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Volkswagen Jetta vs. Toyota Corolla Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  
2014 - 2018 Toyota Corolla Reliability by Generation2014 - 2018 Toyota Corolla
0% Best 19% Worst
See problems for this generation
2015 - 2018 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability by Generation2015 - 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
12.285714285714% Best 59% Worst
See problems for this generation
2011 - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Reliability by Generation2011 - 2014 Volkswagen Jetta
25.428571428571% Best 82% Worst
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2009 - 2013 Toyota Corolla Reliability by Generation2009 - 2013 Toyota Corolla
14.571428571429% Best 63% Worst
See problems for this generation
2003 - 2008 Toyota Corolla Reliability by Generation2003 - 2008 Toyota Corolla
5.4285714285714% Best 47% Worst
See problems for this generation

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What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen Jetta Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
I drive an average of 20,000 miles per year and am currently on track to put more than 40,000 miles in two years of ownership. Not one problem whatsoever. No visits to dealership other than routine maintenance. Very solid vehicle so far. full 2012 Volkswagen Jetta review
2010 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
We purchased the vehicle new in June 2012. Around Oct I noticed a bubble on the lower half of the steering wheel. It did not bother me until I seen a thread was starting to come undone. We showed the dealer and they said to monitor it, and if it gets worse come back in. On a weekend trip it came undone more. Once back in town we took it in, and they scheduled to replace it. They did so under warranty with not problems. Besides this One problem the vehicle as been flawless. With just over 40k miles on the vehicle we both say we would get another one. Problem is I told the wife she MUST wait tell 150k miles to get a new vehicle. full 2010 Volkswagen Jetta review
2009 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Comes with a good warranty and free oil changes. VW has a good reputation for building quality vehicles. full 2009 Volkswagen Jetta review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
After 105,000 I can say that this car has been very reliable. Timing belt and water pump at 85000 to be safe. A front bearing went bad at 40000. A turbo sensor went bad at 100000. Brakes lasted til 80000. Never has needed an alignment. No other issues. This car just runs and runs. full 2009 Volkswagen Jetta review
2008 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
With the odometer reading over 36,000 miles I have not had any unpleasant surprises or repairs. full 2008 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The car has held together very well in the 26,000 miles I have owned it. True Delta and Consumer Reports both show that reliability is good and improved considerably over older VWs. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Diesel powertrains are renown for their durability. My brother has a diesel Golf with 120,000 still purring. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Diesel reliability and longevity. Gotten nearly 5 years out of the car without any of the stereotypical VW glitches. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2004 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The diesel engine is proven and will last a very long time if properly maintained- which does add to the expense of the vehicle in the long run. It appears to be well built and sound, in comparison to some other makes of vehicles I have ridden in. full 2004 Volkswagen Jetta review
2004 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
This has been a trouble-free car for four years & 40,000+ miles. full 2004 Volkswagen Jetta review
Volkswagen Jetta Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Sunroof decided to not close after two weeks, I had to give it a little help with my hand, then after three days it fixed itself. If it happens again it'll have to go back to the dealer for repair. Otherwise no problems. full 2013 Volkswagen Jetta review
2011 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
VW has traditionally had troubles with reliability. We've had the Jetta for 9 months and 8,000 miles (daughter's car) and thus far there have been four admittedly minor recalls. On positive, structure feels sturdy all controls appear of hi full 2011 Volkswagen Jetta review
2010 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
1 year old, shop needed to work on motor at least twice. full 2010 Volkswagen Jetta review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
More than a little concerned about Volkswagen’s lingering reputation for poor reliability, high repair costs, parts availability and short livened parts. full 2009 Volkswagen Jetta review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
This car has required too many repairs: clutch master cylinder failure (125k miles) clutch slave cylinder failure (167k miles master replaced again, just to be sure) DMF failure (186k miles converted to SMF) HPFP failure (167k and 190k miles) - $5500 repair (VW paid for first one) motor mount failure (drivers side) P2015 intake manifold flap problem (fixed with dieselgeeks kit) Exhaust pressure sensor 2 failure Delayed air conditioning Forgot that it had aux input when battery disconnected I did drive the car for 115,000 and its ability to generate expensive repairs never ceased to amaze me. Parts are very expensive and the labor times are long because it is difficult to work on. Also this was the first year of the Common Rail diesel engine, and there are a lot of problems that weren't worked out. (example: High Pressure Fuel Pump and single piece diesel particulate filter). Bottom Line: think really hard before you buy a 2009 VW Jetta TDI full 2009 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
06 Jetta TDI has a long list of common issues, all of which I have had, Transmission valve body failure, dual mass flywheel catastrophic failure, camshafts wear out which puts steel bits inside engine, expensive EGR coolers fail. Beware! full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
Nothing in the first 42K miles but, reading the newsgroups has me worried down the line.... full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
I ran into many interior cosmetic trim issues during the warranty period, however no major mechanical problems. Now at ~67k miles I have had to replace the drivers door latch and one of my radiator cooling fans is acting up. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
A few annoying problems to date. Electrical system issues. Nothing in the powertrain or major subsystems. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
TDI engine lasts forever if you take care of it, but its a VW and they are notorious for needing lots of repairs on everything else on the car. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen Jetta Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
I drive an average of 20,000 miles per year and am currently on track to put more than 40,000 miles in two years of ownership. Not one problem whatsoever. No visits to dealership other than routine maintenance. Very solid vehicle so far. full 2012 Volkswagen Jetta review
2010 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
We purchased the vehicle new in June 2012. Around Oct I noticed a bubble on the lower half of the steering wheel. It did not bother me until I seen a thread was starting to come undone. We showed the dealer and they said to monitor it, and if it gets worse come back in. On a weekend trip it came undone more. Once back in town we took it in, and they scheduled to replace it. They did so under warranty with not problems. Besides this One problem the vehicle as been flawless. With just over 40k miles on the vehicle we both say we would get another one. Problem is I told the wife she MUST wait tell 150k miles to get a new vehicle. full 2010 Volkswagen Jetta review
2009 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Comes with a good warranty and free oil changes. VW has a good reputation for building quality vehicles. full 2009 Volkswagen Jetta review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
After 105,000 I can say that this car has been very reliable. Timing belt and water pump at 85000 to be safe. A front bearing went bad at 40000. A turbo sensor went bad at 100000. Brakes lasted til 80000. Never has needed an alignment. No other issues. This car just runs and runs. full 2009 Volkswagen Jetta review
2008 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
With the odometer reading over 36,000 miles I have not had any unpleasant surprises or repairs. full 2008 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The car has held together very well in the 26,000 miles I have owned it. True Delta and Consumer Reports both show that reliability is good and improved considerably over older VWs. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Diesel powertrains are renown for their durability. My brother has a diesel Golf with 120,000 still purring. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Diesel reliability and longevity. Gotten nearly 5 years out of the car without any of the stereotypical VW glitches. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2004 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
The diesel engine is proven and will last a very long time if properly maintained- which does add to the expense of the vehicle in the long run. It appears to be well built and sound, in comparison to some other makes of vehicles I have ridden in. full 2004 Volkswagen Jetta review
2004 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
This has been a trouble-free car for four years & 40,000+ miles. full 2004 Volkswagen Jetta review
Volkswagen Jetta Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
Sunroof decided to not close after two weeks, I had to give it a little help with my hand, then after three days it fixed itself. If it happens again it'll have to go back to the dealer for repair. Otherwise no problems. full 2013 Volkswagen Jetta review
2011 4dr Sedan 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
VW has traditionally had troubles with reliability. We've had the Jetta for 9 months and 8,000 miles (daughter's car) and thus far there have been four admittedly minor recalls. On positive, structure feels sturdy all controls appear of hi full 2011 Volkswagen Jetta review
2010 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
1 year old, shop needed to work on motor at least twice. full 2010 Volkswagen Jetta review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
More than a little concerned about Volkswagen’s lingering reputation for poor reliability, high repair costs, parts availability and short livened parts. full 2009 Volkswagen Jetta review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
This car has required too many repairs: clutch master cylinder failure (125k miles) clutch slave cylinder failure (167k miles master replaced again, just to be sure) DMF failure (186k miles converted to SMF) HPFP failure (167k and 190k miles) - $5500 repair (VW paid for first one) motor mount failure (drivers side) P2015 intake manifold flap problem (fixed with dieselgeeks kit) Exhaust pressure sensor 2 failure Delayed air conditioning Forgot that it had aux input when battery disconnected I did drive the car for 115,000 and its ability to generate expensive repairs never ceased to amaze me. Parts are very expensive and the labor times are long because it is difficult to work on. Also this was the first year of the Common Rail diesel engine, and there are a lot of problems that weren't worked out. (example: High Pressure Fuel Pump and single piece diesel particulate filter). Bottom Line: think really hard before you buy a 2009 VW Jetta TDI full 2009 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
6-speed automated manual FWD
06 Jetta TDI has a long list of common issues, all of which I have had, Transmission valve body failure, dual mass flywheel catastrophic failure, camshafts wear out which puts steel bits inside engine, expensive EGR coolers fail. Beware! full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
Nothing in the first 42K miles but, reading the newsgroups has me worried down the line.... full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
I ran into many interior cosmetic trim issues during the warranty period, however no major mechanical problems. Now at ~67k miles I have had to replace the drivers door latch and one of my radiator cooling fans is acting up. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
A few annoying problems to date. Electrical system issues. Nothing in the powertrain or major subsystems. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
TDI engine lasts forever if you take care of it, but its a VW and they are notorious for needing lots of repairs on everything else on the car. full 2006 Volkswagen Jetta review