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2006 Volkswagen Jetta

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Jetta years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

508 reports with mileage · 72 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 245 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports6 fire reports14 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

112 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension

THERE HAS BEEN TAMPERING DONE TO MY VEHICLE HOW DO I ASSURE SAFETY AND HAVE IT INVESTIGATED AND HAVE A REPAIR MAN LOOK OVER THE VEHICLE AFTER THE THEFT?

NHTSA ODI #11383094

115,000 miles · Jul 21, 2020
Air BagsElectrical System

THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED BACK TO A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS IN THE DOOR HINGE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON VW ISSUE, AND MANY OTHER ONLINE COMPLAINTS REFERENCE A WIRE HARNESS THAT IS TOO SHORT. I REPAIRED THE SEVERED WIRES WITH BUTT CONNECTORS. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME …

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THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED BACK TO A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS IN THE DOOR HINGE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON VW ISSUE, AND MANY OTHER ONLINE COMPLAINTS REFERENCE A WIRE HARNESS THAT IS TOO SHORT. I REPAIRED THE SEVERED WIRES WITH BUTT CONNECTORS. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I INSPECTED THE WHOLE AIRBAG SYSTEM (CONNECTORS, WIRING, FUSES, ETC.) TO NO AVAIL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. AGAIN, OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS SAME ISSUE WHEN FIXING A VW'S WINDOW (I.E., FIX THE WINDOW AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES). THE TWO ISSUES SHOULD NOT BE CONNECTED, AND THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME.

NHTSA ODI #11340605

119,500 miles · Nov 24, 2019
Electrical System

CAR WILL NOT TURN OFF - KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. HAVE TO PUSH THE STEERING WHEEL IN FORCEFULLY TO BE ABLE TO TURN KEY AND ENGINE OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11282096

54,000 miles · Oct 22, 2019
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN A YEAR. THE NEW BATTERY WAS REPLACED WITHIN A MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE RADIO CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CAL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN A YEAR. THE NEW BATTERY WAS REPLACED WITHIN A MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE RADIO CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED YORK VOLKSWAGEN (3475 E MARKET ST, YORK, PA 17402, (717) 755-1015) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THEY COULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE KEY FAILED TO INSERT INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR THE IGNITION FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11270144

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2019
Electrical System

JETTA DRIVER SIDE DOOR WIRING HARNESS ISSUES CREATING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: DRIVER WINDOW SWITCH INOPERATIVE, FUEL DOOR SWITCH INOPERATIVE, DOOR AJAR LIGHT IS ON, DOOR LACK SWITCH INOPERATIVE. VEHICLE IS PARKED WHEN THIS PROBLEMS ARE PRESENT. THERE HAS BEEN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED TO SOME 2006 JETTA OWNERS BUT N…

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JETTA DRIVER SIDE DOOR WIRING HARNESS ISSUES CREATING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: DRIVER WINDOW SWITCH INOPERATIVE, FUEL DOOR SWITCH INOPERATIVE, DOOR AJAR LIGHT IS ON, DOOR LACK SWITCH INOPERATIVE. VEHICLE IS PARKED WHEN THIS PROBLEMS ARE PRESENT. THERE HAS BEEN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED TO SOME 2006 JETTA OWNERS BUT NO TO EVERYONE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. AN EXAMPLE OF THIS CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=P1EQ5XL-ZPM THIS PERFECTLY DESCRIBES THE ISSUES MENTIONED ABOVE.

NHTSA ODI #11218932

121,000 miles · Nov 20, 2018
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed ControlVisibility/wiper

SO INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE I AM UNABLE TO OPEN MY TRUNK BY FLIPPING THE TRUNK SWITCH. MY LEFT PASSENGER DOOR IS UNABLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE WINDOWS WON'T TOLL DOWN, THE DOOR IS UNABLE TO LOCK AND IT'S STRESSFUL BECAUSE MY CAR GOT BROKEN INTO BECAUSE OF IT. MY RIGHT MIRROR TURN SIGNAL DOESN'T FUNCTION ANY MORE WHEN I SIGNAL RIG…

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SO INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE I AM UNABLE TO OPEN MY TRUNK BY FLIPPING THE TRUNK SWITCH. MY LEFT PASSENGER DOOR IS UNABLE TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE WINDOWS WON'T TOLL DOWN, THE DOOR IS UNABLE TO LOCK AND IT'S STRESSFUL BECAUSE MY CAR GOT BROKEN INTO BECAUSE OF IT. MY RIGHT MIRROR TURN SIGNAL DOESN'T FUNCTION ANY MORE WHEN I SIGNAL RIGHT IT SIGNALS REALLY FAST AND IT'S ONLY SIGNALS USING MY HEADLIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT SIGNALS. SOMETIMES THERE IS A KICK TO MY CAR WHEN I'M DRIVING AND IN A COUPLE OF OCCASION WHEN I START MY VEHICLE MY CAR REVS UP ON IT'S OWN. JUST A BUNCH OF ISSUES IT'S STRESSFUL..

NHTSA ODI #11152660

92,000 miles · Aug 11, 2018
Electrical System

THE DRIVER DOOR WIRING HARNESS IS TO SHORT AND IN TIME THE WIRES BREAK WHERE THE WIRES GO FROM THE BODY INTO THE DOOR. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2005 AND 2004 YEARS FOR THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11119350

111,000 miles · Jul 10, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeats

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE DRIVER SEAT STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD ON ITS OWN TOWARDS THE STEERING WHEEL IN WHICH I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE DRIVER SEAT IT WOULD NOT REVERSENEARLY CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HORN NO LONGER WORKS DUE TO SOME SORT OFELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE IS…

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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE DRIVER SEAT STARTED TO MOVE FORWARD ON ITS OWN TOWARDS THE STEERING WHEEL IN WHICH I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE DRIVER SEAT IT WOULD NOT REVERSENEARLY CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HORN NO LONGER WORKS DUE TO SOME SORT OFELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE ISSUE TOOK PLACE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11110654

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2018
Electrical System

ELECTRICAL HARNESS IN DRIVER'S DOOR MANUFACTURED 2 INCHES TOO SHORT WIRES BROKEN NO WAY TO ADJUST DRIVER'S MIRROR PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR OPEN TRUNK OPEN GAS CAP OPEN DRIVERS WINDOW OR ANY OTHER WINDOWS NOR TO LOCK OR UNLOCK DOORS. WHEN SWITCHING DRIVERS THE OTHER DRIVER CANNOT ADJUST THE MIRRORS IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD ALONG WITH A…

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ELECTRICAL HARNESS IN DRIVER'S DOOR MANUFACTURED 2 INCHES TOO SHORT WIRES BROKEN NO WAY TO ADJUST DRIVER'S MIRROR PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR OPEN TRUNK OPEN GAS CAP OPEN DRIVERS WINDOW OR ANY OTHER WINDOWS NOR TO LOCK OR UNLOCK DOORS. WHEN SWITCHING DRIVERS THE OTHER DRIVER CANNOT ADJUST THE MIRRORS IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER INABILITIES OF THESE SWITCHES NOT WORKING IN THAT DOOR. VOLKSWAGEN KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THOUSANDS OF CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM! JUST GO ONLINE AND SEE ALL THE COMPLAINTS.

NHTSA ODI #11091303

163,000 miles · Jan 8, 2018
Electrical SystemPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PASS EMISSIONS INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SIGNAL FROM THE ECU AND TRANSMISSION MODULE INDICATED THAT THERE WERE TWO PINS THAT WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. COLONIAL VO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PASS EMISSIONS INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SIGNAL FROM THE ECU AND TRANSMISSION MODULE INDICATED THAT THERE WERE TWO PINS THAT WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. COLONIAL VOLKSWAGEN (89 TURNPIKE RD, WEST BOROUGH, MA) WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE FAILURE, BUT THEY REFUSED TO ASSIST THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 163,000. *TT *TR

NHTSA ODI #11061255

Official recalls

4

10V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 10, 2010

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

09V164000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

May 19, 2009

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2.01 ENGINE. THE FASTENING SCREW CONTACT SURFACES ON THE DRIVESHAFT COVER PLATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN OVER TIME, CAUSING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DETACHED DRIVESHAFT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE THE GEARBOX HOUSING. A DAMAGE GEARBOX HOUSING COULD LEAK GEARBOX OIL ONTO THE STREET AND CREATE A RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS AND REPLACE THE SCREWS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

07V442000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Sep 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.

07V284000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Jun 25, 2007

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L GASOLINE ENGINES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CHAFING HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A FUEL LEAK OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR AND WILL ALSO INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.