Fiat 500L vs Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is more fuel-efficient at 32 MPG combined, against 28 MPG for the Fiat 500L. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Fiat 500L | Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 269 | 46 |
| Most reported problem | Drivetrain & axles | Suspension |
| Crashes and fires | 8 and 6 | 5 and 0 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 51,000 miles | 77,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 28 MPG | 32 MPG |
| City and highway | 25 and 32 | 29 and 39 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,950 | $3,000 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 269 complaints for the Fiat 500L and 46 for the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 3 for the Fiat 500L, 1 for the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen.