reliable. Many drivers complained about the integrity of the model’s body, pointing out many problems such as loose bolts, improper seals, faulty trunks, and so on.

In addition, the transmission continually gave a loud grinding noise which dealers often told drivers that it was normal, much to their annoyance. It is best to avoid this model despite its good qualities, as its aesthetic problems render it inconvenient after a few years.

What are the best VW Jetta years to buy?

The VW Jetta will serve you well if you know which model to buy. So, now that we’ve gone through the bad stuff and model years you should avoid, it’s time to focus on the best VW Jetta model years:

• 2004
• 2007
• 2008
• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2020
• 2021

These models incorporate the right amount of ease and style, making the Jetta a superb vehicle. The 2020 model is ranked the best as it gives you all the benefits of driving the Jetta with a more modern style, so we’ll further explore a few of the best-rated models.

2008 VW Jetta

Among the fifth-gen Jetta models, the 2008 one proved to be one of the most reliable options. It didn’t have much trouble with the engine and transmission, like some previous models did. Still, it had some of those issues left over along with the brakes and interior accessories, but at least all these were reported as a minority.

Not all of the drivers had to deal with them and at least the rate of the car developing such issues was way lower when compared with the following 2009 model.

2020 VW Jetta

Among more recent model years, we can warmly recommend the 2020 Jetta because of its great overall reliability and excellent safety ratings. So far, it had a few issues reported, although it’s a number far below 100 reports on NHTSA so it’s the best option for modern Jettas currently.

Plus, it didn’t have many issues of the previous model years such as the grinding noise coming from the transmission or significant engine coolant leaks.

Is the VW Jetta worth buying?

If you are looking for an affordable, spacious vehicle with superb performance, the VW Jetta is a viable option. You only have to ensure that you do not get any of its most problematic models, so you do not incur inconveniences instead of value.

However, it might not be a good idea if you are looking to buy the Jetta as an investment. They do not have a high enough resale value though they last up to 200,000 miles on average. 

Looking for a top-notch ride? We’ve dug into what drivers are saying and common headaches to highlight the standouts and the ones to pass. Our reviews on the Honda Civic years to avoid, Toyota Corolla years to avoid, and Mazda 3 years to avoid, lay out the facts, helping you make a savvy choice.