NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
194 reports72,000 miles · Apr 10, 2019
Engine
THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER WENT BAD CAUSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO JUMP TIME AT 72K MILES. THIS DID NOT CAUSE ANY INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE BUT DID COST A TON OF MONEY. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IN OLDER JETTA'S, BUT IT APPEARS THAT THE NEWER MODELS JUST HAVEN'T BEEN GIVEN ENOUGH TIME TO SCREW UP. IT ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE HIG…
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THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER WENT BAD CAUSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO JUMP TIME AT 72K MILES. THIS DID NOT CAUSE ANY INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE BUT DID COST A TON OF MONEY. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IN OLDER JETTA'S, BUT IT APPEARS THAT THE NEWER MODELS JUST HAVEN'T BEEN GIVEN ENOUGH TIME TO SCREW UP. IT ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY AND WOULD NOT START.
NHTSA ODI #11195520
75,355 miles · Apr 1, 2019
Engine
AT 75,355 MILES MY JETTA THAT I PURCHASED 8 MONTHS EARLIER SUDDENLY DIED. I WAS DRIVING 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY HEADED TO DALLAS WHEN SUDDENLY ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND MY CAR SLOWED TO A STOP. LIKE A COMPUTER SHUTS DOWN ON YOU. MY CAR WOULD NOT START. OR EVEN MAKE A SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP ASSESSED THE DAMAGE AND TOLD ME O…
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AT 75,355 MILES MY JETTA THAT I PURCHASED 8 MONTHS EARLIER SUDDENLY DIED. I WAS DRIVING 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY HEADED TO DALLAS WHEN SUDDENLY ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND MY CAR SLOWED TO A STOP. LIKE A COMPUTER SHUTS DOWN ON YOU. MY CAR WOULD NOT START. OR EVEN MAKE A SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP ASSESSED THE DAMAGE AND TOLD ME OIL HAD BEEN LEAKING INTERNALLY INTO THE ENGINE AND I'D NEED A NEW ONE, IT WOULD COST ABOUT 10K. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 28K MILES. PURCHASED CERTIFIED, ALL MAINTENANCE DONE AT VW. NO ONE WANTS TO HELP. NO BUY BACK. NO TRADE IN ASSISTANCE. NO APOLOGY. THE MANAGER HASN'T EVEN CALLED ME BACK. GEORGIA DOESN'T HAVE USED CAR LEMON LAWS. I'VE HAD PROBLEMS EVERY FEW MONTHS BUT BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT RELATED TO THE ENGINE, IT'S NO ONES FAULT BUT MINE.
NHTSA ODI #11193093
42,000 miles · Feb 4, 2019
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY PRESS THE START BUTTON IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE RIPPLES IN THE CHARGING SYSTEM, LEAKAGE IN THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY PRESS THE START BUTTON IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE RIPPLES IN THE CHARGING SYSTEM, LEAKAGE IN THE TRANSMISSION, AND LEAKAGE FROM THE TURBO THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHUTTER GRILL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. *TT VW REFUSED TO ACCEPT ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANICS DIAGNOSE AND TO DARK VW SLATES NOT HAPPENING. DEFECT TIRES, WINDOWS, SMELL FROM HEATER DETECT SHOCKS, SHUTS. RADIO GETS HOT, VW WAS TOLD SHUTTER GNULL BUT CANNOT DIAGNOISE THE PROBLEM AND STARTING PROBLEM AND KEY SYSTEM VW HEADQUARTERS HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF ALL ISSUES. TO DATE CAR WILL NOT START NUMEROUS TIMES. CONSUMER TURBO, NOISE IN THE ENGINE, LEAKS, VW FAILED TO DIAGNOISE/ OUTSIDE MECHANIC DIAGNOSE IT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #11173920
106,000 miles · Jan 18, 2019
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,000.
NHTSA ODI #11170867
7,000 miles · Nov 14, 2018
Electrical SystemStructureVisibilityInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, THE CONTACT REACHED INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE WINDOW ROLLED UP AND SQUEEZED THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, THE CONTACT REACHED INTO THE VEHICLE AND THE WINDOW ROLLED UP AND SQUEEZED THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 160250974. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000 *TT*JB
NHTSA ODI #11151610
18,000 miles · Nov 13, 2018
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND FAILED TO RELEASE OR TURN BACKWARDS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OURISMAN VOLKSWAGEN OF ROCKVILLE (801 ROCKVILLE PIKE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20852, (301) 637-8344) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND FAILED TO RELEASE OR TURN BACKWARDS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OURISMAN VOLKSWAGEN OF ROCKVILLE (801 ROCKVILLE PIKE, ROCKVILLE, MD 20852, (301) 637-8344) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11151351
58,500 miles · Oct 8, 2018
Electrical System
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THIS CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO TURN OFF IN SOME INSTANCES.
NHTSA ODI #11139096
Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2018
Exterior LightingFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
PUTTING A NEW BATTERY IN EVERY MONTH START PUSH START BUTTON WILL NOT WORK AIRBAG LIGHT OFF AND ON FRONT HEADLIGHTS PARKING LIGHTS BLOW EVERY 2 WEEKS
NHTSA ODI #11138886
36,400 miles · Oct 4, 2018
Electrical System
THE MAJOR PROBLEM OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER MY 30,000 MILE CHECK UP, WHEN MY KEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION, AND I COULD NOT TURN THE CAR OFF. I AM AWARE THIS PROBLEM DATES BACK TO AS EARLY AS 2012. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER CARE SINCE I WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 36,400 MILES TO SEE IF THEY WOULD ASSIST IN REPLACING THIS PART…
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THE MAJOR PROBLEM OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER MY 30,000 MILE CHECK UP, WHEN MY KEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION, AND I COULD NOT TURN THE CAR OFF. I AM AWARE THIS PROBLEM DATES BACK TO AS EARLY AS 2012. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER CARE SINCE I WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 36,400 MILES TO SEE IF THEY WOULD ASSIST IN REPLACING THIS PART. IN ADDITION, I WAS CHARGED 153.63 FOR THE DIAGNOSIS. MIDDAY ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2018, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM CUSTOMER CARE DENYING MY CLAIM COMPLETELY. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM, AND SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL STATUS. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT VW HAS UPDATED THEIR IGNITION SWITCH (REPLACED WITH AN UPDATED MODEL NUMBER) SO THE REPLACEMENT PART WILL NOT CAUSE PROBLEMS. I FEEL LIKE THIS WAS A PLOY TO GET ME TO GO TO THE VW DEALERSHIP, SO THEY MAY CONTINUE TO PROFIT OVER THEIR PAST MISTAKES. I BELIEVE I HAVE PAID FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. IN ADDITION, I HAD THE BATTERY FAIL AT THE 36,000 MILE MARK AS WELL. I FEEL THAT I HAVE HAD MORE TROUBLE WITH THIS NEW CAR THAN ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE OWNED IN THE PAST, AND I AM NOT REALLY THRILLED AS A FIRST TIME VW OWNER. *JS *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS PARTICULAR FAILURE. DUE TO THE VIN, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL. *JS
NHTSA ODI #11133343
62,000 miles · Sep 24, 2018
Seat BeltsSeats
1) DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT BECAME PROBLEMATIC TO CLICK INTO THE RECEIVER, OFTEN WHEN INSERTING THE BUCKLE INTO THE RECEIVER, IT WOULD BOUNCE BACK OUT AS IF BEING EJECTED 3-6 TIMES BEFORE LATCHING. DEALER EXAMINED, ACKNOWLEDGED SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE RECEIVER. 2) DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT S…
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1) DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT BECAME PROBLEMATIC TO CLICK INTO THE RECEIVER, OFTEN WHEN INSERTING THE BUCKLE INTO THE RECEIVER, IT WOULD BOUNCE BACK OUT AS IF BEING EJECTED 3-6 TIMES BEFORE LATCHING. DEALER EXAMINED, ACKNOWLEDGED SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE RECEIVER. 2) DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BEGAN EXHIBITING SLIGHT ROCK AND CLICK DURING ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE SEAT FRAME.
NHTSA ODI #11131070
Official recalls
7Sep 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.
Aug 22, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Oct 26, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Consequence: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Consequence: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Oct 7, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to November 28, 2014, Golf vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to December 3, 2014, and E-Golf vehicles manufactured July 26, 2014, to October 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) that may have been manufactured improperly. As a result, the front passenger seat occupant may be improperly classified or may not be detected.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger seat occupant is incorrectly classified or non-detected, the passenger frontal air bag may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswgen's number for this recall is 69L6.
Jan 23, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Dec 15, 2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured July 11, 2014, to November 13, 2014. Due to incorrect software within the headlight control module, the low beam headlights may turn off when high beam lights are turned on. As a result, the light output from the headlights may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Insufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the headlight control module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57F6.
Oct 24, 2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the assembly of the seatback recliner retaining bracket, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F1.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗