Volkswagen Jetta tdi problems

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The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car/small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen since 1979. Positioned to fill a sedan niche above the firm's Golf hatchback, it has been marketed over seven generations, variously as the Atlantic, Vento, Bora, City Jetta, Jetta City, GLI, Jetta, Clasico, and Sagitar (in China).

The Jetta has been offered in two- and four-door saloon / sedan, and five-door wagon / estate versions – all as four- or five-seaters. Since the original version in 1980, the car has grown in size and power with each generation. By mid-2011, almost 10 million Jettas have been produced and sold all over the world. As of April 2014, Volkswagen marketed over 14 million, becoming its top selling model.

Nameplate etymology

Numerous sources note that the Jetta nameplate derives from the Atlantic 'jet stream' during a period when Volkswagen named its vehicles after prominent winds and currents (e.g., the Volkswagen Passat (after the German word for trade wind), Volkswagen Bora (after bora), and Volkswagen Scirocco (after sirocco).

A 2013 report by former VW advertising copywriter Bertel Schmitt, said that — after consulting VW sources including Dr. Carl Hahn, former Volkswagen of America Chief and W.P. Schmidt, former sales chief at Volkswagen — no evidence suggested Volkswagen employed a naming theme for its front-drive, water-cooled vehicles; nor was there evidence the names derived from a theme; nor that a naming system "was ever announced, either officially or confidentially."

photo of Volkswagen Jetta tdi car production

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Volkswagen Jetta tdi model years

volkswagen jetta tdi 2015 photo
Jetta tdi 2015
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Common Volkswagen Jetta tdi problems

Common Problems with Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cars:

  • Exhaust System Issues: The exhaust system in the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta has been reported to have problems, especially with hard shifts or gear slippage. This issue can be due to a faulty transmission control module or internal wear. A transmission service or replacement is usually needed to solve this problem.
  • Infotainment System Issues: The 2020 Jetta has faced issues with its infotainment system, including connectivity issues or the system freezing. A software update or replacement of the system is typically required to solve this issue.
  • Body Issues: The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has been reported to have body issues, including loose bolts and faulty trunks. Additionally, squeaking doors and chipping paint on the hood are common complaints.
  • Transmission Problems: Transmission problems are common in various model years, such as the 2006, 2012, and 2013 Jetta models. These issues can include gear-shifting complications, automatic transmission shifting problems, and engine stalling, which can pose safety concerns.
  • Diesel Emissions Scandal: The Jetta TDI models from 2009 to 2014 are known to be less reliable due to the Dieselgate emissions scandal. These vehicles were equipped with a device that manipulated emissions tests, leading to a massive recall. Along with the emissions issue, these models also had reported problems with the high-pressure fuel pump and the diesel particulate filter.
  • Front Assist Problems: The 6th generation Jetta (2011-2018) has faced issues with the Front Assist system, which can lead to unexpected braking or failure of the system.
  • Clock Spring Failure: The clock spring in the steering wheel of the 6th generation Jetta can fail, causing issues with the airbag system and other steering wheel controls.
  • Jetta Radio Problems: The radio in the 6th generation Jetta can have issues, including not turning on, poor sound quality, or not connecting to Bluetooth devices.
  • Defective Timing Chain: The timing chain in some Jetta models can be defective, leading to engine problems and the need for replacement.
  • Serpentine Belt Failure: In 2013 Jetta TDI models, the serpentine belt can fail if diesel fuel leaks on it, leading to bits of the belt getting into the timing belt area of the engine.

It is crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and longevity of the vehicle. Regular maintenance and proper care can help prevent some of these problems.

Volkswagen Jetta tdi

Are Jetta TDI reliable?

The Jetta TDI also has a reputation for reliability. The 2009-2014 models with the 2.0 TDI engine are considered solid choices. However, it's crucial to ensure regular maintenance to keep any TDI running smoothly.

How many miles will a TDI Jetta last?

The VW Jetta has been known to last for more than 200,000 miles when properly maintained. Most drivers put an average of 10,000 miles on their cars every year, so a car with 200,000 miles on the odometer can easily be over 20 years old.

Is VW 2.0 TDI engine problems?

The first 2.0TDI was the PD engine. Early ones of those had issues with the heads going porus, which basically writes the engine off. I think there was problems with waterpumps failing, which flung the timing belt. Also, the oil pump tended to fail in N-S applications (Audi A4, Passat B5.

What is a common problem in Volkswagen Jetta?

Automatic gearbox problems

It has been known for the automatic gearboxes on these cars to suffer with different problems. One of the most common problems is for the gears struggling to change, which could be caused by problems with the gear linkage.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen Jetta tdi years

We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen Jetta tdi cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Volkswagen Jetta tdi model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen Jetta tdi model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen Jetta tdi years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Volkswagen Jetta tdi car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen Jetta tdi , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Unknown or other problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen Jetta tdi vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen Jetta tdi . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen Jetta tdi vehicles.

List of Volkswagen Jetta tdi complaints

Volkswagen Jetta tdi 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-10-15
  • Date Complaint: 2017-11-01
  • VIN: 3VWLL7AJ0CM
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE GOT THE DIESEL MODIFICATION. AFTER THE MODIFICATION, THE DEALER RETURNED THE VEHICLE WITH THE CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT ON. IT IS ONE OF VW'S KNOWN ISSUES. VW HAS DECLARED THAT THE HEATER CORE IS NOT PART OF THE 'EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM' AND WANT TO REPLACE THE HEATER CORE AT A COST OF $1,150.00. SEEMS TO ME THAT IF THEY CREATE A PROBLEM, THEY NEED TO FIX IT.
Volkswagen Jetta tdi 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-06-06
  • Date Complaint: 2017-08-11
  • VIN: 3VWLA7AJ0FM
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE ADBLU INJECTOR ON MY 2015 JETTA IS LEAKING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AT 58K FOR REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ADBLU SYSTEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE 60K EMISSION WARRANTY AND VW REFUSED TO REPAIR.

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