2009 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system30725.4%
- Brakes20516.9%
- Engine16713.8%
- Driver assistance12110.0%
- Electrical1088.9%
- Transmission726.0%
- Powertrain (other)715.9%
- Airbags352.9%
- Steering242.0%
- Exterior lighting231.9%
- Interior & seats171.4%
- Body & structure161.3%
- Seat belts141.2%
- Visibility100.8%
- Other / unspecified70.6%
- Tires & wheels60.5%
- Suspension60.5%
- Heating & air conditioning10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car been fine and went to take my daughter to school and shut the car off and get back in to go home and wouldn't start and the Abs light came on and Check Engine light as well. I am concerned because I think since I have done the ABS no longer then 2 years. I feel like there is a problem and dont think VW fix it the first time when I took it in.. My fiance had a terrible accident 12 month ago and no income and I dont know how we are going to fix it if we have too thats what I am worried about as well.. Thank you, Dawn
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 65MPH, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATED STOP! OIL PRESSURE ENGINE OFF! AND CAR WENT INTO LIMP. WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF EXIT. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED FROM HIGHWAY TO REPAIR SHOP. DIAGNOSED TO BE A FAILURE IN THE HEX DRIVE BIT FROM THE BALANCE SHAFT MODULE TO THE OIL PUMP. ALSO CAUSED TURBOCHARGER FAILURE DUE TO LACK OF OIL FLOW. CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED TO REQUIRED SCHEDULE AND HAD NO PRIOR INDICATIONS OF IMMINENT FAILURE.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle experienced a complete loss of communication with the ABS control module, resulting in multiple warning lights and loss of ABS and related safety systems. The failure is consistent with Volkswagen Recall 45F2, which describes internal ground and solder failures in the ABS module. Prior to total failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent warning lights and an ABS fault code (01130 – Implausible Signal) in 2021 but was told the car was not under recall by dealer. After the condition progressed, the module became non-communicative and no longer generated fault codes. This is consistent with internal failure preventing communication. The failure affects braking-related safety systems, including ABS and stability control, and creates a potential safety risk, particularly during emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The condition has been confirmed by both a Volkswagen dealership and an independent Volkswagen/Audi specialist. A dealership diagnosis in 2025 once again confirmed that the ABS pump and module had no communication and required full replacement. Independent electrical testing verified that all external wiring, power, and ground inputs were functioning properly, indicating the failure is internal to the ABS module. Despite this, the manufacturer denied recall repair based on the absence of diagnostic fault codes. However, the lack of communication prevents the module from generating fault codes, creating a situation where complete failure does not qualify for recall repair. The failed ABS module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request.
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illuminated. During the failure, the vehicle drove like the parking brake was engaged. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving and experiencing the failures, the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle, and observed smoke coming from all four wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder to the ABS module had failed to communicate with the computer and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, but the contact was made aware of an associated recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the ABS module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 177,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
I purchased it unknown condition Accident History Damage Report - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - [xxx] Accident or Damage Reported Vehicle Damage Reported Right Side Damage or Repair Reported Damage or Repair to Bumper Reported Damage or Repair to Hood Reported Damage or Repair to Radiator Reported Damage or Repair to Grille Reported Damage or Repair to Fender Reported INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illuminated. During the failure, the vehicle drove like the parking brake was engaged. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving and experiencing the failures, the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle, and observed smoke coming from all four wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder to the ABS module had failed to communicate with the computer and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, but the contact was made aware of an associated recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the ABS module was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 177,000.
ABS module
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle experienced a complete loss of communication with the ABS control module, resulting in multiple warning lights and loss of ABS and related safety systems. The failure is consistent with Volkswagen Recall 45F2, which describes internal ground and solder failures in the ABS module. Prior to total failure, the vehicle exhibited intermittent warning lights and an ABS fault code (01130 – Implausible Signal) in 2021 but was told the car was not under recall by dealer. After the condition progressed, the module became non-communicative and no longer generated fault codes. This is consistent with internal failure preventing communication. The failure affects braking-related safety systems, including ABS and stability control, and creates a potential safety risk, particularly during emergency braking or low-traction conditions. The condition has been confirmed by both a Volkswagen dealership and an independent Volkswagen/Audi specialist. A dealership diagnosis in 2025 once again confirmed that the ABS pump and module had no communication and required full replacement. Independent electrical testing verified that all external wiring, power, and ground inputs were functioning properly, indicating the failure is internal to the ABS module. Despite this, the manufacturer denied recall repair based on the absence of diagnostic fault codes. However, the lack of communication prevents the module from generating fault codes, creating a situation where complete failure does not qualify for recall repair. The failed ABS module is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request.
I got the car off of some guy for 1600 dollars and I put a lot of money into and I have lights on the dash still on and the ecs is one and my steering wheel light is on as will.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, AT ABOUT 68 MPH, WHEN THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHATSOEVER. THE CAR, HAVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, WAS STILL IN GEAR AND SLOWED DOWN VERY QUICKLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING TO OTHER DRIVERS (NO BRAKE LIGHTS). I TRIED TO PUSH IN THE CLUTCH AND COAST TO THE SHOULDER, AND SUCCESSFULLY MADE IT OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR RESTARTED, AND I MADE IT A FEW MILES TOWARDS THE DEALER BEFORE IT HAPPENED AGAIN, LUCKILY ON A LOW-TRAFFIC STREET. THE CAR WAS TOWED THE REST OF THE WAY TOWARDS THE DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FUEL SYSTEM DAMAGE. THE FUEL RAIL, INJECTORS, PUMP, TANK, AND ALL LINES WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AS THE RESULT OF THE PUMP FAILURE CAUSED BITS OF METAL FLAKES TO CIRCULATE ABOUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE DIAGNOSIS AND LISTED REPAIRS WERE DETERMINED BY THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER. *TR
2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI AT 53,000 MILES MY RADIATOR WENT OUT DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW WERE A CLAMP RUBBED A HOLE IN THE RADIATOR. VW WOULD NOT COVER UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, AT 68,000 MILES THE ALIGNMENT WENT OUT IN THE AUTOMOBILE, AND FINNALLY AT 72,000 MILES I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION MAKING A HARD SHIFT AND A DELAY SHIFT WHEN TAKING OFF, I INQUIRED ABOUT IT TWICE AT THE DEALER SHIP AND WAS ADVISE NOTHING WAS WRONG. THEN AT 94,000 MILES I STARTED HEARING A LOUD NOISE FROM MY MOTOR IT IS THE DUAL MASS CLUCH FLYWHEEL HAS GONE OUT. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $3000.00 TO FIX. I CALLED VW OF AMERICA, THE VP I TALKED TO, SAID JUST BECAUSE THE PART WAS RECALLED IN AUSTRALIA AND CANADA IT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING TO THEM. *TT
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the gear shift indicator started blinking on and off. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the road and restarted the vehicle to reboot the gear shift indicator lights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Since there has been ongoing investigation on airbags, thought to report the issue related to this. For some reason, the airbag yellow warning light came up for no reason on my dashboard. It came up months ago and never has'nt gone away. Was wondering this is part of the airbag recall debate that has been reported in the media
The airbag warning light (yellow) on the driver seat side comes up for no reason
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I got the car off of some guy for 1600 dollars and I put a lot of money into and I have lights on the dash still on and the ecs is one and my steering wheel light is on as will.
About 5-6 times my steering locked up as I was mid turn but thankfully only for a second or two but a few of those times I was traveling at a high rate of speed on the highway in the center lane with cars on either side of me. Another time I was turning onto the highway and trying to beat the long line of cars that just got a green light and as I was mid turn my steering locked up and I fishtailed into the center lane almost into oncoming traffic. Had I been a more inexperienced driver neither of those times would have ended well.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the headlights and the turn signal lights had failed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring was damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 355,000.
PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT AND REAR BRAKE LIGHT NOT WORKING. ALSO THE PASSENGER SIGNAL LIGHTS NOT FRONT AND REAR NOT WORKING. I WAS DRIVING FROM HOMEDEPOT AND MADE A RIGHT TURN, NOTICE THE DASH RIGHT TURN INDICATOR WAS FLASHING RAPIDLY THAN WHEN I ENTERED MY GARAGE I NOTICE THAT THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WASN'T ON AS WELL. THE REAR BACKUP LIGHT NOT WORKING A WELL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I DRIVE INTO ORLANDO FOR WORK AND HAVE HAD NEAR REAR COLLISION WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS BECAUSE WE HAVE ALOT OF TAILGATERS IN FLORIDA. READ THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE ADVISE...
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SEAT WARMER ACTIVATED. THE SEAT WAS VERY WARM AND I FELT SOMETHING POKING ME. I REACHED BEHIND ME TO SEE WHAT WAS POKING ME AND SOMETHING BURNED MY FINGER. I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION AND SAW THAT A HOLE HAD BEEN BURNED IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT. A HOLE HAD ALSO BEEN BURNED THROUGH MY WINDBREAKER AND HAD STARTED BURNING MY SHIRT.
DRIVETIME-DOWNEY SOLD ME THE ABOVE VEHICLE WITH NO BRAKES, BLOWN AIR COMPRESSOR, AND A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. THE BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS IS INVESTIGATING THE WARRANTY COMPANY THAT FAILED TO REPAIR THE BRAKES.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2009 JETTA WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK. THIS CAN CAUSE AN ISSUE WHERE THE DOOR REMAINS LOCKED RANDOMLY, PROHIBITING AN OCCUPANT FROM EXITING THE CAR IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. THIS ALSO ALLOWS THE DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN ASSUMING IT HAS BEEN LOCKED, LEADING THE CAR TO BE MORE ACCESSIBLE TO UNWANTED PATRONS! *TR
THE TRUNK LID OF MY 2009 VW JETTA OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE IT IS PARKED. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. I WILL SOMETIMES FIND IT OPEN WHEN I AM READY TO DRIVE IN THE MORNING. SOMETIMES IT WILL OPEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING THE CAR. ONCE IT OPENED WHILE I WAS ENTERING A FREEWAY RAMP. LUCKILY IT HAS NOT YET HAPPENED WHILE UNATTENDED DURING A RAIN OR SNOWSTORM ! YET THE POTENTIAL FOR DANGER IS VERY REAL. FINDING A PLACE TO PULL OVER TO CLOSE A TRUNK LID WHILE MY REAR VISION IS BLOCKED CAN BE A VERY DANGEROUS SCENARIO -- NOT TO MENTION THE SECURITY ISSUES AN OPEN TRUNK LID RAISES. THE VW DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TWO FIXES, ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AND ANOTHER ATTEMPT ON MARCH 6, 2015 COST ME SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE LAST INCIDENT OCCURRED JUST THIS AFTERNOON AS I WAS RETURNING TO MY CAR FROM THE BANK LOBBY. I'M SCHEDULED FOR A THIRD VISIT TO THE DEALER TOMORROW AFTERNOON. I REALLY DON'T WANT TO BE A THROWING ANY MORE MONEY AT A SAFETY AND QUALITY ISSUE THAT SHOULD NOT OCCUR AND HOPE THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HELP ME. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Abs light on(yellow) with flashing break light (red) code 16352
1) seat belt did not lock and airbags did not deploy. Available for requested inspection. 2) injured driver & passenger. Both flew up out of their seats hitting their heads and body on windshield 3) Not yet appointment only available in 2 weeks 4)No 5)police and tow impound company. Still in impound waiting on insurance 6)no
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEADLINER ADHESIVE FOR THE VEHICLE HAS COME UNGLUED AND IS CAUSING THE FABRIC TO SAG AND PREVENT A CLEAR LINE OF SIGHT. THIS IS A LATENT SAFETY DEFECT. FROM A REASONABLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS THAT MANY JETTA OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE, INDICATING A COMMON MANUFACTURING ISSUE. THE ADHESIVE THAT WAS USED IS THE SAME AS THE ADHESIVE USED ON THE REMAINDER OF THE INTERIOR PANELS WHICH ARE ALSO COMING OFF.
DEBRIS WORKS ITS WAY PAST THE SHIELD AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD, CLOGS UP THE DRAIN HOLES IN THE FENDER AND OVERFLOWS INTO THE HEATER BOX. IT THAN LEAKS INTO THE CAR AND CAUSES THE WINDOWS TO FOG UP TO THE POINT WHERE YOU CAN NOT SEE OUT THE WINDOWS WHILE DRIVING. THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STANDING STILL
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ABS, BRAKES AND TRACTION WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE SAFELY TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THE ABS SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V913000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.*DT*JB
GOODYEAR EAGLE RSA 205/55R16. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION AND OIL SERVICE ON MY JETTA THE TECHNICIANS DISCOVERED TREAD BUBBLES IN 2 OF MY TIRES. I HAD THE MECHANIC PUT BOTH TIRES WITH BUBBLES ON THE REAR FOR SAFETY AND I DROVE THE CAR TO A GOODYEAR TIRE CENTER. THEY INSPECTED THE TIRES FOR ME AND VERIFIED THE BUBBLES IN THE TREAD. GOODYEAR TIRE CENTER THEN CONTACTED GOODYEAR CORPORATE FOR ME. THE TIRES ARE LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD AND THE CAR IS DRVEN ABOUT 1,000 MILES PER MONTH. GOODYEAR SAID THAT THEY WOULD ONLY GIVE $20 OFF THE COST OF NEW TIRES. I STILL HAVE MORE THAN HALF THE LIFE OF THE TIRES LEFT. I FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD REPLACE THEM WITH NEW TIRES BECAUSE THIS WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE TECHS AT GOODYEAR SAID THAT THE STEEL WINDINGS HAVE FAILED AND CAUSED THE AIR TO EXPAND THE RUBBER IN THAT AREA. GOODYEAR EAGLE RSA 205/55R16 BACK LEFT TIRE DATE CODE 1612 BACK RIGHT TIRE DATE CODE 3711. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
GOODYEAR EAGLE RSA 205/55R16. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION AND OIL SERVICE ON MY JETTA THE TECHNICIANS DISCOVERED TREAD BUBBLES IN 2 OF MY TIRES. I HAD THE MECHANIC PUT BOTH TIRES WITH BUBBLES ON THE REAR FOR SAFETY AND I DROVE THE CAR TO A GOODYEAR TIRE CENTER. THEY INSPECTED THE TIRES FOR ME AND VERIFIED THE BUBBLES IN THE TREAD. GOODYEAR TIRE CENTER THEN CONTACTED GOODYEAR CORPORATE FOR ME. THE TIRES ARE LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD AND THE CAR IS DRVEN ABOUT 1,000 MILES PER MONTH. GOODYEAR SAID THAT THEY WOULD ONLY GIVE $20 OFF THE COST OF NEW TIRES. I STILL HAVE MORE THAN HALF THE LIFE OF THE TIRES LEFT. I FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD REPLACE THEM WITH NEW TIRES BECAUSE THIS WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE TECHS AT GOODYEAR SAID THAT THE STEEL WINDINGS HAVE FAILED AND CAUSED THE AIR TO EXPAND THE RUBBER IN THAT AREA. GOODYEAR EAGLE RSA 205/55R16 BACK LEFT TIRE DATE CODE 1612 BACK RIGHT TIRE DATE CODE 3711. *TR
TIRES ARE MICHELIN PILOT HX MXM4, RADIAL XSE 225/45 R17 91H ORIGINAL TIRES FROM DATE OF PURCHASE 8//10 WITH ACTUAL MILEAGE 14829, FOR THE EXCEPTION OF 1 TIRE, THAT WAS REPLACED ON 9//10 DO TO ROAD HAZARD. PRESENTLY ALL 4 TIRES ARE SHOWING A SIDEWALL DEFECT. THERE IS A FAULT, A CRACK LINE THAT RUNS ALONG A MANUFACTURE GROOVE LINE THAT SEPARATES THE TREAD FROM THE SIDE WALL, THIS IS COMMON ON ALL 4 TIRES, BUT WITH DIFFERENCES OF SEVERITY IN EACH TIRE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAUGHT MY EYE BECAUSE OF THE 1/8 INCH CRACK THAT IS EXPOSING THE CARCASS/OR CABLES WHEN LOOKED AT CLOSELY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE IN TRAFFIC I HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO PRIME VOLKSWAGON, 784 PORTLAND RD, SACO, MAINE. THEY REPORTED THAT THE LEFT FRONT SPRING HAD BROKEN AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I WAS CHARGED $893.50 FOR THE REPAIR PLUS THE TOWING CHARGES. THE VW DEALERSHIP DID NOT ADVISE OF ANY SAFETY RECALLS. I ADVISED THAT I WAS CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND THE REMAINING SPRINGS. TODAY I LEARNED OF A RECALL INVOLVING NEWER MODEL VW JETTAS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE REAR SPRING.
OIL SEALS LEAKING OIL ALL OVER ENGINE, MAJOR CARBON BUILD UP FAILING AXLES. I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND THE CAR MADE A MAJOR THUD AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR TO DEALER NEXT DAY AND THEY FOUND ALL SEALS ON THE ENGINE ARE LEAKING OIL AND WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AND MAJOR CARBON BUILD UP IN ENGINE. FOUND OIL ON GROUND OF MY GARAGE. FRONT SUSPENSION KNOWN TO MAKE CRUNCHING SOUNDS WHEN GOING OVER MAJOR BUMPS WHEN COLD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT FELT WARMER THAN USUAL WHILE THE SEAT WARMER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT PLACED A LUMBAR CUSHION ON THE SEAT AND FOUND THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS ON FIRE. THE SEAT BACK AND CUSHION WERE BURNED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN PARKVILLE (9215 HARFORD RD, PARKVILLE, MD 21234, (877) 398-1963) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT COVER AND COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 190942827. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .