A used Volkswagen Jetta in New Jersey may be safer than one of the newer models with a direct shift gearbox, a concern the National Highway Transporation Safety Administration is currently investigating.

They have received more than two dozen reports that the transmission system is causing problems for drivers of new Jettas, Golf GTIs and other vehicles. In some cases the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted, and several owners reported that the vehicle had to be towed, according to the NHTSA office of defect investigations.

The ODI said that they will be monitoring the frequency of such reports and the safety consequences as part of the ongoing investigation.

On the other hand, a used Volkswagen Jetta in New Jersey generally does not have the transmission kinks of the new cars.

A 2005 Jetta is one option, as its 60 percent more rigid than earlier models which improves safety, and is larger than previous versions as well, according to a Cars.com review.

“Steering feel is excellent, and the Jetta stays neatly on course on straightaways,” added reviewer Jim Flammang. “With wholly predictable handling, it’s simply masterful through curves.”