Volkswagen Jetta VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which Volkswagen Jetta you are looking at. Then check its model year against 72 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefix3VWWVW1VW

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Volkswagen Jetta

About the Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen has sold the Jetta in the US since the 1990 model year, and there have been six generations. The A2 came first (1990–1992); A3 (1993–1999), A4 (1999–2005), A5 (2005–2010), A6 (2011–2018) followed, and the A7 took over for 2019–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 72 vehicle recall campaigns and 10,188 owner complaints. The 2009 has the most complaints of any model year (904). EPA rates the A2 at 21–34 mpg combined, while the A7 gets 28–35 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years1990–2026

GenerationsA2 · A3 · A4 · A5 · A6 · A7

NHTSA recall campaigns72

Owner complaints10,188 at NHTSA

Volkswagen Jetta photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Volkswagen Jetta generations

Six generations since the 1990 model year. The A5 (2005–2010) has the most owner complaints, the A6 (2011–2018) the most recall campaigns (22).

6 / 6

2019–20266th generation

Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

19901995200020052010201520202025

2019–2026· Generation 6 of 6

A7 · 6th generation

EPA classCompact Cars

EPA combined mpg28–35

NHTSA recalls19

Engines (EPA)

1.4 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2019–2021
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2019–2021
1.5 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2022–2026

Drive & transmission (EPA)

FWD
automated manual/dual-clutch (2019–2021), manual (2019–2024), automatic (2019–2026)

Known issues to check

Electrical system (218)Engine and cooling (200)Powertrain (transmission, driveline) (186)4 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 836 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · A73VWC57BU?KM······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta S, SE, R-Line, built in Puebla, Mexico

Check a Jetta VIN

Sources: EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Jetta model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 72 campaigns on file for Jetta model years 1990–2026, and the 2019 shows up in more of them than any other year (11), ahead of the 2011 (8). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Volkswagen Jetta owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2009 (904 of 10,188). Tap any bar or generation.

10,188NHTSA complaints, 1990–2026

483mention a crash

309mention a fire

581injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearA7: 836 complaints · most for the 2019 (549)

Top complaint areas · A7

Mentions in 836 complaints, 2019–2026.

Electrical system218

Engine and cooling200

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)186

Brakes97

Fuel system53

Forward collision avoidance49

Crashes 31Fires 4Injuries 41

2019–2026 (A7)

NHTSA data summary

The 2019 stands out. On its own it has 549 of the A7’s 836 complaints (66%), and owners across the generation name electrical system most often (218 mentions), then engine and cooling (200).

What Jetta owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2019–present (7th generation)

The 2019 draws most of the complaints for this generation. Many NHTSA owners describe a grinding noise at low speed that seems to come from the transmission, along with stalling, and CarComplaints ranks a grinding noise from the transmission first for 2019, followed by a failed clutch. Complaints drop sharply after 2019. Recalls cover rear coil springs on 2019 models that may break and ignition switches on some 2019 models that can fail in high heat and cause a stall. [1] [2]

2011–2018 (6th generation)

On the 2011, NHTSA owners most often report stalling and a sudden loss of power, many tied to failing high pressure fuel pumps on the TDI diesel, and CarComplaints highlights the same fuel pump failures. Radio and electrical faults are also common. Recalls cover diesel injector lines on 2009–2012 models that may crack and leak fuel, rear trailing arms on 2011–2013 models that may break after a rear crash and driver air bag clock springs on 2011–2014 models that can tear and disable the air bag. [3] [4]

2005–2010 (5th generation)

The 2009 and 2010 draw the most complaints in this generation. NHTSA owners of the 2009 report stalling and failed fuel pumps on the TDI, along with ABS and brake trouble, and a recall covers ABS control units on 2009–2010 models that may fail during ABS or stability control activation. CarComplaints ranks transmission failure first for 2006, followed by trouble engaging gears and a check engine light in cold weather. Another recall covers fuel lines on 2006–2010 models that a washer reservoir tab can chafe. [5] [6]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the ABS recall on 2009–2010 models, the injector line recall on diesels and the coil spring recall on 2019 models.
On a TDI, ask for fuel pump repair records and emissions fix paperwork.
On the drive, listen for grinding at low speed, feel for hesitation or stalling and check that shifts engage smoothly.

Sources (6) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Volkswagen Jetta owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Volkswagen Jetta owners on Reddit share plenty of high mileage. One 2019 SEL Premium passed 400,000 miles, a 2016 SEL Premium reached 152,000 without a shop visit, 1.4 turbo owners ran 150,000 and 217,000 miles on the original timing belt, and a 2011 2.5 owner is aiming for 250,000. Owners credit steady oil changes and fluid service. Concerns include head gasket trouble on 2022 and early 2023 cars, a 2024 that needed another automatic before 60,000 miles, and aging PCV and brake vacuum parts on older cars.

Pros

Many cars pass 150,000 miles, and one 2019 topped 400,000
The 1.4 turbo timing belt often lasts well past 150,000 miles
Routine oil changes and fluid service keep many cars trouble free

Cons

Head gasket problems on 2022 and early 2023 models
Automatic transmission failures on some 2024 and newer cars
Older cars need PCV valve cover, throttle body and brake vacuum pump work
A timing belt and water pump job quoted at about $1,800

My 19 sel premium Jetta hit 400,000 miles last night. Definitely uncharted territory for me 😄 r/jetta · 2025-11-24
104k Miles on Volkswagen Jetta 2019 1.4L r/jetta · 2026-08-10
How realistic is it to get my 2011 Jetta 2.5 to 250k miles? r/jetta · 2026-09-11
Talk me out of buying a used Jetta r/whatcarshouldIbuy · 2026-04-20
2nd Hyundai transmission I’ve slapped in this 2024 Jetta with less than 60,000 miles. r/Volkswagen · 2026-09-18

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Jetta complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid and diesel Jetta versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

10,188complaints, 1990–2026

483mention a crash

309mention a fire

581injuries reported

8complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2009 (904), 2010 (875), 2002 (704)

2009 · 904 complaints

Crashes 31 · fires 8 · injuries 17

Fuel system226

Service brakes214

Power train142

Electrical system112

Fuel/propulsion system103

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Jetta CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 269 Jetta versions for model years 1990–2026 (gas, diesel and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 200 g/mi, for the 2016 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

A21990–1992

21–34 mpg · CO₂ 299–423 g/mi

A31993–1998

18–38 mpg · CO₂ 268–494 g/mi

A41999–2004

19–39 mpg · CO₂ 261–468 g/mi

A52005–2010

22–35 mpg · CO₂ 291–404 g/mi

A62011–2018

25–44 mpg · CO₂ 200–355 g/mi

A72019–2026

28–35 mpg · CO₂ 256–321 g/mi

Model year2025

33combined MPG

271CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,050EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

6/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: Jetta · Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo — 33 MPG · 271 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasDieselHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Jetta vs Toyota Corolla vs Subaru Impreza

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2005–2010. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the Jetta, against 26 for the Toyota Corolla and 24 for the Subaru Impreza. Pick a range to compare.

Volkswagen JettaA7

Model years 2019–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 19
NHTSA owner complaints: 836
EPA combined mpg: 28–35
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.4, 1.5, 2.0 L
Also listed: turbo
Drive (EPA): FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 218
Engine and cooling 200
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 186

Toyota Corolla

Model years 2019–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 16
NHTSA owner complaints: 990
EPA combined mpg: 22–52
Engines (EPA): 3-cyl 1.6 L · 4-cyl 1.8, 2.0 L
Also listed: hybrid, turbo
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Engine and cooling 223
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 147
Air bags 132

Subaru Impreza

Model years 2019–2026

NHTSA recall campaigns: 12
NHTSA owner complaints: 348
EPA combined mpg: 25–32
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0, 2.5 L
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2025)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 130
Exterior lighting 68
Electrical system 28

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Volkswagen Jetta VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Jetta

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Black Volkswagen Jetta (seventh generation) sedan, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The Jetta's VIN plate is at the base of the driver's side windshield. Inside the driver's door jamb, a sticker carries the full number. A trunk lid label near the latch provides a third location. The A7 generation starts with the 2019 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (K for 2019) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Volkswagen Jetta VIN questions

Which Volkswagen Jetta model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2009 leads with 904, ahead of the 2010 (875) and 2002 (704). Those first two alone make up 17% of the 10,188 Jetta complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Volkswagen Jetta had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 72 vehicle campaigns for model years 1990–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, A6 leads with 22. Then come the A7 (19), A4 (14), A5 (12), A3 (11) and A2 (8), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Volkswagen Jetta recalls are high risk?

16V-078 covers air bag inflators that can rupture. 18V-406 covers an air bag inflator module and how it deploys. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 92V-058, 96V-128, 02V-026, 99V-022, 02V-031, 04V-586, 05V-305, 07V-284 and 9 more. Do-not-drive advisories came with 19V-879. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Jetta generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the A2 is 1990–1992 and the A3 1993–1999. A4 spans 1999–2005, A5 2005–2010, A6 2011–2018 and A7 2019–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (K is 2019).

What fuel economy does the Volkswagen Jetta get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2019–2026 A7 at 28–35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 21–34 mpg for the 1990–1992 A2 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Volkswagen Jetta compare with the Toyota Corolla and Subaru Impreza on recalls?

For 2019–2026 models the Jetta has 19 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota Corolla has 16, the Subaru Impreza 12. Complaints run 836, 990 and 348 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Volkswagen Jetta have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Jetta 5 stars overall. One version, FWD, is rated.

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