The Lemon Index2010 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 388 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 286, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about fuel system, diesel, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 25 to 32 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Jetta year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 875 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta year. 2010 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 25K to 87K miles on the car (796 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 48K–94K miles
- fuel system, diesel complaints mostly came at 11K–55K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 44K–114K miles
Recalls 5
- brakes 2020
The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
- brakes 2016
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
- fuel system, diesel 2011
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 SE…
Show all 5 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2010
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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2009
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Volkswagen told dealers about
Volkswagen sent dealers 1130 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gff test plan, ground connection verification
- Malfunction light is on and there is noise with the engine running rough
- In some vehicles, the warning light for engine may be on and the engine power has failed
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag clockspring failure2018
- ClosedHigh-pressure fuel pump failure2011–2015
- ClosedDiesel fuel injector line leakage2011
- ClosedHigh pressure fuel pump failure (hpfp)2010–2011
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine completely and suddenly stalled out after stopping at an intersection. The car was restarted without hesitation or delay.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 10451354
More owner reports
Vehicle occasionally stumbles as if experiencing fuel starvation. Seems to happen when vehicle is on an incline. If stopped, engine will quit when clutch is engaged.
NHTSA complaint 10446860
2010 tdi Jetta sportwagen stalled on deceleration lane, exiting highway.
NHTSA complaint 10419936
Quick answers
Is the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.9× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 286; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Jetta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2010 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are fuel system, diesel (36%), engine (17%) and transmission & drivetrain (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta have?
5 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta get?
25 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2010 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 25,000 and 87,900 miles. The middle report was at 55,000 miles, from 796 complaints.
Does the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
What Volkswagen Jetta year is better than the 2010?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2020 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works