2014 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4 Dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi, 4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi, 4 Dr Sedan 2.0l, 4 Dr Sedan Hybrid Trendline/Comfortline
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 44 combined · 41 city / 48 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,881–3,318 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 7 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 44 MPG combined — 67% better than the average 2014 compact car (26.3 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 38 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 4 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,071 lb (4 Dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 44 MPG combined (41 city / 48 highway), 67% better than the 2014 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 402 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2014
- Engine added: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Jetta →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi | 182.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,071 lb | 60/40 |
| 4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi | 182.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,210 lb | 60/40 |
| 4 Dr Sedan 2.0l | 182.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,881 lb | 60/40 |
| 4 Dr Sedan Hybrid Trendline/Comfortline | 182.3 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,318 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta Hybrid Hybrid | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 41 / 48 / 44 | +67% | $1,850 | 200 |
| Jetta Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +22% | $3,000 | 318 |
| Jetta Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 32 | +22% | $3,000 | 315 |
| Jetta SportWagen Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 32 | +29% | $3,000 | 315 |
| Jetta SportWagen Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +29% | $3,000 | 318 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 30 | +14% | $2,250 | 303 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +10% | $2,300 | 308 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 316 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +3% | $3,050 | 334 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | -1% | $3,150 | 338 |
| Jetta SportWagen | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +4% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Jetta SportWagen | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | +4% | $2,600 | 335 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 344 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta.
Similar 2014 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 44 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2014 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2014 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (7)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Dec 6, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V866000 · 2,167 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid vehicles equipped with a DQ200 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission. Hairline cracks can develop within the transmission electronic gearbox (mechatronic unit), causing an internal transmission oil leak and a decrease in oil pressure.
- Risk
- A decrease in transmission oil pressure can cause the clutch to fail to engage, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a repair kit and, as necessary, replace affected parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 34J6.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. 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."
- Risk
- Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Feb 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V078000 · 659,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Air Bags › Frontal · Aug 4, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V483000 · 415,825 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. 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. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
- Risk
- A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 23, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V028000 · 44,658 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines · Apr 15, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V182000 · 26,452 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
- Risk
- The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.
Power Train · Nov 14, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V568000 · 3,837 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Jetta Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 2012 through October 2013 and equipped with a DQ-200 direct-shift gearbox. Due to gearbox fluid additives, the control module within the gearbox may corrode. The deposits from this corrosion may cause an electrical short and result in a stall-like condition.
- Risk
- This sudden loss of power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive version, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's recall number is 34F6/4V.
Not every 2014 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 105 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 87 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 82 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 64,532 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Jetta years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Jetta | 34 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Jetta | 33 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2024 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 43 |
| 2022 Jetta | 35 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 43 |
| 2021 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 70 |
| 2020 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 54 |
| 2019 Jetta | 34 | 185.8 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 549 |
| 2018 Jetta | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 32 |
| 2017 Jetta | 33 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 160 |
| 2016 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →