2007 Volkswagen Jetta: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Mk5 year with brake (hydraulic) and powertrain complaints; the 09G automatic is a known weak point. Inspect the transmission. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta ranged from $17,130 to $24,750 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10

Mixed track record

Mk5 year with brake (hydraulic) and powertrain complaints; the 09G automatic is a known weak point. Inspect the transmission.

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=volkswagen&model=je…
carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/volkswagen-jetta-reliability-and-common-problems/
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/volkswagen/jetta

Known issues

Type-09G automatic transmission can fail, jerking between gears, slipping into neutral or no drive, frequently in the 85,000–110,000 mile window, with a costly replacement.

commonly reported · 194 NHTSA complaints · typically 85k–110k miles · transmission
2.0T FSI cam follower wears through and damages the high-pressure-fuel-pump lobe if not replaced periodically; affects the 2.0T/GLI engines.

commonly reported · typically 30k–40k miles · engine
Recurring electrical faults, failing window regulators, switches and lighting, typical of this era, alongside the key-stuck-in-ignition lock-cylinder wear on later cars.

commonly reported · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/volkswagen-jetta-reliability-and-common-problems/
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=volkswagen&model=je…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=volkswagen&model=je…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=volkswagen&model=je…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Available frugal TDI diesel capable of 40-plus mpg
Solid, refined ride and German road manners
Roomy trunk and usable interior space
Distinctive five-cylinder and turbo engine options

Cons

Fragile 09G automatic transmission prone to costly failure
Expensive out-of-warranty repairs
Cam-follower (2.0T) and timing-chain maintenance demands
Chronic electrical and window-regulator gremlins

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
2.5	$17,130	discontinued	—	—
Wolfsburg Edition	$20,100	discontinued	—	—
GLI	$24,750	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2007-volkswagen-jetta-price

Depreciation

2007 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data)

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($17,130). Higher trims started higher (up to $24,750), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/volkswagen-jetta/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $600–650/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (3)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/volkswagen/jetta
moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/vw-jetta-insurance/
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/42431

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta have?

Documented issue patterns include: Type-09G automatic transmission can fail, jerking between gears, slipping into neutral or no drive, frequently in the 85,000–110,000 mile window, with a costly replacement; 2.0T FSI cam follower wears through and damages the high-pressure-fuel-pump lobe if not replaced periodically; affects the 2.0T/GLI engines; Recurring electrical faults, failing window regulators, switches and lighting, typical of this era, alongside the key-stuck-in-ignition lock-cylinder wear on later cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Mk5 year with brake (hydraulic) and powertrain complaints; the 09G automatic is a known weak point. Inspect the transmission.

How much did the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta cost new?

Between $17,130 and $24,750 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Volkswagen Jetta expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.