2010 Volkswagen Jetta: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
On the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, the failure owners report most often is fuel pump failure, and the reports cluster around 47,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other powertrain problem, reported by a median of 35,000 miles. Overall it scores 74 out of 100, high risk for a 2010.
High risk for a 2010 — 66th riskiest of the 275 2010 vehicles we can rate. 1,184 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 67 named failure modes on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, and the three most-reported carry 33% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Fuel pump failure leads with 194 reports, about 20 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 30k to 76,000 miles.
Other fuel system problem follows with 100 reports, usually reported between 7k to 75,000 miles. 2 of those reports mention a fire.
Other electrical problem follows with 94 reports, usually reported between 35k to 80,000 miles. 2 of those reports mention a fire.
By system, the reports fall mostly into fuel (310), engine (206) and electrical (158).
When these failures get reported
1,080 of the reports on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 54,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 45% by 50,000 miles, 82% by 100,000 miles and 97% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 7 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 15% of the dated reports.
32% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other powertrain problem around 34k, other speed control problem around 35k, stalling while driving around 36k and other engine problem around 45k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 67. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 7 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 25 mention a crash, 9 a fire and 10 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.66, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: fuel pump failure at $600–$2,600, other fuel system problem at $300–$2,200, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000 and other engine problem at $300–$4,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
26% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 194 | 191 | 30k | 47k | 76k | 19.6 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 100 | 98 | 7k | 46k | 74k | 10.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 94 | 78 | 35k | 58k | 80k | 9.5 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 91 | 86 | 11k | 45k | 77k | 9.2 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Audio or connectivity failure | infotainment | 69 | 64 | 53k | 65k | 75k | 7.0 | $150–$900 | Low |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 68 | 64 | 4k | 34k | 78k | 6.9 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 49 | 47 | 35k | 52k | 70k | 5.0 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 32 | 31 | 24k | 36k | 63k | 3.2 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 29 | 15 | 70k | 90k | 105k | 2.9 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 26 | 24 | 29k | 61k | 86k | 2.6 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 25 | 25 | 18k | 55k | 90k | 2.5 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Infotainment screen failure | infotainment | 24 | 21 | 65k | 75k | 84k | 2.4 | $400–$2,600 | Low |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 23 | 19 | 40k | 45k | 79k | 2.3 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 21 | 19 | 56k | 70k | 92k | 2.1 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 20 | 19 | 6k | 35k | 63k | 2.0 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 19 | 13 | 73k | 90k | 129k | 1.9 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 16 | 15 | 5k | 46k | 66k | 1.6 | $200–$900 | High |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 14 | 14 | 32k | 63k | 90k | 1.4 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 12 | 9 | 104k | 119k | 244k | 1.2 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 11 | 11 | 41k | 100k | 118k | 1.1 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 10 | 9 | 86k | 96k | 114k | 1.0 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| DPF, EGR or DEF system failure | emissions | 10 | 10 | 26k | 56k | 89k | 1.0 | $800–$5,000 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 10 | 10 | 70k | 88k | 92k | 1.0 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 10 | 7 | — | 52k | — | 1.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 9 | 7 | — | 23k | — | 0.9 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Overheating | cooling | 8 | 8 | 2k | 54k | 60k | 0.8 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 8 | 7 | — | 76k | — | 0.8 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 8 | 5 | — | 60k | — | 0.8 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Turbocharger or supercharger failure | engine | 7 | 7 | — | 72k | — | 0.7 | $1,500–$4,500 | High |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 7 | 7 | — | 10k | — | 0.7 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Strut, shock or spring failure | suspension | 7 | 6 | — | 93k | — | 0.7 | $500–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 6 | 6 | — | 40k | — | 0.6 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 6 | 5 | — | 32k | — | 0.6 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 6 | 4 | — | 39k | — | 0.6 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 5 | 4 | — | 27k | — | 0.5 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 5 | 5 | — | 38k | — | 0.5 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 5 | 5 | — | 43k | — | 0.5 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 5 | 3 | — | 60k | — | 0.5 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 5 | 4 | — | 108k | — | 0.5 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 4 | 3 | — | 70k | — | 0.4 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Cooling fan failure | cooling | 4 | 4 | — | 25k | — | 0.4 | $350–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 4 | 3 | — | 82k | — | 0.4 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 4 | 2 | — | 55k | — | 0.4 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 103k | — | 0.3 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Harsh or jerky shifting | transmission | 3 | 3 | — | 70k | — | 0.3 | $600–$4,000 | Moderate |
| Manual clutch or hydraulics failure | transmission | 3 | 3 | — | 21k | — | 0.3 | $900–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Fuel injector failure | fuel | 3 | 3 | — | 28k | — | 0.3 | $450–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 3 | 3 | — | 65k | — | 0.3 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 3 | 2 | — | 45k | — | 0.3 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 3 | 2 | — | 176k | — | 0.3 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Tire pressure monitor failure | wheels | 3 | 3 | — | 113k | — | 0.3 | $80–$600 | Low |
| Software fault or failed update | software | 3 | 2 | — | 67k | — | 0.3 | $0–$600 | Moderate |
| Thermostat failure | cooling | 2 | 2 | — | 136k | — | 0.2 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Transmission will not engage a gear | transmission | 2 | 2 | — | 22k | — | 0.2 | $1,500–$6,000 | Critical |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 75k | — | 0.2 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Parasitic battery drain | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 56k | — | 0.2 | $200–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Engine sensor failure | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 48k | — | 0.2 | $180–$900 | Moderate |
| Door latch or handle failure | body | 2 | 2 | — | 63k | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,200 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 2 | 2 | — | 160k | — | 0.2 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 2 | 1 | — | 72k | — | 0.2 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 2 | 2 | — | 218 | — | 0.2 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Electrical fire or melted wiring | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 51k | — | 0.1 | $1,500–$9,000 | Critical |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 57k | — | 0.1 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 42k | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 15k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Blower motor or climate control failure | hvac | 1 | 1 | — | 100k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 43 | 40 | 30k | 71k | 112k | 4.3 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta draws about 120 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 98th percentile of complaint rates among 2010 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 9,898 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2010 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Fuel pump failure
High pressure fuel pump failure caused car to stall at highway speed, ~68 MPH. Pulling off freeway with dead car caused a minor fender bender. Being told fuel system repair is $8700 but will likely be covered under warranty. I wish to remain anonymous. 2010 vw jetta tdi sportwagen, dsg transmission, 3292 mi. *tr
2010 vw jetta sportwagen tdi fuel pump failure. I had to replace the entire fuel system at a personal cost of $9,980.52. I was told it was due to contaminated diesel fuel but I have an engineering report that proves the fuel was within guidelines and not considered contaminated by industry standards. It has not recurred but I can't be certain it won't since I have no idea what caused it. Vw is denying warranty coverage. I have learned of a few dozen cases nationwide and in most cases vw did cover the others. One or two have reported a repeat problem. I had only owned the car for 7 months and had 8,076 miles on it at the time. *tr
Other fuel system problem
When taking foot off brake and immediately stepping hard on the accelerator there was a severe hesitation/lag before the car took off crossing traffic. Once it kicked in it took off but is a serious safety concern. I now wait a second or more for the brake switch to communicate to the dsg transmission to tell the clutch to engage. Vw must fix this as I could have been driven in a collision. This was much more than typical turbo lag which is common with diesels. This would occur regularly if I didn't adjust my driving to account for the lag. *tr
I've had 3 automobiles since 1986 with manual transmissions and don't recall a stalling problem like I'm having now with my vw 2010 jetta tdi. It started with a test drive and a number of times after purchase. I assumed my motor skills would adapt and the problem would become less frequent. However, the problem persists, specifically at intersections when pulling away from a complete stop, a rolling stop, or when braking/clutching hard. It also happens when I try to slowly go over bumps or up hills. The most recent incident resulted in slight damage to my car. I was leaving a condo garage in which I had to go up a steep driveway, through an automatic garage door and out an alley with a speed bump just outside the door. The combination of the driveway, bump and a tight left turn meant that I had to generate rpms initially, but then had to taper down immediately. My front wheels made it over the bump, but my car stalled and I was not able to at least coast my rear wheels over the bump. Essentially I was stuck in such a spot that my car cleared the door's beam but a part of my trunk was still in the path of the closing door. In a…
Other electrical problem
Tl*-the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen jetta sportwagen. While driving approximately 55 MPH the horn was engaged repeatedly with a delay response time. The failure occurred at any speed being traveled. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the technician stated that the horn functioned normally. The manufacturer informed there was not a failure and the horn sound was designed with a delay period function. The vehicle had not bee repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure and current mileages were 800.
Tl*the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated there was a momentary delay in the vehicle horn response. The dealer verified there was a brief delay in the horn response but would not provide assistance with repairs. Vw corporate informed the consumer the horn was designed with the delay. Updated evoq 10/22/10*jb
Recalls on the 2010 model year
NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, affecting an estimated 28,951 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylin, service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electron, fuel system, diesel and fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fitt. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
38 vehicles 2020-09-23- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
135,683 vehicles 2016-12-20- Defect
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
- Consequence
- A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
168,275 vehicles 2011-10-03- Defect
- Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi a3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and RPM conditions. This resonance creates additional…
- Consequence
- Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
228,236 vehicles 2010-12-10- Defect
- Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 jetta, new beetle, new beetle convertible, model year 2009 jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. The jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The new beetle and the new beetle convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause…
- Consequence
- If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. Additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 31, 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
16,000 vehicles 2009-08-20- Defect
- Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars manufactured between september 2008 and august 2009. The wiring harness of a temperature sensor in the direct shift gearbox (dsg) may have connector wires that were insufficiently crimped. With insufficiently crimped connector wires, a temperature sensor has the potential to falsely detect a high gearbox oil temperature, causing the transmission to abruptly shift to neutral. If this happens, the selector lever position indicator within the instrument panel will flash. In addition, the "depress brake…
- Consequence
- The abrupt shift to neutral could lead to a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will reprogram the transmission control module with updated software free of charge. The recall began on october 20, 2009. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2010 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2010 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2010 — 66th riskiest of the 275 2010 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 30 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1996 comes out best at 56 and 2019 worst at 88, with 2010 itself at 74.
If the model year is negotiable, 1996, 1997, 2025, 2018, 1998, 1999, 2023, 2000 and 2001 score lower than 2010 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2009–2017 generation specifically, 2012 is the strongest year at 73 and 2015 the weakest at 78.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2009-2017 generation, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta scores best at 73 and 2015 Volkswagen Jetta worst at 78.
What the numbers say to check
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: overheating from about 2k, other powertrain problem from about 4k, seat belt or retractor failure from about 5k and other speed control problem from about 6k.
On a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether overheating has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.
Where these figures stop being useful
1,184 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 1,184 reports, 1,080 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 91% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported failures are fuel pump failure (194 reports, median 47,000 miles), other fuel system problem (100 reports, median 47,500 miles) and other electrical problem (94 reports, median 57,500 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2010 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?
Other powertrain problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 35,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 5,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 54,000 miles.
Is the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
It scores 74 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 66th riskiest of the 275 2010 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2010 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Volkswagen Jetta is best?
Within the 2009–2017 generation, 2012 scores best at 73 out of 100 and 2015 worst at 78. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed