The Lemon Index2023 Volkswagen Jetta.
The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta is so far better than average by owner complaints: 43 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 76, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 33 to 35 mpg combined. The best Volkswagen Jetta year is 2018.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 43 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Volkswagen Jetta year. 2023 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.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 348 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engine oil consumption measurement
- Brake Rotor, Vibration / Pulsation
- Engine Oil Consumption Measurement Instruction and Work sheet
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 $1850–1950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Rear brakes grinding after 1 year. It also took 8 months for dealer to repair knocking sound on driver side while turning steering wheel to the right.
2023 Volkswagen Jetta owner · NHTSA complaint 11569739
More owner reports
Car has less than 30k miles on it and already the brakes are grinding and the brake pads are wearing out. This car is only a year old and should not be wearing out like this! Brakes are a major safety issue if they do not work.
NHTSA complaint 11573188
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.3× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 76; 100 is average). The best Volkswagen Jetta year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2023 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (26%), brakes (23%) and electrical (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta get?
33 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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.
Does the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta cost in fuel a year?
About $1850 to $1950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta have?
1.5L 4-cyl.
What Volkswagen Jetta year is better than the 2023?
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