The best-documented Volkswagen Jetta problem is the 2009–2015 2.0L TDI diesel emissions case: EPA found defeat-device software, and VW offered buybacks or an approved emissions fix. Gas Jettas have recalls for fuel leaks (2006–2010 2.5L models, 2016–2018 fuel rail bolts), a 2011–2014 air bag clock spring, and DSG gearbox faults on the 2013–2015 Jetta Hybrid.
CarWhere lists 27 documented Jetta issues, including 26 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
Jetta, fifth generation Jetta problems (2006–2010)
2.0L TDI diesel emissions defeat device (EPA settlement) (2009–2015)
Major repair- Generation:
- Jetta, fifth generation and sixth generation TDI (2009–2015)
- Years:
- 2009–2015
- Powertrain:
- 2.0L TDI diesel
EPA lists the 2009–2015 Jetta and 2009–2014 Jetta SportWagen among 2.0L TDI diesels sold with software that cut emissions controls in normal driving. Under the 2016 court-approved settlement, VW offered buybacks, lease terminations and, once EPA and CARB approved it in 2017, an emissions modification. Modified cars get an extended warranty on the emissions control system.
Symptoms
- No drivability symptom; the issue is emissions software
- Possible changes to fuel economy or maintenance after the fix, which VW had to disclose
Check before buying
- Ask for paperwork showing the EPA- and CARB-approved emissions modification was performed
- Check the history for a settlement buyback; EPA says bought-back cars could be resold only after the approved fix
Sources: [1][2]
TDI fuel injector line may crack and leak (recall 11V490) (2009–2012)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, fifth generation and sixth generation TDI (2009–2012)
- Years:
- 2009–2012
- Powertrain:
- 2.0L TDI diesel
On 2009–2012 Jetta and Jetta SportWagen models with the 2.0L TDI common-rail diesel (and some Golfs and Audi A3s), resonance can crack the No. 2 fuel injector line and leak diesel, creating a fire risk. Dealers fit an improved line and vibration dampers on all injector lines, for free.
Symptoms
- Diesel smell under the hood
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the injector line and dampers
NHTSA recall: 11V490 (2011-10-03) · 168,275 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Washer reservoir tab can chafe the fuel line (2.5L) (recall 10V621) (2006–2010)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, fifth generation (2006–2010)
- Years:
- 2006–2010
- Powertrain:
- 2.5L
On 2006–2010 Jettas with the 2.5L engine (and some Rabbits and the 2009 Jetta SportWagen), a plastic tab on the washer fluid reservoir can rub through the underhood fuel supply line and cause a leak. Dealers inspect and replace the line as needed and remove the tab, for free. The 228,236 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell under the hood
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the fuel line inspection
NHTSA recall: 10V621 (2010-12-10) · 228,236 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Driveshaft screws may loosen (2.0L) (recall 09V164) (2006–2009)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, fifth generation (2006–2010)
- Years:
- 2006–2009
- Powertrain:
- 2.0L
Driveshaft cover plate screws on some 2006–2009 fifth-generation Jettas with the 2.0L engine may loosen, causing a knock and possibly letting the driveshaft detach and damage the gearbox housing. Dealers inspect and replace the screws for free. The 25,594 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Knocking sound while moving
- Gear oil leak
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing new driveshaft screws
NHTSA recall: 09V164 (2009-05-19) · 25,594 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
ABS control unit may fail (recall 16V913) (2009–2010)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, fifth generation (2006–2010)
- Years:
- 2009–2010
- Powertrain:
- All
The ABS control unit can fail during an ABS or stability-control event on many 2009–2010 VW models, including the 2009–2010 Jetta sedan and the 2009 GTI and Jetta SportWagen. Dealers update the ABS module so it tests itself, and replace any unit that fails, for free. The 135,683 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- ABS or stability control warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the ABS module update
NHTSA recall: 16V913 (2016-12-20) · 135,683 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Jetta, sixth generation Jetta problems (2011–2018)
Shared fuse can shut off engine, lights and wipers (recall 11V196) (2011)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)
- Years:
- 2011
- Powertrain:
- All
On some 2011 Jettas, the converter box shared a fuse with the horn and alarm. If that fuse blows, the engine can stall and the headlights or wipers can turn off. Dealers move the horn wiring to separate fuses for free.
Symptoms
- Horn or alarm fuse blown
- Sudden stall with lights going out
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the fuse rewiring
NHTSA recall: 11V196 (2011-03-29) · 71,043 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7]
Rear trailing arm may fracture after a crash (recall 14V656) (2011–2013)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)
- Years:
- 2011–2013
- Powertrain:
- All
On 2011–2013 Jettas (and 2012–2013 Beetles), a rear trailing arm that was bent in an earlier rear or side impact can lose durability and break suddenly. Dealers add a sheet-metal reinforcement to the trailing arms for free.
Symptoms
- Rear wheel alignment off
- Signs of past rear-end damage
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the trailing arm reinforcement
NHTSA recall: 14V656 (2014-10-20) · 442,066 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8]
Steering wheel clock spring may lose the driver air bag (recall 15V483) (2011–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)
- Years:
- 2011–2014
- Powertrain:
- All
Debris can tear the clock spring, the flat cable that keeps the driver's air bag connected while the steering wheel turns, on many 2010–2014 VW models including the 2011–2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta and Tiguan. A torn cable means the driver's front air bag will not deploy. Dealers fit a protective cover, or a new clock spring if the air bag light is on, for free. The 415,825 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Air bag warning light
- Horn or steering wheel buttons stop working
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the clock spring cover or replacement
NHTSA recall: 15V483 (2015-08-04) · 415,825 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9]
Key may come out of the ignition when not in Park (recall 19V615) (2011–2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)
- Years:
- 2011–2018
- Powertrain:
- Automatic with keyless entry and manual handbrake
Silicate deposits on a shift-lever micro switch can let the key be removed when the automatic transmission is not in Park, which can lead to a rollaway. It covers 2011–2018 Jettas and 2015–2019 GTIs (among others) with an automatic, manual handbrake and keyless entry. Dealers add a switch and circuit board for free. The 679,027 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Key comes out with the shifter out of Park
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the added shift-lever switch
NHTSA recall: 19V615 (2019-08-22) · 679,027 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10]
DSG control module may corrode (Jetta Hybrid) (recall 13V568) (2013–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation Hybrid (2013–2015)
- Years:
- 2013–2014
- Powertrain:
- Jetta Hybrid, DQ200 7-speed DSG
Additives in the gearbox fluid can corrode the control module inside the DQ200 7-speed DSG on some 2013–2014 Jetta Hybrids, which can short it out and cause a stall-like loss of power. Dealers replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive type for free.
Symptoms
- Sudden loss of power
- Transmission warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the gearbox oil change
NHTSA recall: 13V568 (2013-11-14) · 3,837 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [11]
DSG mechatronic unit may crack (Jetta Hybrid) (recall 19V866) (2013–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation Hybrid (2013–2015)
- Years:
- 2013–2015
- Powertrain:
- Jetta Hybrid, DQ200 7-speed DSG
Hairline cracks can form in the mechatronic unit of the DQ200 7-speed DSG on some 2013–2015 Jetta Hybrids, causing an internal oil leak and low oil pressure so the clutch may not engage. Dealers install a repair kit and replace parts as needed for free.
Symptoms
- Car will not move off or loses drive
- Transmission warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the mechatronic repair kit
NHTSA recall: 19V866 (2019-12-06) · 2,167 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12]
Transmission oil cooler seals may leak (1.8T) (recall 14V182) (2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)
- Years:
- 2014
- Powertrain:
- 1.8T with automatic transmission
O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the automatic transmission on some 2014 Jetta, Beetle and Passat models with the 1.8T engine may leak, and the fluid can catch fire on hot parts. Dealers replace the seals for free. The 26,452 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Transmission fluid spots
- Burning smell
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing new oil cooler seals
NHTSA recall: 14V182 (2014-04-15) · 26,452 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13]
Fuel rail sealing cap may leak (recall 15V028) (2014–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)
- Years:
- 2014–2015
- Powertrain:
- All
A sealing cap on the fuel rail may fail on some 2014–2015 Jetta and 2015 Golf and GTI models (plus Passat and Beetle), leaking fuel into the engine bay. Dealers replace the fuel rails for free.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell under the hood
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the fuel rail replacement
NHTSA recall: 15V028 (2015-01-23) · 44,658 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [14]
Low beams may switch off with the high beams (recall 14V790) (2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)
- Years:
- 2015
- Powertrain:
- All
Headlight software on some 2015 Jettas can turn the low beams off when the high beams come on, reducing light output. Dealers update the headlight control module for free.
Symptoms
- Low beams go out when high beams are on
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the headlight software update
NHTSA recall: 14V790 (2014-12-15) · 25,007 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [15]
Camshaft lobe for the brake vacuum pump may shear (recall 15V705) (2015–2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)
- Years:
- 2015–2016
- Powertrain:
- All
On some 2015–2016 Jetta, Golf, Beetle and Passat models, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, removing brake assist. Dealers update the engine software for free. The 91,867 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Hard brake pedal
- Longer stopping distances
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the engine software update
NHTSA recall: 15V705 (2015-10-26) · 91,867 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [16]
Fuel rail bolts may loosen and leak (recall 20V648) (2016–2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, sixth generation (2011–2018)
- Years:
- 2016–2018
- Powertrain:
- All
Fuel rail bolts on some 2016–2018 Jettas can loosen over time and let fuel leak, raising the fire risk. Dealers replace the bolts, and the fuel rail if needed.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell under the hood
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the fuel rail bolt replacement
NHTSA recall: 20V648 (2020-10-21) · 218,192 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [17]
Jetta, seventh generation Jetta problems (2019 onward)
Rear coil springs may break (recall 18V904) (2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2019
- Powertrain:
- All
Rear coil springs on some 2018–2019 Atlas, 2015 Golf SportWagen and 2019 Jetta models may fracture early. A broken spring can cut into a rear tire. Dealers replace the rear springs for free. The 6,322 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Rear corner sits low
- Clunk or rattle over bumps
- Rear tire sidewall damage
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing new rear coil springs
NHTSA recall: 18V904 (2018-12-19) · 6,322 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [18]
Rear coil springs may break (recall 19V188) (2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2019
- Powertrain:
- All
Rear coil springs on some 2015–2019 Golf, 2017–2019 Golf SportWagen, 2019 Jetta and 2018–2019 Tiguan models may fracture early. A broken spring can damage a rear tire. Dealers replace the rear springs for free. The 56,173 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Rear corner sits low
- Clunk or rattle over bumps
- Rear tire sidewall damage
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing new rear coil springs
NHTSA recall: 19V188 (2019-03-06) · 56,173 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [19]
Ignition switch may fail in hot weather (recall 23V604) (2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2019
- Powertrain:
- Models with a conventional ignition switch
The conventional ignition switch on some 2019 Jetta and Golf models and 2019–2020 GTIs may fail, especially in high heat, shutting down the electrical system and stalling the engine. Dealers replace the ignition switch for free. The 62,538 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Engine shuts off while driving
- Dash goes dark
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the ignition switch replacement
NHTSA recall: 23V604 (2023-08-30) · 62,538 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [20]
Tire pressure monitor may miss a four-tire pressure loss (recall 22V815) (2019–2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2019–2020
- Powertrain:
- All
On many 2019–2021 VW models, the tire pressure monitoring system may not warn in time when all four tires lose pressure at once. Dealers update the TPMS software for free. The 296,044 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- No low-tire warning despite low pressure in all tires
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the TPMS software update
NHTSA recall: 22V815 (2022-10-31) · 296,044 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [21]
Fuel tank suction pump seal may leak fuel (recall 24V110) (2019–2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2019–2020
- Powertrain:
- Jetta GLI, front-wheel drive
A suction jet pump seal in the fuel tank can let fuel flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and leak from the charcoal canister on many front-drive 2015–2020 Golf GTI and 2019–2020 Jetta GLI models (and related Golf and Audi A3 models). Dealers replace the suction pump for free. This campaign superseded the earlier recall 16V647. The 261,257 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Fuel smell near the rear of the car
- Check-engine light for EVAP
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the suction pump replacement
NHTSA recall: 24V110 (2024-02-14) · 261,257 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [22]
Front seat frame welds may be faulty (recall 20V505) (2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2020
- Powertrain:
- All
Parts of the front seat frame and backrest recliner on some 2020–2021 models may not have been welded correctly, so the backrest can break in a rear-end crash. Dealers inspect the seats and replace seatback frames as needed for free. The 5,376 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Backrest feels loose or moves when leaned on
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the front seat inspection
NHTSA recall: 20V505 (2020-08-26) · 5,376 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [23]
Air bag control module may be mispositioned (recall 21V492) (2020–2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2020–2021
- Powertrain:
- All
On a small number of 2020–2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI models, the air bag control module was welded in the wrong position, so the air bags may deploy incorrectly or unexpectedly. Dealers replace the module for free. The 379 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the air bag control module replacement
NHTSA recall: 21V492 (2021-06-30) · 379 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [24]
Rear camera screen may go black or freeze (recall 20V716) (2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2021
- Powertrain:
- All
On a range of 2021 VW models, the rearview camera can fail during a drive cycle, showing a black screen or freezing the infotainment system. Dealers update the infotainment software for free. The 32,048 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Black or frozen screen when reversing
- Infotainment system freezes
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Shift into reverse on a test drive and confirm the camera image appears every time
NHTSA recall: 20V716 (2020-11-18) · 32,048 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [25]
Infotainment memory fault can blank the rear camera (recall 22V514) (2021–2022)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2021–2022
- Powertrain:
- All
A manufacturing issue in the infotainment system's eMMC memory chip can stop the rearview camera image from showing on several 2021–2022 VW models. Dealers update the infotainment software for free. The 43,091 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- No camera image when reversing
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Shift into reverse on a test drive and confirm the camera image appears every time
NHTSA recall: 22V514 (2022-07-20) · 43,091 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [26]
Instrument panel may stop showing gauges and warnings (recall 26V185) (2025)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2025
- Powertrain:
- All
The digital instrument panel on some 2025 Jetta and Taos models may fail to show the speedometer, gauges or warning lights. Dealers update the software and replace the instrument panel as needed for free. The 75,323 figure covers units across all listed models, not just the Jetta.
Symptoms
- Blank or frozen instrument cluster
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the instrument panel update
NHTSA recall: 26V185 (2026-03-25) · 75,323 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [27]
Loose transmission ground wire may cause a fire (recall 26V138) (2025–2026)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Jetta, seventh generation (2019 onward)
- Years:
- 2025–2026
- Powertrain:
- All
The transmission ground wire on some 2025–2026 Jettas may not have been connected properly at the factory, and the open circuit can draw extra current and raise the fire risk. Dealers inspect and repair the wire for free.
Symptoms
- Burning smell
- Electrical warnings
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask a VW dealer for the repair order showing the ground wire inspection
NHTSA recall: 26V138 (2026-03-11) · 48,165 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [28]