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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

Steering complaints

14 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2023
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering

Clockspring in steering wheel has failed, rendering driver airbag non-operational. Should vehicle be involved in a collision, driver airbag will not engage. Horn and steering wheel buttons are also non-operational

NHTSA ODI #11527577

26,000 miles · Dec 28, 2020
SteeringCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE SLIDE ACROSS THE STREET AND HIT A TREE AND A POLE. THE CONTACT HAD MINOR INJURIES BUT A PASSANGER DIED IN THE CRASH. A POLICE ARRIVED AT THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE SLIDE ACROSS THE STREET AND HIT A TREE AND A POLE. THE CONTACT HAD MINOR INJURIES BUT A PASSANGER DIED IN THE CRASH. A POLICE ARRIVED AT THE THE CRASH SCEEN AND THE CONTACT DID NOT RECIEVE NOTICE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S SIDE BACK DOOR WAS SMASHED IN FROM HITTING THE TREE, THE TRUCK WAS DAMAGED SEVERLY. THE FRONT OF THE SMASHED IN THE MIDDLE FROM CRASHING INTO THE POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY TO AN IMPOUND LOT FOR THE POLICE. AN IVESTIGATION JUST ENDED ON 12/04/20 AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE RELEASED SO IT COULD BE DECLARED TOTLED BY HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER SPRINGFIELD MITSUBISHI313 BALTIMORE PIKE, SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064 (484) 574-8434 STATED THEY WOULD NEED ALTTER FORM THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR A FULL FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.

NHTSA ODI #11385288

61,500 miles · Jul 1, 2020
Steering

THE CAR LOST POWER ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 40 MPH THEN MY SON COULDN'T STEER OR BRAKE. ALL DASH LIGHTS WERE FLASHING SO WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS REALLY WRONG. TRYING TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD HE WENT INTO A DITCH. THE RADIATOR WAS BUSTED/LEAKING SO HE HAD TO GET HIS STEP FATHER TO COME GET IT. I CANNOT AFFORD THE RADIATOR TO GET I…

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THE CAR LOST POWER ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 40 MPH THEN MY SON COULDN'T STEER OR BRAKE. ALL DASH LIGHTS WERE FLASHING SO WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS REALLY WRONG. TRYING TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD HE WENT INTO A DITCH. THE RADIATOR WAS BUSTED/LEAKING SO HE HAD TO GET HIS STEP FATHER TO COME GET IT. I CANNOT AFFORD THE RADIATOR TO GET IT FIXED AT THIS TIME DUE TO THE NOTE ON IT. IT HAS DONE THIS TO ME IN THE PAST. I NOTICED THE ODD WHINING SOUND IT MAKES WHEN CRANKED WAS WORSE THE DAY IT HAPPENED TO ME. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55MPH SO I STOPPED AND ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER CRANKED IT AND IT MADE IT HOME. WE HAD IT CHECKED FOR CODES AND IT SHOWED NO PROBLEM CODES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11337083

52,000 miles · Jun 4, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringVehicle Speed Control

I HAVE A 2017VW JETTA WHICH SUDDENLY 'LOCKS' AS I AM DRIVING. MY CAR SUDDENLY STARTS REDUCING SPEED AND THE BREAKS BECOME STIFF. I SEE SEVERAL LIGHTS FLASH ON THE DASHBOARD, SUCH AS THE EPC LIGHT, TIRE WARNING LIGHTS, AND MOTOR LIGHT. AFTER THE MATTER, IF I WANT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN, THE BREAK AND SHIFT STICK BECOME STIFF …

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I HAVE A 2017VW JETTA WHICH SUDDENLY 'LOCKS' AS I AM DRIVING. MY CAR SUDDENLY STARTS REDUCING SPEED AND THE BREAKS BECOME STIFF. I SEE SEVERAL LIGHTS FLASH ON THE DASHBOARD, SUCH AS THE EPC LIGHT, TIRE WARNING LIGHTS, AND MOTOR LIGHT. AFTER THE MATTER, IF I WANT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN, THE BREAK AND SHIFT STICK BECOME STIFF AND I CAN'T START THE IGNITION. I RECALL THIS HAPPENING TO ME ONE YEAR AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE BUT ALL I DID WAS TURN OFF THE CAR AND THE LIGHTS WENT AWAY. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITHOUT THAT HAPPENING FOR A YEAR OR SO AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. SAME THING, I WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND WAIT FOR ABOUT 20-30 MIN FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. YESTERDAY THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 70MPH ON THE FREEWAY AND I NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND MY CAR STARTED REDUCING SPEED ON ITS OWN. I NO LONGER HAD CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE FORCING ME TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AT A VERY LOW SPEED ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD TO WAIT ABOUT 15 MIN FOR MY CAR TO START AND WAS ABLE TO GET DOWN OF THE FREEWAY BUT IT KEPT ON HAPPENING ON MY WAY HOME AND I HAD TO PULL OVER ABOUT 6 TIMES WAITING 10-15MIN EACH TIME FOR MY CAR TO START. I SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP SO THEY CAN TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND HOPEFULLY FIX THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO GET ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11327216

23,000 miles · Mar 3, 2020
Air BagsExterior LightingSteering

I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI A MONTH AGO, AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT JUST ILLUMINATED THIS PAST FRIDAY, ALONG WITH NO STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WORKING, AND NO HORN. I CALLED THE PLACE WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM, AND THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID OH WELL. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AS IT AFFECTS THE AIRBAG. IS THERE ANYTHING I C…

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I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI A MONTH AGO, AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT JUST ILLUMINATED THIS PAST FRIDAY, ALONG WITH NO STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WORKING, AND NO HORN. I CALLED THE PLACE WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM, AND THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID OH WELL. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AS IT AFFECTS THE AIRBAG. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO?

NHTSA ODI #11315834

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

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2019
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CA…

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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); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED LINDSAY VOLKSWAGEN DULLES (22455 LINDSAY CARS CT, STERLING, VA 20166, (703) 810-7760) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11278116

Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2019
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A HUMMING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY JERKED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A HUMMING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY JERKED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER REGARDING THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11277112

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2019
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #11270156

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2019
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED GARVEY VOLKSWAGEN OF QUEENSBURY (LOCATED AT 483 QUAKER RD, QUEE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED GARVEY VOLKSWAGEN OF QUEENSBURY (LOCATED AT 483 QUAKER RD, QUEENSBURY, NY 12804, 518-793-3488) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #11258267

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.