NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
27 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Nov 11, 2022
EngineSuspensionInjury
The transmissions are bad on these cars and when it's shifting gears it jerks and almost takes you off the road. I've had my car completely stop as I was driving and almost cause a wreck hurting myself in the process of not trying to kill someone walking because these cars are KNOWN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM THERE WAS AN ENTIRE LAWSU…
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The transmissions are bad on these cars and when it's shifting gears it jerks and almost takes you off the road. I've had my car completely stop as I was driving and almost cause a wreck hurting myself in the process of not trying to kill someone walking because these cars are KNOWN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM THERE WAS AN ENTIRE LAWSUIT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. Please help if there is a recall done I can get the car fixed and continue working as an in-home caregiver. I am currently out of work because IT IS NOT SAFE TO TRANSPORT CLIENTS IN THAT DEATH TRAP. The mechanic said the entire transmission is built to brake and it's not a new problem these cars are bad.
NHTSA ODI #11493221
153,341 miles · Mar 8, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFire
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. WHEN TURNING ON THE CAR, THE AIR BAG DEFAULT BUTTON COMES ON. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON. WHILE IDLE CAR RUMBLES AND SHAKES, WHILE ACCELERATING OR DECELERATI…
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ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. WHEN TURNING ON THE CAR, THE AIR BAG DEFAULT BUTTON COMES ON. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON. WHILE IDLE CAR RUMBLES AND SHAKES, WHILE ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING CAR SHAKES (FRONT END). MY FUELING SYSTEM IS TERRIBLE IT SEEMS AS IF GAS SOMETIMES DOESN'T GET TO MY CAR IT STALES VERY OFTEN WHILE DRIVING OR BRAKING AND ACCELERATING AGAIN. TERRIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN FRONT LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO. WHEN THE HEATER IS ON IT MAKES LOUD NOISE AND TICK EVEN WITH THE A/C ON IT DOES THE SAME THING. WHILE TURNING IT STALES AND THEN TAKE OFF REALLY FAST. WHILE IDLE CAR RUMBLES AND SHAKES, WHILE ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING CAR SHAKES (FRONT END). MY FUELING SYSTEM IS TERRIBLE IT SEEMS AS IF GAS SOMETIMES DOESN'T GET TO MY CAR IT STALES VERY OFTEN WHILE DRIVING OR BRAKING AND ACCELERATING AGAIN. TERRIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN FRONT LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO. WHEN THE HEATER IS ON IT MAKES LOUD NOISE AND TICK EVEN WITH THE A/C ON IT DOES THE SAME THING. WHILE TURNING IT STALES AND THEN TAKE OFF REALLY FAST. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE, WHILE IDLED IN A DRIVE THRU LINE AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI #11316809
Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
WHILE IDLE CAR RUMBLES AND SHAKES, WHILE ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING CAR SHAKES (FRONT END). MY FUELING SYSTEM IS TERRIBLE IT SEEMS AS IF GAS SOMETIMES DOESN'T GET TO MY CAR IT STALES VERY OFTEN WHILE DRIVING OR BRAKING AND ACCELERATING AGAIN. TERRIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN FRONT LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS WORK …
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WHILE IDLE CAR RUMBLES AND SHAKES, WHILE ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING CAR SHAKES (FRONT END). MY FUELING SYSTEM IS TERRIBLE IT SEEMS AS IF GAS SOMETIMES DOESN'T GET TO MY CAR IT STALES VERY OFTEN WHILE DRIVING OR BRAKING AND ACCELERATING AGAIN. TERRIBLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN FRONT LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO. WHEN THE HEATER IS ON IT MAKES LOUD NOISE AND TICK EVEN WITH THE A/C ON IT DOES THE SAME THING. WHILE TURNING IT STALES AND THEN TAKE OFF REALLY FAST.
NHTSA ODI #11282423
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2019
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE, WHILE IDLED IN A DRIVE THRU LINE AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A POLICE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE, WHILE IDLED IN A DRIVE THRU LINE AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A POLICE REPORT OR FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE DEALER MIKE HAGGERTY VOLKSWAGEN (8920 S CICERO AVE, OAK LAWN, IL 60453 (708) 425-8989) TOLD THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11243476
39,923 miles · May 17, 2019
Engine
ENGINE MISFIRES WHILE DRIVING OR ACCELERATING OR SLOWING. THEN VEHICLE VIBRATES AND STALLS. INTERMITTENT AND WITHOUT WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH. VW GARAGE COULD NOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM APRIL 11, 2019 AND MAY 7 TO 11,2019. VEHICLE HAD RECALL ON COILS APPROXIMATELY 2011 AND COILS WERE REPLACED BUT ONE FAILED FEW MONTHS LATER AND MAN…
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ENGINE MISFIRES WHILE DRIVING OR ACCELERATING OR SLOWING. THEN VEHICLE VIBRATES AND STALLS. INTERMITTENT AND WITHOUT WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH. VW GARAGE COULD NOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM APRIL 11, 2019 AND MAY 7 TO 11,2019. VEHICLE HAD RECALL ON COILS APPROXIMATELY 2011 AND COILS WERE REPLACED BUT ONE FAILED FEW MONTHS LATER AND MANUFACTURER REPLACED IT. MILEAGE NOW IS SLIGHTLY BELOW 40,000. VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING TWICE AND NOT TRUSTWORTHY. POLICEMAN HELPED MOVE VEHICLE OFF ROAD ONCE VOLKSWAGEN GARAGE ADVISED KEEP DRIVING TO SEE IF PROBLEM CONTINUES AFTER THEY SWITCHED TWO COIL WIRES. IT HAS NOT STOPPED MISFIRING OF ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #11208174
155,000 miles · Feb 7, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM - ONGOING ISSUE.. NO READING FOR SMOG CHECK
NHTSA ODI #11174978
139,000 miles · Jul 2, 2018
EngineFireInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED OFF TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES, BUT NOTICED FLAMES COMIN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT VEERED OFF TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES, BUT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MINOR BURNS TO THE RIGHT ARM THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
NHTSA ODI #11105143
100,000 miles · Oct 26, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes
I AM REPORTING A SAFETY CONCERN FOR VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2005.5. MY JETTA RECENTLY STARTED HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS DUE TO THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER ON 8/4/2017 I HAD TO FORCE MY CAR OFF THE ROAD FROM HITTING MULTIPLE VEHICLES DUE TO THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER FAILING. VOLKSWAGEN IS VERY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE I HAVE DONE RESEARCH IN F…
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I AM REPORTING A SAFETY CONCERN FOR VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2005.5. MY JETTA RECENTLY STARTED HAVING BRAKE PROBLEMS DUE TO THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER ON 8/4/2017 I HAD TO FORCE MY CAR OFF THE ROAD FROM HITTING MULTIPLE VEHICLES DUE TO THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER FAILING. VOLKSWAGEN IS VERY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE I HAVE DONE RESEARCH IN FOUND COMPLAINTS AS WELL AS RECALLS BUT WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T HELP ME THE FUEL LINE HAS ALSO FAILED AFTER REPLACING IT CAUSING A GAS SMELL THROUGH OUT THE VEHICLE WHEN STARTING AFTER PUMPING GAS. I RECENTLY STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VALVE BODY DAMAGED THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY SELF IN OTHERS WHO OWN THE SAME VEHICLE THE VALVE BODY DAMAGED CAUSES THE CAR TO SLIP IN HEAVY TRAFFIC LEADING UP TO A CAR ACCIDENT. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND VOLKSWAGEN IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WITH COMPLAINTS THEY DID ADD EXTENDED WARRANTY TO END 100,000 MILES. BACK IN 2005 LEADING UP TO 2014 THERE ARE MULTIPLE 2005.5 JETTAS AROUND NASHVILLE WITH THE SAME ISSUES. BUT VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT HELP FIX THE PROBLEM OF THE SAFETY OF THERE CUSTOMERS
NHTSA ODI #11040022
170,000 miles · Jul 17, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineSuspension
TAKATA RECALL. MY VOLKSWAGON JETTA GLS ENGINE KEEPS ON MISFIRING FOR SOME REASON NO MATTER WHAT WORK I PUT INTO IT.
NHTSA ODI #11005615
170,000 miles · Jun 30, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED TO WHEELER AUTO PARTS (LOCATED AT 8391 E MONROE RD, WHEELER, MI 48662; (989) 842-3158) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED TO WHEELER AUTO PARTS (LOCATED AT 8391 E MONROE RD, WHEELER, MI 48662; (989) 842-3158) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE STALLED IN THE SHOP'S PARKING LOT AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (LAFONTAINE VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 2200 S TELEGRAPH RD, DEARBORN, MI 48124; (313) 996-6000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-822-8987 AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. CASE NUMBER: 170791374 WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA ODI #11002517
Official recalls
4Sep 24, 2007
CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD A REQUIRED CAP INSTALLED WHICH DISABLES THE HEADLIGHT HORIZONTAL AIM AND SOME VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A CAP THAT DISABLES THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE LOW BEAM HORIZONTAL AIMING SCREW AND INSTALL ONE IF MISSING, AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW AND IF PRESENT, THE CAP WILL BE REMOVED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Feb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Jul 5, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L GASOLINE ENGINE, A FUEL SUPPLY LINE CLAMP LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY NOT BE POSITIONED PROPERLY AND COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY LINE CLAMP AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CLAMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Dec 15, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗