How Long Do VW Jettas Last? Average Mileage, Reviews, Main Problems

A common question that crosses your mind while deciding to purchase a VW Jetta is how long it will last. This question on longevity depends personally on how much driving you do, but you will reach 15 000 miles a year on average. The car is fuel-efficient, designed to accommodate everyone regardless of their height, and is relatively affordable. Learn more in this article as we take you through the following:

• VW Jetta average mileage
• VW Jetta Reviews
• Reported problems with the VW Jetta 

Volkswagen Jetta Average Mileage

VW Jetta models have an average life expectancy of seven to twelve years. This is for most drivers exceeding 150,000 miles. Suppose Jetta sedans are maintained with regular factory-scheduled maintenance and log most of their mileage on the open road. In that case, the Volkswagen Jetta's average mileage will often exceed 200,000 miles with few mechanical problems.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews

Although the VW may appear more reserved than rivals like the flashy Hyundai Elantra, it handles with remarkable quietness and smoothness. However, you will need to pay more for the best content. The 2022 Jetta may not be for everyone, but it is sure to please. Here in this section, we review some of the essential features of VW Jetta, including:

• Sophisticated interior design, cargo handling, and comfort
• Connectivity and Infotainment system
• Driver assistance and safety features
• Maintenance and warranty coverage

Sophisticated Interior design, Cargo and Comfort

Volkswagen Jetta offers sophisticated interior design with generous space for passengers. While the features are more appealing with higher trims, each cabin is tailored to the driver and offers excellent visibility outward. It is a perfect choice for families with children and it has enough space for the driver and passengers. The most luxurious models have top features such as wireless charging and customizable ambient lighting. 

Connectivity and Infotainment System

The infotainment system of a Volkswagen Jetta is a touchscreen that allows you to go through the different sections of the system. The screen's color is usually dark and deep, making it easier to read at all times. The infotainment system is responsive and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Driver Assistance and Safety Features

New Jetta models also come with a few standard technologies for driver assistance like the lane and cruise control assist. Some of the key safety include:

• Automated braking in times of emergency braking 
• Standard forward-collision warning.
• Standard monitoring of blind spot cross-traffic rear alert.
• Adaptive cruise control technology.

Maintenance and Warranty Coverage

In terms of warranty coverage, Volkswagen Jetta performs above average, but the performance is poor when it comes to powertrain. However, the company has provided some maintenance to care for the poor powertrain. It has provided limited warranty cover that spans four years (50 000 miles) for the powertrain. It has also provided complimentary maintenance that covers two years or 20 000 miles.

Problems with the VW Jetta

Volkswagen is a famous and reliable brand for many consumers globally, and therefore its penetration into its market is not complicated. However, it has its fair share of issues. While such issues should never throw your taste against Jetta, it's worth noting to learn them in advance.

Thin paints that chips away easily

Many drivers have complained about Jetta's thin layer of paint that quickly chips away. The bumper has been a problem so often that dealerships have begun to offer touch-up paint for Volkswagen Jetta buyers.

Recalls 

Many Jetta owners have had recalls that Volkswagen has made in recent years. Although most of the problems have been fixed, this information is still valuable for anyone looking to buy a used Jetta. Incorrectly aligned headlights caused the most recent recall. Earlier, a more serious recall was made due to a frayed fuel line that could ignite a fire.

Transmission Issues

Volkswagen's transmission problems are as popular as the engine issues, with drivetrain failures accounting for more than half of the transmission problems. It is to be noted that many of these transmission problems occur at averagely high mileage. Transmission problems manifest in the following ways:

• Lack of response is one of the symptoms you may notice with your car hesitating to engage gears. The main cause of this problem is a faulty clutch.
• Strange noise like humming or whining while trying to shift gears is always a good idea to get it checked.
• Leaking fluid is a symptom of transmission issues, and it must be checked out as soon as possible. If the fluid leaking is not checked, it might lead to a breakdown in transmission.
• You might also notice a dragging clutch when you have manual transmission. The dragging clutch can be described by the failing of the clutch disk to disengage the flywheel while pressed. This issue always makes it hard to engage gears, resulting in a grinding noise.
• While in neutral, there is a noisy transmission which could be a problem. This can be fixed by changing or topping up the fluid.

Engine Misfires

Engine misfire occurs when one or more cylinders stop producing power with possible causes, including a fouled spark plug or faulty oxygen sensor. The basic signs that your engine is misfiring include slow acceleration and, in some instances, shaking while accelerating. There is also hesitation or even power loss. When your Jetta idles, you may also notice it vibrates abnormally.

Power Window Failure

Power windows are always easy to use, although sometimes they present trouble operating in Jettas. Your VW Jetta could have problems if power windows fail or are difficult to use. This is often due to a failure of the window regulator in the VW Jetta cars and it needs to be replaced.

Electrical Issues

It is difficult to identify the root cause of electrical problems and even diagnose them. However, the main problems are due to issues related to ground wiring usually found in conjunction with your VW Jetta battery. Grounding is essential in electrical systems since it is the only way you ensure that your Jetta doesn't have short-circuiting or faulty wiring.

Strange Smell from HVAC Vents

One more problem with the Jetta is the smell coming? from the HVAC vents. This is often a result of condensation in the heater case or the HVAC system, which circulates heat and air throughout the cabin of your Jetta. This smell always occurs when you have been idling for the next 2 hours. It is possible that the drain system of your car has become clogged with dirt, thereby causing a noticeable smell and possibly leading to dirty air.

Cooling Issues

A cooling issue in Jetta is a common problem caused by the water pump failing prematurely. Water pumps are very important as they take coolant from radiators and push it to the engine to maintain optimal engine temperature. On the occasion of water pump failure, the engine might overheat. Symptoms of water pump failing include:

• Overheating of the engine
• White steam oozing from the engine bay
• Leaking of the engine coolant
• Whining noise from the engine

It is recommended that you change it together with the timing belt (or chain). This is because they always go out at the same time. So, you don't want to put a new water pump on a worn-out timing belt, and then it stalls shortly afterward. 

Failing Map Sensor

MAP is an abbreviation for Manifold Absolute Sensor. The MAP sensor is a problem that has been noted in Jetta models like the MK6 Jetta. The MAP sensor computes the air pressure and vacuum within an intake manifold. Symptoms of faulty MAP sensors include:

• Illumination light on the check engine with a fault code
• Surging and stalling of the engine
• Engine misfires

This problem is remedied by considering a replacement of the MAP sensor, or if it doesn't work, the electrical harness should be checked.