The Lemon Index2014 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta is better than average by owner complaints: 140 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 78, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 25 to 44 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Jetta year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 441 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta year. 2014 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 85K miles on the car (313 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 21K–90K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 20K–82K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 51K–99K 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.
- electrical 2019
A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park.".
- airbags 2015
In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned.
Show all 5 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- transmission & drivetrain 2014
In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
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 1597 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Diagnosis for high pressure fuel pump where no start, engine crank, without driving, after long
- When vehicle is at idle or the oil pressure light is on, there is no oil or have low oil pressure
- During cold weather, engine fails to start, after standing, and if moisture, from intake air
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenAir bag clockspring failure2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2017–2018
- ClosedAir bag clockspring failure2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Jetta HEV 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
In owners' words
Faulty ignition switch. Locks on the "on" or "off" position.when the vehicle is stationary it is hard to turn it on or off because it locks.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 10925913
More owner reports
Key gets stuck in the ignition when turning off the engine. Cannot turn the engine off. The key will not return to the off position.
NHTSA complaint 11011248
Key gets stuck in the ignition, when trying to cut the car off
NHTSA complaint 11013052
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 78; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Jetta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2014 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (25%), engine (24%) and transmission & drivetrain (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 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 2014 Volkswagen Jetta get?
25 to 44 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2014 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 25,000 and 85,500 miles. The middle report was at 56,000 miles, from 313 complaints.
Does the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 5-cyl.
What Volkswagen Jetta year is better than the 2014?
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