NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
45 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 30, 2024
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other
The car has been jerking when you’re driving and sometimes it jerks forward as you’re parking it while it’s in the parked position. Then I’m driving home from work , it’s raining heavy. I get to the Valaro store by my house; I put $40.00 worth of gas in the car after work drove home parked the car the next morning it would not …
Read full complaint
The car has been jerking when you’re driving and sometimes it jerks forward as you’re parking it while it’s in the parked position. Then I’m driving home from work , it’s raining heavy. I get to the Valaro store by my house; I put $40.00 worth of gas in the car after work drove home parked the car the next morning it would not turn over , would not ignite at all I took it to the shop. They said the computer was fried from the rain leaking through the windshield or under the windshield. They said it’s a major problem with this model car. The mechanic said the computer could not be fixed. He sent it to the Volkswagen repair shop it can’t be fixed and to replace it cost thousands of dollars !!! I can provide an estimate of the problems and possible repairs if needed . The mechanic stated it is not worth the cost to fix the car. I did notice that there is a powertrain recall and my mechanic is also stating that the transmission is the jerking problem we’re having.. I really think these should be recalled however I needed to submit my issues and see what you final decision would be on both situations, the powertrain transmission problem and the computer burnout problem thank you so much and hope you’re having a great day
NHTSA ODI #11568807
141,000 miles · Aug 10, 2022
Electrical SystemFireInjury
The contact owned a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical problems. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, another driver persistently blew the horn at her to inform her that the vehicle had caught fire. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side o…
Read full complaint
The contact owned a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical problems. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, another driver persistently blew the horn at her to inform her that the vehicle had caught fire. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and immediately exited the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was a fire underneath the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground and there was a big hole in the pavement. There was no further information provided. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact sustained post-traumatic stress disorder as she had lost her only daughter in a vehicle fire in the past. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
NHTSA ODI #11478684
100,000 miles · Feb 3, 2021
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS MULTIPLE TIMES DUE TO FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT UNIT THAT COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN FIRES. AIRBAG FAULT HINDERING USAGE
NHTSA ODI #11394583
155,000 miles · Oct 13, 2020
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN WHEN PLACED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MIL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN WHEN PLACED INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.
NHTSA ODI #11364104
95,000 miles · Sep 11, 2020
Electrical SystemSeatsFireInjury
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WITH THE SEAT HEATER ON. I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND THEN A BURNING SENSATION. BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER, THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT COVER, EXPOSING THE WIRING AND FOAM. MY COAT AND CLOTHING WERE BURNED, AS WELL AS MY BACK. THERE IS ALSO EVIDENCE OF OV…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WITH THE SEAT HEATER ON. I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND THEN A BURNING SENSATION. BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER, THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT COVER, EXPOSING THE WIRING AND FOAM. MY COAT AND CLOTHING WERE BURNED, AS WELL AS MY BACK. THERE IS ALSO EVIDENCE OF OVERHEATING/BURNING IN ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS OF THE SEAT COVER, BUT IT ONLY BURNED THROUGH IN ONE LOCATION. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER AND DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF THE SEAT HEATER. THIS OCCURRED ON 3/8/19 WITH LESS THAN 95K MILES ON THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11354448
121,000 miles · Dec 3, 2019
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
DOOR LOCKS FAIL TO LOCK. FRONT DRIVER DOOR WILL LOCK BUT ALL OTHER DOORS DO NOT LOCK. ALARM WILL SOUND OFF IF DOOR IS OPENED BUT WILL ONLY WORK FOR 1 MINUTE THEN SHUT OFF. THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN AUTO BURGLARY AT MY SONS WORK PLACE PARKING LOT. IT ALSO POSES A DANGER TO CHILDREN IN BACK SEAT IF DOOR IS OPENED WHILE CAR IS IN…
Read full complaint
DOOR LOCKS FAIL TO LOCK. FRONT DRIVER DOOR WILL LOCK BUT ALL OTHER DOORS DO NOT LOCK. ALARM WILL SOUND OFF IF DOOR IS OPENED BUT WILL ONLY WORK FOR 1 MINUTE THEN SHUT OFF. THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN AUTO BURGLARY AT MY SONS WORK PLACE PARKING LOT. IT ALSO POSES A DANGER TO CHILDREN IN BACK SEAT IF DOOR IS OPENED WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. SAFETY IS AT ISSUE WHEN PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE NEED TO PREVENT BEING CAR JACKED OR ROBBED AS WELL. WE HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO HAVE A RECALL ISSUED ON THIS VEHICLE TO FORCE THE MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR THESE VEHICLES?
NHTSA ODI #11286656
137,000 miles · Aug 30, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE BAY BY THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP. THE LOW BEAM OF THE HEADLIGHT KEPT GOING OFF AND ON PROMPTING A BROKEN HEADLIGHT OR HEADLAMP BULB SIGNAL ON DASH BOARD. AFTER REPLACING THE BULB THE ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED IT CONTINUED PERIODICALLY FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH . WHILE DRIVING I SMELLED BURNING …
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE BAY BY THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP. THE LOW BEAM OF THE HEADLIGHT KEPT GOING OFF AND ON PROMPTING A BROKEN HEADLIGHT OR HEADLAMP BULB SIGNAL ON DASH BOARD. AFTER REPLACING THE BULB THE ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED IT CONTINUED PERIODICALLY FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH . WHILE DRIVING I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC AFTER WHICH I NOTICED FLAMES FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP. I PULLED OVER OPENED THE HOOD NOTICING THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP WAS MELTING AND ON FIRE. WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF PULLING OVER THE ENGINE BAY WAS COMPLETELY MELTED . THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR ' MELTING IT.
NHTSA ODI #11252366
Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2018
Electrical SystemStructure
CAR WAS PARKED , PROBLEM HORN CONTINUES TO SOUND, FUSE HAD TO BE TAKEN OUT. HAVING PROBLEM WITH CAR INTERIOR HEADLINER, PULLING AWAY FROM EDGES THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE
NHTSA ODI #11103014
50,200 miles · Nov 24, 2017
Electrical SystemService BrakesSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND PREVIOUSLY MADE ABNORMAL NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (TIMMONS VOLKSWAGEN OF LONG BEACH, 3940 CHERRY AVE, LONG BEACH, CA, …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND PREVIOUSLY MADE ABNORMAL NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (TIMMONS VOLKSWAGEN OF LONG BEACH, 3940 CHERRY AVE, LONG BEACH, CA, 90807) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER FAILED, THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM WAS LEAKING OIL, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OUTER CV BOOTS WERE TORN/WORN, AND THE SWAY BAR LINK WAS FRACTURED. ALL THE PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,200.
NHTSA ODI #11048241
162,615 miles · Nov 13, 2017
Electrical System
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION AND I CANNOT TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #11045610
Official recalls
4Sep 25, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
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.
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.
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗