Volkswagen

Jetta (A5)

2006-2010 · Compact Sedan ยท 9 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.6)
2,747 NHTSA Complaints
11 Recalls
30 Fire Reports
85 Crash Reports
Includes data from: GLIJETTAJETTA SPORTWAGEN
View all 4 generations of the Volkswagen Jetta → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

2.0T

2.0L 5-cyl / 200 hp
โœ… Recommended (3.6)
34 complaints 8.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
18
engine
8
cooling
6
interior
5
electrical
5

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (18 complaints)
Engine Issues (8 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (6 complaints)

2.5-V6-Gas

2.5L 6-cyl / 150 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.1)
46 complaints 23.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
12
safety systems
10
engine
9
brakes
8
transmission
7

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (12 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (10 complaints)
Engine Issues (9 complaints)

1.9-I4-Diesel

1.9L 4-cyl / 100 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.2)
253 complaints 84.3 per year Diesel
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
136
electrical
40
engine
37
safety systems
19
cooling
19

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (136 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (40 complaints)
Engine Issues (37 complaints)

2.5-V8-Gas

2.5L 8-cyl / 150 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.2)
89 complaints 44.5 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
29
transmission
17
safety systems
15
engine
10
interior
9

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (29 complaints)
Transmission Issues (17 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (15 complaints)

Same engine used in

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hp
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.1)
184 complaints 61.3 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
67
electrical
55
engine
37
brakes
34
fuel system
16

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (67 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (55 complaints)
Engine Issues (37 complaints)

Same engine used in

+119 more
AUDI A5 (2018-2025)BMW 5 Series (2024-2026)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)BMW X3 (2011-2017)KIA Sorento (2016-2020)SUBARU Impreza (2017-2023)AUDI Q7 (2017-2025)FORD Focus (2000-2007)HYUNDAI Tiburon (2003-2008)AUDI A5 (2008-2016)KIA Forte (2014-2018)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2012-2022)FORD Escape (2001-2007)MAZDA B-Series (2000-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2006-2009)BMW 3 Series (2012-2018)MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class (2014-2019)DODGE Dart (2013-2016)BMW 4 Series (2014-2020)BMW X3 (2025-2026)NISSAN Sentra (2007-2012)BMW 2 Series (2022-2025)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)BMW X1 (2013-2015)DODGE Caliber (2007-2012)FORD Edge (2007-2014)BMW 5 Series (2011-2016)FORD Taurus (2010-2019)PORSCHE Macan (2015-2024)NISSAN Sentra (2013-2019)MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class (2015-2019)AUDI A3 (2006-2013)AUDI A6 (2012-2018)BMW 5 Series (2004-2010)BMW X2 (2018-2023)CHRYSLER Crossfire (2004-2008)FORD Edge (2015-2024)BMW X4 (2015-2018)CHEVROLET Tracker (2000-2004)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)FORD Escape (2008-2012)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle (2000-2010)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)BMW 2 Series (2014-2021)BMW X4 (2019-2025)INFINITI Q60 (2017-2022)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)BMW 3 Series (2019-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2019-2025)JEEP Patriot (2007-2017)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2000-2005)HYUNDAI Tucson (2005-2009)JEEP Compass (2007-2017)SUBARU Crosstrek (2018-2023)MERCEDES-BENZ Metris (2016-2023)FORD Escape (2013-2019)BMW 4 Series (2021-2025)AUDI TT (2000-2006)BMW 5 Series (2017-2023)HYUNDAI Tucson (2016-2021)FORD Focus (2012-2018)CHRYSLER Pacifica (2004-2008)AUDI Q3 (2019-2025)KIA Sportage (2005-2010)AUDI Q5 (2009-2017)BMW X1 (2023-2025)HONDA Civic (2001-2005)AUDI A3 (2015-2020)AUDI Q3 (2015-2018)BMW Z4 (2019-2025)AUDI A4 (2017-2025)LINCOLN MKT (2010-2019)MAZDA Tribute (2001-2011)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)AUDI TT (2016-2023)LINCOLN MKZ (2013-2020)DODGE Intrepid (2000-2004)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2018-2025)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)BMW Z4 (2009-2016)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)BMW X2 (2024-2025)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2022-2025)FORD Escort (2000-2003)VOLKSWAGEN Routan (2009-2014)MERCEDES-BENZ SLC-Class (2012-2020)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2010-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Eos (2007-2016)DODGE Durango (2004-2009)VOLKSWAGEN Beetle (2012-2019)FORD EcoSport (2018-2022)FORD Transit Connect (2014-2023)HYUNDAI Elantra (2007-2010)FORD Fusion (2013-2020)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2015-2021)VOLKSWAGEN Tiguan (2009-2017)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2011-2018)FORD Maverick (2022-2025)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)FORD Focus (2008-2011)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)AUDI TT (2008-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Arteon (2019-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2000-2006)VOLKSWAGEN CC (2009-2017)CHEVROLET Cruze (2011-2019)HYUNDAI Elantra (2001-2006)FORD F-150 (2000-2003)BMW X1 (2016-2022)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)LINCOLN MKC (2015-2019)AUDI Q5 (2018-2025)FORD Escape (2020-2025)

Volkswagen Jetta Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.9)
440 complaints 88.0 per year
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
100
transmission
95
fuel system
86
engine
74
brakes
56

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (100 complaints)
Transmission Issues (95 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (86 complaints)

2.0-I4-Diesel

2.0L 4-cyl / 140 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
849 complaints 212.2 per year Diesel
4 fire reports
View details

EA855 BGP/BGQ

2.5L 5-cyl / 150 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.4)
588 complaints 117.4 per year Gasoline
10 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
235
brakes
207
safety systems
78
engine
65
transmission
42

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (235 complaints)
Brakes Issues (207 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (78 complaints)

TDI

2.5L 5-cyl Turbo / 150 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.4)
263 complaints 65.8 per year Gasoline
6 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
98
engine
69
transmission
52
electrical
46
cooling
32

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (98 complaints)
Engine Issues (69 complaints)
Transmission Issues (52 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Volkswagen Jetta regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (645 complaints)
electrical critical
Fuel System Issues (615 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Transmission Issues (577 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (500 complaints)
engine critical
Brakes Issues (297 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (11)

20E064000Sep 22, 2020serious
Service Brakes

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.

19V679000Sep 24, 2019serious
Unknown Or Other

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.

16V913000Dec 19, 2016serious
Service Brakes

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.

16V078000Oct 1, 2016critical
Air Bags

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

14E007000Jul 2, 2014serious
Engine & Cooling

The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

11V490000Mar 9, 2011serious
Fuel System, Diesel

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.

10V621000Oct 11, 2010serious
Fuel System

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

09V333000Aug 19, 2009serious
Powertrain

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE "DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.

09V164000May 18, 2009serious
Powertrain

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2.01 ENGINE. THE FASTENING SCREW CONTACT SURFACES ON THE DRIVESHAFT COVER PLATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN OVER TIME, CAUSING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.

07V284000Jun 24, 2007serious
Visibility

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L GASOLINE ENGINES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

07V442000Sep 23, 2007serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD A REQUIRED CAP INSTALLED WHICH DISABLES THE HEADLIGHT HORIZONTAL AIM AND SOME VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A CAP THAT DISABLES THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

The 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta has accumulated 2,747 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Fuel System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Volkswagen Jetta engine is most reliable?

The 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta was offered with 10 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 5-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta a good used car?

The 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,747 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta have?

The 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta has 2,747 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta?

There are 11 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Volkswagen Jetta?

Before buying a used Volkswagen Jetta, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Fuel System, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Jetta have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2006-2010 Volkswagen Jetta. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,747 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver