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
- 54
- Recalls
- 6
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 54 complaints
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 | 456 |
| 2004 | 231 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 188 |
| 2009 | 889 |
| 2010 | 852 |
| 2011 | 607 |
| 2012 | 500 |
| 2013 | 518 |
| 2014 | 387 |
| 2015 | 194 |
| 2016 | 161 |
| 2017 | 160 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 552 |
| 2020 | 54 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 43 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
31% · 17 reportsMost 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, 2026-09-10
Engine
22% · 12 reportsService brakes
13% · 7 reportsShow 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, 2020-07-03
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Power train
13% · 7 reportsShow 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, 2023-09-25
Fuel/propulsion system
9% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2020-07-01Service brakes, hydraulic20V359000 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.
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R
2020-09-11Seats20V505000 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.
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2022-01-28Air bags21V492000 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.
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2022-11-18Tires22V815000 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.
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I
2023-12-12Recall queryClosed 2024-07-01 Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
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2024-02-01Electrical system23V604000 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.
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2024-07-25Fuel system, gasoline24V110000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V359000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 20V505000 · Seats
- Recall 21V492000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V815000 · Tires
- Recall 23V604000 · Electrical system
- Recall 24V110000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta have?
- 6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.