2014 Volkswagen Jetta

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Engine is the leading concern among 386 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 386

Of the 2014 reports, 20 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine108 reports · 28% of complaints
Owner complaints386Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship5 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine108
  2. Electrical system94
  3. Power train73
  4. Other or unspecified71
  5. Fuel/propulsion system38
  6. Air bags37
  7. Exterior lighting24
  8. Service brakes18

Recalls and investigations

  1. Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderSep 23, 2020

    Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

    If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

    Campaign 20E064000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Electrical system, ignition, anti-theft, control moduleAug 22, 2019

    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. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."

    Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.

    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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.

    Campaign 19V615000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Air bags, frontalAug 4, 2015

    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. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.

    A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.

    Campaign 15V483000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection system, fuel railJan 23, 2015

    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 and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

    A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

    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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.

    Campaign 15V028000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. Power train, automatic transmission, cooling unit and linesApr 15, 2014

    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.

    The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.

    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. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.

    Campaign 14V182000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints

386 reports, newest first.

  1. Structure, Jan 19, 2024

    Please attach this to the previous submission: 11565729 The dealer described it a "hole" where the seam sealer was skipped during production. If they warranty rust holes, why not manufacturing error holes? 12 year rust through warranty. Page 11. Coverage This limited warranty covers any repair or replacement of body sheet metal panels that have been perforated by rust from the inside out. Where to go for warranty service: This limited warranty will be honored by any authorized Volkswagen dealer in the United States, including its territories. If your Volkswagen model is brought to an authorized Volkswagen dealer outside the United States, including its territories, this limited warranty will not apply. Defects in material or workmanship will be corrected under the terms of the warranty for new Volkswagen vehicles in effect in that country (except Canada). When the warranty period begins: The limited warranty period begins on the date the vehicle is delivered to either the original purchaser or the original lessee. This Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation is automatically transferred without cost if the ownership of the vehicle changes within the warranty period. Free-of-charge repair Repairs under this limited warranty are made free of charge. An authorized Volkswagen dealer will repair the defective part or replace it with a new or remanufactured genuine Volkswagen part.

  2. Structure, Jan 16, 2024

    [XXX] 10 year old VW Jetta that was always in the garage until last year when we moved. Now have a nauseating mildew smell throughout the interior. Finally found water under the front carpet. Then found this VW Tech Tip (above). Apparently a known manufacturing issue: "seam sealer Skip" is how they refer to it. Now it's out of warranty with only 52,000 mi and is an unsafe mildew/mold trap. The dealer says it may be $3,000 to fix. Removed driver side front fender, the entire interior and sent the carpet and padding to be ozoned. See pic. Most seam sealer around hinges and A pillar are all painted the body color. This pic shows where it was "skipped" during the build. The dealer repaired the driver side last week without painting (why it's black). Then they strangely stated that they'd like to remove the passenger side fender as well to look for "more holes". They know what's going on. This is a well-known problem. VW customer service said they won't offer any assistance since it's out of warranty. I did own it while under warranty, but never noticed since it was garaged. Do I have any recourse since it's an admitted manufacturing problem? Thanks for your consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  3. Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jan 6, 2024

    Visibility was impaired when defroster failed to clear windshield and heater was not working on 12/16/2022. I took vehicle to Hayward Volkswagen on 04/04/2023 and was told heater core needs to be replaced. This is a known problem to Volkswagen; there's a warranty recall on the 2014 Passatt with the same heater core. I have found numerous complaints on line with the same Jetta heater complaint. The 2014 Jetta i own has approximately 88,000 miles, mechanically sound car which i am unable to drive in winter months. Feeling frustrated, I did contact VW "helpline" on 01/05/2024, they were no help, not even to negotiate price.

  4. Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 10, 2023

    I was on lunch brake, going through a McDonalds drive thru, the car just shut off. I had to have it pushed out of drive thru. After several tries it did start again but shut off in the middle of traffic. I couldn’t shift it. I had to have it towed. VW dealer said I needed a new transmission at 62,000 miles. Then I read about the recall and knew that’s what was the matter with my car. The trouble is my car is not on the recall list. It’s the same with many of us who bought jetta hybrids. So I am out $15,000. The only transmission that can be used is the one on the recall.

  5. Engine, Nov 18, 2023

    Engine experienced excessive oil consumption for years, especially following emissions control software update. Repeated EPC errors where encountered and brought back to multiple dealers who dismissed the issue recommending the use of higher octane fuels and more regular engine oil replacement. Advice was followed. Oil consumption eventually became extreme to the point that in excess of 4 liters where required to fill without any indication of low oil levels. Despite best efforts to maintain engine with sufficient oil to maintain recommend levels many times a year eventual engine knocking was encountered and costly engine replacement was recommended. Issue is well documented publicly with little to no recourse. Car is available for inspection upon request, engine replacement has not been pursued at this time.

  6. Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 21, 2023

    My 2014 VW as many other 2014 models are experiencing the following according to my local dealership in Miami: The ABS module is defective effecting other systems and making the car unsafe to drive as it was in 2009 and 2010 models. Dealer repair estimate is between $2500 with $5000! VW should recall before people get hurt!

  7. Engine, Aug 13, 2023

    timming chain damaged engine

  8. Power train, Engine, Jul 10, 2023, crash

    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.

  9. Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 28, 2023

    The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was blinking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the spark plugs were replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V028000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted but no assistance was not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 30,000.

  10. Power train, Engine, May 24, 2023

    Timing Chain failure on highway nearly causing serious accident. VW will not cover repair. Timing Chain failure is a common issue on these cars and is a safety hazard.

  11. Power train, May 23, 2023

    The car was driving fine then began to slow down on its own. I would press on the gas but it was not accelerating properly. The engine light came on and another light. The car just died and I was trying to get off the road and to a shoulder. Stuck on the road. Car was dead. I tried to move it. Then I went back to car and restarted it. It did start enough to get me off the road. I took it straight to the dealer and they said it would cost $10,000 to fix because it's a hybrid.They called it transmission troubles. It is in process of failing.

  12. Air bags, Mar 28, 2023, crash

    The contact owned a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she was involved in a multi-vehicle accident pileup after a utility truck that was two vehicles ahead of her suddenly braked. The air bags had failed to deploy. The contact's daughter did not require medical attention but had sustained a headache from the impact. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,640.

  13. Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2023

    Car suddenly losses its power and stops, and I have to turn off the car and turn on again to drive. It happens in small roads and in highways that causes very dangerous situations. No check engine or issues shown.

  14. Power train, Feb 7, 2023

    For the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 2013-2015 units, a safety recall 34J6 was issued to service transmission issues that caused powertrain failure. The problem is caused by hairline fractures in the accumulator that cause insufficient transmission oil pressure (my vehicle is showing codes that this is the case). Recently, my 2014 VW Jetta Hybrid has been experiencing issues as described by the 34J6 recall. My car would lose powertrain capabilities at stoplights or if i was slowing down. It would also occasionally stop and start when it was supposed to be idling. The dealership has confirmed that my accumulator is the issue,however, my VIN number is allegedly not affected by this recall. Can an investigation be put forth to determine if this recall can be extended to be more inclusive of VIN batches that it is affecting?

  15. Power train, Jan 8, 2023

    The vehicle transmission will disengage while driving. Dealer stated entire transmission needed to be replaced.

  16. Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 7, 2023

    The camshaft sensor is faulty, which then causes the cruise control to stop working, the traction control to turn off, makes the car unable to accelerate, then the steeling wheel begins to shake and the engine to shut down. Which is extremely dangerous while driving. I was luckily able to pull over, but I was almost rear ended because the car stopped accelerating. My check engine light didn’t come on until AFTER this incident occurred.

  17. Power train, Jan 5, 2023

    The vehicle will constantly try to switch from gas engine to electric mode while at a stop causing transmission issues. Code that show are as follow: P0841 and P17BF.

  18. Engine, Dec 29, 2022

    Engine has began working rough in idling, rpm bouncing on the low speed and traffic. Check engine light is on. So far, I have seen too many people experiencing absolutely the same issue with 1.8t engine with low mileage driven

  19. Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 19, 2022

    First owner, brought brand new, serviced the car every 5k, current 61000 mileage, no prior repair or accident. Nov 16, 2022 Jetta’s engine light went on suddenly, next day engine light off, then it went on and off for a couple of days. Drove to the dealership Nov 21, was refused to check as they're too busy; drove to AutoZone Nov 22, did a diagnostic check, trouble code P0131 (power train system) and 02214-002(Anti-lock Brake System), suggested replacement of an Oxygen sensor. Four days later on Nov 26, drove at the parking lot at low speed between 10-15 mph, the car suddenly stalled for the first time. Was able to drive 1.6 miles back home at very low speed. Nov 28, 2022 Dealership was fully booked; was able to drive the car to a close-by shop who said could fix it. The independent shop replaced two oxygen sensors, spark plugs, spark plug wire set, fuel system treatment and coil ignition. Pick car, stall persisted. Drove back, at second attempt, the shop claimed they replaced one faulty oxygen sensor, still was unable to fix the issue and towed the car to the dealership, dealership test drove multiple times and found nothing wrong. Dec 4, picked up the car, stall persisted within an hour. Called the shop, they didn't know what to do and suggested taking the car to the dealership. Dec 5, drove the car with no problem to the dealership. Described the issue, asked for a 60,000 miles maintenance and check crankshaft sensor, both refused by the service consultant. Asked to check all the parts been replaced. Dec 7, dealership called, claimed three mechanics were working on it and could not pinpoint the problem, best guess is ECM but no guarantee. Dec 9, picked up the car, car stalled three times within two minutes leaving the dealership; unable to hit 30 mph on highway, dangerous to drive in daytime traffic; found a parking lot and had the car towed back home. Today Dec 19, car stalls within a minute of starting. Not safe to drive. VW America declined buy back.

  20. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 18, 2022

    Hello, Recently error codes P309D and 01314-013 were detected via a code reader. Translation of codes indicate Powertrain System and/or ABS ECM. The vehicle will lose power upon downshifting which requires the engine turned off and back on. Once the car reaches normal operating temperature, the issue does not occur. In addition, the Hybrid System is not available. The monitor indicates the battery is being charged. The battery will discharge power, but not to the engine. Not sure where it goes. Finally, the loss of the Hybrid System has resulted in a lower miles per gallon from 45mpg down to 29mpg. Vehicle is available to inspect. Loss of power puts me at risk. The issue has not been confirmed by an Independant source including dealer, police and insurance company. The vehicle has had transmission problems in the past. Loss of power and certain gears, specifically even gears and reverse.

  21. Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2022

    I moved my car from the front of my home to the back and when I tried to shut off, the key broke off in the on position. I had to get pliers to remove the key. I had another key, so I didn't think much about it then. Then a few months later it happened again. They key was stuck in the on position and would not shut off. The key did not break off, so I had to let the car run. I had to get my nephew to come over and he had to disconnect the relay and disconnect the battery. We could not get the key turn back to the off position. I called the dealership, and they told me I would need to have it towed and they would need to take a look at it. I went on the internet to see if this was a common issue and it was, but none of the solutions would work for this make and model of my vehicle. You would need to have special tools to repair. I called my insurance to get a tow and even though I have roadside assistance, they said it would not be covered. So, I have to pay to have the car towed to the dealership which is 60+ miles from me. The tow was very expensive. The car was taken to the dealership, and they concluded that the ignition switch and column lock was worn out. During this time of the year the weather was hot, and I think that the extreme heat on the metal cylinder may have been a factor in the function of the ignition lock switch.

  22. Suspension, Dec 6, 2022

    Front end making a banging noise. Local car shop tells me the front Driver side STRUT COIL SPRING is broken and flopping around. Car steers, and drives ok.WHAT IF IT HAD BLOWN MY TIRE when it busted???? Have never seen one of these springs break myself. There are more reports on the internet about this with VW’S. A recall was issued on the 2019 and newer for the rear springs. Any before that year must not count?????

  23. Air bags, Nov 10, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing on the horn, the horn failed to make a sound. The contact stated that the air bag, ABS, and Electronic Steering Control (ESC) warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the horn to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

  24. Engine, Oct 4, 2022

    My EPC light has been coming on and off for months now. We've had it in to multiple mechanics. All of them replacing different components. The light goes off and we drive it for a few days. Then it comes on randomly and we lose power to the vehicle and have to quickly pull off the road. This has happened TWICE while on the expressway in BUSY traffic with my children in the back. And its happened countless times on county roads and side roads. We've had the Accelerator Peddle replaced, the Throttle Body, new Spark Plugs..... the list goes on. I decided to do some digging online and found a MASSIVE forum of VW, Audi owners with this same exact problem. And they are ALL explaining the dangers. I am shocked this isn't on a Recall List. The EPC issue needs to be taken care of by the manufacturer. I've included a link to that forum so you can see for yourself! https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t23523_ds493841

  25. Steering, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2022

    2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Part number 5K0953569AL air bag clock spring failed leaving air bag and horn unusable. Dealerships say this is the most back ordered Volkswagen part. Many wait lists have several thousand people waiting with no end in sight. No one can provide a ship date. These cars cannot legally be on the road and cannot be sold back to a dealership because they won’t pass inspection. This part has been involved in a recall previously with the same issues, but not all affected cars are covered under the recall. I am personally unable to find a solution and my car has been unusable and unsafe. When I realized how normal and not unique my exact situation was, I felt the need to report this problem on behalf of the tens of thousands of people who are without safe vehicles, including myself. I am hoping that the recall can be extended to these other cars desk with the exact same clock spring issues so that we can be provided with solutions that can get our cars back on the road safely. Thank you for your time.