The 1996 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car that came with a choice of 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.8L 6-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Compact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.8L 6-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Manual 5-spd, Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Diesel, Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16–34 city / 23–44 highway / 19–38 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,500–$3,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 268–468 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 5 configurations: Jetta, Jetta GLX |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolts securing the front hood latch can loosen over time. The latch would move causing disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.
Risk: Unexpected opening of the hood could occur obstructing the driver's view of the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 174 complaints about the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA. 17 reports involved a crash and 5 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 12 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 44 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 5 defect investigations covering the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta.
Fuel tank puncture
Light and /windshield wipers
There is no summary currently available
Fuel tank puncture
The office of defects investigation opened this investigation on august 10, 2000 based on 9 reports regarding punctured fuel tanks involving the Jetta, passat, and cabrio models.the reports indicate additional reports in its response to the preliminary evaluation.this investigation has been upgraded for further study.
Lights and/or windshield wiper obscured
There is no summary currently available
Hood latch failure
Odi has received three reports, including the petitioners, regarding alleged hood latch failures.all of the odi reports indicate the hood flew up while driving.following a telephone inquiry, Volkswagen provided odi with some limited information regarding six additional reports of hood fly-up for model years 1995 and 19
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1996 Jettas that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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