2017 Volkswagen Jetta Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 33 4 crash 2 injury

“I HAVVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL ISSUES THE PAST THREE-FIVE MONTHS ON THIS VEHICLE TODAY WHEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT THE AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON BUT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FIRE AND RESCUE SIAD THEY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYEED. THE RADIO WOULD TURN ON AND OFF AND SOMETIMES THE HEAD LIGHTS WOULDNT TURN ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11094153, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GAS CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING AFTER THAT. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON PARKWAY, ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ABILITY TO BRAKE AND STEER WAS GONE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON THE FRONT END COLLISION. VEHICLE HAD 1100 MILES ON IT”
NHTSA complaint #11064703, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED NEW MOTORS SUBARU (8670 PEACH ST, ERIE, PA 16509, (814) 868-4805) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE V…”
NHTSA complaint #11279613, 2019 · crash

Engine 32 3 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GAS CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING AFTER THAT. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON PARKWAY, ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ABILITY TO BRAKE AND STEER WAS GONE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON THE FRONT END COLLISION. VEHICLE HAD 1100 MILES ON IT”
NHTSA complaint #11064703, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WHEELS SEIZED WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE HITTING THE SIDE WALK WHILE BEING OPERATED APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED OPERABLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIKES AUTO BODY WHERE THEY WERE INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V070000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE). THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIG…”
NHTSA complaint #11057320, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven or started any time before or after it actually caught on fire, it was only taken care of quickly as the tow truck driver had a fire extiguisher, we do not carry one in the car. The car had the recall work done in 2021 in Tyson's Corner VA. The dealer refuses speak to us and states that the recall…”
NHTSA complaint #11702692, 2025 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 29 1 fire

“The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven or started any time before or after it actually caught on fire, it was only taken care of quickly as the tow truck driver had a fire extiguisher, we do not carry one in the car. The car had the recall work done in 2021 in Tyson's Corner VA. The dealer refuses speak to us and states that the recall…”
NHTSA complaint #11702692, 2025 · fire

“My Volkswagen Jetta shut off driving down interstate 99 due to major fuel leak (fuel rail bolt broke) I saw Volkswagen had a recall for fuel rail bolt coming loose after time. I called Volkswagen states recall was completed in May 2021 I bought the car May 2025. I asked Volkswagen rep if they would repair it as this is the same issue as the recall obviously it isn’t corrected. This could have been very bad with fuel leaking along a major highway one thing ignited and car would have went in flames. My son could have been seriously injured or even killed! EPC light came on as this was happening.…”
NHTSA complaint #11667516, 2025

“so all the sudden my air bag light came on and my whole steering wheel don't work.. none of the buttons nor the cruse control and air bag light is on . Not sure why this happened but I feel very unsafe with my children in the car due to there's been a lot of crazy ppl out that don't pay attention when driving .”
NHTSA complaint #11654388, 2025

Unknown Or Other 25 1 crash 1 fire

“AT AROUND 5AM ON FEBRUAURY 7, 2025 I WAS AWOKE BY MY ROOMMATE SCREAMING MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE I SEEN MY NEIGHBOR AND ROOMMATE ATTEMPTING TO PUT OUT A FIRE IN THE ENGINE OF MY CAR. MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR AT LEAST 5 HOURS AND WAS NOT RUNNING. MY NEIGHBOR STATED THAT HE LOOKED OUT HIS WINDOW AND SAW FLAMES AND RAN ACROSS THE STREET WHERE HE STARTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH MY WATER HOSE UNTIL FIRE AND POLICE ASSISTANCE ARRIVED. THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE CAR, OR AROUND THE CAR, THE FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED. I HAD NO PRIOR WARNINGS THAT WOULD BE CAUSE FOR CONCERN OF AN ENGI…”
NHTSA complaint #11642367, 2025 · fire

“CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE UNBEKNOWNST TO THE DRIVER. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR ROLLING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES. A ACCIDENT DID OCCUR ON FEB 12, 2021 IN SPROUTS GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT IN LA MESA, SAN DIEGO CA. INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN INVOLVED TO REPAIR THE OTHER PARTIES VEHICLE INVOLVED. THE DAMAGE TO THE MENTIONED CAR INCLUDES DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, TAIL LIGHT AND SIDE BODY. THE OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED NEEDS THE ENTIRE SIDE PA…”
NHTSA complaint #11413464, 2021 · crash

“I drove my vehicle to Wawa to get gas before work. As I was driving up to the pump my car shut off and would not start. I have low mileage and have kept up all routine maintenance. This could have been worse as I could have been driving on a main road or highway and the vehicle shut off completely and would not start again.”
NHTSA complaint #11663301, 2025

Air Bags 21 8 crash 5 injury

“My daughter was rear-ended in her 2017 Jetta while stopped. The other driver was going approximately 45 mph, forcing my daughter into the car in front of her as well, causing significant front impact and damage to the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy. The amount of impact seems as though the airbag should have deployed. She suffered a mild concussion and whiplash from the impact.”
NHTSA complaint #11633490, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle struck a deer. The contact's daughter lost control of the vehicle, crashing head-on into a tree. No warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's daughter was shaken up, but she had no visible injuries and did not receive medical treatment immediately following the crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard and was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that a few weeks after the cras…”
NHTSA complaint #11622928, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The only airbag that went off in the vehicle during a collision was the steering wheel airbag none of the side airbags deployed the driver hit his head on the window in the car there were no warning lights on prior to the accident to indicate that there were any malfunctions the police did get called to the scene and vehicle was towed insurance representatives have not inspected vehicle yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11549405, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 15

“so all the sudden my air bag light came on and my whole steering wheel don't work.. none of the buttons nor the cruse control and air bag light is on . Not sure why this happened but I feel very unsafe with my children in the car due to there's been a lot of crazy ppl out that don't pay attention when driving .”
NHTSA complaint #11654388, 2025

“Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE! Put lever into park: turned off car and turned back on : put thr stick BACK INTO DRIVE - NOTHING HAPPENED I GUNNED it BY pushing my foot on the gas VW Jetta ALMOST REDLINED but didnt: was able to get across the interaction as I turned Left . Car sputtered: Car died: CAR CAUGHT FIRE! put fire out with towel: transmission fluid expelled: Car SEIZED ALL M…”
NHTSA complaint #11753433, 2024

“July 2024 my 2017 VW JETTA SEL PREMIUM [XXX] at 153,253 miles without notice had TRANSMISSION FAILURE where a major oil and transmission fluid leak occurred. I was sitting at a red light, the light turned green I tried to go and ended up flooding the engine thus preventing the car to ever move again. I experienced a total loss on a vehicle who’s PZEV WARRANTY just expired and VW OF AMERICA REFUSED TO ASSIST ME. I lost my employment as I couldn’t get to work and was left high and dry forced to sell my lemon for pennies of the cars net worth INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM…”
NHTSA complaint #11677080, 2024

Service Brakes 15 5 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY CITY STREET, GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. I NOTICED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS STOPPED FROM 100 FEET BACK AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES. MY CAR DID NOT STOP, IT DID NOT SLOW DOWN AT ALL. THE WEATHER WAS WARM, THE ROAD WAS DRY AND IT WAS LIKE TRYING TO STOP ON AN ICY ROAD AND I REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. THE OTHER CAR HAD MINIMAL DAMAGE TO HER BACK BUMPER. SHE WAS INJURED, I HAD MINOR WHIPLASH.”
NHTSA complaint #11287677, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD I REALIZED DEAD ENDED, I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY MY BRAKES AT WHICH TIME THEY DID NOT WORK, I LOOKED TO ENSURE NOTHING WAS UNDER IT AND WHEN I SEEN THERE WAS NOTHING ATTEMPTED TO APPLY AGAIN, UNFORTUNATELY THEY DID NOT WORK AGAIN. I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A BARRIER AND TOTALED THE VEHIUCLE AND SUSTAIN INJURIES BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11118907, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TAKARA RECALL- MY BRAKES JAMMED UP AND WOULD NOT STOP, WHICH RESULTED IN A VEHICLE COLLISION ON NOVEMBER 29, 2018. I TRIED PRESSING THE BRAKES, HOWEVER, THEY JUST WOULD NOT STOP. I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A CITY STREET. THEY HAD DONE THIS AFTER I GOT THEM SERVICED BEFORE AND I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THEY WERE FINE.”
NHTSA complaint #11192914, 2018 · crash · fire

Steering 14 3 crash 1 death

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE SLIDE ACROSS THE STREET AND HIT A TREE AND A POLE. THE CONTACT HAD MINOR INJURIES BUT A PASSANGER DIED IN THE CRASH. A POLICE ARRIVED AT THE THE CRASH SCEEN AND THE CONTACT DID NOT RECIEVE NOTICE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S SIDE BACK DOOR WAS SMASHED IN FROM HITTING THE TREE, THE TRUCK WAS DAMAGED SEVERLY. THE FRONT OF THE SMASHED IN THE MIDDLE FROM CRASHING INTO THE POLE. THE VEHIC…”
NHTSA complaint #11385288, 2020 · crash · 1 death(s)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED NEW MOTORS SUBARU (8670 PEACH ST, ERIE, PA 16509, (814) 868-4805) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE V…”
NHTSA complaint #11279613, 2019 · crash

“I NEEDED TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN FROM A STREET INTO A COMPLEX, WAS STILL MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25MPH AND WHEN I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SLOWING OR STOPPING. AS I CONTINUED TRYING TO MAKE THE TURN, THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN UNTIL I HIT THE CURB AND LATER THE WALL WHERE I CAME TO A STOP.”
NHTSA complaint #11064284, 2017 · crash

Fuel System 12

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel rail bolts. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired by the previous owner. The manufa…”
NHTSA complaint #11673325, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle, entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related to the failure of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was includ…”
NHTSA complaint #11650308, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine, and electronic power control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel rail bolt had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11616215, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 7 1 crash 1 fire

“TAKARA RECALL- MY BRAKES JAMMED UP AND WOULD NOT STOP, WHICH RESULTED IN A VEHICLE COLLISION ON NOVEMBER 29, 2018. I TRIED PRESSING THE BRAKES, HOWEVER, THEY JUST WOULD NOT STOP. I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A CITY STREET. THEY HAD DONE THIS AFTER I GOT THEM SERVICED BEFORE AND I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THEY WERE FINE.”
NHTSA complaint #11192914, 2018 · crash · fire

“MY CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF AND DOES NEED TO BE IN PARK. THE ELECTRICAL COMES AND GOES BUT THE MOST ALARMING IS THE JETTA ACCELERATES ON IT'S OWN AND IT TAKES A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL. AT ONE POINT I HAVE NO WAY OF STOPPING THE ACCELERATION TO STOP. ALSO, I ASKED CRESTMONT VW IF IT WAS NORMAL TO HAVE CAR OFF AND NOT IN PARK. THEY ACTED LIKE IT WAS NORMAL. THE JETTA HAS ROLLED BACK AND ALMOST HIT PEOPLE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RECALLS FROM THE COMPANY. IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11338771, 2020

“I HAVE A 2017VW JETTA WHICH SUDDENLY 'LOCKS' AS I AM DRIVING. MY CAR SUDDENLY STARTS REDUCING SPEED AND THE BREAKS BECOME STIFF. I SEE SEVERAL LIGHTS FLASH ON THE DASHBOARD, SUCH AS THE EPC LIGHT, TIRE WARNING LIGHTS, AND MOTOR LIGHT. AFTER THE MATTER, IF I WANT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN, THE BREAK AND SHIFT STICK BECOME STIFF AND I CAN'T START THE IGNITION. I RECALL THIS HAPPENING TO ME ONE YEAR AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE BUT ALL I DID WAS TURN OFF THE CAR AND THE LIGHTS WENT AWAY. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITHOUT THAT HAPPENING FOR A YEAR OR SO AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. SAME THING, I WOULD HAV…”
NHTSA complaint #11327216, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5

“I HAVE A 2017VW JETTA WHICH SUDDENLY 'LOCKS' AS I AM DRIVING. MY CAR SUDDENLY STARTS REDUCING SPEED AND THE BREAKS BECOME STIFF. I SEE SEVERAL LIGHTS FLASH ON THE DASHBOARD, SUCH AS THE EPC LIGHT, TIRE WARNING LIGHTS, AND MOTOR LIGHT. AFTER THE MATTER, IF I WANT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN, THE BREAK AND SHIFT STICK BECOME STIFF AND I CAN'T START THE IGNITION. I RECALL THIS HAPPENING TO ME ONE YEAR AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE BUT ALL I DID WAS TURN OFF THE CAR AND THE LIGHTS WENT AWAY. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITHOUT THAT HAPPENING FOR A YEAR OR SO AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. SAME THING, I WOULD HAV…”
NHTSA complaint #11327216, 2020

“CAR STARTS TO SHAKE EPC LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT COME ON HAVE TO PULL OVER FOR IT TO STOP SHAKING”
NHTSA complaint #11287627, 2019

“A RANDOM NOTICE APPEARS ON THE DASH DISPLAY, "DRIVER ASSISTANCE BUTTON IS DISABLED". THEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS RANDOMLY ACTIVATE, DOOR LOCKS CLICK LOCKED AND UNLOCKED, AND CRUISE CONTROL DISABLES ALL WHILE DRIVING. HIGH BEAMS NO LONGER FUNCTION AND OCCASIONALLY ALL ELECTRIC DISPLAY, RADIO SOUND, AND LIGHTS GO BLACK WHILE DRIVING. YOU MUST PULL OVER, SHUT OFF THE CAR, AND WAIT APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING TO RECOVER TO NORMAL. VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE CLAIMS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR BECAUSE IT DOESN'T SHOW UP ON THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT.”
NHTSA complaint #11257535, 2018

Exterior Lighting 5

“FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY: 1) the HID HALOGEN lights- (a.) the main DS3 buld continues to burn out not lasting longer than a month. (b.) the ballast also than shorts out (c.) the HIGH BEAM does the reverse effect making everything black (d.) the LOW BEAM do not work right as i cannot see obstacles in the road clearly- WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; I ONLY HAVE MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT AND FOG LIGHT ASSEMBLY TO DEPEND ON PRIMARILY. THE PASSENGER LIGHTS WHEN SOMEWHAT WORKING; ARE DIM AND WHEN THE HID BULB BURNS OUT- ALL I HAVE TO DEPEND ON (for that side of car)…”
NHTSA complaint #11571202, 2024

“I am continually have issue with my headlights bi-xenon ds3 bulbs going out. I have replaced the ballast and the bulb w oem parts and the issue continues. My day runner LED lights work on the passenger side but the HID bulb does not work. I have no low beam. Everything else works. Same issue on drivers side until I replaced the entire housing unit. Regardless both lights DO NOT REFLECT IN DISTANCE making it EXTREMELY HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT forcing me to have to drive w my fog lights on just to see.”
NHTSA complaint #11587771, 2023

“Front left headlight has no power going to it. Rear right tail light has no power going to it. Third, brake light has no power going to it. Wind shield washer pump has no power going to it. Both rear doors do not lock. This issue is all connected with each other because it fixed itself. Once and they all came back on together and then it went back out.”
NHTSA complaint #11533842, 2022

Seat Belts 4

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to securely buckle. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the seat belt buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11585227, 2024

“The drivers seatbelt does not latch. It will eventually but sometimes takes 30 or 40 attempts.”
NHTSA complaint #11520653, 2023

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that upon picking up his vehicle from the dealer, the air bag warning light illuminated. The mechanic informed him that the failure was related to the driver’s side seat belt and was not covered under recall. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11512771, 2023

Suspension 4

“On 8/14/24 I had the rear springs replaced due to a broken spring. Now today 2/25/26 I was inform that I have a broken front spring. This vehicle is only 9 years old and we have had spring break in the front and back. This seems like a premature failure of a critical suspension component. Though fortunately nothing happened in the way a bodily injury the failure could very well lead to an inability to properly control the vehicle if the broken spring were to slip and crash is possible. For example a tire could be punctured at a high rate of speed. I may not be able to maintain control with the…”
NHTSA complaint #11720494, 2024

“My 2017 vw Jetta S front left coil spring broke in half & the sharp ends could have puncture my tire while I was driving. I was checking it over as soon as it made noise, & discovered that it had broken and didn’t drive it & bought 2 new ones and replaced them both and got our state inspection. I got on the internet and saw where the Jetta 2019 & some other models had been recalled, and wondered why my car hasn’t been, no one got hurt over this, but I as a former mechanic I keep my cars well taken care of, if this was someone else’s who just get in & drive it they could of caused a accident.…”
NHTSA complaint #11573469, 2024

“We own a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving at 55 MPH, he heard a loud Bang noise and experienced difficulty steering the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. We pull over to inspect the vehicle, We did not see any problems with the tires and they looked ok. But there was smoke coming up from the front passenger side. We were able to drive the vehicle another mile before more smoke was coming from under the passenger side. When we pulled over again we realized the right front tire on the passenger side was shredded. We called AAA. replaced the tire with the spare and went home. W…”
NHTSA complaint #11471680, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 4

“The EPC light and Check Engine light came on while driving, major car throttling, problems with acceleration, stronger throttling occurred with more acceleration. Car was immediately towed to nearest VW dealership service. Me and my son had to stop on the expressway far from home. Problems were confirmed at inspection by VW dealership on same day of incident. No symptoms or warnings occurred of problems before incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11582508, 2024

“Driving down from work to lunch. Whenn slowly pulling out of the parking lot and no one around. then all of a sudden a loud explosion was heard and I looked up and saw glass shattered all across the moonroof. I parked in my parking spot and got out and looked up and saw glass shattered at the top with no impacts. The sunroof just spotenoulsy shattered”
NHTSA complaint #11529605, 2023

“VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION TRAVELING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS OF ABOUT 65MPH WHEN THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD, LUCKILY CAR WAS KEPT UNDER CONTROL. SUNROOF EXPLODED AND GLASS HIT THE DRIVERS BEHIND ME AS WELL AS MYSELF. WAS GIVEN A QUOTE OF 1,319.00 AND WAS TOLD THAT NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WOULD BE PROVIDED BY VOLKSWAGON AND THAT IT WOULD HAVE TO COME OUT OF POCKET.”
NHTSA complaint #11244312, 2019

Wheels 4

“CAR HAS 65K ON IT AND HAS BEEN ACTING UP FOR AT LEAST 10K MILES ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: 1. THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON DASH WENT ON FOR NO REASON AND I HAD TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE FOR IT TO BE RESET. 2. THE RADIO LINKS TO MY PHONE ONLY 50% OF THE TIME WITH A FAILURE NOTICE POSTED ON THE MONITOR. THE BLUETOOTH WILL STILL WORK BUT TO CONNECT WITH MY CORD TO ALSO CHARGE, VERY INCONSISTENT. 3. THE TIRE DASH LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED DESPITE HAVING THE TIRES AND MONITORS CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES. 4. THE BACK UP WARNING INDICATOR HAS RECENTLY STOPPED ALERTING ME AND I CAME WITHIN INCHES OF BA…”
NHTSA complaint #11387180, 2021

“2017 VW JETTA SEL WAS PURCHASED NEW 11/02/ 2017. FROM THE START, THE HANKOOK KNTROL M&S 224/45/R17 TIRES PROVIDED VERY POOR CONTROL IN WET OR EVEN LIGHT SNOW DRIVING CONDITIONS, IN SPITE OF GOOD ALIGNMENT AND WHEEL BALANCE. BY 22,000 MILES(07/2020) THE TIRES HAD BECOME EXTREMELY NOISY , WITH A THUMP, THUMP NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, DID A COMPLETE VEHICLE CHECK IN AUGUST OF 2020, INDICATED NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE ITSELF AND PLACED THE BLAME ON THE TIRES, OF WHICH THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY. HANKOOK CORPORATE SAID THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY, IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11352251, 2020

“VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY PULLING TO RIGHT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ON ANY SURFACE STREET.. INCREASES AT ACCELERATION. ALIGNED X 4 IN 2018, TIRES BALANCED, ROTATED, STILL SAME PULL. PURCHASED 4 NEW MICHELIN TIRES ON 11/5/2018. VEHICLE STILL PULLS TO RIGHT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT. VEHICLE AT VW SERVICE 11/16/2018. THERE SOLUTION IS ALIGNING VEHICLE OUT OF SPECS TO COMPENSATE FOR RIGHT PULL. WHEN VEHICLE NEEDS FUTURE ALIGNMENT, MY CONCERN IS VEHICLE WILL START TO PULL AGAIN. SERVICE DEPARTMENT SHOULD INSPECT FRONT WHEEL DRIVE COMPONENTS. VEHICLE STILL…”
NHTSA complaint #11150254, 2018

Back Over Prevention 3 1 crash

“CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE UNBEKNOWNST TO THE DRIVER. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR ROLLING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES. A ACCIDENT DID OCCUR ON FEB 12, 2021 IN SPROUTS GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT IN LA MESA, SAN DIEGO CA. INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN INVOLVED TO REPAIR THE OTHER PARTIES VEHICLE INVOLVED. THE DAMAGE TO THE MENTIONED CAR INCLUDES DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, TAIL LIGHT AND SIDE BODY. THE OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED NEEDS THE ENTIRE SIDE PA…”
NHTSA complaint #11413464, 2021 · crash

“Infotainment unit is extremely faulty with proximity sensors going off randomly engaging brakes and rear view camera not working. VW solution was a full replacements in excess of car's value”
NHTSA complaint #11541352, 2021

Forward Collision Avoidance 3

“I purchased my car used. In the past 3 years I have had problems my headlights became increasingly dim I checked my fuses and it had blown so I replaced it. Upon doing so my windshield wipers that had just been working no longer moved. But my headlights worked. Then my passenger window would not work with the drivers door controls. I can put it up but not down. I have never had the front collision warning work. Nor the lane departure the tire info used to work. Now it doesn’t. I toook my car into be caked and I was told that everything except the windows and wipers was fine. The wipers…”
NHTSA complaint #11675497, 2024

“FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY: 1) the HID HALOGEN lights- (a.) the main DS3 buld continues to burn out not lasting longer than a month. (b.) the ballast also than shorts out (c.) the HIGH BEAM does the reverse effect making everything black (d.) the LOW BEAM do not work right as i cannot see obstacles in the road clearly- WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; I ONLY HAVE MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT AND FOG LIGHT ASSEMBLY TO DEPEND ON PRIMARILY. THE PASSENGER LIGHTS WHEN SOMEWHAT WORKING; ARE DIM AND WHEN THE HID BULB BURNS OUT- ALL I HAVE TO DEPEND ON (for that side of car)…”
NHTSA complaint #11571202, 2024

“Many fault lamps lite up on panel. List: Brake light, Adaptive cruise control, ASC, Power steering lamp, Seat belt lamp and sometimes the seat belt alarm goes off when seat belt is clicked IN!,ABS,Air bag lamp is intermittent,EPC lamp is intermittent. Problems have been confirmed by: Independent auto repair center and Vista VW of Pompano Beach, FL. As far as safety sometimes the engine goes into limp mode during driving a few minutes after starting. Having to pull over quickly to get out of the flow of traffic. To stop the engine after a few minutes it does restart.”
NHTSA complaint #11489249, 2022

Structure 3 1 crash

“CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE UNBEKNOWNST TO THE DRIVER. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR ROLLING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES. A ACCIDENT DID OCCUR ON FEB 12, 2021 IN SPROUTS GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT IN LA MESA, SAN DIEGO CA. INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN INVOLVED TO REPAIR THE OTHER PARTIES VEHICLE INVOLVED. THE DAMAGE TO THE MENTIONED CAR INCLUDES DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, TAIL LIGHT AND SIDE BODY. THE OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED NEEDS THE ENTIRE SIDE PA…”
NHTSA complaint #11413464, 2021 · crash

“Door lock actuator for all passenger doors, the only one that hasn't failed is the driver's door.”
NHTSA complaint #11688547, 2021

“THE BRAKES MAKE NOISE UPON STARTING TO BRAKE AND THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE WE OWNED IT . TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHICH IS GERALD JONES VW AUGUST'S GA AND THEY DIDN'T LOOK AT IT BUT O MY TIPPED OFF THE OIL . THEY SAID THE BRAKE SYSTEM DOESN'T COME WITH A COURTESY CHECK . ALSO THERE WERE SMALL DENTS IN THE CAR FROM THE BEGINNING THAT I MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF AND HE BLAMED ME . EVEN THOUGH O DID I SOFT W HIM SEVERAL BRAND NEW CARS ON THE LOT WITH SMALL DENTS THAT LOOKED THE SAME . I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AND FREE OF CHARGE”
NHTSA complaint #11103675, 2017

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced rough driving before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V070000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced…”
NHTSA complaint #11651810, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine, and electronic power control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel rail bolt had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11616215, 2024

Equipment 2

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the infotainment system touch screen failed to operate as an intended. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle could be repaired, and that the failure was common. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was not a known failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11698262, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started, the infotainment touch screen occasionally went black and did not respond to touch commands. Additionally, the side buttons of the infotainment screen did not respond when depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the infotainment screen was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was notifi…”
NHTSA complaint #11617567, 2022

Seats 2

“I have severe painful burns on my gluteus from the seat heater. I had the heater on intermittently on a drive of about 75 miles. I put the heater on for about 10-15 minutes a few times but did not have it on the entire trip. After getting to my destination I started feeling painful burning sensation so looked at my bum in the mirror and was shocked to see an open wound about the size of a silver dollar with peeling skin and many other burns all around. It’s very painful.”
NHTSA complaint #11722751, 2026

“The drivers side seat does not heat up not to mention the leatherette material used is cheap and has torn making the heater to not work anymore possibly”
NHTSA complaint #11571203, 2023

Tires 2

“We own a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving at 55 MPH, he heard a loud Bang noise and experienced difficulty steering the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. We pull over to inspect the vehicle, We did not see any problems with the tires and they looked ok. But there was smoke coming up from the front passenger side. We were able to drive the vehicle another mile before more smoke was coming from under the passenger side. When we pulled over again we realized the right front tire on the passenger side was shredded. We called AAA. replaced the tire with the spare and went home. W…”
NHTSA complaint #11471680, 2022

“The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, it was discovered that the horn was inoperable and there was no longer an audible sound while activated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure continued intermittently. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Additionally, the TPMS warning light would remain illuminated even though the tire air pressure levels were at the correct air pressure. The cause of the failure was not yet…”
NHTSA complaint #11418504, 2021

Lane Departure 1

“I purchased my car used. In the past 3 years I have had problems my headlights became increasingly dim I checked my fuses and it had blown so I replaced it. Upon doing so my windshield wipers that had just been working no longer moved. But my headlights worked. Then my passenger window would not work with the drivers door controls. I can put it up but not down. I have never had the front collision warning work. Nor the lane departure the tire info used to work. Now it doesn’t. I toook my car into be caked and I was told that everything except the windows and wipers was fine. The wipers…”
NHTSA complaint #11675497, 2024

Visibility 1

“THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO IMPACT BY DEBRI OR COLLISION... IT JUST EXPLODED SUDDENDLY. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT IS ALARMING WHILE DRIVING, SHATTERED GLASS FLYING AT YOU IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO THE DRIVER, THE PASSENGERS, AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD!”
NHTSA complaint #11339237, 2020