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. Engine, Sep 19, 2022

    Water pump, shaft seal leaking.

  2. Engine, Sep 13, 2022

    The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after her son had parked the vehicle for approximately an hour, the vehicle failed to restart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was no power going to the engine. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who stated that the timing belt had failed and damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

  3. Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2022

    Last year 2021 I replaced the DPF and the is the Turbo charger. One year later 32k miles the turbo blows again just shy of the 25k mile warranty. This is the 3rd time on this vehicle replacing all components.

  4. Electrical system, Jul 24, 2022

    Last Thursday, we were driving at night when both low-beam headlight went out at exactly the same time causing us to be driving blindly for a moment. Luckily, the high beams still worked, but this issue seems to be some sort of short, and is dangerous. After looking online, it seems this has happened to lots of people with VW Jettas

  5. Engine, Jul 7, 2022

    I was sitting at a light and when I started to go, my gas pedal went to the floor and that was it. I was able to coast a few feet. I tried to start the car but it would crank but not connect to start. I had roadside assistance drop the car off at the Peoria Volkswagen dealership. a few days later, I was told that the turbo exploded and the propeller broke and destroyed everything. just by looking at it, I was told that it's going to be at least $7400. my car was driving great. there were no check engine lights, no noise, nothing. I asked the dealership if this was common and he said that this was the first time with my kind of car.

  6. Electrical system, Jul 5, 2022

    key gets stuck in ignition and CANNOT turn car off

  7. Suspension, Jul 2, 2022

    Upon pulling out of my driveway in the middle of June 2022, I noticed a piece of metal on the driveway, located near where the front passenger side tire would have been. Upon inspection, it appeared to be a piece of a suspension spring that had somehow broken off and was later confirmed to be true. I have retained the broken piece, which was about 1/2 the circle of the lowest rung of the spring, but do not have the rest of the spring (disposed of by the repair shop). Pictures are attached, as is a copy of the repair invoice. The repair shop (an independent shop) has anecdotally told me that he has seen a number of these situations on Volkswagen's, Volvo's, and another brand which I cannot remember. At this writing, I have not yet contacted the manufacturer but plan to in the upcoming week. This vehicle has just over 10k in mileage and will be 9 years in service come October 2022. As you can see it is not used very much so I find this failure quite disturbing in the sense of safety, material, and repair cost. A couple of weeks earlier, I noticed that the car just seemed to handle slightly different and appeared that it might have been leaning a bit on the passenger's side, but I didn't think much of it as the car materially handled as usual. As you will see from the pictures, I am quite lucky to not have been involved in a serious crash because the sharp angle of the spring failure could have caused a punctured tire while I was driving. As an aside, in my research I have found a recall for spring failures on Volkswagens, but for the rear springs and starting in 2015, and my car is a 2014 with a front spring failure. Still, it does make one think it could somehow be related.

  8. Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 2, 2022

    This letter is not that I've had a component failure, but that I am concerned about the published failure rate of my Bosch CP4, high pressure fuel pump. I've read multiple horror stories of people who had catastrophic fuel pump failure on their diesel car or truck. I just came to my attention that on June 15, 2022, the NHTSA and Chrysler have issued a recall for the CP4 fuel pumps that were installed on Jeep Grand Cherokees 2014-2020, and Ram 1500s 2014-2019, all of them had the 3.0L diesel engines. It is my assertion that if the NHTSA has issued a recall because of those afore mentioned fuel pumps, that your office should do the same for the VW cars that have the Bosch CP4 diesel fuel pump as well. In your letter dated June 15, 2022, address to Karen Blaesser at Chrysler(campaign number 22V-406), it states the the fuel pump can fail introducing internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel stavation. It goes on to say that the consequence of that fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. I would like to ask the NHTSA to make the same ruling on the VW vehicles that have the CP4 fuel pumps. I have heard that pump failure will result in thousands of dollars in repair costs to get the car back on the road. Another important fact that should be interjected is the fact that VW or the Volkswagen Audi Group should have known that the pumps would prematurely fail because of the Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel that we have in the USA. Over in the EU, they use a different formulation of diesel fuel, one that offers better lubricity for the fuel pumps. In 2006, the Federal Government mandated the use of that ULSD fuel. Another important fact to consider is that VW replaced their reliable CP3 fuel pumps for the newer CP4. That change was a cost saving measure that has cost many consumers a lot of money.

  9. Suspension, Jul 2, 2022

    This May, I started hearing a rattling noise under the right front corner of my car. After several hours of looking, I discovered that the right front coil spring was broken! Because of that I couldn't drive my car until it was fixed. On June 3, I bought a used strut assembly from Economy Auto Parts in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Well since struts have to be replaced in pairs, on June 8th, I bought another used strut assembly from the same place. After replacing struts you have to get a front-end alignment too. The parts totaled $85.60. The front-end alignment at Belle Tire in Warsaw, Indiana was $59.99. I have pictures showing the broken spring. I called my local Volkswagen dealer about a recall on those springs, but they said no. You can't drive your car with a broken spring. A broken spring could result in multiple things happening. A piece of the broken spring could fall off and cause a tire to blow out, it could sever the brake line, or sever the ABS sensor wire at the wheel position. And then the broken spring could fall out onto the road and damage another car, motorcyle or truck. There's a number of things that can wear out on a motor vehicle, but a spring only breaks if it is overloaded or has a manufacturing defect. I've noticed on several VW forums online that front coil spring failure is not uncommon. One more thing, when I called my local VW dealer, they said it would cost over $500 to replace just one strut assembly. I think that VW should have to replace the inspect the coil springs, and that they should be replaced if needed.

  10. Electrical system, Jun 30, 2022

    The key gets stuck in the ignition and won't turn. This can make it so the car can't be turned off. The key won't turn regardless of how the steering wheel is manipulated to make sure it isn't locking the key in place. No warning signs or messages were associated with the incident.

  11. Service brakes, Jun 30, 2022

    When turning the car on with the clutch and brake depressed, the car will roll until the engine turns over and the car starts. The brake stops functioning as the ignition is turned and does not function until the car is on. The car will roll if on any incline while this happens. When this happens if I attempt to lift my foot off the brake and put it back to get it to work the brake pedal can no longer be depressed. Once the car is running the brake works and can be depressed again. This is a safety issue as it could cause a crash or car to roll into traffic. No lights or warning signs turn on when it happens. I'm not sure when this first happened but it has happened on multiple occasions.

  12. Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 17, 2022

    EPC light randomly comes on when driving ,car goes limp and I’ve came close to have 3 accidents.Had car checked out at Volkswagen dealership and they said no repairs were needed .The EPC continues to come on and off This is dangerous Occurs multiple times

  13. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 16, 2022

    Motor was replaced at 104,714 miles due to knock in engine. Got car after motor replacement and car is doing same exact thing with less than 5000 miles on new motor. Codes that are appearing are oil pressure switch and power train computer issues.

  14. Service brakes, Mar 18, 2022

    VW said it is the ABS module. It appears they had this same problem in a previous recall. Safety Recall 45F2 - ABS Control Module Software Certain 2009-2010 Model Year Volkswagen Vehicles They said any or all of the of the components represented by the warning lights may not work. With ABS, traction control, brake & airbag potentially not working that could harm me & my occupants as well as other drivers on the road The component has not been replaced yet as it has taken 4weeks already for the part to come in. It is scheduled to be replaced 3/28/22 I got a warning with three beeps then warning lights come on & stay on (ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE, AIRBAG, TPMS)

  15. Visibility/wiper, Mar 15, 2022

    The windshield wiper motors are extremely noisy. There is a knock technical service bulletin on this issue but VW says it is not covered as a recall. The issue is that water gets into the improperly sealed motor and then starts to rust the internal metal and then a very loud, noisy whining sound emits from the motor. It should be a recall and it should be replaced for free by Volkswagen. I don’t understand why I should foot the bill for their mistake or their parts supplier’s defect. It does affect safety because the loud wiper motor is a distraction to driving, as well as the unit can potentially seize in the future and cause complete failure of the wiper system.

  16. Power train, Mar 1, 2022

    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.

  17. Electrical system, Engine, Feb 24, 2022

    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.

  18. Engine, Jan 27, 2022

    Got the Jetta in 2017 with 70,000 miles on it. It ran good in the beginning but gradually the engine light and the EPC light came on. It began to idle rough and die in the middle of driving it. With my child in the car! We took it to the dealership and they said nothing was wrong with it except it needed an update. Well that didn't help, eventually the whole engine shut down in the middle of driving it, luckily I was right by my house so I was able to get it started again and parked in the garage for a couple months until we could get it into the dealership. They looked at it and said it was an oil consumption problem with no leak and we need a new engine. They wanted to charge us 14 grand for a new engine! Appearently this is a common problem for Jettas. I'm contacting Volkswagen also.

  19. Engine, Jan 19, 2022

    While driving home from work the vehicle suddenly stopped and stalled in the middle of the road creating an unsafe condition with regard to oncoming traffic. There were no indicator lights that the vehicle was in need of attention, the check engine light was never on, the car had sufficient oil and gas and the battery less than a year old. The vehicle had to be towed. After having a mechanic look at it was told the engine seized and will have to be replaced. The car is only 6 years old and has less than 85k miles on it. Upon looking into the issue with 2014 VW Jettas, I have read several reports of similar instances happening to many others, some even within a year of owning the car. This is a safety hazard. When I spoke to VW of America, I was told there was a recall of the ECM (electronic control module) however they would not give me information as to whether this would cause the car to stall or to need a new engine and would not pay to have their faulty vehicle taken to the dealership via a tow.

  20. Power train, Jan 18, 2022

    I was driving on a busy interstate at 65-70mph when an error notification flashed saying that there is a problem with my hybrid system, then disappeared. A short time later, my car began to rapidly decelerate and the engine just revved when I pushed on the gas. Fortunately, I was in the second to right lane of 5-lanes heading north and was able to coast into the far right lane. Unfortunately, there was no shoulder due to construction, so I was still blocking a lane. After turning on my flashers, I put the car in park, then turned it off. I was able to restart the engine, but could not get it into drive. I tried this multiple times with the same effect. the engine would start, rev when I pressed the gas, but would not move forward. This was a terrifying and life-threatening experience. I am so lucky to have avoided a catastrophic collision with another vehicle. As it was huge semis and other cars were passing me very closely and rapidly. After finally getting through to roadside assistance and the state patrol, I made progress in getting off the interstate and arrange a tow. The engine would go into neutral, so I was eventually able to be pushed off the interstate onto the shoulder of an exit ramp. The transmission shop owner the car was towed to could not accurately diagnose the issue but found this article: https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1126507_2013-2015-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-recalled-for-transmission-issue. He recommended having it towed to the dealership for further diagnosis. Diagnostic screenshots are attached. There was a recall (38C4) to deal w/ the mechatronic unit, but that did not prevent the problem. The dealership states that it's a "Transmission mechatronic accumulator/transmission internal failure." I spent time on the phone w/ VW America Customer Care. They refuse to help w/ this KNOWN problem with this make, model, and year of this car. The repair estimate is $9,965.67. I have already spent $500 out of pocket for 2 diagnoses and towing.

  21. Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 12, 2022

    My car has progressed from an intermittent crank/no start issue to outright failure while driving. There have been several incidents where I am driving at ~40 mph and my car completely dies in the middle of intersections/fast moving traffic putting me in grave danger. I have visited the dealership 4 times now with multiple parts replaced but the issue persists, and I feel unsafe driving the vehicle but I have no other option. I have not been given a loaner vehicle at any time from the dealership despite requesting one. There has been no check engine light present at any time. I have had the car since it was brand new and it has been serviced precisely at each service interval only at VW dealerships.

  22. Power train, Jan 6, 2022

    2014 VW JETTA HYBRID. DQ200 complete failure. Vehicle shuts off while driving and won’t go into gear. Taken to Osteen VW Jacksonville Fl. Osteen VW + personal research shows that my vehicle ( should** ) be included in RECALL [ 34J6 ] NHTSA CAMPAIGN 19V86600. Have contacted VW Customer support, they told me to screw the off, that only NHTSA can add my vin #. Why is my Vin # not added when 100% of everything involving Recall 34J6 matches my vehicle??? Please lord help me- my car has been in my driveway useless for over a year. I do not have $9000 for this repair. There are literally hundreds of people in my shoes dealing with this identical issues. Please help all of us.

  23. Power train, Jan 4, 2022

    RECALL [ 34J6 ] Does not show my Jetta? yet my Jetta is 100% affected & 100% identical to the recall notice. My vehicle transmission has locked due to hairline fractures caused by pressure inside my DQ200 7Speed DSG Automatic TRANSMISSION ELECTRONIC GEARBOX. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 19V866000. Please include my vin number into the recall-

  24. Steering, Seat belts, Dec 28, 2021

    SRS system error, says my seatbelt is not fastened when it is, warning chime and light intermittently will continue to chime with light illuminated saying my seatbelt is not fastened. When key is inserted wheel will sometimes not unlock allowing the key to turn from off to accessory or start position, as if the key isn’t working properly.

  25. Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2021

    The transmission stopped working leaving the vehicle to suddenly lose power. My safety was put at risk trying to cross a busy intersection with no way to propel forward. The dealership is aware of the issue.