The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car that came with a choice of 1.9L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 5-cyl engines. At 20 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, 2.5L 5-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Manual 5-spd, Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Diesel, Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 19–30 city / 28–38 highway / 22–33 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,900–$3,400 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 308–404 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 6 configurations |
| Age | 20 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls covering the 2006 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.
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 windshield washer fluid reservoir that may…
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.
Volkswagen is recalling 25,594 my 2006-2009 Jetta 5th generation equipped with 2.01 engine. The fastening screw contact surfaces on the driveshaft cover plate may not have been manufactured to factory specifications. Some screws may not have been torqued properly during assembly and could loosen over time, causing a knocking sound…
Risk: If the vehicle is moving when this happens, the detached driveshaft could cause damage the gearbox housing. A damage gearbox housing could leak gearbox oil onto the street and create a risk of a vehicle crash for both the driver and other m
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some vehicles may not have had a required cap installed which disables the headlight horizontal aim and some vehicles may contain a cap that disables the vertical aiming…
Risk: Noncompliance can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment for roadway illumination, improperly aimed headlamps could cause reduced road visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Certain vehicles equipped with 2.5l gasoline engines may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against the underhood fuel supply line.
Risk: If this happens, the chafing has the potential to cause a fuel leak over time. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Owners have filed 580 complaints about the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA. 15 reports involved a crash and 6 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 17 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 474 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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 2006 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 4 recalls for the 2006 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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