1996 Volkswagen Jetta
US · Compact Cars
The 1996 Volkswagen Jetta is listed in the US market. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged (DSL,TRBO), 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
- Economy
- 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged (DSL,TRBO), 2.0L 4-cylinder (FFS), 2.8L 6-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 1.9 L to 2.8 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 to 6 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Manual, Automatic | |
| Gears | 4 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km) to 34 mpg (6.9 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) to 44 mpg (5.3 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
5 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 6, 2026.
09E012000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Reported April 7, 2009. View on NHTSA
98V160000: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD LATCH AND SECURING BOLTS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY.
Reported July 16, 1998. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 10, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 20, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 10, 2026
Data verified: November 10, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1995 Volkswagen Jetta
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) - 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
Varies by configuration: Diesel, Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)) · FWD
37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)
Explore similar vehicles
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta have?
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder turbocharged ((DSL,TRBO)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.8L 6-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta?
Combined fuel economy is 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 6, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.