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Volkswagen Jetta 2005–2010 problems by year and mileage
Mk5 (A5) · Typ 1K (A5 / PQ35)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,008 complaints, 2,660 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
Close- Median failure report
- 71,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 248
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2005
- Transmission and driveline84 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Electrical system48 reports · median 87,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system41 reports · median 59,000 mi
Recall areas Exterior lighting — headlights · Exterior lighting — brake lights · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
Close- Median failure report
- 71,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 580
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2006
- Transmission and driveline245 reports · median 68,000 mi
- Electrical system112 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Airbag system65 reports · median 85,000 mi
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Power train — driveline · Exterior lighting — headlights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
Close- Median failure report
- 55,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 201
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2007
- Electrical system45 reports · median 76,000 mi
- Hydraulic brake circuit38 reports · median 20,000 mi
- Airbag system35 reports
Recall areas Other or unspecified · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Power train — driveline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
Close- Median failure report
- 59,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 191
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2008
- Transmission and driveline53 reports · median 26,000 mi
- Electrical system42 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Airbag system22 reports
Recall areas Other or unspecified · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery · Power train — driveline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
Close- Median failure report
- 61,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 913
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2009
- Fuel system, diesel195 reports · median 50,000 mi
- Brakes181 reports · median 95,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline143 reports · median 21,000 mi
Recall areas Other or unspecified · Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel system, diesel
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
Close- Median failure report
- 55,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 875
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2010
- Electrical system236 reports · median 67,000 mi
- Fuel system, diesel166 reports · median 31,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system127 reports · median 74,000 mi
Recall areas Electronic stability control (esc) · Air bags — frontal · Fuel system, diesel
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2006; earliest: the 2007, and the 2006 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2005–2010 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 61,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 130,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 2,660
- Recalls
- 12
Most reported
- Transmission and driveline22.2% of complaints · median 58,000 mi
- Electrical system19.9% of complaints · median 75,000 mi
- Fuel system, diesel12.6% of complaints · median 42,000 mi
Owners filed 3,008 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005–2010 Volkswagen Jetta; the transmission and driveline leads with 22.2% of them, and half of the 2,660 that record an odometer reading came by 61,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 29,000 to 97,000 miles.
Note: in 2005, both this generation and the previous one were sold at the same time, and NHTSA complaints are not separated by body.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2005–2010 Volkswagen Jetta last?
On the 2005–2010 Volkswagen Jetta, half of the 2,660 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 61,000 miles and 90% by 130,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
167 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 36 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Jetta reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Volkswagen Jetta 2005–2010 · 2,660 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 235 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 36 complaints (1.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 6,500
- 25%
- 29,000
- Median
- 61,000
- 75%
- 97,000
- 90%
- 130,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 235 | 8.8% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 97 | 3.6% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 87 | 3.3% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 81 | 3.0% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 93 | 3.5% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 83 | 3.1% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 93 | 3.5% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 89 | 3.3% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 91 | 3.4% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 91 | 3.4% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 122 | 4.6% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 104 | 3.9% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 122 | 4.6% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 106 | 4.0% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 102 | 3.8% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 91 | 3.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 98 | 3.7% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 85 | 3.2% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 89 | 3.3% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 68 | 2.6% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 85 | 3.2% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 54 | 2.0% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 48 | 1.8% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 60 | 2.3% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 66 | 2.5% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 38 | 1.4% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 43 | 1.6% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 26 | 1.0% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 27 | 1.0% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 19 | 0.7% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 23 | 0.9% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 24 | 0.9% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 18 | 0.7% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 9 | 0.3% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 15 | 0.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 9 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 13 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 4 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 9 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 7 | 0.3% |
| 200,000+ | 36 | 1.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Jetta problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Volkswagen Jetta 2005–2010
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Engine and its cooling system254 reportsmedian 35,000middle half 9,500–67,000
- Fuel system, diesel378 reportsmedian 42,000middle half 21,000–68,000
- Transmission and driveline669 reportsmedian 58,000middle half 19,000–93,000
- Electrical system599 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 52,000–107,000
- Engine317 reportsmedian 84,000middle half 57,000–120,000
- Fuel and propulsion system254 reportsmedian 87,000middle half 54,000–120,000
- Brakes245 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 64,000–120,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 669 | 22.2% | 58,000 | 19,000–93,000 |
| Electrical system | 599 | 19.9% | 75,000 | 52,000–107,000 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 378 | 12.6% | 42,000 | 21,000–68,000 |
| Engine | 317 | 10.5% | 84,000 | 57,000–120,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 254 | 8.4% | 35,000 | 9,500–67,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 254 | 8.4% | 87,000 | 54,000–120,000 |
| Brakes | 245 | 8.1% | 90,000 | 64,000–120,000 |
| Airbag system | 221 | 7.3% | 73,000 | 44,000–117,000 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 139 | 4.6% | 101,000 | 71,000–129,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 130 | 4.3% | 98,000 | 52,000–130,000 |
Known problems with the 2005–2010 Jetta
Engine 2006–2008
2.0T FSI camshaft follower wear: the follower between the intake camshaft and the high-pressure fuel pump wears through, then the cam lobe itself, contaminating the engine with metal.
Engine 2008–2010
Timing chain tensioner failure on the later TSI, allowing the chain to jump and cause valve-to-piston contact.
Fuel System 2009–2010
2.0L TDI Common Rail high-pressure fuel pump failure sending metal debris through the entire fuel system, requiring full fuel system replacement.
Transmission
DSG mechatronic unit failures producing sudden loss of drive; subject to campaign action.
Before you buy a 2005–2010 Jetta: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,660 mileage-tagged complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2006–2008 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine on 2008–2010 cars.
- Check fuel system on 2009–2010 cars.
- Years differ here: from 191 to 913 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Jetta problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi48% below | At 90k mi70% below | At 120k mi85% below | At 150k mi94% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and driveline | 19,000–93,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 52,000–107,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel system, diesel | 21,000–68,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 57,000–120,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 9,500–67,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 54,000–120,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 64,000–120,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Volkswagen Jetta 2005–2010 · 2,660 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 48% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 70% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 85% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 94% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2005–2010 Volkswagen Jetta recalls (12)
NHTSA records 12 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around fuel system, diesel (2), the fuel system (2), the transmission and driveline (2) (why one area can repeat).
Sep 2019 · 2007–2009 · Other or unspecifiedIf the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire…
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and…
What can happen. If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this…
Dec 2016 · 2009–2010 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS)…
What can happen. A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced.…
Feb 2016 · 2010 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…
The defect. 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.…
What can happen. 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…
The free 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…
Oct 2011 · 2009–2010 · Fuel System, DieselDue to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel…
The defect. Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 Jetta and Jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 Volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012…
What can happen. Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
The free fix. Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and Audi will notify…
Dec 2010 · 2006–2010 · Fuel System, GasolineIf chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. 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.
The free 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…
Aug 2009 · 2009–2010 · Power TrainThe abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
The defect. Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) may have connector wires that were insufficiently…
What can happen. The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
The free fix. Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on october 20, 2009. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
May 2009 · 2006–2009 · Power TrainIf the vehicle is moving when this happens, the detached driveshaft could cause damage the gearbox housing.
The defect. Volkswagen is recalling 25,594 my 2006-2009 Jetta 5th generation equipped with 2.01 Engine. The fastening screw contact surfaces on the driveshaft cover plate may not have been manufactured to factory specifications. Some screws may not have been torqued…
What can happen. If the vehicle is moving when this happens, the detached driveshaft could cause damage the gearbox housing. A damage gearbox housing could leak gearbox oil onto the street and create a risk of a…
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the driveshaft screws and replace the screws free of charge. The recall began on june 24, 2009. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Sep 2007 · 2005–2008 · Exterior LightingNoncompliance can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment for roadway illumination, improperly aimed headlamps…
The defect. Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." Some vehicles may not have had a required cap installed which disables the headlight horizontal aim…
What can happen. Noncompliance can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment for roadway illumination, improperly aimed headlamps could cause reduced road visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the low beam horizontal aiming screw and install one if missing, and inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the vertical…
Jun 2007 · 2006 · VisibilityIf this happens, the chafing has the potential to cause a fuel leak over time.
The defect. Certain vehicles equipped with 2.5L gasoline engines may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against the underhood fuel supply line.
What can happen. If this happens, the chafing has the potential to cause a fuel leak over time. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir and will also inspect and, if necessary, replace the underhood fuel supply line. The recall began on august 24, 2007.…
Feb 2007 · 2005 · Exterior LightingThe brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on.
The defect. On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
What can happen. The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. Vehicles…
Jul 2005 · 2005 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5L gasoline engine, a fuel supply line clamp located in the engine compartment may not be positioned properly and could cause a fuel leak.
What can happen. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the position of the engine compartment fuel supply line clamp and, if necessary, replace the clamp. The recall began on july 11, 2005. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.
Dec 2004 · 2005 · Fuel System, DieselFuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
The defect. On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.
What can happen. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,008 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 93 (3.1%)
- Fires
- 44
- Injury reports
- 60
- Fatality reports
- 0
Jetta problems by model year
The 2009 drew the most complaints of this generation, 913, most of them about fuel system, diesel, and the 2008 the fewest, 191. A typical year drew about 414.
That makes the 2009 stand out at roughly 2.2 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
One caveat on the year figures: in 2005, the manufacturer sold both this generation and the previous one at the same time, and NHTSA records do not distinguish between them. Complaints filed under that year may describe either vehicle.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 mixed | 248 | 205 | 71,000 | Transmission and driveline (84) | 4 |
| 2006 | 580 | 507 | 71,000 | Transmission and driveline (245) | 4 |
| 2007 | 201 | 167 | 55,000 | Electrical system (45) | 4 |
| 2008 | 191 | 159 | 59,000 | Transmission and driveline (53) | 4 |
| 2009 | 913 | 826 | 61,000 | Fuel system, diesel (195) | 6 |
| 2010 | 875 | 796 | 55,000 | Electrical system (236) | 5 |
What Jetta owners reported
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the…
2009 · 177,000 miles · Electronic stability control (esc)
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an…
2009 · 86,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the failure could be duplicated. The…
2007 · 110,000 miles · Airbag system
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that ABS and the ESC warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where…
2009 · 157,000 miles · Electronic stability control (esc)
Built from 2,660 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Jetta generations
- Jetta 1993–1998 112 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Jetta 1999–2004 1,681 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Jetta 2011–2018 1,938 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Jetta 2019–2025 318 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system