What are the most common problems with the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta?

By complaint count, the engine leads with 123 complaints, then the electrical system with 102 and the power train with 92. In the sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe stalling in all three groups.

How many recalls does the 2014 Jetta have?

NHTSA lists 7 recalls tied to this car. The newest, 19V866, covers Jetta Hybrid cars with the DQ200 gearbox. Check your VIN, because several recalls cover only some versions.

What gas mileage does the 2014 Jetta get?

It depends on the version. The hybrid is rated 44 combined MPG, the diesel versions 32, and the 2.0L automatic 25.

Is the 2014 Jetta safe?

NHTSA rates the 4-door sedan 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover. It also has an air bag clock spring recall and a driver air bag inflator recall whose remedy was not yet available when it was filed.

Is 2014 a good year for the Jetta?

It has fewer complaints (441) than 2013 (633), 2012 (527) and 2011 (640). It has more than 2015 (197), and 7 recalls on file.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 441 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Jetta, led by the engine, electrical system and power train^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4]. The model year also has 7 recalls on file, and which ones apply depends on the version^[5].

441owner complaints^[1]

7recalls^[5]

25–44MPG combined (EPA)^[6]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[7]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed 441 complaints with NHTSA for this model year^[1]. Of those, 24 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 22 injuries^[1]. No deaths were reported^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component group.

Three groups lead the file:

Engine, 123 complaints. The median mileage at failure was 65,000^[2].
Electrical system, 102 complaints. The median mileage at failure was 55,500^[3]. Both fires in the file are in this group^[3].
Power train, 92 complaints. The median mileage at failure was 71,500^[4].

Further down are fuel/propulsion system with 45 complaints^[8], air bags with 41^[9] and brakes with 21^[10]. Air bags have fewer complaints than the top three, but they carry the most crashes (13) and injuries (14) of any group^[9].

What owners describe. We read a sample of 12 complaint texts for each of four groups: engine, power train, electrical system and fuel/propulsion^[2]^[4]^[3]^[8]. This is a small sample, so it shows the kinds of problems people report, not how common they are.

Engine: in the sample, 11 of 12 texts describe the engine stalling or shutting off, often at stops and sometimes while driving^[2]. In about 8 of 12, the owner says the dealer could not find a cause or the problem came back^[2].
Power train: 4 of 12 texts describe a transmission leak or failure, and 4 of 12 describe stalling or hesitation when accelerating^[4].
Electrical system: 7 of 12 texts describe a loss of power or a stall, and several of those mention warning lights^[3]. 2 of 12 describe a key fob that only works at short range^[3].
Fuel/propulsion: 4 of 12 texts describe a failed high-pressure fuel pump on a diesel model^[8]. 6 of 12 describe a car that would not start or died and would not restart^[8].

The same stalling stories show up under several groups, because one complaint can be filed under more than one.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls tied to this car^[5]. Some cover only certain versions, so check your VIN with Volkswagen or NHTSA. Newest first:

Hybrid gearbox cracks (19V866). Covers 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid cars with the DQ200 7-speed automatic^[11]. Hairline cracks in the gearbox electronic unit can leak oil and drop oil pressure. The clutch may then fail to engage, with a sudden loss of drive power and a higher risk of a crash^[11]. Dealers install a repair kit and replace parts as needed, free of charge^[11].
Key removal (19V615). Covers certain 2011-2018 Jetta cars with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry^[12]. Silicate build-up on a shift lever switch can let the key come out when the lever is not in Park. The car could roll away^[12]. Dealers install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge^[12].
Remedy pending
Driver air bag inflator (16V078). The recall summary we have names Golf, Passat, Eos, CC and some Audi models, and does not name the Jetta^[13]. It is on this car's list, so check your VIN. The inflator can rupture and send metal fragments at occupants, with a risk of serious injury or death^[13]. Dealers are to replace the inflator, but the remedy was not yet available. Volkswagen said it would send a second notice when parts arrive^[13].
Air bag clock spring (15V483). Covers 2014 Jetta and 2012-2014 Jetta SportWagen^[14]. Debris can tear the cable that keeps the driver air bag powered. The air bag may then not deploy in a crash^[14]. Dealers add a protective cover, or replace the clock spring if the air bag light is on, free of charge^[14].
Fuel rail cap (15V028). Covers 2014-2015 Jetta cars built March 28 to November 24, 2014^[15]. A sealing cap at the fuel rail can fail and let fuel leak into the engine compartment, which can cause a fire^[15]. Dealers replace the fuel rails, free of charge^[15].
Transmission oil cooler seals (14V182). Covers 2014 Jetta cars with the 1.8T engine and a torque converter automatic^[16]. Small rubber seals where the transmission fluid cooler joins the transmission can leak fluid onto a hot surface and cause a fire^[16]. Dealers replace the O-rings, free of charge^[16].
Hybrid gearbox corrosion (13V568). Covers 2013-2014 Jetta Hybrid cars built October 2012 through October 2013 with the DQ-200 direct-shift gearbox^[17]. Gearbox fluid additives can corrode the control module and cause a stall-like loss of power while driving^[17]. Dealers replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive version, free of charge^[17].

Fuel economy

EPA lists many versions of the 2014 Jetta and Jetta SportWagen. Ratings are city, highway and combined MPG. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / hwy / combined	Annual fuel cost
Hybrid, 1.4L turbo, automatic (AM-S7)^[6]	41 / 48 / 44	$1,850
Diesel, 2.0L turbo, manual 6-speed^[18]	29 / 39 / 32	$3,000
Diesel, 2.0L turbo, automatic (AM-S6)^[19]	29 / 37 / 32	$3,000
1.8L turbo, manual 5-speed^[20]	26 / 36 / 30	$2,250
1.8L turbo, automatic (S6)^[21]	25 / 36 / 29	$2,300
2.0L, manual 5-speed^[22]	24 / 34 / 28	$2,400
2.0L, automatic (S6)^[23]	23 / 29 / 25	$2,700
2.0L turbo, premium, automatic (AM-S6)^[24]	24 / 32 / 27	$3,050
2.0L turbo, premium, manual 6-speed^[25]	23 / 33 / 26	$3,150

The SportWagen has its own ratings. The diesel versions match the sedan at 32 combined MPG^[26]. The 2.5L 5-cylinder SportWagen is rated 26 combined MPG with either the automatic^[27] or the manual^[28]. Fuel costs about $2,600 a year for both^[27]^[28].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the 4-door front-wheel-drive sedan 5 stars overall^[7]. Frontal crash is 4 stars, side crash is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 11.1%^[7]. The SportWagen has a rollover rating of 4 stars and a rollover risk of 12.1%^[29].

Engine and size

EPA test listings give these horsepower ratings for the 2014 Jetta:

1.4L 4-cylinder: 150 hp^[30].
1.8L 4-cylinder: 170 hp^[31].
Electric motor: 140 hp^[32].
2.0L 4-cylinder: 115 to 210 hp, depending on version^[33].

Size is the same for the four sedan variants listed. Length is 182 inches, width 70 inches, height 57 inches and wheelbase 104 inches^[34]. These are Canadian-market specifications, so a US car can differ slightly. Curb weight depends on the version:

Version	Curb weight
4-door sedan 2.0L^[35]	2,881 lb
4-door sedan 1.8L TSI^[34]	3,071 lb
4-door sedan 2.0 TDI^[36]	3,210 lb
4-door sedan Hybrid^[37]	3,318 lb

How 2014 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Jetta model year. The 2014 is highlighted^[5].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	220	4
1996	31	1
1997	54	1
1998	192	2
1999	349	6
2000	439	4
2001	668	6
2002	704	5
2003	458	2
2004	233	2
2005	248	4
2006	580	4
2007	201	4
2008	190	4
2009	905	6
2010	875	5
2011	640	8
2012	527	6
2013	633	7
2014	441	7
2015	197	8
2016	164	4
2017	160	6
2018	31	2
2019	549	11
2020	54	6
2021	69	4
2022	43	1
2023	43	0
2024	46	0
2025	30	2
2026	6	1

NHTSA counts 441 complaints and 7 recalls for the 2014 Jetta^[5]. That is fewer complaints than 2013 (633), 2012 (527) and 2011 (640), and well below 2009 (905) and 2010 (875)^[5]. It is more than 2015 (197) and 2016 (164)^[5].

On recalls, 2014 ties 2013 at 7^[5]. 2011 and 2015 have 8 each, and 2019 has 11^[5]. These counts cover all Jetta versions in a model year. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a worse car.

Should you buy a used 2014 Jetta?

The file is mixed. The sedan earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA^[7], and the 1.8L turbo manual is rated 30 combined MPG^[20] and the diesel versions 32^[18]. Against that, stalling stories appear across the engine, power train and electrical groups in the complaints we read^[2], and the 441 complaints include 24 crashes^[1]. Seven recalls are on file, and some only affect certain versions^[5]. Before buying, run the VIN for open recalls, and for the driver air bag inflator recall ask whether parts are available now, because the remedy was not yet available when it was filed^[13]. Merge "The file is mixed." into the next sentence, for example: "The file is mixed: the sedan earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA^[7], the 1.8L turbo manual is rated 30 combined MPG^[20] and the diesel versions 32^[18]."

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta?: By complaint count, the engine leads with 123 complaints, then the electrical system with 102 and the power train with 92^[2]. In the sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe stalling in all three groups^[2]^[3]^[4].
How many recalls does the 2014 Jetta have?: NHTSA lists 7 recalls tied to this car^[5]. The newest, 19V866, covers Jetta Hybrid cars with the DQ200 gearbox^[11]. Check your VIN, because several recalls cover only some versions.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Jetta get?: It depends on the version. The hybrid is rated 44 combined MPG^[6], the diesel versions 32^[19], and the 2.0L automatic 25^[23].
Is the 2014 Jetta safe?: NHTSA rates the 4-door sedan 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover^[7]. It also has an air bag clock spring recall^[14] and a driver air bag inflator recall whose remedy was not yet available when it was filed^[13].
Is 2014 a good year for the Jetta?: It has fewer complaints (441) than 2013 (633), 2012 (527) and 2011 (640)^[5]. It has more than 2015 (197), and 7 recalls on file^[5].

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 441 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta (24 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 22 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
123 complaints name the engine component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
102 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,500). NHTSA vehicle records
92 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Volkswagen Jetta model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Jetta Hybrid, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S7), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 41 city / 48 highway / 44 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
45 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,170). NHTSA vehicle records
41 complaints name the air bags component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,535). NHTSA vehicle records
21 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 13,770). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 19V866, filed December 6, 2019: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V615, filed August 22, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V078, filed February 10, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V483, filed August 4, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V028, filed January 23, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V182, filed April 15, 2014: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V568, filed November 14, 2013: Power Train. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 37 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM-S6), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 29 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 2.5L 5-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Jetta SportWagen, 2.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SW FWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 12.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2014 Volkswagen Jetta with 1.4L 4-cylinder: rated 150 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2014 Volkswagen Jetta with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2014 Volkswagen Jetta with electric motor: rated 140 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2014 Volkswagen Jetta with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 115 to 210 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN 1.8L TSI: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,071 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN 2.0L: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,881 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN 2.0 TDI: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,210 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, JETTA 4 DR SEDAN HYBRID TRENDLINE/COMFORTLINE: length 182 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,318 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2014 Volkswagen Jetta: problems, recalls and fuel economy