VW Jetta 6 (A6)(162/A6)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
211 PS
2.0L TSI Benzin
GLI Mk6 — legacy with updates
Fun to Drive!211 PS
2.0L TSI Benzin
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The VW Jetta 6 (A6) is available with 7 engine variants — from 117 to 211 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The VW Jetta TDI (Diesel, 140–150 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CBEA (2011–2014, Stay Away!) and CJAA (2011–2014, Stay Away!) and CKRA (2015–2015, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the Jetta TDI!
The VW 1.4L TSI (EA211) (Petrol, 150 PS) has the CZTA (1.4L TSI (EA211)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The VW 1.8L TSI (EA888 Gen3 US) (Petrol, 170 PS) has the CPRA (1.8L TSI (EA888 Gen3 US)) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.
The VW 2.0L SOHC 8v (Petrol, 115 PS) has the CBPA (2.0L SOHC 8v) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.
The VW 2.5L MPI I5 (Petrol, 170 PS) has the CBTA (2.5L MPI I5) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The VW Jetta GLI (Petrol, 200–210 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CCTA (2011–2014, Stay Away!) and CBFA (2015–2018, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the Jetta GLI!
The VW Jetta Hybrid (Petrol Hybrid, 150 PS) has the CPTA (1.4L TSI Hybrid (EA211)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Dieselgate TDI emissions defeat device Jetta A6 TDI (EA189) models sold in the US between 2009 and 2015 were recalled as part of the Dieselgate emissions scandal. VW used defeat device software to pass EPA tests. Owners received buybacks or emissions fix as part of the $14.7B settlement. | Low | |
| Timing chain tensioner failure (EA888) — cold start rattle The EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 in the Jetta A6 have timing chain tensioners that lose oil pressure retention when cold, causing chain rattle at startup. If the tensioner fails completely the chain can skip, causing significant engine damage. Repair $800–$1,500. Symptoms: Loud rattle on cold start quieting after warm-up, cam timing fault codes, rough cold idle, rattle progressively worsens from 80,000 km | High |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 71 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Jetta 6 (A6) (2011–2018) — 64 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: CCTA (2.0L TSI), CBEA (2.0L TDI Common Rail (EA189)), CJAA (2.0L TDI Common Rail DSG (EA189)), CKRA (2.0L TDI (EA288)), CBFA (2.0L TSI GLI 210PS (EA888 Gen3)). Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Cooling, Body.
Jetta (CBEA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Dieselgate defeat device and mandatory modification, Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump failure, EGR valve clogging after Dieselgate fix. Power: 140 PS.
Jetta (CJAA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Dieselgate defeat device and mandatory modification, Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump failure, EGR valve clogging after Dieselgate fix. Power: 140 PS.
Jetta (CCTA, 2011–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain rattles on cold start, High oil consumption from weak piston rings, Turbocharger wears from oil starvation. Power: 200 PS.
Jetta (CBTA, 2011–2013) — Be Careful: Coolant flange leak, PCV diaphragm tears, Ignition coils fail. Power: 170 PS.
Jetta (CBPA, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: Timing belt interval is non-negotiable, Crank/cam sensor intermittent failure, Ignition coils cause misfires. Power: 115 PS.
Jetta (CPRA, 2014–2018) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched — simplex chain, High-pressure pump — cam follower wear, Two-stage oil pump — insufficient pressure at idle. Power: 170 PS.
Jetta (CBFA, 2015–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing chain rattles on cold start, High oil consumption from weak piston rings, Turbocharger wears from oil starvation. Power: 210 PS.
Jetta (CZTA, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Snap from Defective Camshaft Adjuster, Timing Belt Service Interval Must Be Kept, Increased Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Coking. Power: 150 PS.
Jetta (CPTA, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Timing Belt Snap from Defective Camshaft Adjuster, Timing Belt Service Interval Must Be Kept, Increased Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Coking. Power: 150 PS.
What to watch out for with the VW Jetta? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the VW Jetta 6 (A6) have? +
What should I look for when buying a used VW Jetta 6 (A6)? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which VW Jetta 6 (A6) engine is the most fun? +
Is the VW Jetta 6 (A6) worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the VW Jetta 6 (A6)? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee