How Long Do Volkswagen Jettas Last?- Solved & Explained

Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 11:16 am

Jetta is a budget-friendly compact sedan first launched in 1980 by Volkswagen.

Since 1980, the car has grown in size and power with every generation. By 2011, close to 10-million Jettas had been produced and sold worldwide. 

The Jetta can deliver fantastic gas mileage, a spacious cabin, and a well-groomed styling.

If you plan to purchase one, you will have questions about its average lifespan.

Read to find out more about the Jetta….

How Long Do Volkswagen Jettas Last?

A Jetta with regular maintenance can hit high numbers, such as 300,000 miles on the original engine and transmission.

The Volkswagen Jetta can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles with proper maintenance. If the annual mileage is 15,000-miles, you can expect the Jetta to provide 13 to 16 years of service before requiring costly repairs.

The Jetta has been on the market for many years and has proven long-lasting and durable. 

Other factors such as following maintenance schedules and adopting smooth driving habits also contribute to the longevity of your Jetta.

Thoughts on a High Mileage Volkswagen Jetta

A Jetta with 120,000 miles on the odometer is high mileage. 

Most car parts will have endured wear and tear, which reduces the car’s reliability and raises the maintenance expenses.

However, it would help if you did not decide based on mileage alone.

Here are some factors to consider before going for a high mileage Jetta:

• Have the car scrutinized by a mechanic of your choice to look for any significant issues.
• Check the car’s maintenance history and ask the owner for proof if needed.
• More owners mean more wear and tear on the vehicle over the years. If the car was owned by one family only, it is guaranteed that they took good care of it.
• Rust is an issue and it spreads. Take a look under the car for any signs of rust.
• Check the VIN of the car to gain knowledge about the car’s history and how it has been used.
• Interior conditions are also crucial as it depicts how well the car was cared for. Check the car interior for any signs of damage.

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Does the Volkswagen Jetta Rust Easily?

Volkswagen Jetta is not known for forming rust quickly or forming any premature or excessive rusting, but some rust is expected after 8-10 years of everyday use.

New models of Volkswagen come with a 7 year/100,000-mile corrosion warranty and older models came with a 12-year corrosion warranty.

Regularly washing your car, especially, the underside to remove salt and dirt slow down the rust forming process.

Rustproofing and waxing your car is an excellent choice to prevent rust. It forms a protective coating against rust.

If you reside near coastal areas or regions with high humidity, rust’s chances to form are much higher. 

Comparing the Volkswagen Jetta with Similar Other Cars

Here, we will compare the Jetta with some of its competitors.

Volkswagen Jetta vs. Honda Civic

Honda Civic has been a famous choice for sedans as it has an affordable price and enjoyable driving characteristics. 

The Civic can last up to 250,000 to 300,000 miles or 17-20 years, whereas the Volkswagen Jetta can last up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles or 13 to 17 years with proper maintenance.

The maintenance cost for Jetta is around $609 and for Honda Civic, it costs around $368, which is much less than that for Jetta.

J.D. Power scores the Civic 82/100 in terms of Quality and Reliability, and the Jetta gets 76/100.

According to Repairpal, the Jetta gets a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 while Civic receives 4.5 out of 5.

Both cars are great options as they are tough to beat when it comes to reliability and resale values.

Volkswagen Jetta vs. Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is an affordable, fuel-efficient, and safety-minded compact car.

Toyota corolla can last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles or 17-20 years which is longer than the Jetta that can last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles or 13 to 17 years of service.

Corolla’s annual maintenance and service cost are about $362, and it is about $609 yearly for Jetta. 

J.D. Power gave the Jetta a Quality and Reliability score of 76/100, and the Corolla received 85/100, which outpoints Jetta’s score.

Repairpal gives Volkswagen Jetta a rating of 4 out of 5 in terms of reliability, and Corolla gets 4.5 out of 5.

The Corolla turns out to be a bit more reliable than the Jetta, but the Jetta outperforms in terms of fuel economy, horsepower and torque.

Volkswagen Jetta vs. Audi A4

Even though the Audi A4 costs almost double the price of Jetta, when it comes to technology and refinement, it is on another level.

Audi A4 is supposed to last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles, similar to the Jetta.

The annual maintenance and service cost for the A4 is much higher at $925, while for the Jetta, it is $609.

According to J.D. Power, A4 receives a 74/100 for Quality and Reliability and the Jetta receives 76/100, which is higher than the A4.

Repairpal has given A4 a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, which is lower than the rating for Jetta, 4 out of 5.

Audi A4 is more luxurious and has a better engine but it all comes at a price.

Comparison Chart

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Best and Worst Years of the Volkswagen Jetta

This part will talk about some of the best and worst years for the Jetta.

Best Years

A top pick is the 2022 model, which received some new additions such as automatic emergency braking, a new 158-hp 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. 

Another pick is the 2018 Jetta which is the best model year so far as it got a very minimal number of complaints.

2018 model was primarily unchanged from the previous years, followed by the 2019 model receiving a complete redesign.

Worst Years

The 2009 model has to be the worst year for Jetta as it has received several severe complaints with high repairing costs and issues showing at lower mileages.

2009 Jetta received many complaints regarding the ABS Module Failure, which cost about $2,320.

Many of the 2009 models had severe issues with engines, such as engine failures and overheating with some even catching fires.

The 2006 and 2010 models also received many complaints about less serious causes related to interior accessory issues. 

Model Year and Number of Complaint

Is the Volkswagen Jetta Expensive to Maintain?

The Jetta will cost an average of $609 per year in repair and maintenance, which is slightly higher for compact sedans at an average of $526.

Volkswagen Jetta is a reliable car which means service and maintenance costs are minimal. While the parts may be expensive, maintaining a Volkswagen is relatively low.

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How Long Do the Tires Last?

Jetta tires usually last for 40,000 to 50,000 miles or 3 to 5 years.

The longevity of the tires depends on various factors such as climate, road conditions, and driving habits.

Check the pressure of car tires now and then to ensure they are at the correct tire pressure.

Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles to ensure the wear is evenly spread.

Getting the wheel alignment checked every 6 months by a mechanic or a tire shop.

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The brake pads for the Volkswagen Jetta will usually last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles, although this depends on driving conditions.

Brake pad replacements, including parts and labor, will cost somewhere from $150 to $300 per axle.

If you frequently stop and accelerate in traffic, then it is expected that your brakes will wear out much faster.

Sporty driving styles will lead your brake pads to deteriorate much faster so, adopt a slow and steady style to help them last longer.

How Long Do The Batteries Last?

The Jetta’s battery can last somewhere between 3 to 5 years. 

Any vehicle’s battery life varies depending on several factors such as climate change, driving habits, battery type, and many others.

To prevent damages to batteries, limit quick car rides which do not let the battery charge entirely.

Keeping the battery tightly fastened so that the vibrations do not loosen the connections leads to short circuits and damage internals.

Lastly, it is vital to keep the terminals clean to free them from any buildup.

Are Volkswagens Good Cars?

Volkswagens are very popular for a variety of reasons. They are small and easy to park in tight parking lots. They are also very safe and comfortable for long highway drives.

Volkswagens can be expensive, but they are very reliable and good cars. Some models can run from $250000 to more than $650,000. Although they are expensive, most Volkswagens are a great choice for new or used cars. Their long history in the car manufacturing industry and a wide variety of models makes them a good choice for many buyers.

Volkswagens maintenance costs are less than those of Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep, and Kia. They are also well-rounded vehicles that consistently score high on reliability, design, and overall quality.

If you live in a small town and don’t mind the occasional bump, you should consider purchasing a used Volkswagen. However, you should keep in mind that there may be some problems with a used Volkswagen.

Volkswagens are a bit expensive to repair compared to other brands. You can also expect to replace parts often.

Are Volkswagen Jettas Reliable?

There are many factors to consider when buying a car, but the most important one is reliability. Volkswagen Jettas are known for their reliability. They’ve passed the 100,000-mile mark without any major problems and are very affordable to maintain. Here are the key things to look for in a reliable car. You should also look for low sticker prices and good fuel economy.

The most common problems reported by Volkswagen Jetta owners are engine problems, shifting issues, and braking. These are not exhaustive and may not apply to every Jetta. Some of these problems are caused by internal issues with automatic transmissions. In many cases, this problem requires a replacement of the transmission. The problem is most common with cars with high mileage and in models 1993 and older. You’ll need a mechanic’s inspection if you’re purchasing a used Jetta.

In addition to reliability, Jettas can also be cheap to maintain. In many cases, Jettas can last for over two60,000 miles. But, it is still important to maintain your car. You need to follow the recommended maintenance schedule by the manufacturer. Replace parts before they fail and drive carefully.

Tips to Keep Your Volkswagen Jetta Running for a Long Time

• Get used to the owner’s manual and learn about the essential components, what the car needs and in what quantity, and understand the symbols and warning lights.
• Store your vehicle in a garage to protect it from harsh weather.
• Use recommended and branded quality parts and fluids.
• Take your Jetta to only certified places to work on Volkswagens for repairs and maintenance.
• Slamming brakes or flooring the gas pedals causes more wear and tears on your vehicle. Adopt smooth driving styles.
• Check the vehicle’s engine oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluid levels and fill them up.
• Frequent short trips strain the Jetta as the engine does not get enough time to regain charge.
• Wash your vehicle often to get rid of dirt and grime and protects the car from developing rust.
• Keep updated with factory-advised maintenance.

We hope this article has addressed almost all your questions about a Volkswagen Jetta.