RoadVitals

2006 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.
580
Latest Jul 15, 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.
6
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.
21
17 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 580 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, most frequently naming the transmission, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 473 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

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

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
10V621000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Dec 10, 2010
228,236 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
The risk: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number 20I4/U1View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 580
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 15, 2023

So it appears to be fine until about 30/45 mins drive time Then it starts shifting/slamming real hard and hesitates to shift in the next gear To the point where stopping and going isn’t an option or it slips After about 45 mins all the prnds lights turned on and did the same in manual mode.. I read someone it’s a valve body that leads to a faulty Tranny I’ve read almost 150 of the same exact accounts on here and Reddit With the same 2006 Vw Jetta 2.5 It’s too common of an issue Most of them were under 100k miles and never dealt with by the manufacturer Myself my car has roughly 168k miles and I’ve been working to fix it up I just got it a month or so ago And now I have to deal with this Honestly is sad that VW hasn’t been held accountable for an issue that is WAY TOO COMMON to not be their fault. I understand the car is almost 20 years old but a bunch of these accounts i were reading dated as far back as 2009 with 86k miles it’s a shame..

NHTSA ID
11532411
Incident
Jul 3, 2023
BrakesEngineVisibility
Filed Nov 27, 2022

The windshield wiper broke the window, brakes need replaced to soon, fuel system car has trouble fueling and after fueling and engine over heating due to engine cooling malfunction. None of these have been repaired yet it shows 0 unprepared recalls.

NHTSA ID
11495054
Incident
Nov 1, 2022
Brakes
Filed Oct 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that brake fluid had leaked from her vehicle as the check engine light illuminated the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. Soon after repair, the failure returned. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E064000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which she linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID
11438500
Incident
Mar 1, 2020
Mileage
110,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 3, 2021

The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission shuddered without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

NHTSA ID
11419495
Incident
May 27, 2021
Mileage
156,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 28, 2020

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ON INDICATING REPAIR IS NEEDED.

NHTSA ID
11385195
Incident
Nov 5, 2020
Mileage
109,000 mi
ElectricalFuel systemSuspension
Filed Dec 11, 2020

THERE HAS BEEN TAMPERING DONE TO MY VEHICLE HOW DO I ASSURE SAFETY AND HAVE IT INVESTIGATED AND HAVE A REPAIR MAN LOOK OVER THE VEHICLE AFTER THE THEFT?

NHTSA ID
11383094
Incident
May 1, 2020
EngineFuel systemVisibility
Filed Dec 11, 2020

THERE ARE SOME MOUNTING BRACKETS, SUSPENSION BRACKETS, NUTS AND BOLTS ASSOCIATED TO THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE THAT HAVE BROKE MORE THAN ONCE PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL GIVE U FURTHER DETAIL.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).. *TR

NHTSA ID
11383092
Incident
Jan 1, 2020
Mileage
150,000 mi
AirbagsSuspension
Filed Dec 11, 2020

THERE IS VACUUM PUMP DEFECT, MECHANICAL ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKETS, BREAKS, HOSES/PUMPS, WINDSHIELD FLUID MOUNTED HOUSES NEAR WINDSHIELD (FLUID SPRAYS THROUGH THESE HOUSES ON TO THE WINDSHIELD) AND KEY IGNITION INTERLOCK. PLEASE CALL AUDI FOR THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF DEFECTIVE PARTS AND REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. WAS DRIVING VEHICLE HEARD A LOUD POP OR BREAKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE STIFFENING THE STEERING WHEEL. AUTO WAS STOLEN AND CAME BACK WITH LOUD SCREECHING NOISE. UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11383091
Incident
May 1, 2020

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.

V241801204513812

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update warranty table labor operation numbers due to recent Saga updates.

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
2006Viewing5806047.6
20052487051.5
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.