Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 201 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, and it carries 6 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 29 | 14% |
| Power train | 22 | 11% |
| Air bags | 20 | 10% |
| Electrical system | 14 | 7% |
| Engine | 8 | 4% |
| Seats | 7 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 3% |
| Structure | 5 | 2% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
The car has been jerking when you’re driving and sometimes it jerks forward as you’re parking it while it’s in the parked position. Then I’m driving home from work , it’s raining heavy. I get to the Valaro store by my h
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owned a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical problems. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, another driver persistently blew the horn at her to inform
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
TPMS failure on each tire and ABS went out immediately. Was on he highway when failure happened; had to use the emergency run away truck ramp to stop. Break pads seized on back left side causing damage to rotor that was
NHTSA complaint: Tires
I had a mass airflow sensor signal connection failure which caused morning of the second cylinder in a hole in the piston see you
NHTSA complaint: Engine
I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES DUE TO FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT UNIT THAT COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN FIRES. AIRBAG FAULT HINDERING USAGE
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED HER SON WAS DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL EXPLODED WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK IN PLACE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE TO CRASHED INT
NHTSA complaint: Steering
AFTER GOING TO THE MECHANICS AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I WAS EXPECTING ALL THE PROBLEMS TO BE GONE BUT TO MY SURPRISE THE JOLTING WHEN I ACCELERATE IS STILL THERE. ITS A VERY HARSH JOLT FORWARD ROUGHLY WHEN I
NHTSA complaint: Seat belts
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2
Risk: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this
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 flu
Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 cylin
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/s
Risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
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 WINDSHIE
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 RESERV
| Reliability raw | 63 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 66 | good |
| Maintenance | 77 | good |
| Depreciation | 69 | good |
| Performance | 52 | average |
| Efficiency | 42 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 201 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and service brakes is the most reported area with 29 of them (14%). There are 6 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 63/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 66/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2007 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 64/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.