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2017 Volkswagen Jetta

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Jetta years

Owner complaints for the 2017 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

94 reports with mileage · 65 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports3 fire reports9 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

14 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2025
Air BagsService Brakes

Please copy the link. It is not a spam nor malware. It is the diagnostic report ran 9/12/2025. Please look under “airbag” tab and you will see the code related to brake system. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11686881

Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2025
Service Brakes

ABS UNIT COMPLETE was malfunctioning per volkswagen's inspection. When this malfunctions it can lead to a loss of its anti-lock braking function, potentially causing wheel lock-up during braking, longer stopping distances, and reduced vehicle control, especially on slippery surfaces. Additionally, other driver assistance feature…

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ABS UNIT COMPLETE was malfunctioning per volkswagen's inspection. When this malfunctions it can lead to a loss of its anti-lock braking function, potentially causing wheel lock-up during braking, longer stopping distances, and reduced vehicle control, especially on slippery surfaces. Additionally, other driver assistance features relying on the ABS module, like traction control and automatic braking, may also be affected. Other 2017 models had a recall on this part but I was told my VIN did not. There were warning lights on dash when this occurred. This was confirmed by VW.

NHTSA ODI #11674316

23,815 miles · Mar 12, 2021
Service Brakes

AS I BRAKED FOR A STOP SIGN IN MY TOWN, THE CAR BEHAVED AS IF ON ICE OR SNOW, IT WASN'T. THE LIGHT WITH THE SKIDDING CAR, THE ABS LIGHT, AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. AS I CONTINUED, IT HAPPENED TWICE MORE ON MY WAY HOME.

NHTSA ODI #11402649

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other

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. I ASKED AFTER I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I CALLED RECENTLY AND WAS TOLD MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IT IS A DA…

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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. I ASKED AFTER I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I CALLED RECENTLY AND WAS TOLD MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IT IS A DAILY DANGEROUS FAILURE ON VW'S PART. IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY AND WHEN CALLED THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I DID NOT GET ANY RECALL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11373879

69,120 miles · Nov 7, 2020
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 11/05/2020 GOT IT CHECKED AND A OIL CHANGE BECAUSE IT WOULD BE DUE WITHIN 500 MORE MILES, THESE CODES CAME UP MB2, BR80, MA28, P068A. CAR IS RUNNING FINE BUT MY ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON.

NHTSA ODI #11373574

9,500 miles · Dec 7, 2019
Service BrakesCrashInjury

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY CITY STREET, GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. I NOTICED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS STOPPED FROM 100 FEET BACK AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES. MY CAR DID NOT STOP, IT DID NOT SLOW DOWN AT ALL. THE WEATHER WAS WARM, THE ROAD WAS DRY AND IT WAS LIKE TRYING TO STOP ON AN ICY ROAD AND I REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. …

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY CITY STREET, GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. I NOTICED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS STOPPED FROM 100 FEET BACK AND I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES. MY CAR DID NOT STOP, IT DID NOT SLOW DOWN AT ALL. THE WEATHER WAS WARM, THE ROAD WAS DRY AND IT WAS LIKE TRYING TO STOP ON AN ICY ROAD AND I REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. THE OTHER CAR HAD MINIMAL DAMAGE TO HER BACK BUMPER. SHE WAS INJURED, I HAD MINOR WHIPLASH.

NHTSA ODI #11287677

25,000 miles · Nov 12, 2019
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteeringCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURES AND …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED NEW MOTORS SUBARU (8670 PEACH ST, ERIE, PA 16509, (814) 868-4805) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ODI #11279613

40,000 miles · Oct 3, 2019
Service Brakes

WHENEVER DRIVING IN RAIN BREAKS GIVE OUT AND FEELS BUMPY. TODAY I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL AND I STARTED TO BREAK FOR A LIGHT AND ALMOST REAR-ENDED THE CAR IN FONT OF ME BECAUSE MY BREAKS WOULDN'T BREAK. I WAS GOING 55 MPH.

NHTSA ODI #11265992

21,000 miles · Jun 9, 2019
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AT 65 MPH AND IT SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN OR DISENGAGED FOR NO REASON. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT AND RETURNED TO THE SAME SPEED AND TURNED ON THE CRUISE AGAIN. THEN ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER, WHEN TRAFFIC BEGIN TO SLOW AHEAD, I TRIED HITTING THE BRAKES AND HAD ZERO BRAKING ABILI…

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I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AT 65 MPH AND IT SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN OR DISENGAGED FOR NO REASON. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT AND RETURNED TO THE SAME SPEED AND TURNED ON THE CRUISE AGAIN. THEN ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER, WHEN TRAFFIC BEGIN TO SLOW AHEAD, I TRIED HITTING THE BRAKES AND HAD ZERO BRAKING ABILITY. THE CRUISE DID NOT DISENGAGE AND I HAD TO PULL THE E BRAKE TO GET THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN CAUSING THE CAR TO FISH TAIL AND ALMOST HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER.

NHTSA ODI #11218748

8,400 miles · Apr 2, 2019
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUSH THE START BUTTON AND SHIFT INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUSH THE START BUTTON AND SHIFT INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES IN ONE MONTH AND WAS WORSENING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN VAN NUYS (6115 VAN NUYS BLVD, VAN NUYS, CA 91401) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,400.

NHTSA ODI #11193447

Official recalls

6

20V648000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

Oct 21, 2020

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.

19V615000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device

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.

17V352000 · Equipment:other:labels

May 31, 2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The mismatched VINs make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.

Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners and has replaced the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 06A8.

17V136000 · Equipment:other:labels

Mar 2, 2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.

17V137000 · Equipment:other:labels

Mar 2, 2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B8

17V070000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Feb 3, 2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine. These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the engine seizes, the wheels may suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will either buy back the vehicle or replace the engine block, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F4.

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.