2020 Volkswagen Jetta
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 32 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 120 |
| 1995 | 220 |
| 1996 | 173 |
| 1997 | 141 |
| 1998 | 192 |
| 1999 | 349 |
| 2000 | 439 |
| 2001 | 668 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 455 |
| 2004 | 231 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 188 |
| 2009 | 888 |
| 2010 | 852 |
| 2011 | 606 |
| 2012 | 499 |
| 2013 | 516 |
| 2014 | 386 |
| 2015 | 194 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 159 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 547 |
| 2020 | 52 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
On 2 separate occasions (in recent 2 months); the car would not restart and error messages would include printing the electrical parking brake engagement. Attempts to reset were futile. Car had to be towed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260910
23% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
MY CAR ROLLED INTO A WALL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF A PARKING LOT WHILE I WAS INSIDE THE OPPOSITE BUILDING. THERE IS NO ALERT/INDICATOR/NOTIFICATION THAT THE E-BRAKE IS ENGAGED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200703
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
13% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Internal Component on Transmission has failed, Vehicle is Available for inspection (Niello Volkswagen has already confirmed). The vehicle shakes when shifting which could potentially cause an accident. Yes, Niello Volkswagen confirmed the issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230925
10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2020 Jetta vehicle. The front brake caliper bolts may come loose.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace all four front brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 20V359000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289.
Campaign 20V505000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles. The air bag control module was welded in the incorrect position.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CK.
Campaign 21V492000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or AudiÂs customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 22V815000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
Campaign 23V604000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024.
Campaign 24V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V359000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V505000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V492000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V815000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V604000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.