2010 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI Electrical Issues
Where are the electrical ground connections other than the connection located at the battery terminal?
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2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Reinstated in 2009, the cargo-friendly Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen four-door, five-passenger wagon gets a few changes for 2010. Some upgrades to the instrumentation and standard cabin features this year include the addition of standard Bluetooth technology in the higher trims and an available iPod interface that's separate from the optional navigation system. Meanwhile, this compact wagon loses the turbocharged SEL trim level for this year, leaving three trims, the base S, midlevel SE, and the sporty and efficient TDI to carry the load. All three trims are front-wheel drive (FWD) only, with the S and SE trims retaining the standard inline 5-cylinder (I5) engine, and the TDI delivered with the inline 4-cylinder (I4) turbodiesel powerplant that’s claimed by VW to be the cleanest diesel on the planet. In fact, both engines are so clean that the SportWagen can claim the title of Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in states with California emissions standards.
This family-oriented hauler continues to offer 67 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded and, of course, retains its plentiful passenger space. A hefty dose of agility, meantime, remains a plus with this Euro-style wagon, though a somewhat stiff suspension isn’t overly forgiving of bumpy roads and broken pavement. Available 17- and 18-inch wheels don’t help matters much, ride-wise, but do look pretty sharp at the curb, giving a much-needed boost to an otherwise so-so exterior. Alas, seat comfort is noted by both reviewers and owners alike as lackluster, at best.
Once again, major competition for the 2010 SportWagen consists of Audi’s well-wrought A3 TDI, Subaru’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) Outback and Toyota’s Venza hatchback. All are solid cargo- and people-movers, and all are significantly pricier than the base SportWagen S trim.
The 2010 Jetta SportWagen S and SE trims sport the standard 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder (I5) engine that powers their lower-level sedan siblings. When mated with the S trim’s standard 5-speed manual transmission or with the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission delivered in the SE, the five-banger throws down 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Mileage is estimated at 22/30 mpg with the stick shift and 23/30 with the 6-speed shiftable automatic.
The SportWagen TDI is delivered with a highly-touted 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant. Combined with either the 6-speed manual transmission or the nifty dual-clutch DSG Tiptronic 6-speed auto-manual transmission, the turbodiesel I4 puts out 140 hp and a hefty 236 lb-ft of torque. Expect an EPA-estimated 30/41 with the 6-speed manual transmission and 30/42 with the 6-speed auto-manual.
Featuring 16-inch steel wheels and a roof rack on the outside, the 2010 SportWagen S trim also boasts cloth upholstery and heated, two-way power-adjustable front seats, as well as a fold-flat front passenger seat inside. Remote power door locks, power windows and heated mirrors, cruise control, air conditioning and a center storage console also come standard with the S trim, as does an MP3-capable single-CD player with eight speakers. Both the SE and the TDI, meanwhile, sport a few standard extras, including 16-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, additional front-seat power-adjustmentability, a leather steering wheel and a leather-trimmed shift knob. Both upper-echelon trims also boast a 6-CD changer with ten speakers, Sirius satellite radio, a memory card slot and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. By way of being just a tad different, the TDI trim level boasts a trip computer, and those TDIs equipped with the DSG auto-manual transmission are delivered with steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shifters.
Options for all 2010 SportWagen trims include upgraded 17- and 18-inch wheels, front and rear carpeted floormats, and a power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof. Both the SE and TDI trims are available with an iPod audio interface and touchscreen DVD navigation system.
Standard safety equipment across the 2010 SportWagen lineup includes four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and front head restraint whiplash protection. Further standard safety gear for all trims includes daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a remote antitheft alarm and a post-collision safety system. Rear side-mounted airbags are also optional for all thee trims.
Owners of the 2009 and 2010 SportWagen are divided over its looks, with some calling it sexy and others decrying its blandness. Seat comfort is a downer for most owners, as is VW’s reputation for iffy reliability. Finally, the lack of AWD availability, a somewhat noisy cabin, small fuel tank and a few over-engineered techno-features all have a number of owners frowning. Positive owner feedback, however, comes from the SportWagen’s nimble handing and impressive gas mileage, especially with the turbodiesel I4. A reasonable base price, capacious passenger and cargo area and the silky 6-speed DSG transmission lead many owners to use the word “value” liberally when discussing VW’s handy little wagon.
User reviews for 2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
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by Steven P
Jul 12, 2023
I like the car’s features and it’s one of the only wagons available now that Ford had stopped selling the Focus wagon. I particularly like the idea of a diesel.Jul 12, 2023
by Hobson B
May 17, 2015
I love to mod cars, and went all out on this one. I love the plasti dip and get lots of complements .
The Turbo diesel is powerful and smooth. The mileage is good too.
There really isn't any car like this one
May 17, 2015
by Matt G
Apr 03, 2015
This is a fabulous commuter car with great storage and versatility. I drive about 30 miles a day roundtrip for work, and because of the TDI engine, I only have to fill up about every two weeks. Before this car, I had a Honda Accord V6 I had to fill up once a week. The car rides like a dream and is quiet on the road. The bluetooth for my cell phone works well, and the audio system is really, really good. It's the first manufacturer based audio system I've liked enough to keep instead of putting in aftermarket speakers, amp and head unit. The only thing I really don't like about it is the navigation system. It is really awful compared to how well everything else is done in this car. We've driven it 63,000 miles and the reliability has been perfect except for one electrical problem around 10,000 miles that was fixed after a couple of visits to the dealership -- and it has not been a problem since. If we didn't need a car that can haul 8 adults, we would own two of these cars. Well done VW.Apr 03, 2015
User rating:
by Steven P
Jul 12, 2023
I like the car’s features and it’s one of the only wagons available now that Ford had stopped selling the Focus wagon. I particularly like the idea of a diesel.Jul 12, 2023
by Hobson B
May 17, 2015
I love to mod cars, and went all out on this one. I love the plasti dip and get lots of complements .
The Turbo diesel is powerful and smooth. The mileage is good too.
There really isn't any car like this one
May 17, 2015
by Matt G
Apr 03, 2015
This is a fabulous commuter car with great storage and versatility. I drive about 30 miles a day roundtrip for work, and because of the TDI engine, I only have to fill up about every two weeks. Before this car, I had a Honda Accord V6 I had to fill up once a week. The car rides like a dream and is quiet on the road. The bluetooth for my cell phone works well, and the audio system is really, really good. It's the first manufacturer based audio system I've liked enough to keep instead of putting in aftermarket speakers, amp and head unit. The only thing I really don't like about it is the navigation system. It is really awful compared to how well everything else is done in this car. We've driven it 63,000 miles and the reliability has been perfect except for one electrical problem around 10,000 miles that was fixed after a couple of visits to the dealership -- and it has not been a problem since. If we didn't need a car that can haul 8 adults, we would own two of these cars. Well done VW.Apr 03, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2015
Fun car to drive and a lot of great features! The design of the car and attention to detail is great! Even the key have a great feel and design to it! Overall I really enjoyed to drive this car. I would recommend to family or friends.Jan 12, 2015
by Anonymous
Jul 09, 2014
This was the first brand new car I ever bought, and I was struggling among small CUVs like the CRV, RAV4, Outback/Forrester -- you know, one car that can do everything pretty well. When I cam across the refreshed 2010 VW Sportwagen, I knew I had my enthusiast's choice. It was so much more fun to drive, the diesel has good power off the line, the mpgs actually beat the EPA estimates (I could very easily get over 50mpg if I went 60mph on the highway trailing a big semi), and the interior was quite classy and nice (soft-touch materials, great steering wheel, good storage, 110v outlet in the back, manual tranny!). I had absolutely no reliability issues with the car, which may just mean I lucked out. Other than the 10k, 20k, 30k, and 40k services, I never had to take the car in except for a flat tire and a little body panel work when someone dinged it while parked on the street. An awesome car!Jul 09, 2014
by Siew Ming W
Feb 03, 2012
Fantastic fuel economy, can easily get 42 mpg on road trips ie 500 miles for a small top up of 12 gals. Very nippy in the city, its quick off the mark due to the high torque figures at low rev, it will fly off at the traffic light. Feels much faster than the 8+ secs for 0-60mph listed on the specs. Kids love the giant moonroof, one of the biggest out there. Good size boot space, can take in a stroller and kids bicycles with no problems. Extremely good 10 speaker sound system, probably a notch below to the Dynaudio or new Fender sound systems. Bonus - It can play music from a SD card as well.Feb 03, 2012
What users have asked
Factory radio in 2010 VW SportWagon died with CDs inside
Factory radio in 2010 VW SportWagon died and I have a bunch of CDs in it that I need to take out. Any idea how to extract CDs from this dead radio? Thanks!
26 views
How do I restart the MFI in my 2010 Jetta after changing the battery?
I had tried to have Advance Auto put a new battery in, but they refused, saying they didn't to be responsible if the electronics got screwed up. I was like, huh? It's a battery, I've changed them a half dozen times in other cars; no problemo. So, I had Sears put one in. Eight months down the road, I get an oil change and guess what: the service reminder from the last oil change can't be reset, along with everything else on the MFI. In fact, NO menu even comes up. Advance Auto was right!
209 views
2010 Jetta Sportwagen P0303
I recently failed my DEQ test. P0303 cylinder 3 misfire detected. Took it to shop and they replaced ignition coil and spark plugs. They also recommend a carbon cleaning for $700 which I declined. The car is still getting a misfire code (not sure of code) and check engine light is on. They are going to try and figure out why but are suggesting the cleaning might solve the problem. I'm reluctant as I don't want to invest that much without more of an assurance it is the fix. What say you? Other possible causes?
42 views
Low power steering fluid
I can not find the reservoir for the power steering fluid
312 views
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2010 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen Pricing
Original MSRP
$19,510 to $24,615Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black · Sunroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black · Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent