2014 Volkswagen Jetta

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

Volkswagen Jetta
Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, front 3.28.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 Dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,071 lb60/40
4 Dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,210 lb60/40
4 Dr Sedan 2.0l182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in2,881 lb60/40
4 Dr Sedan Hybrid Trendline/Comfortline182.3 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,318 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Jetta Hybrid Hybrid1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Front-Wheel Drive41 / 48 / 44+67%$1,850200
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+22%$3,000318
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 32+22%$3,000315
Jetta SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 32+29%$3,000315
Jetta SportWagen Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+29%$3,000318
Jetta1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 36 / 30+14%$2,250303
Jetta1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+10%$2,300308
Jetta2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+6%$2,400316
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27+3%$3,050334
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26-1%$3,150338
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+4%$2,600342
Jetta SportWagen2.5L 5-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26+4%$2,600335
Jetta2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25-5%$2,700344
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.3 MPG2014 Compact Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Volkswagen Jetta (this car)44 MPGNot rated7
2014 Toyota Corolla34 MPGNot rated2
2014 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated2
2014 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated3
2014 Honda Accord47 MPGNot rated5
2014 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated3
2014 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated3

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

402Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
22Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
22Injuries reported
64,532 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine105
Power Train87
Electrical System82
Unknown Or Other76
Fuel/Propulsion System45
Air Bags37
Exterior Lighting23
Steering19
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/07: 123/08: 423/09: 123/11: 123/12: 124/01: 424/02: 124/03: 324/05: 324/06: 324/08: 224/10: 124/12: 225/01: 125/02: 125/03: 225/05: 125/07: 225/11: 125/12: 226/01: 326/04: 126/05: 126/10: 223/0723/1124/0224/0624/1225/0325/1126/04max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 105 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 87 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 82 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 64,532 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Jetta34–Not rated00
2026 Jetta34185.8 inNot rated16
2025 Jetta33185.8 in★★★★★231
2024 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★046
2023 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★043
2022 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★143
2021 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★470
2020 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★654
2019 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★11549
2018 Jetta33–★★★★★232
2017 Jetta33183.1 in★★★★★6160
2016 Jetta44183.1 inNot rated4164

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →