The Lemon Index2017 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is better than average by owner complaints: 77 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 63, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 27 to 33 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Jetta year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 160 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta year. 2017 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 15K to 62K miles on the car (94 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 6K–65K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 22K–78K miles
Recalls 7
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
- 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.".
Show all 7 recalls
- equipment 2017
The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield.
- equipment 2017
The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle.
- equipment 2017
The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle.
- engine 2017
These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.
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 666 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Tech Tips (Comfort Module (J393) or BCM (J519) Replacement): This document informs if a…
- Directions to inspect the engine mount for debris, including stones, that may cause powertrain…
- Gearbox noise due to an insufficient supply of oil within the gearbox
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Volkswagen Jetta GLI 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1950–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Car starts to shake epc light and engine light come on have to pull over for it to stop shaking
2017 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 11287627
More owner reports
Timing chain issue. Vw models until 2014 have been recalled. But this issue is also hasn't been resolved on models after the recall.
NHTSA complaint 11328405
Was driving on the highway, smelled gas, pulled over, car died, epc light came on. Had the vehicle towed to the nearest VW dealer.
NHTSA complaint 11385781
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 63; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Volkswagen Jetta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2017 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (25%), engine (21%) and fuel or ev drive system (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta have?
7 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta get?
27 to 33 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 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 2017 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,000 and 62,300 miles. The middle report was at 37,000 miles, from 94 complaints.
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $1950 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Jetta year is better than the 2017?
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