DecodedCars2017 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi, 4dr Sedan 2.0l, 4dr Sedan Turbo Hybrid, Gli 4dr Sedan 2.0l
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 28 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,804–3,311 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2017 compact car (26.9 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 3 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,007 lb (4dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (28 city / 40 highway), 23% better than the 2017 compact car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 160 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- No hybrid version any more
- Best combined MPG down from 44 to 33
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Jetta →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi | 183.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,007 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan 2.0l | 183.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,804 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan Turbo Hybrid | 183.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,311 lb | 60/40 |
| Gli 4dr Sedan 2.0l | 183.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 104.3 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,124 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 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 40 / 33 | +23% | $2,050 | 271 |
| Jetta | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 282 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 29 | +8% | $2,300 | 311 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | 0% | $2,500 | 326 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | 0% | $2,500 | 335 |
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.9 MPG2017 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.1% |
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Similar 2017 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (6)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Oct 21, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V648000 · 218,192 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · May 31, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V352000 · 2 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
- Risk
- The mismatched VINs make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.
- Fix
- Volkswagen has notified owners and has replaced the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 06A8.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Mar 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V136000 · 797 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Mar 2, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V137000 · 4,875 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B8
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Feb 3, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V070000 · 2 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine. These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.
- Risk
- If the engine seizes, the wheels may suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Volkswagen will either buy back the vehicle or replace the engine block, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F4.
Not every 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
160Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
18Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
37,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 33 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 30 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 30 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 37,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 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 |
| 2016 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
| 2015 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 197 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →