1996 Volkswagen Jetta

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 174 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Volkswagen Jetta years to avoid. Which Volkswagen Jetta years to avoid →

Most common 1996 Volkswagen Jetta problems

29 of the 174 complaints (17%) are about the visibility.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls20
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags13
1005
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission10
100
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · door locks and latches10
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · door locks and latches8
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine7
000
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner6
000
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes5
202
Electrical System › Ignition5
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. 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.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch98V160000
Filed Jul 16, 1998238,000 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. 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.

Risk. UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD COULD OCCUR OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD LATCH AND SECURING BOLTS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Nov 7, 2010102,000 milesNJ

I OWN A 1996 VW JETTA GLS AND MY CAR SMOKES FROM MY STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. I WILL BE DRIVING AND OUT OF NO WHERE WHITE SMOKE POURS OUT OF THE COLUMN. I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE OF MY HEADLIGHTS BEING ON BUT THEN NOTICED IT DOING IT WITHOUT THEM ON. IT EVEN DOES IT WHEN THE CAR IS OFF! THIS I FEEL AND MY FRIEND WHO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM IS A FIRE HAZARD AND COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I CALLED A VW DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE TO THE MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME HE FEARED FOR MY LIFE AND IT SOUNDS LIKE A FIRE HAZARD OR IT COULD CAUSE MY BREAKS AND OTHER THINGS ON MY CAR TO FAIL. I COULD BE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT 65 AND MY CAR CAN JUST DIE. I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR TO 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY ALL SAID THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHAT IT COULD BE . IN MY CASE NOTHING LEADS UP TO THIS HAPPENING IT JUST HAPPENS RANDOMLY AT ANYTIME WITH OR WITHOUT MY LIGHTS ON OR BLINKERS BEING ON. THIS IS STILL AN UNKNOWN CAUSE BUT VERY SCARY, EVEN SCARIER KNOWING ITS NOT JUST MY CAR. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 6, 2010300,000 milesOH

WHEN THE VDO ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT CLUSTER "TOTAL" ODOMETER READING CROSSED FROM 299,999 MILES TO 300,000 MILES . . . THE WORD "TOTAL" DISAPPEARED AND MILEAGE DROPPED TO "0". THE "TRIP" SIDE OF THE ODOMETER WORKS OK. NOW (05/06/2010) THE JETTA IS ABOUT TO CROSS 350,000 MILES, BUT THE ODOMETER ONLY SHOWS 50,000 MILES. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash3 injured
Filed Apr 29, 2009PA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN AGGRESSIVE AND FORCEFUL ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO TWO PARKED VEHICLES. THE AMBULANCE AND POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND THE OCCUPANTS IN THE PARKED VEHICLES WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND EXTENT OF THE VEHICLE DAMAGE HAVE NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. THE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core
Filed Aug 2, 2007125,000 milesIN

DRIVING HOME FROM SCHOOL (12 MINUTE DRIVE) AT NIGHT AND THE AIR COMING FROM THE VENTS SMELLED FUNNY, LIKE COOLANT. I TURNED OFF THE FANS BUT STILL SMELLED FUNNY. I TURNED THE FANS BACK ON AND WHITE 'SMOKE' WAS COMING OUT OF THE VENTS AND IT SMELLED HEAVILY OF COOLANT. MY WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO FOG UP WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I ROLLED DOWN MY WINDOWS AND SUNROOF AND TRIED EVERYTHING I COULD TO GET THE WINDOW TO DEFOG, BUT IT ONLY GOT WORSE. I COULD BARELY SEE AND FELT LIKE I WAS IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION SO I PULLED OFF ON THE NEAREST COUNTY ROAD. THE CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND I STILL COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING SO I OPENED THE DOOR AND DROVE TO A SAFE SPOT AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. FOUND OUT LATER THAT THERE WAS COOLANT ALL OVER ON THE FLOORBOARDS AND THAT THE HEATER CORE HAS FAILED. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Apr 25, 2007PA

WELL, ITS AN OLD CAR YES AND HAVEN'T HAD ANY SEVERE MALFUNCTIONS EXCEPT ON PRETTY MUCH EVERY LATCH MECHANISM ON THE CAR. CURRENTLY, THE TRUNK DOES NOT OPEN. THE LATCH IS BROKE AND WILL NOT OPEN WITH KEY PLACED IN IT OR WITH RELEASE BUTTON. TO OPEN IT, I HAVE TO LAY THE BACK SEATS DOWN AND CRAWL INTO THE TRUNK AND ACTIVATE THE EMERGENCY RELEASE MANUALLY. TO ADD TO THE MESS, BOTH REAR DOORS WILL OPEN BUT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL CLOSE AGAIN. I'VE HAD TO RIG A WIRE TO PULL THE LATCH INTO ITS LOCKED POSITION TO KEEP BOTH DOORS CLOSED. (RESULTING IN THE ONLY 4 DOOR COUPE I KNOW OF!) *TR

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core1 injured
Filed Jun 26, 2006KY

DT*:THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH, THERE WAS STINGING/BURNING SENSATION TO THE CONTACT'S FOOT. WHEN THE FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM THE GAS PEDAL, A STEAMING LIQUID WAS OBSERVED ON THE FOOT AND ON THE FLOOR AROUND THE PEDALS. THE LIQUID WAS SPEWING FROM AN AREA UNDER DASHBOARD ABOVE THE GAS, BREAK AND CLUTCH PEDALS. STEAM/VAPOR ALSO APPEARED TO BE COMING OUT OF THE DEFROSTER VENTS ON THE DASHBOARD. THE ACCESSORIES WERE IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED OVER AND OFF THE ROAD. THE HOT LIQUID CONTINUED TO SPEW AND BURN THE CONTACT'S FOOT AS THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED. THE VAPOR OF THE LIQUID FILLED THE VEHICLE INTERFERRING WITH THE CONTACT'S VISION.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed May 2, 200695,000 milesOR

IN LATE FEB 2005 PURCHASED A 1996 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (WHICH WAS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE) AND IN (APPOX) SEPT 2005 WHILE DRIVING DOWN A PACKED FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR, IN THE MIDDLE LANE, THE HOOD OF MY VEHICLE FLEW UP. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 60-65 MPH AND IT VISUALLY LOOKED LIKE A PIECE OF CARDBOARD CRUMPLING HOWEVER THE IMPACT WAS SO GREAT THAT IT CRACKED MY WINDSHIELD. I CONSIDER MYSELF AND THE PASSENGERS EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT WE WERE NOT INJURED AND/OR DID NOT CRASH. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED TREMENDOUS BODY DAMAGE TO THE HOOD AND CAN NOT SHUT PROPERLY AND AS I MENTION PREVIOUSLY THE WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS. I AM UNCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT SIMILAR VEHICLES TO MINE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS BUT I FEEL THAT THIS WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT / FAILURE DUE TO THE FACT OF THE SAFETY LATCH MALFUNCTION. I AM NOT 100% SURE WHETHER OR NOT THE HOOD WAS NOT SHUT COMPLETELY BECAUSE I DID NOT PHYSICALLY CHECK IT BEFORE THE INCIDENT BUT REGARDLESS THAT IS WHY I THOUGHT SAFETY LATCHES WERE PUT INTO USE ON VEHICLE HOODS TO PREVENT SUCH DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES. *JB

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core1 injured
Filed Mar 15, 2006114,500 milesMD

ON JANUARY 12, 2006, AS I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AN OPAQUE WHITE GAS WAS QUICKLY RELEASED FROM MY HEATER VENTS AND WITHIN SECONDS EFFECTIVELY TURNED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF MY CAR INTO A GAS CHAMBER. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE INCREASED AFTER I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY REMOVE THE VEHICLE OF THE HIGHWAY. MY CAR WAS SOLD WITH A PERMANENT MAINTENANCE FREE PINK VW ANTIFREEZE. THE DOCUMENTATION THAT CAME WITH THE CAR INDICATED THAT OTHER THAN TOPPING OFF THE ANTIFREEZE PERIODICALLY THAT NO MAINTENANCE WAS NECESSARY. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY HEATER CORE FAILED; THE DEALER SAYS IT FAILED BECAUSE OF LACK OF MAINTENANCE. IF THE SYSTEM IS MAINTENANCE FREE THEN HOW CAN A COMPONENT FAIL BECAUSE OF LACK OF MAINTENANCE? I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN VANDALIZED, BUT THE DEALER DIFFERED. I WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY WARNINGS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS OCCURRING IN SERVICE BULLETINS OR ANY OTHER VW LITERATURE. IF THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF A HEATER CORE IS POSSIBLE DOESN'T THE MANUFACTURE HAVE A DUTY TO WARN THE PURCHASERS OF ITS PRODUCTS? *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 11, 200578,000 milesMI

ON SEPT 2, 2005 AND SEPT. 6, 2005, UNDER TWO CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVING QUICK ACCELERATION WITH MODERATE LOAD (TWO ADULTS AND ONE KID. ABOUT 50 LB LOAD IN TRUNK), THE ENGINE KEPT HIGH REVVING AFTER THE GAS PADDLE HAD BEEN FULLY RELEASED, THUS PULLING FORWARD HARD UNINTENTIONALLY; IT KEPT SO DOING FOR SECONDS, EVEN AFTER BRAKING WAS APPLIED FOR THE FIRST FEW SECONDS, AND PUMPED. IT RECOVERED BACK TO NORMAL RESPONSIVENESS AFTER HARD BRAKING FOR AT LEAST FIVE SECONDS IN THE FIRST INCIDENT AND ABOUT THREE SECOND IN THE SECOND. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE CRUISE CONTROL NEVER WORKED SINCE THE PURCHASE IN 1996.

WheelsCrash
Filed May 16, 2005OR

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1996 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. SHE SAID THAT IN 2003 HER REAR TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND ALMOST TAKING THE LIFE OF HER DAUGHTER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE WHEEL STRUTS. ON MAY 15, 2005 HER HUSBAND CHECKS THE VEHICLE REGULARLY TO MAKE SURE IT IS SAFE. WHILE CHECKING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THE WHEEL WAS LOOSE. THEY TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO A TIRE CENTER AND THEY SAID THAT EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *TT

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core
Filed Mar 29, 2005164,493 milesCA

HEATER CORE RUPTURED, CAUSING THE COOLANT TO SPILL OVER THE DRIVER'S FEET. THIS EVENTUALLY CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP, MAKING THE ABILITY TO SEE THE ROAD DIFFICULT.*AK WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, HE HIT A BUMP AND HOT COOLANT FELL ON HIS FEET. THE STEAM FROM THE HOT COOLANT FOGGED UP THE WINDOWS AND ESCAPED THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO PARKING LOT TO AVOID CRASHING BECAUSE OF THE STEAM ON THE WINDOW. VOLKSWAGEN AGREED TO REPAIR HEATING CORE.*SB

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jan 5, 2005DE

WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND HEAD LIGHTS WERE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR CHECK UP, AND RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Steering › Column
Filed Jan 4, 2005106,500 milesNJ

SMOKE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A PUFF OF SMOKE AROSE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND I LOST USE OF MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS. I HAVE BEEN ONLINE AND HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS TO THE SAME AFFECT. SHOULDN'T THIS BE A RECALL ITEM ? AVE HAD QUITE A FEW OTHERS PROBLEMS IN THE 6 MONTHS SINCE WE HAVE OWNED OUR 1996 JETTA. *AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Sep 22, 2004CA

CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT SIDE WINDOWS WERE NOT GOING UP AND DOWN AT WILL. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MOTOR WINDOW REGULATOR WAS DEFECTIVE. TO HAVE THEM REPAIRED WOULD COST AT LEAST $500.00 PER WINDOW, WHICH CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE.*AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Sep 5, 2004CT

THE REAR SIDE WINDOWS OF MY JETTA HAVE FALLEN INTO THE DOOR. *JB

Steering › Linkages › Drag › Power Assist System
Filed Jun 12, 200454,000 milesCA

THE STEERING IN THIS 1996 JETTA IS JUST HORRIBLE, NO MECHANIC HAS BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR IT. IM TOLD THERE IS SOMETHING ON THE WHEEL BASE TORN (REAR) AND ITS GOING TO COST ME 800 TO FIX. YET, THE STEERING HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE IVE HAD THE CAR AND I HARDLY NOTICED UNTIL I RENTED A CAR (BECAUSE THE CRANK SHAFT IN THE JETTA BROKE TOO). THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION OR ANY MAJOR TRAMA TO HAVE ANYTHING TORN, IT ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES ON IT, YET IVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CRANK SHAFT, LAST WEEK THE ENTIRE COMPUTER, 2 YEARS AGO THE ENTIRE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND (MY LAND LORD DISCOVERED) AND NOW THE STEERING. I THOUGHT VWS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE WELL BUILT CARS. *AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jun 4, 200490,000 milesOH

JUST PURCHASED MY FIRST VW JETTA. MAY BE MY LAST VW PERIOD. MY WINDOWS WORK WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE IT. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, I FOUND OUT THIS IS A EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM THAT VW TAKES NO REPONSIBILITY FOR. FIXING IT MYSELF, IT COSTS ME $150 EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS. I SHOULD CHARGE VW $70 AN HOUR FOR LABOR!*AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Apr 27, 2004UT

SINCE I HAVE HAD MY 1996 VW JETTA GLS, ALL FOUR WINDOW REGULATORS AND ALL FOUR WINDOW MOTORS HAVE BROKEN. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR JETTAS. *AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Feb 22, 2004CA

ALL FOUR WINDOWS IN MY '96 JETTA HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. PROBLEMS INVOLVE THE WINDOW REGULATORS AND THE MOTORS. AS IT IS TODAY, MY VEHICLE HAS THREE OPERATING WINDOWS WITH DEFECTS (MAKES LOUD CRUNCH SOUND WHEN ROLLED ALL THE WAY DOWN) TO A STUCK-HALF-WAY WINDOW THAT WON'T GO UP OR DOWN. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 2, 2004FL

THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS DAMAGED DURING A COLLISION. THE DOOR WAS REPAIRED AND PAINTED. THE PAINT FUMES ARE VERY STRONG IN THE PASSENGER CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. *NM

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jan 8, 2004108,000 milesNC

1996 VW JETTA - DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT OPERATE WHEN TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 0 C OR 32 F. THIS MATCHES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN # 57 9702 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER 53643. *LA

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Dec 4, 2003GA

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR, 1996 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS, FROM THE STORE, I NOTICE THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN MY THERMOSTAT STARTED TO GO BACK AND FORWARD LIKE IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL, THEN SMOKE CAME OUT OF MY VENTS INSIDE OF MY CAR. I THOUGHT THIS WAS STRANGE, THAT SMOKE(WHITE SMOKE) CAME FROM INSIDE MY CAR, SO I STOPPED THE CAR AND OPENED THE HOOD, BUT NOTHING WAS BURNING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOLD MY HUSBAND ABOUT THIS AND WE TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS GONE OR WAS BURNED OUT. I THEN ASKED HIM HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO GET IT FIXED AND HE STATED THAT THIS COULD BE A COSTLY JOB. I NEEDED MY CAR FIXED SO I TOOK IT TO A EUROPEAN SPECIALIST AUTO SHOP AND THEY FIXED IT FOR A COST OF $800.00 PLUS TAX!!!!! THIS WAS OUTRAGEOUS, BUT I NEEDED TO GET IT FIXED. WHERE CAN I CALL TO GET MY REFUND??? THIS IS ENTIRELY A LOT OF MONEY!!!!! *NLM

Service Brakes, Air › Drum › Shoes/Linings
Filed Oct 14, 200369,500 milesCA

CONSUMER PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE FROM DEALER AND VEHICLE NEEDED REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS AND BRAKE SHOES. THE WHEEL CYLINDERS WERE LEAKING, AND THE BRAKE SHOES CRUMBLED WHEN REMOVED FOR REPAIR DONE BY CONSUMER SINCE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.*AK

Wheels
Filed Aug 29, 2003FL

WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL FELL OF WITHOUT WARNING. *AK

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Aug 20, 2003NH

WHILE DRIVING REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jul 7, 2003NC

ALL FOUR WINDOWS BROKE IN MY VW JETTA GLS. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED, AS THAT WAS WHAT I COULD AFFORD. WHEN THE FIRST TWO BROKE, I CALLED VW USA (NOT THE DEALERSHIP) TO GET AN ESTIMATE ON WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT. I TOLD THEM I FOUND THE TECHNICAL BULLETINS DESCRIBING THE EXACT ISSUE I WAS EXPERIENCING. THEY TOLD ME SPECIFICALLY "MA'AM, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO THE CAR, THEREFORE WE CAN ONLY PAY FOR 1/2 OF THE COST OF REPAIR". I WAS FURIOUS AT THE SUGGESTION THAT ALL I DO ALL DAY IS SIT IN MY CAR AND BURN OUT THE WINDOW MOTORS. I IGNORED IT UNTIL A FEW MONTHS LATER WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR AS I WAS ENTERING THE PARKING GARAGE AT MY PLACE OF BUSINESS. I CALLED VW AGAIN AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE I WAS A 2ND OWNER AND THERE WAS NO WARRANTY FOR ME. I GOT TWO OF THE THREE FIXED TO THE TUNE OF ABOUT $900 (WHICH WAS HALF OFF) AND LEFT THE 3RD (IN THE REAR) BROKEN. NOW, ALL FOUR WINDOWS HAVE BROKEN AND I REFUSE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE TWO REMAINING BROKEN WINDOWS SINCE IT IS NOW A 100% FAILURE RATE. 50% IS UNACCEPTABLE, BUT 100% IS DOWNRIGHT RIDICULOUS AND NO CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS FRUSTRATION OVER AND OVER AGAIN. ALSO, I KNOW TWO OTHER JETTA OWNERS (BOTH OWN 1997 MODELS) AND BOTH OF THEM HAVE HAD AT LEAST 2 WINDOWS BREAK. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, EVEN FOR 2ND OWNERS OF THIS PARTICULAR BRAND OF AUTOMOBILES.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Apr 2, 2003MA

I HAVE NOW HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN MY ONE OWNER AUTOMATIC JETTA, THREE TIMES. MY LAST TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED 35,000 MILES AGO, AND I NOW NEED TO SPEND 1,700 DOLLARS TO REPLACE IT. *NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 27, 200359 milesNY

MY CAR WAS A LEMON THE ENGINE SEIZED WHEN THE CAR HAD NOT EVEN REACHED 60,000 MILES DESPITE REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS.*JB

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Feb 17, 200394,969 milesFL

EACH TIME IT RAINS HEAVY ENOUGH FOR WATER TO SPLASH UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHEN DRIVING (IE A PUDDLE; SPLASH FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING BY; CAR WASH) - THE CAR STALLS, HAS TO BE TOWED AND ENDS UP HAVING THE IGNITION WIRES REPLACED. THIS HAS AVERAGED ABOUT 1-2X PER YEAR SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST OF 1996

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Nov 26, 2002CA

THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT ALLOW KEY TO TURN ALL THE WAY. THE SWITCH WOULD WEAR OUT OVER TIME OF USAGE. TS

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Aug 21, 2002IL

WHILE DRIVING 2-3 MPH BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, NO INJURIES.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Aug 19, 2002MA

AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 1-2 HOURS CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE. AFTERWARDS FOUND OUT THAT FIRE WAS SHOOTING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DURING FIRE SUN ROOF WAS AUTOMATICALLY OPENING AND CLOSING BY ITSELF, ALSO, VEHICLE POPPED ITSELF INTO REVERSE AND WENT BACKWARD DURING THE FIRE.*AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jul 10, 2002CT

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HOOD FLEW OFF, BREAKING WINDSHIELD . DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.*AK

Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Jun 17, 2002CA

WHEN LOCKING PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR ENTIRE CYLINDER FELL OUT. UNABLE TO UNLOCK OR LOCK DOOR.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control
Filed May 15, 2002NY

IT SEEMS THAT ON A VERY RAINY DAY OR A DAMP DAY THE CAR STALLS OR DOESN'T START AT ALL. I GET A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT THAT COMES ON AS WELL. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO KOPPELL VW IN NYC AND THEY ALWAYS BLAME THE HEATED O2 SENSOR FOR THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. THEY ALSO HAVE CHANGED THE IGNITION WIRES, ROTOR AND ROTOR CAP FOR THE STALL. IT HAS BEEN AN ON AND OFF PROBLEM SINCE THEN. THE O2 SENSOR HAS BEEN CHANGED 4 TIMES AND THE IGNITION WIRES, ROTOR AND CAP HAVE BEEN CHANGED 6 TIMES. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM SOLVED. THE CAR IS STILL PROTECTED UNDER THE ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY BUT IT SEEMS THEY (KOPPELL VW IN NYC OR VW THEMSELVES) DON'T WANT TO HONOR THE WARRANTY. THANK YOU.*AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed May 8, 2002KY

WHILE DRIVING 35-45 MPH HOOD CAME UNLATCHED AND HIT WINDSHIELD. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Apr 1, 2002NY

FRONT DOOR LATCHES FAIL TO OPERATE, CAUSING OCCUPANTS TO BE TRAPPED IN THE CAR.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Dec 28, 2001TN

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ALONG AND SMELLED SMOKE FROM INSIDE. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM REAR. CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND GETTING OUT NOTICED GAS TANK HAD FLAMES COMING OUT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND NOT CONCERNED.*AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Nov 14, 2001VA

CYLINDERS CAME OUT WITH THE KEY. THEY JUST STOPPED WORKING AND CAME OUT! I CAN NO LONGER LOCK MY CAR OR USE THE KEY TO GET INTO IT. I HAVE TO LEAVE IT UNLOCKED AND CLIMB IN THROUGH THE BACK SEAT.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Unit
Filed Oct 19, 2001OH

UPON DEPRESSING THE FOUR-WAY FLASHER SWITCH, USUALLY ONLY ONE TURN SIGNAL BLINKS, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, ONLY THE LEFT OR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BLINKS, AFTER DEPRESSING THE SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES, THE FOUR-WAY FLASHERS WILL WORK NORMALLY. *TT

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jul 30, 2001TX

EVERY SUMMER ESPECIALLY DURING 90 DEGREE TEMPERATURE, THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE MOVES TO HIGHEST SETTING AND OFTEN TIMES VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF TO COOL DOWN. VEHICLE WILL STARTS AGAIN AFTER COOLING DOWN. THIS HAPPENS ONLY DURING HOT SUMMERS.*AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 17, 2001NY

THERE IS A CRACK IN VALVE BODY WHICH CAUSES TRANSMISSION TO BURN OUT.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jul 12, 2001SC

ALL PROBLEMS HAVE REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER TO NO AVAIL. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Jul 2, 2001MD

CONSUMER WAS LEAVING AN INTERSECTION AND WAS TRAVELING 15MPH ON A WET PAVEMENT, APPLIED BRAKES, AND VEHICLE SLID AND HIT ENBANKEMENT CURB. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Jun 19, 2001GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILED AND CAUSED ALARM TO GO OFF, POWER WINDOWS NOT TO OPEN OR CLOSE. TOOK TO MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED LOCK SYSTEM WHICH HELPED FOR AWHILE. TOOK IT BACK AGAIN, AND THIS TIME MECHANIC LOCATED ELECTRICAL WIRES THAT HAD FUSED TOGETHER UNDER DASH AND WERE CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURE.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Jun 5, 2001MI

WHEN STEPPPING ON BRAKES AIR CONDITIONER FAN COMES ON. THIS MAY ALSO HAPPEN WHEN STEPPING CLUTCH PEDAL. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages
Filed May 8, 2001FL

WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN, AND UPON DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR PEDAL ACCELERATOR FAILED TO RESPOND, CAUSING LOSS OF ALL POWER WHICH CAUSED A NEAR ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Mar 7, 2001CA

AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPOYED WHILE DRIVING AT 33-34 MPH. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND NO RESPONSE WAS RECEIVED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Feb 21, 2001WV

VEHICLE WILL NOT START IN WET CONDITIONS OR WHEN GOING OVER WET SURFACES. VEHICLE WILL STALL AND DIE. DEALER HAS REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER/ VACUUM SENSORS, AND VARIOUS OTHER PARTS; BUT, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

Power Train › Automatic TransmissionCrash
Filed Feb 15, 2001CT

TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. WOULD MAKE WHINNING NOISE, FLUID WOULD BE LEAKING. TOOK TO DEALER & MECHANIC TRIED TO REPAIR IT. CLAIMED WOULD WORK FINE. TRANSMISSION SEIZED UP, AND VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK

Complaints 1-50 of 174, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20266100Routine
202532200Routine
202446010Routine
202343000Routine
202243100Routine
202171402Fatalities reported
202054600Routine
20195521130Do not drive
201832300Routine
2017160731Fatalities reported
2016162550Routine
2015194810Routine
2014388520Above average
2013518630Above average
2012500860Above average
20116071090Above average
2010852550Above average
2009889780Above average
2008188640Routine
2007201670Above average
2006580660Above average
20052487140Above average
20042315200High concern
20034574701Fatalities reported
200270277110Fatalities reported
20016687121Fatalities reported
20004395142Fatalities reported
1999349790Above average
1998192380Routine
1997141251Fatalities reported
1996 — this page174251Fatalities reported
19952206110Above average
1994117750Routine
199317600Routine
199230430Routine
199131700Routine
199022710Routine

Compare every Jetta year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.