Most common 2014 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Share of the 387 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Volkswagen Jetta complaints by model year
Best Jetta years: 2018, 2020, 2022. Years to avoid: 2019, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2010. Compare all years →
2014 Volkswagen Jetta recalls (4)
Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
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.
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Frontal
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.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
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…
Remedy: 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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta:
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta…
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of steering wheel clock spring/steering column control module (SCCM) failures in model year (MY) 2012 Volkswagen Passat and CC models.The SCCM is a module within the steering column that incorporates a spiral conductor (a ribbon cable) to electrically connect the steering wheel to the vehicle's electrical system while…
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta…
What 2014 Volkswagen Jetta owners say
Engine & cooling all 114 →
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly shut off and began to roll backward causing a second vehicle to crash into the rear passenger side door. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was driven away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that after the vehicle was serviced under a manufacturer's campaign the vehicle had randomly shut off on several occasions and after restarting the engine the vehicle would operate as normal. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated to 70 MPH. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over onto the side of the road and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that there was no fault found with the vehicle. The contact continued driving however, while driving uphill at 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign at an intersection, the vehicle independently accelerated to 50 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. …
Electrical system all 94 →
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle prior to the vehicle losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Auxiliary Heater, Part# 1KO 963 235 H, Melted at the grounding post, potentially damaging wiring harness. Fire started in driver side footwell on 11/5/2025. Included is a photo of where the fire originated from. Medium burning to hands, and smoke inhalation from my passenger.
Transmission & drivetrain all 74 →
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly shut off and began to roll backward causing a second vehicle to crash into the rear passenger side door. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was driven away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that after the vehicle was serviced under a manufacturer's campaign the vehicle had randomly shut off on several occasions and after restarting the engine the vehicle would operate as normal. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 149,000.
The contact's wife owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was oil leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics and diagnosed with a transmission coolant assembly leak. One of the mechanics related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was informed that the transmission oil cooler assembly and the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a rear transmission leak. The dealer informed the contact that the rear main seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo hybrid | 7-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 41 / 48 / 44 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 29 / 37 / 32 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed manual | FWD | 29 / 39 / 32 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 36 / 30 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 36 / 29 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 34 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 24 / 32 / 27 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 33 / 26 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 33 / 26 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 29 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta a good car?
Based on 387 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Jetta rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Jetta at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta?
The engine & cooling — 114 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › other fuel types › turbo/supercharger. Next are the electrical system (94) and transmission & drivetrain (74).
How many recalls does the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta, the most recent from August 22, 2019 (control module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Volkswagen Jetta?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2020 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2010. See the full Volkswagen Jetta years comparison.
At what mileage do 2014 Volkswagen Jetta problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 46% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.