The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor engine sensor and door latch issues. At $7,600 to $13,575, it’s a bargain for an entry-level German car with a nice interior.
Is the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2014 is a decent year for the VW Jetta, earning an average overall rating compared to other compact cars since it’s missing some of the latest technology. Owner reviews praise the reliable engines, spacious cabin, and excellent efficiency.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nicer than other compact cars, the seats are extremely comfortable, cargo space is also better than average.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are not any serious widespread problems on the 2014 Jetta. We recommend avoiding models from 2009–2011 which have engine issues. Models from 2012–2018 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is poor from the base 4-cylinder while the turbocharged version has decent power for the size of the car.
- Safety 7/10 – The Jetta is a safe compact car, earning a perfect 5-star rating across the board in government crash tests. Safety technology is weak, though, only offering an optional rearview camera.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 34 MPG giving 493 miles of range from the 14.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $33 cheaper than average, at $173 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2014 VW Jetta is a great value since they are cheaper than other compact cars, although owners should be prepared for higher annual costs.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the VW Jetta?
- Consumer Reports says the Jetta drives like a proper European car with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Jetta at 3.8/5 praising the spacious interior, but doesn’t like the weak base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Jetta a 4.4/5 enjoying the extremely efficient engines, but owners don’t like the lack of technology.
What Common Problems Does the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Have?
Common problems found on the 2014 VW Jetta include the engine stalling while driving, broken door latches, and damaged dashboards. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other compact cars from 2014, however, repair costs are higher than average since the parts are expensive.
The engine stalling while driving is a common complaint reported by owners at around 42,000 miles. Usually when the engine stalls it’s a sign of a failed crankshaft position sensor. Changing out the sensor is a fairly easy process for a mechanic, costing around $375.
A broken door latch is another issue mentioned by owners in the first 50,000 miles. The linkage between the handle and latch has plastic parts in it which break as they get older. Changing out the door latch costs around $150, depending on local labor rates.
Damaged dashboards also show up on some VW Jetta models in the first 20,000 miles. The plastic clips which hold the dashboard in place become brittle over time, which can cause them to break. If they break you will need to replace the clips, costing around $50.
There are 5 recalls on the 2014 Jetta, which are similar to other compact cars. The most serious recall covers fuel leaking into the engine compartment. Volkswagen will replace the fuel rails on affected vehicles for free. Other recalls cover the air bags, along with the key, which are less dangerous.
How Long Will the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Last?
A well-maintained 2014 Volkswagen Jetta should last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the highly-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $609 per year.
Since nearly all 2014 VW Jetta models have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the fuel injectors for $500, the EGR valve costing $250, and the brake vacuum pump which costs $900.
So far it has been reliable. Having routine maintenance done help. Buying any car as a used vehicle can be trying, but it has no issues so far.
I bought my sedan used at the end of July. I have had to replace the battery, but other than that I have had no issues.
It is reliable, but I have had some issues with the radio system, it shuts off very frequently. Also there was an issue with the tire pressure signal on the dashboard that would not go away no matter if the tires were properly filled. There was also just a recall on a part on the car that I need to get figured out.
I recently started to have problems with it misfiring and has stalled a couple of times. It is still reliable.
Some problems just little ones like sticking door handles and a few small signal errors here and there.
It is very reliable. The worst thing about it is the hubcaps came of only months after we purchased from CarMax.
It is reliable. It is front wheel drive so it is reliable in the snow. There was a problem with the steer lock and cylinder that had to get replaced which was expensive. It caused the car to not be able to turn off.
Yes it is very reliable has anything anyone can ask for no it does not have any problems it ride smooth.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is basic in the 2014 VW Jetta with a simple stereo system. There’s an available touchscreen stereo system made by Fender. Safety technology is also below average with an optional rearview camera.
Is the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta a Good Value?
Yes, the 2014 VW Jetta is a good value for an entry-level German car. Blue book prices range from $7,825 to $13,800, making it cheaper than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $15,695 to $26,795. Depreciation is slightly worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the VW Jetta?
There are 5 models of the VW Jetta offered from 2014, from the entry level Base to the more luxurious SEL.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Manual Transmission
- Folding Rear Seats
- Power Windows
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
S is a step up, adding:
- Keyless Entry
- Air Conditioning
- Automatic Transmission
- Power Locks
SE is next in the lineup, which has:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Electric Power Steering
- Premium Vinyl Seating
- Power Front Seats
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
SEL is the most luxurious with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Leather Seating
- Sunroof
- Touchscreen Navigation System
- Rearview Camera
- 8-Speaker Fender Stereo System
TDI is the most efficient model which is the same as the SE, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Diesel Engine
What Engines Come In the VW Jetta?
- The standard engine is a weak 2.0L 4-cylinder which only makes 115 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG.
- A step up is the stronger 1.8L 4-cylinder which generates 170 horsepower at up to 30 MPG. Performance is good, taking 7.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
- The TDI model has the efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel, which offers 140 horsepower at up to 34 MPG.
What Colors Does the VW Jetta Come In?
How Comfortable Is the VW Jetta?
The 2014 VW Jetta is a very comfortable compact car with seating for up to 5 people. Interior materials are more upscale than other compact cars. The seats are also very comfortable for larger passengers.
Passenger room is good throughout the cabin with enough room for adults in the back seats, which is rare for a car of its size.
How Much Storage Space Does the VW Jetta Have?
Cargo space is much better than average for a compact car, with enough room for 4-6 full size suitcases.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Volkswagen Jetta was introduced in 2011 and replaced by the seventh generation in 2019.
2012: Minor stereo updates, sport package on the SEL model discontinued.
2013: Standard disc brakes on all models.
2014: New 1.8L turbocharged engine replaces the 5-cylinder, optional rearview camera added.
2015: Minor front & rear styling changes, higher quality interior materials used.
2016: Base 4-cylinder engine removed, standard touchscreen stereo system added.
2017: Standard rearview camera on all models, USB added as well.
2018: New wheels added as well as a chrome grille.
2019: Fully redesigned for the seventh generation with all-new engines & styling.
How Does the VW Jetta Compare to the Competition?
The Volkswagen Jetta is better than a lot of entry-level compact cars. It offers a nice interior as well as efficient engines which helps it earn our recommendation for shoppers looking for a more luxurious small car.
The Toyota Corolla is a competitor, which is nearly $4,500 more. Technology is a bit better in the Toyota Corolla, while the interior is nicer in the VW Jetta. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since it has lower ownership costs long-term, however, both are great small cars.
The Honda Civic is another compact car which costs about $2,000 more. Performance is better in the Honda Civic with stronger engines, while there’s more room for passengers in the VW Jetta. We recommend the Honda Civic for most buyers since parts are cheaper if something breaks.
Do Owners Recommend the VW Jetta?
Yes. This vehicle handles great. It also gets great gas mileage. This has been a perfect vehicle for me driving over 100 miles a days for work.
Yes. My Jetta is the best car I have owned to date. It gets great gas mileage and has a small gas tank. I spend slightly less per week on gas than I did with my previous car.
Yes, it is a great vehicle. It has great gas mileage, is comfortable, and was reasonably priced. I have enjoyed driving it for the past year.
Yes up until recently, we have had to only do oil changes. It has started to misfire and will stall sometimes.
Yes this is a great vehicles that keeps me safe and has good gas mileage runs smoothly. Wouldn't want another car to drive.
Yes still own it, runs smooth, looks very nice and modern, rides are smooth and not bad on gas. No major problems.
Yes it is a good vehicle, although it is very basic. It feels safe and drives well, but there is nothing special about it. . There are no extra add ons such as a sun roof or bluetooth. It is expensive to fix.
Yes it a very good vehicle it ride very smooth on the highway it has a nice sun roof and it has great heat.