Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
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About Volkswagen Jetta
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The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car that comes in 2- and 4-door models. Read more Volkswagen reviews to learn about other models.
Volkswagen Jetta Reviews
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Reviewed Dec. 15, 2019
Volkswagen makes a superior product. My 2018 Jetta is comfortable, fun to drive and stylish! This car gets between 35-42 miles per gallon. My Jetta has 61000 miles on it already and has not had the first problem. My husband and I went through a major hurricane last year that destroyed our house and turned our life upside down. Volkswagen credit let us skip two payments. This year my husband just got paid off for a month and we called to ask for an extension. Once again they came through for us!!!! I LOVE this company!
Reviewed Dec. 14, 2019
I love VW's, I have owned quite a few, cannot even consider other vehicles. After all it's hard to compete with German engineering. Stylish, thoughtful appointed with the latest technology. Race car speed if that's what you want or need plenty of pep.
Reviewed Dec. 12, 2019
Very nice car. Comfortable very good mileage. A terrific automotive value. Excellent warranty. Wish it had more horsepower. Would recommend to anyone looking for a small sedan.
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2019
Brought a brand new JETTA GLI and it broke down 3 months later with less than 4000km. And the process of getting it fixed and getting a rental car from VW dealership was by far the worst. I would never buy another VW again. Thought a German car would be better than this. Very disappointed.
Reviewed Dec. 6, 2019
Have been trouble free for 32,700 miles. Other than overhead light switch malfunctioning and being replaced. Vehicle ride is stiff but steers well. Road noise somewhat loud but still has original Bridgestone ecopia tires with 5 mm left. Brakes have 6-8 mm on pads.
Reviewed Dec. 5, 2019
This is my 3rd VW Jetta. My first was a 97 that I put over 300k miles on. Second was a 2005 MKV 2.5 that I had over 200k when I traded it in on the 2019 R Line. I bought The Jetta in Clarksville, TN. Then, I moved to North Central PA. The closest dealership is over 2 hours away in State College, PA. Which is between 4.5 to 5.5 hours round trip depending on traffic. I have already had to drive to State College 3 times for warranty/recall work, costing me in lost time/wages. Now, the passenger side windshield wiper is crossing over the drivers side windshield wiper, preventing it from cleaning the windshield.
This is a dangerous situation this time of year, with snow, salt, ice, and wet roads. They will send roadside assistance, but the dealership says they can't even look at the car until 14 days from today. 2 full weeks without my car. The alternative is to pay for the work myself and they'll pay for parts. I would be responsible for labor and tow, neither of those are inexpensive. I have had this car for just over a year. It has less than 23k miles on it. And, it has already cost me more time, frustration, and money than both my previous combined.
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2019
I leased a brand new 2019 Jetta in July. Early August I started hearing weird growling noises coming from the engine and underneath the car. I ignored it at first, but they got louder. I called the dealership and described the issue. They said, “we’ve never heard that complaint, bring it in and we will look at it, it will cost you to diagnose and fix if it’s not in warranty”. I challenged them on it, “why should I have to pay for diagnostics and fixing a car with 1,500 miles on it?” They told me that’s how leases work. I didn’t go in and I endured the daily noises, but now I also have loud brake noises and no heat. I’m taking it on Friday. If they tell me I’m responsible $$ for fixing all the issues, I’m definitely going to take legal action, no brand new car should have this many issues under 5,000 miles!
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2019
This car seems to be one of the best in its class. The mileage I get is more than I expected. It is also more sturdy and gives you better control at higher speeds than other cars in this class. There are some small issues with the electronics though - the coolant alert goes off even though I have adequate coolant and the temperature does not exceed normal engine running temperature.
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2019
I have had 2 Volkswagon Jettas and they have served me well. They have good power, minimal repairs, rides great, handles very well and even though it has over 100,000 miles it still feels like a newer car. My last one was still running great with over 170,000 miles but air conditioner went out so sold it.
Reviewed Nov. 13, 2019
My experience was identical to Josh of Hilliards so I will keep this brief. When the outside temps get into single digits celsius, the engine temps will not come up enough to provide cabin heat. My dealer went above and beyond to help me out but all their efforts were for naught. I called VW customer service and they were noncommittal. I will be selling the car and buying another brand if this issue is not resolved soon.
Reviewed Sept. 8, 2019
I leased 2018 VW Jetta in March 2018. Since then I have been in the dealer for turbo boosting loss three times. On the second visit the turbocharger assembly was replaced along with a few sensors. On the third visit the dealer requested VW's experts to assist in the investigation. Turbocharger assembly was replaced again. I still have the same problem. I asked VW to buy back the car. I was told that the lemon law of Maryland doesn't apply because I drove the car over 20k miles. I spent over $1000.00 for rental car alone. My honest recommendation for future car buyers is that stay away from this car. With 1.4L engine, loss of turbo boosting feels like you are walking on a highway.
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2019
I own a 2013 Passat which I bought new. I never had any problems, I mean nothing till now. So I decided to buy new Jetta 2019, 1.4 turbo. Big mistake. They have made this car so cheap with 1000 miles on it. I have been twice at the dealer with check engine light on, big problems too. So do yourself a favor and save the money. Do not buy VW. I loved VW, it's the only car I ever owned. Never again.
Reviewed March 22, 2019
I own a Jetta 2019 from January 2019. At 3300 km has been in garage two times, a third one is on its way. First, for engine fan that was running all the time at maximum speed. Well they fixed it. Second time for tapping noises in the rear, a good tech found that the charcoal canister was not fixed on the chassis, hanging in fuel hoses. Yes it's a brand new car in case you wonder. I really think they have no quality control in Mexico or they simply don't care.
Reviewed March 13, 2019
I have been driving manual transmission cars my entire life (14 driving years). I owned a 2006 Jetta for 7 years and put just under 200,000 km on it with no clutch issues for the duration of my ownership so naturally, I was excited for my new Jetta. I could not have been more wrong. Doing normal city driving, my clutch has overheated causing the pad to melt. Both the dealership and Volkswagen will not even allow me to speak or take anything I say seriously. They are insisting that this is user error and I pay $3500 to replace the clutch... DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! In fact, I would never even entertain buying a Volkswagen again after this experience.
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2019
Link as proof: **. I purchased my 2019 VW Jetta S Manual in September of 2018. The first few months I was very pleased with the car. The MPG were fantastic. On the highway I’d average 44-46 MPG and on several occasions, on longer trips even over 50 MPG. Everything was great until the cold of winter set in.
I started to notice that I would feel cold towards the end of my 19 mile daily commute to work. The first day I thought nothing of it, maybe I just caught a chill that wouldn’t go away. The second day I felt cold I noticed my engine temperature gauge was dropping. I was very confused. The engine had warmed up, the car was running with a load (still driving it), had been running for over 30 min and traveled 18 miles. Yet the temp was dropping. As anyone knows the car uses the heat from the engine to warm the coolant that then passed through the heater core. If the engine is cold, so is the heater core. This means a substantial drop in cabin temps.
I took my car into the dealership the first chance I got. I was confident they would resolve the issue. The car has a “great” warranty. I was called a couple of days later to pick up my “fixed” car. They assure me that after replacing both thermostats (with only 5800 miles on the car) that they had resolved the issue. I picked up my car and drove the 10 miles home. I parked the car that night and slept well believing what they had told me.
The next morning I traveled out for breakfast. While sitting in my car eating my breakfast, listening to a podcast I noticed the air from the vents became cold. I then noticed the temp gauge on the dash was dropping fast. I immediately drove back to the dealership only having the car back in my possession for 14 hours. They were surprised to see me again and quickly grabbed a loaner. I was upset but thought maybe the coolant was low or there was air in the system from the work they had just performed. I left assuming they would make it right.
A few days later I get a call to come pick up my car. This is where things get very interesting. The tech on the phone explained that they tested my vehicle and it was cooling down but that there was nothing wrong with my car. He informed me that they had tested other 2019 Jettas from the lot and they did the same thing. Because of that they said my car performed just like the others so there was nothing wrong. //Sanity Check// So my car and other on the lot all lose heat and blow cold air in the winter so nothing must be wrong? Maybe more than one car is broken or share a flawed design? //Back to the review// The tech then began to try and sell me on the excuse that the blower motor is “too efficient” and is preventing the car from warming up.
He recommended that anytime I’m at a stop I rev the engine! I swear, I can’t make this stuff up. Rev the engine! So in order for my new car to have heat in the engine I can either turn the blower fan off (so no air is moving at all) or I can rev my engine constantly. This is insane! My car is broken and they want to tell me “that’s how Volkswagen designed the car”. Does it not get cold in Germany? This is crazy! (I know the car was built in Mexico.)
I then meet with my Salesmen who tries to sell me in the same BS. The car is not broken, that’s how it’s designed, blah blah blah. I’m not having any of it. I talk to the General Manager who proceeded to try the tell me the same BS. They said that my car is the way it is and it’s functioning the way VW intended. This is absolutely insanity! Who in the world buys a new car with the expectation that the heat won’t work? Nobody! That’s who. It’s a new car. The heat should work. It’s a safety issue. My windows refog, it’s colder than all get out. It’s uncomfortable and unacceptable. The kicker is on the second time my car was tested and had the issue, the ambient temp was 47 degrees. That’s not even that cold, at least not for where I live considering just a week ago it was -10. I’m thankful I had the loaner car (2018 Jetta) to keep me warmer than my 2019 Jetta would of.
I just picked my car up yesterday and it still is broke and VW has yet to make it right. I’ve already been jumping through all the hoops they car throw at me and if they throw many more, I’ll just going the circus. I would not recommend this car. Any place the temp drops below 70 degrees. They might as well only offer it as a convertible at this point 'cause the car can’t be used unless the weather is perfect. Rest assured on those golden days you’ll get great gas mileage though. To end my horrid story: BettaNotGettaJetta.
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2019
2019 clutch lasted 9300 miles. I have driven standards for years with no clutch issues. The last standard we owned had almost 200,000 mile without an issue. They said they were unable to help in any way. It was not they were unable to help, it was that they were unwilling to help in any way. Never again will my family or I own another Volkswagen. Don't buy Volkswagen! Please spread the word. I will spend the rest of my life telling people about my bad experience with Volkswagen. I am 55 with longevity in my family, so I am hoping to be able to give them 30 plus years of bad publicity.
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2019
After one month of ownership - 900miles I bought the S Auto with safety package. Out the box I noticed I had issues with the windshield wipers making a terrible sound. Dealer replaced the blades under a claim. Now it is fixed and no noise. I have the same problem with Bluetooth calls, where the person on the line hears themselves. This is not a problem when I use Apple CarPlay. (Not yet reported) Great fuel economy... over 40mpg on highway. I noticed that the forward collision sensors sometimes are way more responsive than other times. Not sure why. So far so good. The vehicle is very comfortable and looks great in red!!!
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2019
I bought my 2019 Jetta S 6-Speed manual in May 2019 (week 1 of its release). Mistake.
Here is my post I just shared on another Consumer Awareness site:
I learned to drive in 1976 on a new VW Rabbit (manual transmission). for over 40 years, I've owned and driven a VW Rabbit, Datsun 510, Honda Accords and Civics, a few Toyota Pickups, a Ford Focus, and a Subaru WRX. I've driven well over 700,000 miles with manual transmission cars. I've never needed to replace or repair a clutch under 100,000 miles on any of these cars. In the first week of May 2018, I finally gave up on our 2004 VW Jetta and picked up our new 2019 Jetta S with the 6-speed manual transmission. Early on, I experienced an occasional irregularity when shifting. It seemed as if the engine would rev fast, increasing rpm when the gas was released and the clutch engaged. A slight burning smell could be detected some of the time. On 3 occasions, this malfunction was significant, where the engine rpm soared and the clutch did not seem to fully disengage. On all three incidents, the burning smell was significant. One of the 3 major incidents occurred with another driver was behind the wheel ( I was a passenger) who also owns a manual transmission and has been driving manual transmission cars for over 8 years. The third time this incident occurred, the burning smell was so bad, we drove it to the dealership (a total of 5800 miles on the car). The dealership replaced the heat / ac blower motor because the smell in that area was so strong, (trapped) which led them to believe that motor had failed. I insisted that was not the source of the smell nor the problem with the car.
The dealership removed the transmission and discovered the clutch was worn to the rivets. After a week of trying (unsuccessfully) to find a mechanical issue with the clutch, the dealership worked with VW corporate to determine how to proceed with regard to a warranty repair. VW corporate is standing by their claim that clutch wear falls under normal wear and tear and is therefore not covered by my factory warranty nor the extended VW warranty I purchased. Currently, their position is that I pay for the repair and go on my merry way.
I am now working with a VW Customer Care Advocate as I appeal their position. However, there is no attention being paid to the clutch problem with this 2019 Jetta. The only topic VW seems concerned about is who is going to pay for this clutch repair.
First, shame on me for buying a newly designed car model on the first day it was available. I know better. Second, whether VW decides to pay for my clutch repair or not, if they do not address the underlying issue, I am selling this car for a non-VW asap because I cannot afford a new clutch every 5,000 - 6,000 miles. (and that new car will have a manual transmission - I love driving a manual).
One other point that I shared with the dealership service department: About 3 months into driving this car, I was driving on the interstate near sunset when every interior light and radio turned off for about 3-5 seconds. It was a complete loss of electrical power on the interior. The engine operation seemed unaffected and it wasn't dark enough to tell if the exterior lights were affected. This has not happened since, but something to be aware of. I would appreciate hearing from any other 2019 VW Jetta owners who have experienced issues similar to either the manual clutch issue or the electrical black-out issue.
Best to all who ventured out (maybe too soon?) into 2019 VW Jetta ownership.
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2019
I have had my 2019 VW Jetta for 3 months now and am constantly reading reviews. My last car was a '16 Prius which made strange noises as most hybrids do. When I bought the Jetta, I read (most of) the Owner’s Manual. I learned that the vehicle will emit a noise as it is the brake hydraulic system and is normal to design and operation. This is the same noise everyone complains about. Dealers should be familiar with this O.M. statement and offer proper explanation before dismissing their customers. My main complaint is that during a Bluetooth conversation, the person on the other phone (not my end) hears themselves repeated (crosstalk) to the point where I cannot hold a conversation via Bluetooth anymore. Anyone have the same problem?
Dealer is not sure what the cause is or how to fix but I just learned about smartphone obd11 coding apps. The dB for the Bluetooth microphone is listed with adjustments. I will follow up with the dealer. My 2019 Jetta SEL doesn't have the best Lane Keeping Assist. So far I think Honda is the best. VW's is very poor, but it is just an assist, not a substitute. I am disappointed there's no side mirror signal repeaters across the whole line up. This is a safety item that VW should have kept on all models. Canada gets a 6 speed manual across the entire line-up, why not us in the USA? S-trim only. Are punishing us VW? Last complaint, no rear air vents. Even my 13 year old KIA has rear air vents. I'd take the $1000 I could save without the automatic and pay for rear vents and side turn signals. Overall, I'm happy so far.
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2018
I've had my 2019 Jetta SEL Premium for about 2 months now. I've read the reviews and noted the sound that several people have talked about. I've heard the same sound in other cars I've had, so it doesn't worry me too much. I'm sure that will change if it turns out to be a serious problem. Otherwise, I'm in love with this car. Except for the sound system. One of the deciding factors for me to go with the more expensive SEL Premium model was the Beats Audio sound system. I understand that this is still a factory system and will not sound close to an aftermarket one, but I still expected better. This is the reason for the 2 stars.
First, there was a terrible rattle coming from the door panels when listening to music. This was an easy fix. There wasn't enough insulation between the panel and the speaker. I had Dynamat installed and problem solved. Next, the subwoofer. I don't really know what to say about this. I like a nice well-rounded sound to my music. I like deep, rich bass along with clean, clear mids and highs. The subwoofer was anything, but great. The only thing I could compare it to would be tapping on the side of a closed, but empty cardboard box. It tried to produce good lows, but didn't quite get there. I had it removed and an aftermarket subwoofer installed. This was much better, but still not perfect. When listening to music, I still hear some distortion. It sounds like a speaker struggling to produce the low tones.
Keep in mind, I don't listen to music that is really bass heavy, nor do I want anything excessive. I investigated this a bit further and determined that there is no way to isolate the bass to just the subwoofer. So, even though the subwoofer is producing great sound, the door speakers are trying to keep up. This is particularly problematic since they seemed weak from the beginning. My next step will be to replace the door speakers with speakers that are made to handle the sound I'm looking for. I find this irritating since the Beats system is marketed as giving the listener a studio quality experience. If the stock Beats system is what being in a studio sounds like, it's a wonder any music gets produced anywhere. Ever.
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2018
The only reason this has 1 star is because it won't let me have zero. Signed a lease for a brand new VW Jetta 2019 in June 2018. After about 2 months problem after problem. First there's water on the inside of my windshield (and I'm not talking a few drops...), Then the car starts squeaking whenever I reverse. It is so loud that people outside stare. People inside the car just laugh at the fact that this is supposedly a new car. Sound system doesn't work properly, bass randomly cuts out. Had it checked out at the dealership but of course "everything is fine, nothing could be found". Funniest thing though is, despite one of their technicians suggesting a solution for the issue, the service manager refuses to get it fixed, I quote "because it's brand new". Instead she brings up my driving habits??? Very confused at this turn of events. If nothing's wrong with the car why suddenly blame the owner.
VW Canada won't take responsibility and dealership won't provide trade option where I'm not losing a ton of money. This was my first brand new car. I was excited when I got it. I have provided video proof for all the issues mentioned, but that's clearly not enough, I'm not sure whatever will. I went with new because of warranty but clearly that backfired. If you have similar issues or know how to help me please get in touch! RECONSIDER VW as a brand, my advice.
Reviewed Dec. 16, 2018
I leased this car brand new 2017 Jetta S 1.4T. Right after the warranty expired I had the following issues. 1. Right rear passenger window motor fail. 2. Turbo Charger fail. 3. Driver's side window motor fail. 4. A/C intermittent on/off. Absolutely a nightmare of a car at only 42k miles. I will NEVER get a VW again. Stay away from the headaches.
Reviewed Dec. 13, 2018
2019 VW Jetta uses 1 3/4 quarts of oil within 3600 miles. No oil dripping or puddles of oil found in garage. Dealer said that they “topped off oil” at 2700 miles as they repaired off vibrating fuel lines. In essence 1 3/4 quarts of oil use in 900 miles. Dealer suggest I monitor oil usage for next few hundred miles before make an appointment if oil usage continues.
Reviewed Dec. 3, 2018
Unreliable. I do have that funny sound a lot of people talk about on here but thought it was normal so don't care so much. My issues are the back panel came off within the first 2 months of ownership. There's been a recall because of a water leak. And the biggest for me is there is a grinding sound right when you're releasing the brake from stop. Started happening after one month of ownership. I put a video on YouTube showing all 5 of my issues... so far. It's under "2019 Volkswagen VW Jetta review of all 5 problems" or something like that by B. **.
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2018
Have the 2019 Jetta for about 3 weeks. I hear a grinding sound when going at a slow speed. Brought it back to service dept. Was told this is normal. Sorry, but I have owned numerous cars over the years and never had one that made this grinding sound. VW has to do something for all the people experiencing this problem.
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2018
I purchased a 2019 VW Jetta S last month on the 25th and I started hearing the same noise that the other reviewers were hearing. At 500 miles my AC stopped working. I took the car to the dealership and they said the Compressor broke because the transmission was spitting out transmission fluid which got on the compressor and shorted it out. I've been without the car for a week now and went today to try and get a different car that doesn't have the issue. Instead they gave a loaner and are making me wait it out. Will post more as soon as a resolution happens.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2018
Before the Tiguan, I never had tire problems.
I returned the Tiguan is EXCELLENT condition. I had it detailed and it had 1 brand new tire as well as a tire that was a year old. I was still charged the disposition fee as well as a fee for a RR Tire Repair. I had the car inspected prior to returning and was not told about the disposition fee $371.88 or the RR Tire Repair $140.25. For the past few days, I have been trying to call Volkswagen. No luck - they do not answer the phone. I was thinking about getting an Audi but as they are owned by the same company - would never go there!
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2018
We finished the lease of our 2016 VW Jetta Sport (an excellent car) and although it was more expensive choose to make a new one from another 2019 Jetta but the SEL model. It really was hard for me to face a bigger expense but I think that security is the most important thing because those devices can save our lives... specially Lane Assist and Forward Collision Warning. My wife (68) and I (75) have vision problems and wanted a car that would give us security. Unfortunately, it would seem that those two functions do not work. All these functions are activated. Of course I will go to the dealer to have it reviewed. But if anyone has any comments about it, I would appreciate it. Thanks a lot.
Reviewed Sept. 20, 2018
I purchased 2019 Jetta SE in June. At about 300 miles I kept hearing the noise that like many others are explaining a rattle/growl noise. I took my car back to the dealer to have it looked at This can not be normal. The manager of the dealer was rude asking me, "Well I don't know if you ever owned a turbo before but it was all normal sound for a turbo and maybe they could look at it at 5,000 miles when it was due for a tire rotation." Seems everyone is having this issue and everyone is getting the same runaround.
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2018
Mine was a manual transmission TDI. Great fit and finish, no paint delamination, excellent gas mileage. Fortunately I traded it about 4 months before the VW diesel scandal came out. It was a great little car.
Volkswagen Jetta Company Information
- Company Name:
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Website:
- www.vw.com