DecodedCars2006 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 4dr Wagon FWD Gls Tdi
- Engines
- 1.9L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 5-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 30 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 173.6–179.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,053–3,230 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 49% better than the average 2006 compact car (22.2 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 3 engines (1.9L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 5-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,230 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (30 city / 38 highway), 49% better than the 2006 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 88 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2006
- New body dimensions: 6.7 in longer, wheelbase +2.8 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 35 to 33
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Jetta →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 179.1 in | 70.5 in | 58.7 in | 101.6 in | 60.2 / 59.1 in | 3,230 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Wagon FWD Gls Tdi | 173.6 in | 68.5 in | 58.7 in | 99.2 in | 59.8 / 58.7 in | 3,053 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 Diesel | 1.9L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 37 / 33 | +49% | $2,900 | 308 |
| Jetta Diesel | 1.9L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 38 / 33 | +49% | $2,900 | 308 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +13% | $3,300 | 355 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +8% | $3,400 | 370 |
| Jetta | 2.5L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Jetta | 2.5L 5-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | -1% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Honda Accord | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2006 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Dec 10, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V621000 · 228,236 vehicles
- Problem
- VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
- Risk
- IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Not every 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 26 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 22 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 22 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 133,176 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 2006 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 →