Volkswagen Jetta Complaints

10,351 consumer complaints on file.

#11752734July 24, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The brake pads that are being used on Volkswagen are semi metallic and that causes the brakes to make a grinding noise which the dealer says is common on volkswagen. The problem you cannot tell if brakes need replacement. I have had my vehicle in service dept twice for the same problem. The noise is a grinding noise and that is a safety hazard. Now I have a warrantey on the entire car and I was told I have to pay 1100 dollars to have it repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751785July 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I bought a VW 2019 Jetta used in 2023 from a Volkswagen dealer in Bayside, Queens with about 20k miles on it. There was a recall on the car for a faulty ignition switch and prior to getting my car inspected recently, it needed to be taken care of to pass inspection as well as an oil sensor contributing to a check engine light. Both were taken care of by VW Platinum Service in Hicksville and the car passed inspection with a mileage now with about 62k miles. Since then, my car on two extremely hot days has shut off on me completely while driving. The first time it happened, they inspected the car again and assured me after several tests there were no issues with the car. I had the car back for about 2 weeks and then this past Friday 7/17, the car shut off on me again and I towed it to the same service center. They keep claiming it has nothing to do with the recall and provide me with service reports that say "no codes found" after their inspection. They want to charge me for additional tests and "mechanical diagnostics" as per the owner of the center. There is ample evidence online that suggests the symptoms I am experiencing with my car are exactly attributed to the recall they claim to have fixed. There was never an issue prior to getting the recall taken care of and the inspection at this service center. They do not care about my safety concerns and I am legitimately afraid to drive the car around. The only reason why I am not injured yet is because it thankfully has died while driving at lower speeds leaving work in a parking lot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751887July 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Starter System Failure" was displayed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with ignition failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751931July 21, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle experiences a sudden engine stall shortly after starting, accompanied by an immediate dashboard error message stating: "Starter system faulty, please service vehicle." An OBD-II diagnostic scan confirms active fault code P253200 (Ignition Switch Run Position Circuit High). This failure mirrors Volkswagen Safety Recall 28H7 / NHTSA Campaign 23V604 exactly, but my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall database. The sudden stalling presents an immediate traffic safety and crash hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751628July 20, 2026
ENGINE
Car was started on afternoon of XXX and the Low Coolant alert sound and dashboard light came on. Opened hood and car was completely out of coolant. Took to Royal Automotive, Vestavia Hills, AL on Wednesday XXX to be fixed. Dealer assessment was “PERFORMED COOLING SYSTEM LEAK TEST. THE VEHICLE PASSED TEST. CHECK FOR VISUAL LEAKS. FOUND NO LEAKS, BUT FOUND SEEPAGE AT THE HEAD GASKET. VOLKSWAGEN SAID THIS WAS NORMAL PER 00-26-01 - DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLUID LEAKAGE AND SEEPAGE. TOP OFF COOLING SYSTEM.” The car was purchased new by me in October 2022 and my warranty expires in October 2022. It has just over 17,100 miles on it. Further, Volkswagen published a Technical Service Bulletin 15-23-01 - Head Gasket Leakage on XXX documenting known problems with head gaskets for my car’s engine. Despite dealership stating the head gaskets is leaking, Volkswagen stated to the dealership it doesn’t warrant repair. I believe Volkswagen should repair at their expense the defect of their vehicle. The dealership acknowledged the head gasket is clearly “seeping” coolant. Coolant shouldn’t be leaking at all from a closed loop system. This is causing a potential safety issue for my [XXX] daughter who drives the car, as when the head gasket fully fails as documented by Volkswagen, the car could be in traffic and put my daughter’s life and other peoples lives in jeopardy from a blown engine or an overheated engine. It’s unacceptable that Volkswagen’s direction is for us to carry around a gallon of coolant and constantly check the coolant levels because they don’t want to fix their known defect. I called Volkswagen customer care and complained. They refused to assist, stating they stand by the dealership’s assessment. I reminded them that the dealership was doing what Volkswagen directed, but that didn’t change their decision. I asked for escalation, was told it was escalated twice and that their decision is not changing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750755July 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the RPM was revving high with the vehicle violently jerking and vibrating. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 73,816.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750939July 16, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle has an active, federally mandated safety recall for a fuel rail leak (Recall 24Gi / 20V648000), which is a documented fire hazard. The vehicle now has an active "EPC" (Electronic Power Control) dashboard light and a fuel odor. When I called my local authorized Volkswagen dealership—Southern Team Volkswagen at 6520 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, VA—to schedule the safety repair, the service department flat-out refused to take the vehicle. The representative stated that they "are not taking new clients" and "will not be repairing" the vehicle. They left me stranded with an active, dangerous safety hazard on my property and refused to comply with the federal recall mandate. When escalations were made to corporate, I was told my only option was to take the vehicle for an hour to Lynchburg, VA, at my expense. Because they don’t have a policy to pay for towing. I had to call the manufacturer and have them step in to “pull some strings” he said. Am currently waiting to hear back from them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750281July 14, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected, and the automatic emergency braking/forward collision mitigation system did not activate or provide any braking assistance. Additionally, no forward collision warning or audible/visual alert was provided prior to impact. A red warning indicator illuminated immediately before the collision; however, there was insufficient time to take additional evasive action. As a result, my vehicle rear-ended the vehicle stopped in front of me. The apparent failure of the braking assistance and forward collision warning systems placed both myself and the occupants of the other vehicle at risk, resulting in a motor vehicle collision. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility (UNKNOWN). The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives as part of the accident investigation. Prior to the incident, I had not observed any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem with the braking or forward collision systems. The only warning observed was the red indicator light that appeared immediately before the collision.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11749181July 8, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My 2022 Volkswagen Jetta (purchased new) has a recurring Travel Assist/Adaptive Cruise Control safety malfunction that has existed since before approximately 24,000 miles. While driving with Adaptive Cruise Control or Travel Assist engaged, the vehicle repeatedly warns me to "Take Control of the Vehicle" or indicates my hands are not on the steering wheel even though both hands are firmly on the wheel. I often have to immediately tighten my grip to prevent the system from escalating. On numerous occasions, the vehicle has also applied the brakes unexpectedly at highway speeds when there was no apparent hazard in front of the vehicle. These unexpected braking events create a serious safety concern, especially in traffic. I drive between [XXX] and [XXX] approximately twice each month. During a typical one-way trip, the steering wheel recognition warnings may occur a dozen or more times while using Travel Assist or Adaptive Cruise Control. Unexpected braking has occurred repeatedly over the course of ownership. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealer multiple times for this same issue. Volkswagen has replaced the steering wheel multiple times, updated software, opened a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) case, and at least one technician duplicated the concern during a test drive. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the problem continues. I am reporting this because I believe the recurring Travel Assist failures and unexpected braking present an ongoing motor vehicle safety defect. Below it asks for the approximate date the incident occurred. It started approximately in XXX but it happens all of the time still. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748727July 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX around 4:15PM, i was driving my 2024 volkswagen Jetta at approximately 65 mph onXXX in [XXX] under normal weather conditions. Without warning there was a loud explosion resembling a gunshot. The panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously shattered and exploded, showering the inside of myself and my car with glass fragments. There was no leading vehicle, overpass, or evidence of road debris or rock failure. The sudden explosion caused immediate driver distraction and created a severe safety hazard. There was no crash, thankfully, and no injury other than minor scratches and earaches due to the sound. Unknown if hearing problems were caused at this point. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748390July 5, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
While sitting in the passenger seat of the car, the sunroof spontaneously exploded, causing shards of glass to go everywhere and putting my and the driver’s safety at risk while traveling at 70 mph. No one has inspected it yet and there were no warning messages prior to this issue. This happened on July 3rd, 2026 at 2pm.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748126July 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748168July 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ignition key is stuck in the vehicle with the ignition on will not come out
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747680July 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Volkswagen corporate deployed a mandatory over-the-air (OTA) software update to the MIB3 infotainment system. The update failed mid-installation, entirely bricking the J794 information module. This failure completely disabled vital driver information systems, including the digital dash compass, all audio alerts, and driver notification tones while the vehicle is in motion. This represents an immediate, manufacturer-initiated distraction and safety hazard that disables cabin instrumentation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747315June 29, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Leaking gas. And charcoal canister problems. I’m not sure why this vehicle is not recalled but the vw gti is and same years as other vw models but not this one. There has to be a recall with this vin vehicle no one was harmed or injured yet since this problem is scary and leaks gas I am unable to drive car due to risk of fire and injury.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746925June 27, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
DRIVING ON WESTLAKE DRIVE IN WIMAUMA FL PREPARING TO TURN LEFT TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PUT FOOT ON CLUTCH PUT CAR IN 2ND GEAR WITH FOOT ABOVE BRAKE TO MASH DOWN, PCOULD WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN HIT ELECTRIC POLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CAR WAS IN SHOP PRIOR TO ACCIDDENT AT BOB BOAST VOLKSWAGEN IN BRADENTON FL.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746919June 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN PARKING THE CAR INTO A PARKING SPOT THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHEN PUT IN REVERSE TO LEAVE PARKING SPOT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746654June 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system went out while I was driving and gave me the error ""Ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle". I was able to pull over without an incident and it has not come up again since I've turned the vehicle back on, but I am concerned about this happening again and further impacting the safety of myself and other if it were to impact other systems. This seems to be a common problem with the 2019 Jetta and was a recall for many vehicles but for some reason my vehicle was not included in the recall and my dealership does not want to cover the cost.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746389June 25, 2026
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, SERVICE BRAKES
There was an intersection, I hit a car head on and no airbags went off
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11745939June 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I bought car back in June or July 2024. Since then Ive had issues with vehicle. Bad breaks, bad wheel bearings that were replaced & car just never drove smooth. Since buying car & driving it around for months I have felt a jerk/pull when in drive mode from 0mi when stepping on gas. The Engine has completely shutt off at random at a light when in drive mode & Ive had to put in parking & restart engine while making a right hand turn & while pulling into a parking lot. I notified dealer & taken in but told nothing was found & they didnt seem to see the safety issue at hand or care. It has done this a few times since Ive had it. Very scary, thankfully no accident YET! The lane assist warning light randomly comes/came on before this happened. Dash read, error stop/start engine when it shutt off. It happened so fast I was unable to take a pic. I was able to take a picture of dash reading; please manually start engine in Drive mode at time of last inccident June 22, 2026. This issue seems to get worse the more I drive it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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