Volkswagen Jetta recalls and complaints, 2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2024
Every tracked model year in one table: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints and what they are about.
NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns and 1,021 owner complaints for the Volkswagen Jetta model years VinSnap tracks (2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2024). The most-recalled systems are electrical system (4), fuel system, gasoline (4) and air bags (3). Owners complain most about the electrical system (260), engine (250) and power train (217). The 2019 model year has the most complaints (548, next is 2015 with 197); raw counts are not adjusted for sales or years on the road. Complaints report 50 crashes, 10 fires, 60 injuries and 2 deaths.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases
Volkswagen Jetta recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 8 | 197 | 8 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| 2016 | 5 | 164 | 18 | 5 | 14 | 0 |
| 2019 | 11 | 548 | 19 | 3 | 36 | 0 |
| 2021 | 4 | 69 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2024 | 0 | 43 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Recall and complaint counts per model year from NHTSA. Crash, fire, injury and death figures are what owners reported in their complaints, not confirmed findings. Year links open that year's specs, recall list and complaint breakdown.
Most-recalled systems
| System | Recall campaigns | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 2015–2016, 2019 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 4 | 2015–2016, 2019 |
| Air bags | 3 | 2015, 2019, 2021 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 2021 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 2015, 2019 |
| Seats | 2 | 2015, 2021 |
| Suspension | 2 | 2019 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 2015–2016 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 2015–2016 |
| Tires | 1 | 2019 |
Most-complained-about components
| Component | Complaints | Share | Year with most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 260 | 25% | 2019 (154) |
| Engine | 250 | 24% | 2019 (147) |
| Power train | 217 | 21% | 2019 (162) |
| Unknown or other | 181 | 18% | 2019 (95) |
| Service brakes | 105 | 10% | 2019 (29) |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 85 | 8% | 2016 (28) |
| Air bags | 48 | 5% | 2015 (17) |
| Steering | 44 | 4% | 2015 (15) |
| Exterior lighting | 35 | 3% | 2019 (26) |
| Vehicle speed control | 35 | 3% | 2019 (16) |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Which NHTSA model names are counted
NHTSA files recalls and complaints under exact model names. This page adds up: JETTA, JETTA GLI, JETTA HEV, JETTA TDI.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA lists 24 recall campaigns across the Volkswagen Jetta model years 2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, most often for the electrical system (4), fuel system, gasoline (4) and air bags (3).
Which Volkswagen Jetta year has the most complaints?
Of the years VinSnap tracks, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has the most NHTSA complaints (548), ahead of the 2015 (197). Counts are not adjusted for how many were sold or how long they have been on the road.
What do Volkswagen Jetta owners complain about most?
Across 2015–2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, NHTSA complaints most often name the electrical system (260 complaints), engine (250 complaints) and power train (217 complaints).
Are Volkswagen Jetta recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by franchised Volkswagen dealers. Recalls apply to specific build ranges, so check your VIN to see which campaigns cover your vehicle.