GradeVolkswagen Jetta Reliability Grade
Above-average reliability
Grade a specific Volkswagen Jetta
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Volkswagen Jetta earns a B+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 8th of 14 compact cars we grade. Its engine (B) and transmission (B+) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 2,380 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Volkswagen Jetta reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2018, 2021 and 2022
Years to avoid: 2001 (stalling / loss of power), 2002 (transmission slipping / rough shifting), 2009–2010 (stalling / loss of power) and 2019 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Volkswagen Jetta last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Volkswagen Jetta vs. other compact cars
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla | A | A | A |
| Mazda Mazda3 | A | A | A |
| Subaru Impreza | A | A | A |
| Toyota Prius | A | A | A |
| Honda Civic | A- | A | A- |
| Nissan Versa | A- | B- | A- |
| Chevrolet Cruze | B+ | B | A- |
| Nissan Sentra | A | B- | B+ |
| Kia Forte | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Volkswagen Jetta | B | B+ | B+ |
| Volkswagen Golf | B | B | B |
| Hyundai Elantra | C+ | B | B- |
| Ford Fiesta | C+ | F | D |
| Ford Focus | F | F | F |
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Rate your JettaVolkswagen Jetta reliability FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Above-average reliability. The Volkswagen Jetta earns a B+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 8th of 14 compact cars we grade. Its engine (B) and transmission (B+) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 2,380 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Volkswagen Jetta last?
We estimate a well-maintained Volkswagen Jetta lasts around 185,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Volkswagen Jetta?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Volkswagen Jetta model years are 2018, 2021 and 2022.
What Volkswagen Jetta years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Volkswagen Jetta years to be most careful with are 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010 and 2019. The 2009 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power. The 2010 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power.
Is the Volkswagen Jetta transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Volkswagen Jetta transmission a B+ (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Volkswagen Jetta engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Volkswagen Jetta engine a B (above-average reliability).