NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 875 owner complaints for the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. Most complaints involve electrical system (236) and fuel system, diesel (166). The EPA rates it 25–32 mpg combined.
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Jetta model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 183 |
| 1997 | 141 |
| 1998 | 194 |
| 1999 | 354 |
| 2000 | 451 |
| 2001 | 677 |
| 2002 | 711 |
| 2003 | 463 |
| 2004 | 233 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 190 |
| 2009 | 905 |
| 2010 | 875 |
| 2011 | 640 |
| 2012 | 527 |
| 2013 | 518 |
| 2014 | 388 |
| 2015 | 196 |
| 2016 | 164 |
| 2017 | 160 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 552 |
| 2020 | 54 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 6 |
“The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving or parked, the door locks, gas cap sensor, and tailgate were not working as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to several unknown recalls; however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ENGINE SOUNDED VERY ROUGHLY AND UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.”
“Why driving at 55mph the high pressure fuel pump grenaded sending metal shrapnel through the engine causing an immediate engine shut off while still driving. Entire fuel system has shut down as result”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,950 | 318 |
| Jetta Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 32 | $2,950 | 315 |
| Jetta Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,850 | 329 |
| Jetta Auto (S6), 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Jetta Man 5-spd, 5 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Jetta Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 25 | $3,100 | 355 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 875 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (236), fuel system, diesel (166), fuel/propulsion system (127). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta at 25–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).