2020 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

This 2020 model shows concerning reliability, primarily driven by 6 recalls—above the VOLKSWAGEN average—centered on the seats.

Key Factor:elevated seats issues

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

The 2020 Jetta analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Safety & Reliability Score

40/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-2.35
Investigation Impact-10

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta

Model Year2020
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelJetta
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jun20
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

10 complaints (21% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 47 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
5(11%)
🟡Medium
8(17%)
🟢Low
34(72%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 40k-60k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 41,805 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 9 of 47 complaints (19% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (22%)
20k-40k
1 reports (11%)
40k-60k
3 reports (33%)
60k-80k
3 reports (33%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SEATSAIR BAGSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICTIRESELECTRICAL SYSTEMFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Official Safety Recalls (6)

Campaign: 20V505000

SEATS

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.

Consequence

In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 21V492000

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles. The air bag control module was welded in the incorrect position.

Consequence

Incorrect positioning of the air bag control module can cause the vehicle's air bags to deploy improperly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the vehicle's air bags can deploy unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 28, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CK.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 20V359000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2020 Jetta vehicle. The front brake caliper bolts may come loose.

Consequence

If a brake caliper bolt comes loose, it may affect the vehicle's brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace all four front brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47Q2.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 22V815000

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence

An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 23V604000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.

Consequence

Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Campaign: 24V110000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

2 investigations

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 Jetta.

INV-2020-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Jetta performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 27,230
INV-2020-1001🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Jetta performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 42,302

Consumer Complaints

47 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Jetta.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning21%
Shatter11%
Stall9%
Display6%
Check Engine Light6%
Acceleration Issues6%
Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving southbound on I-15 near Exit 300 (5300 S, Murray, Utah), the sunroof on my 2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL suddenly and spontaneously exploded outward without any impact or external object striking the glass. The vehicle had approximately 72,000 miles at the time. There was no tint, film, or modification to the sunroof. The weather was clear, and the road was smooth. The explosion produced a loud gunshot-like sound, followed by glass fragments scattering across the sunshade. Fortunately, the sunshade was closed, which prevented most of the glass from falling into the cabin. However, the incident caused a significant distraction which posed a serious safety risk while driving at highway speeds. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared before the failure. The glass appears to have shattered from internal stress rather than impact, as there were no visible signs of an object strike. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Volkswagen, law enforcement, or insurance, but the glass remains available for inspection if needed.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

October 9, 2025 EPC light on. October 10, 2025, called Brown's VW in Charlottetown, PEI and brought the car in. The EPC light was off. The scan revealed that turbo on the vehicle had a seized wastegate. The cost of repair is $4,026.85 and a wait for parts. If the EPC light was flashing, the vehicle would buck and stop in the middle of the road causing a safety issue. There were no warnings previous to the EPC light going on. the vehicle is out of warranty but low mileage. Please note I spend 6 months a year in PEI, Canada and 6 months in the US. My address in Canada is: 81 Kilkenny Rd., Rte 250, Harrington, PE CIE 3A5. The vehicle is registered in PEI and had a RIV certificate. I was also told by an independent source that the above problem is common in the Atlantic Provinces because of the position of the wastegate and also the salt in the air in the Atlantic Provinces. I am certain in sea coast areas of the US, there is a similar problem with this VW turbo and the VW Tiguan is also affected. Many years of the VW Jetta have the same problem.

Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving down a the road, my husband, 2 children and I, with no cars around us, we heard a loud pop (almost exploding like). We all looked around and then my husband looked up and our sunroof glass was shattered. As we exited the vehicle to take a better look, you could clearly see that the glass was broken from the inside, as if it was popped like a balloon. While no glass fell in the vehicle due to the shade being shut, there was glass all over the top that my husband had to clean up. Unfortunately due to no negligence on our part, we had to file an insurance claim.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This is the same thong that was recalled on the other 2020 vw jetta..I also had a 2016 jettabefore I was allowed to trade it in for the 2020 jetta and the air went out on the both of them before the car was 2 years old. Now the 2020 has rain water coming in holding in the doors. When you open it the water comes out. What's showing is: 1.front assist not available 2. Fault electronic parking brake 3. Transmission in emergency mode you can continue driving 4.only exit vehicle in P position service engine soon Number 3 has shown before and I had another transmission put in. Also engine light was on for the longest. I'm not sure of the exact date. I do have repair bills but I will have to go in my storage unit. Would like to send later

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

When I start the car Multiple times the car will throw over half of all the error code and could not start the vehicle. Driving in the highway doing 65mph with the cruise control on the car completely shut off and I had to limp it to the shoulder and was unable to start the car. Each time I cleared the fault codes then was able to start the car. If I didn’t have my scanner I would have had to get towed each time to the dealer. I see there is an ignition switch recall on the 2019 and the 2020 cars but for some reason I don’t see my 2020 included in that. Now the proximity sensor is at fault and I have to take it to the dealer again. Please let me know what I should do

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle has been displaying "Emergency services unavailable" along with lights for steering and braking systems, Intermittently since new. The dealer stated no problem found.. Now that the vehicle is out of warranty they tell me it needs a new computer module. I believe they said Telematics control unit.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

My check engine light came on on Sunday Dec 1. I immediately took it to a diagnostic service station in my local area. They diagnosed that my car has a vent control valve malfunction. This issue is a KNOWN problem to Volkswagen. They do not replace this part if it fails after 60K miles. This makes zero sense to me. I purchased my car, used with 63K miles on it. It now has 80K. At no time was I made aware that this part would/could fail! The vent control valve is over $250 and labor will be another $200. When I called VW they said they don't issue recalls, only NTHSA does. Furthermore, VW also said that if I am to get reimbursed, should they see fit to issue this recall, that I must take it to a VW dealer. All well and good, but VW wants $238 to diagnose a problem that already cost me $130. I was also told that there are currently 11K cars waiting on this part. That is not a statistical anomaly. Therefore, NTHSA needs to issue a recall and help VW owners get their vent valve control replaced before our engines are damaged.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Will not take fuel. Even when the gasoline tank is empty it will not accept fuel properly. Fuel seeps out and leaks. Problem presents identically to the 2015-2020 VW & Audi recall. VW doesn’t acknowledge my VIN as a vehicle with the problem. My car is on the identical platform as the Audi A3 and is FWD. my problem is identical to the recall but VW will not acknowledge the problem.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

I recently purchased a vehicle on July 11th, and on July 12th, I noticed a significant issue with the transmission. Specifically, the vehicle began grinding when I attempted to engage reverse gear. Concerned for safety, I promptly contacted the dealership. Initially, they advised that the proper procedure was to shift from first gear to reverse, attributing the issue to a known Volkswagen transmission characteristic. Upon further inspection at the dealership, they acknowledged the problem as a documented issue with Volkswagen transmissions, providing a "tech tip" confirming its severity. This issue poses a serious safety risk due to the delay in shifting from first to reverse, potentially impeding quick maneuvering in emergencies, thereby compromising driver and passenger safety. The problem was replicated multiple times during dealership visits, with no warning lights or indications prior to the grinding in reverse.

Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES

My brakes have always sounded weird to me. But the dealer and my mechanic assured me that they were fine. On Saturday 7/6/24, I noticed a horrible grinding noise. I took it to my mechanic and was told that due to a faulty brake caliper the passenger side front inner brake pad has gone metal to metal. I can see that there is a recall on the calipers for 2020 VW Jetta but it doesn't show up for my VIN #. I am having to pay $541.07 and feel that if this is a recall I shouldn't have to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta?

Yes, the 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta has 6 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including SEATS, AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER.

Is the 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta safe to drive?

The 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta has 6 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local VOLKSWAGEN dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seats

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm seats recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all seats recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V505000
2

Air bags

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm air bags recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all air bags recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V492000
3

Service brakes, hydraulic

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm service brakes, hydraulic recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all service brakes, hydraulic recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V359000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your VOLKSWAGEN dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 6 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your VOLKSWAGEN dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
  • Consider whether adjacent model years (2019 or 2021) show better safety metrics.
  • Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.