The sixth generation Jetta is the used bargain of the compact sedan world. Sold in the US for model years 2011 to 2018, this Jetta was developed as a standalone model rather than a Golf with a boot, built in Puebla in Mexico, and priced to undercut the Corolla and Civic. Today it is one of the cheapest ways into a spacious, comfortable German sedan, with the GLI offering genuine hot sedan pace for used family car money.
So who does it suit? Budget buyers who want more space and refinement than the price suggests. Commuters who do big miles, for whom the TDI diesel still makes sense. Enthusiasts on a budget, for whom the GLI is a performance bargain. Used buyers who are willing to check service history carefully, because the wrong engine and year combination can bite. Our Volkswagen Jetta model guide puts the generations side by side.
This page covers the 2011 to 2018 generation in detail: the wide engine lineup, the recalls, the engine specific faults by year, which ones to buy, and what the car costs to run.
Volkswagen Jetta 2011 to 2018 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Generation and years sold | Mk6, the sixth generation, codename A6. US model years 2011 to 2018, built in Puebla, Mexico. Updated for 2014, facelifted for 2015, new base engine for 2016. |
| Body styles | 4 door sedan, plus a SportWagen estate on the older platform for some years. |
| Main engines | 2.0 liter with 115 hp, 2011 to 2015. 2.5 liter five cylinder with 170 hp, 2011 to 2013. 2.0 liter TDI diesel with 140 hp, 2011 to 2014, and 150 hp from 2015 to 2016. 1.8 liter turbo with 170 hp, 2014 to 2015. 1.4 liter turbo with 150 hp, 2016 to 2018. GLI 2.0 liter turbo with 200 hp, 2012 to 2013, and 210 hp from 2014 to 2018. |
| Gearboxes | Five speed manual or six speed conventional automatic on most cars. Six speed dual clutch on TDI and GLI cars. Seven speed dual clutch on the hybrid. |
| Drive | Front wheel drive only. |
| Seats | 5 |
| Boot space | 15.5 cubic feet, one of the biggest boots in the class. |
| Fuel economy highlights | 1.4 turbo rated 28 mpg city and 39 highway. TDI diesel rated 30 city and 42 highway. Hybrid rated 42 city and 48 highway. |
Engines and specs that matter
The 1.4 liter turbo in the 2016 to 2018 cars is the engine most buyers should want. With 150 hp and 184 pound feet of torque from just 1400 rpm it feels stronger than the numbers suggest, and 28 city and 39 highway economy is excellent. It pairs with a five speed manual or a six speed conventional automatic, and these late cars are the consensus best years of the generation.
The 1.8 liter turbo from 2014 to 2015 is the sweet spot for drivers on a budget. It makes the same 170 hp as the old 2.5 five cylinder but with far more torque, and 2014 cars regained the independent multi link rear suspension that the early cost cut cars lost. These are pleasant, refined cars that still sell cheap.
The 2.0 liter TDI diesel suits high mileage drivers. With 236 pound feet of torque and 30 city and 42 highway economy, it is a superb long distance car. But every 2009 to 2015 TDI was caught up in the diesel emissions scandal, so only buy one with proof that the approved emissions fix was completed.
The GLI is the enthusiast pick: 200 hp on 2012 to 2013 cars and 210 hp from 2014 to 2018, all with 207 pound feet of torque, a manual or dual clutch gearbox, and the multi link rear suspension. Used prices are low for the pace. Just demand proof of dual clutch servicing and ask about the timing chain tensioner on the early cars.
The engines to approach with care are the 2.0 liter base engine and the 2.5 five cylinder in the 2011 to 2013 cars. They sit in the cars with the most recalls and the cheapest interiors, so buy them only at a clear discount with full records.
Which one suits you? Commuting and economy, take a 2016 to 2018 1.4 turbo with the automatic. Big annual miles, a 2015 or 2016 TDI with the emissions fix documented. Driving fun on a budget, the GLI with the manual.
Common problems of this generation
This Jetta has the longest fault list of any car on this site, but the faults are specific to engines and years. Work out which engine the car you are viewing has, then read the matching section.
Recalls to verify by VIN, 2011 to 2013 cars
The early cars carry three recalls you must check. The 2009 to 2012 TDI cars were recalled for a fuel leak from injector line number 2, with a fire risk. The 2011 to 2013 cars were recalled for rear trailing arms that can fracture after an earlier rear impact that was not properly repaired. And the 2010 to 2013 cars were recalled for airbag clock spring contamination that can disable the driver airbag. Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall checker and confirm every campaign is closed. Note that the Jetta sedan was not part of the Takata inflator recalls, so the clock spring is the airbag item to verify.
Timing chain tensioner, early 2.0 turbo GLI cars
The 2012 to 2013 GLI uses the early version of the 2.0 turbo with a documented timing chain tensioner weakness. Listen for a rattle on cold start, which is the classic symptom, and ask whether the tensioner was ever updated. A tensioner repair typically costs 1,500 to 2,500 dollars. Later GLI cars are far less affected.
If you feel shuddering or delayed engagement from a dual clutch car on the test drive, our guide to transmission problem signs and symptoms explains how to tell a service interval issue from a gearbox that is failing.
Water pump and thermostat housing leaks, 1.8 turbo and GLI
The plastic water pump and thermostat housing on the 1.8 turbo and 2.0 turbo engines are a known leak point, with sudden coolant loss the risk. Look for crusty pink or white residue around the pump housing and check the coolant level. Replacement typically costs 800 to 1,200 dollars. Our guide to car water pump replacement cost breaks down what the job should cost in your area.
1.4 turbo timing belt and oil use, 2016 to 2018
The late 1.4 turbo is a good engine with one strict rule: the timing belt must be serviced on schedule, because a defective camshaft adjuster has caused belt failures on some cars. Ask for the receipt. Some of these engines also show increased oil consumption from piston ring deposits at higher miles, so check the dipstick and ask about top ups.
1.8 turbo chain and pump issues, 2014 to 2015
The 1.8 turbo can suffer timing chain stretch, wear on the high pressure fuel pump cam follower, and low oil pressure at idle. Listen for chain noise on startup, and favor cars with short oil change intervals in the service book.
Should you buy this generation
This Jetta suits buyers who want a lot of car for little money and are willing to do their homework. A 2016 to 2018 1.4 turbo with records is a genuinely good used car: spacious, comfortable, economical and cheap to buy. The GLI suits enthusiasts who want pace and handling for family sedan money.
Who should skip it? Buyers who want zero homework should look elsewhere, because the engine and year you pick matters enormously here. Anyone considering a 2011 to 2013 car must verify all three recalls and accept the cheaper interior. Diesel buyers must have the emissions fix paperwork. If you want maximum peace of mind with minimum effort, a Corolla asks less of you.
The good buys are 2016 to 2018 cars with the 1.4 turbo: the best years of the run with the best engine and gearbox pairing. The 2014 to 2015 1.8 turbo cars are the value pick. The GLI is the pick for drivers, in any year, provided the dual clutch service history is complete and the early cars have tensioner proof.
Whatever the year, run through this checklist before you hand over money:
- Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall checker and confirm all campaigns are closed.
- On a TDI, demand proof the diesel emissions fix was completed.
- On a 2012 to 2013 GLI, listen for timing chain rattle on cold start and ask about the tensioner.
- On a 1.8 turbo or GLI, check the coolant level and look for residue around the water pump.
- On a 1.4 turbo, ask for the timing belt service receipt.
- On any dual clutch car, demand proof of gearbox servicing every 40,000 miles.
- Check the engine oil level yourself and ask about top ups.
- Get a pre purchase inspection from an independent VW specialist on any 2011 to 2013 car.
Running and repair costs
Running a Mk6 Jetta is affordable if you use an independent VW specialist instead of the dealer. Parts are cheap and plentiful. Typical US prices for the common jobs look like this:
| Job | Typical cost in US dollars |
|---|---|
| Front brake pads, fitted | 150 to 300 per axle at a dealer, around 219 mobile |
| Four tyres, fitted | 450 to 850 |
| 12 volt battery, fitted | 120 to 300 |
| Dual clutch gearbox service | 300 to 595, due every 40,000 miles |
| Water pump and thermostat housing, 1.8 turbo or GLI | 800 to 1,200 |
The standard 1.4 turbo cars are cheap to run if you stay on top of servicing. The GLI and TDI cost more in tyres, brakes and gearbox servicing. The expensive mistakes are buying an early car with unresolved recalls, a GLI with a rattling timing chain, or any dual clutch car with no service history.
Questions and answers
Is the 2011 to 2018 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
It depends on the year and engine. The 2016 to 2018 cars with the 1.4 turbo are the consensus best years with the fewest problems. The 2011 to 2013 cars carry the most complaints and three important recalls. Pick a late car with full records and it is a dependable, spacious sedan.
What is the best year of the Mk6 Jetta?
The 2016 to 2018 cars. They have the 1.4 turbo engine with the best economy of the petrol range, improved interior quality, more driver assistance tech, and they sit past the recall heavy early years. The 2014 to 2015 1.8 turbo cars are the value alternative.
Should I buy a Jetta TDI?
Only with paperwork. The TDI is a superb long distance car with 236 pound feet of torque and 42 mpg highway economy, but every 2009 to 2015 TDI was part of the diesel emissions scandal. Demand proof the approved emissions fix was completed and the injector line recall was done, and budget for diesel specific maintenance like the EGR system.
Is the GLI worth it over the standard Jetta?
Yes, for drivers. The GLI adds up to 210 hp, a multi link rear suspension, sport tuning and the choice of a manual or quick shifting dual clutch. Used prices are low for the performance. Just insist on complete dual clutch service history, check the timing chain tensioner on 2012 to 2013 cars, and have a specialist inspect it before you commit.