DecodedCars2024 Volkswagen Jetta
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2024 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Gli 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 158–228 hp
- Transmission
- automatic, manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 30 city / 42 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,976–3,225 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2024 compact car (27.9 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2024 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,976 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (30 city / 42 highway), 22% better than the 2024 compact car average of 27.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2024
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2023 Jetta — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2023; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2023 Jetta →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Puebla, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2024 Jetta configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 185.8 in | 71.3 in | 57.5 in | 105.9 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 2,976 lb | 59/41 |
| Gli 4dr Sedan | 185.8 in | 71.3 in | 57.5 in | 105.9 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,225 lb | 59/41 |
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 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 42 / 34 | +22% | $1,950 | 265 |
| Jetta | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 41 / 34 | +22% | $1,950 | 263 |
| Jetta Sport/SE/SEL | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 40 / 33 | +18% | $2,050 | 272 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2024 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13% |
Similar 2024 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Volkswagen Jetta (this car) | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2024 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2024 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2024 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2024 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2024 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Toyota Prius | 57 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2024 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 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 2024 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 | 32 |
| 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 | 550 |
| 2018 Jetta | 33 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 32 |
| 2017 Jetta | 33 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 160 |
| 2016 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 164 |
| 2015 Jetta | 44 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 197 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →