RoadVitals

2005 Volkswagen Jetta

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
248
Latest Jan 17, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Sep 23, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
22
8 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 248 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 392 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20E064000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Sep 23, 2020
38 units potentially affected
The defect: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
The risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Tenneco AutomotiveView on NHTSA.gov
14E007000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Mar 7, 2014
50 units potentially affected
The defect: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
The risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
The Gates CorporationView on NHTSA.gov
07V442000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Sep 24, 2007
340,000 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD A REQUIRED CAP INSTALLED WHICH DISABLES THE HEADLIGHT HORIZONTAL AIM AND SOME VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A CAP THAT DISABLES THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW.
The risk: NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE LOW BEAM HORIZONTAL AIMING SCREW AND INSTALL ONE IF MISSING, AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW AND IF PRESENT, THE CAP WILL BE REMOVED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number Q8View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 248
Interior & seats
Filed Jan 17, 2023

The drivers seat moves by it's self while driving. And apparently while it is parked which runs the battery dead

NHTSA ID
11502158
Incident
Jan 17, 2023
EngineSuspension
Filed Nov 11, 2022
1 injury reported

The transmissions are bad on these cars and when it's shifting gears it jerks and almost takes you off the road. I've had my car completely stop as I was driving and almost cause a wreck hurting myself in the process of not trying to kill someone walking because these cars are KNOWN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM THERE WAS AN ENTIRE LAWSUIT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. Please help if there is a recall done I can get the car fixed and continue working as an in-home caregiver. I am currently out of work because IT IS NOT SAFE TO TRANSPORT CLIENTS IN THAT DEATH TRAP. The mechanic said the entire transmission is built to brake and it's not a new problem these cars are bad.

NHTSA ID
11493221
Incident
Aug 10, 2022
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2005 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta equipped with Supermax Tm-1 205/55r16 Tires. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the front driver tire began to have a vibrating sensation after a month of being placed on the vehicle Within a few days the tire began to bounce becoming unsafe to operate. The contact returned to Walmart to be advised to order online and have it shipped. The mechanic stated there was tread separation. The left front tire was replaced with a different brand tire the right front tire began to display the same issue. The vehicle was returned where the tire was replaced with another brand tire. The rear tire (unsure left or right) had since been displaying the same failure. The manufacturer for the tire was made aware of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 93,869 the tire failure mileage was approximately 4,494.

NHTSA ID
11469327
Incident
May 15, 2022
Mileage
93,869 mi
Airbags
Filed May 1, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

MY DAUGHTER WAS IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, SHE HIT A GUARD RAIL AND LOST CONTROL AFTER SPINNING AND HITTING TWO MORE GUARD RAILS THE NEVER DEPLOYED. MY DAUGHTER SUFFERED A CLOSE HEAD INJURY AND FACIAL LACERATIONS. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSE, WHY DIDNT HER AIR BAGS GO OFF ? IS SO SHE MAY HAVE NOT SUSTAINED SUCH INJURIES.

NHTSA ID
11414739
Incident
Apr 30, 2021
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 6, 2021

MY CAR WHILE PARKED AND THE ENGINE GOING WILL STOP. ALSO WHEN I'M ON THE FREEWAY THE EPC LIGHT WILL TURN ON AND FEEL LIKE I HAVE A LOSS OF POWER AND IT FEELS LIKE IT IS ACCELERATING. MY MECHANIC HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY CAR.

NHTSA ID
11406795
Incident
Mar 17, 2021
AirbagsElectricalFuel system
Filed Mar 5, 2021

STARTED HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (RANDOM DASHBOARD LIGHTS, DOORS, LOCKS, WINDOWS WOULDN'T WORK, KEY FOB BATTERY DIED, ETC) THEN I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. CONTINUED ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH NEW BATTERY, PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW/DOOR WOULDN'T OPERATE OR WORK AT ALL. NEEDED MASTER KEY FOB TO LOCK DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR BUT ALL OTHER DOORS WOULDN'T LOCK WITH FOB. NEXT, I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING, PUT ANOTHER BATTERY IN IT. FROM THERE RANDOM DASHBOARD LIGHTS, DINGING WITH DRL AND FIRST FEW MINUTES OF OPERATING VEHICLE, AND AIRBAGS LIGHTS ARE ON. MY MECHANIC SENDS ME TO A MECHANIC SHOP THAT SPECIALIZES IN VW. MECHANIC REPLACES WINDOW MANAGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR HARNESS. STILL FIND ISSUES WITH AIRBAGS SO I TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP IN ST PETERS MO DURING A SNOW STORM. HAND THEM ALL MY PAPERWORK, THEY GO IN AND FIND THAT MY CAR IS BEING WORKED ON AND SEE THAT THEIR ARE SPLICES, CONNECTIONS BUTTED, SO THEY "FIX" THE AIRBAGS AND SEND ME ON MY WAY. HOWEVER, I HAVE A TODDLER IN THE BACKSEAT AND SHE WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING, ETC. DEALERSHIP CANNOT SPEAK TO OTHER MECHANIC SHOP'S WORK SO THEY DID THE RECALLS NEEDED (AIRBAGS) AND REPLACED THE HARNESS, APPARENTLY AGAIN. I HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS FROM THE WORK, ALL THE PARTS ARE IN MY TRUNK OF MY CAR, ANOTHER APPOINTMENT TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE IS. CAR APPEARS TO BE STUCK IN SECURITY MODE BUT DOESN'T PROPERLY LOCK, NOT ABLE TO USE CHILD LOCK, AND UNABLE TO PROTECT VEHICLE SAFELY WITH PROPER LOCKING MECHANISM. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IF THERE IS AN INTRUDER OR IF MY TODDLER WERE TO TRY THIS STUNT AGAIN, ALSO CONCERNED OF THE FUEL ISSUES I'VE BEEN HAVING. REPLACED MY GAS CAP IN HOPES I WOULDN'T SEE LOSS OF FUEL, AND THE CAR HAS A SLIGHT OIL LEAK THAT NO MECHANIC CAN SEEM TO FIND. UNABLE TO ATTACH PAPERWORK AS THE DEALERSHIP HAS IT AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA ID
11399370
Incident
Feb 24, 2021
Mileage
94,300 mi
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Jun 22, 2020
Crash reportedFire reported

FRONT END COLLISION ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATE 45 MPH, POSSIBLY SLOWER. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DAMAGE PRIMARILY ON DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. FLAME IGNITED ON FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE UNDER THE HOOD. FIRE QUICKLY SPREAD CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. UNKNOWN WHAT CAUSED FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID
11330216
Incident
Jun 17, 2020
Mileage
101,900 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 19, 2020

TUGGING OCCURS, BUT RARELY. THE CAR DRIVES SMOOTHLY BUT WILL DO A BIT OF A TUGGING. IT HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR A WHILE EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED BACK IN 2015 IT WAS WORSE AT THOSE TIMES BUT FIXED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. I'VE INVESTED MAJOR MONEY TO GET THE TRANSMISSION, MOTOR, AND SO ON OF WHAT THE MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME OF THE PROBLEMS THE CAR HAS HAD FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ID
11325151
Incident
Jan 1, 2015
Mileage
80,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

V171901201285565

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

V171901201285562

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V171901201285560

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V941901201152119

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2023.

V271901201189422

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

SM 48-2022

EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volkswagen Jetta by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026510—
2025232062.2
2024380045.6
2023420038.7
2022421044.5
2021664050.5
2020516158.3
201954411262.2
2018313053.2
20171597058.0
20161605057.1
20151938051.0
20143865358.6
20135166357.3
20124998559.3
201160610559.5
20108525456.0
20098887558.0
20081886153.8
20072016051.7
20065806047.6
2005Viewing2487051.5
20042315055.6
20034564467.4
20027027767.4
20016687562.1
20004395662.7
19993497563.2
19981923257.4
19971412258.9
19961742560.8
19952206464.2
19941177260.2
1993176247.8
1992304057.2
1991317361.1
1990227459.0
1989285154.4
1988198159.3
1987184366.8
1986143361.7
1985134363.1
1984120—
1983020—
1982020—
1981040—
1980020—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.