NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 388 owner complaints for the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. Most complaints involve engine (108) and electrical system (94). The EPA rates it 25–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
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 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated to 70 MPH. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over onto the side of the road and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that there was no fault found with the vehicle. The contact continued driving however, while driving uphill at 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign at an intersection, the vehicle independently accelerated to 50 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and allowed the vehicle to slow down before driving to a local dealer for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that additional diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The…”
“I am experiencing multiple safety-related issues with the driver's side door latch/lock assembly on my Volkswagen vehicle. These problems are isolated to the driver's door and appear linked to a known defect involving water intrusion and freezing. Symptoms include: In cold mornings (around 7:30 AM), the driver's door latch frequently freezes shut, likely due to moisture ingress that freezes in sub-freezing conditions—preventing opening from the exterior and sometimes the interior handle. This aligns with Volkswagen TSB 57-18-01, which addresses moisture-related freezing of front door latches. I must enter through the passenger door. While driving, the vehicle triggers "door open" chimes and warnings. The door is latched, but the door is not locked while driving. Which causes wind to catch on the door. If I am able to get the door open from the interior handle, the door will not latch closed. The driver's door fails to lock securely while using the hand exterior sensor or the lock button on the car keys. The other doors lock, but leaves the driver's door unlocked, with no audible unlock confirmation. The selective unlock feature is also inoperative, as the…”
“The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with low pressure in the transmission and the mechanic associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V866000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.”
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 (AM-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 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 36 | 30 | $2,150 | 303 |
| Jetta Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 36 | 29 | $2,200 | 308 |
| Jetta Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,300 | 316 |
| Jetta Auto (AM-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,950 | 334 |
| Jetta Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | $3,050 | 338 |
| Jetta Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 344 |
| 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 3, 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 388 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (108), electrical system (94), power train (74). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta at 25–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 5 out of 5 stars overall.