RoadVitals

2010 Volkswagen Jetta Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints 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.
852
Latest Aug 8, 2025
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.
28
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
0
Reports on file since Sep 14, 2009

What this page shows

Our database holds 852 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

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

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 852 · page 1 of 35

Fuel system
Filed Aug 8, 2025

Why driving at 55mph the high pressure fuel pump grenaded sending metal shrapnel through the engine causing an immediate engine shut off while still driving. Entire fuel system has shut down as result

NHTSA ID
11679371
Incident
Aug 1, 2025
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed May 21, 2025

When you turn on the vehicle, the abs and traction light illuminates. The light that says "BRAKE" also illuminates and the vehicle beeps 3 times. When driving the vehicle, the red light "BRAKE" flashes constantly, while the ABS and traction control light remains illuminated but no flashes. The dealership says it's a fault ABS module and Hydraulic Pump Assembly. I researched and found a Volkswagen safety recall code: 45F2 (published March 17, 2017) that seems very applicable to my vehicle. Safety concerns include but are not limited to the following: loss of vehicle control, failure to brake properly, auto engagement of brakes not by the driver, etc. All safety concerns may cause my life or the life of another individual.

NHTSA ID
11662407
Incident
May 19, 2025
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Jul 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving or parked, the door locks, gas cap sensor, and tailgate were not working as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to several unknown recalls; however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11603178
Incident
Mar 6, 2024
Mileage
160,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jul 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, ESC, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11598385
Incident
Jul 2, 2024
Mileage
90,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jan 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake light, ABS, and Electronic Stability Control warning lights remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 260,000.

NHTSA ID
11564842
Incident
Jan 2, 2024
Mileage
260,000 mi
Filed Oct 12, 2023

Every time it rains, water comes down im assuming from my sunroof, ive cleaned the drains multiple times, it doesnt make a differenc, the water goes through my fuse box on the driver side fuse box inside the car like a white water rapid and collects in the floorboard. It blows all of my fuses, it also blows out my headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Not to mention the mold that must be growing in the car from all the water. I tried contacting volkswagen but they wont do anything.. eventhough ive spent who knows how much money replacing all those bulbs and fuses. Plus the damprid containers ive bought to help dry everything up, and the cleaners, the air freshners, the cost of vacuuming all that water up.. also my doors wont lock, i cant control anything in the car with the drivers side controls, cant open my trunk with the switch by the drivers seat. This has changed my whole opinion of volkswagen vehicles.. i used to think they were really good cars, not anymore!

NHTSA ID
11549528
Incident
Mar 2, 2020
Brakes
Filed Sep 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module software needed to be updated. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure however, the contact was awaiting a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11546445
Incident
Sep 18, 2023
Mileage
100,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 24, 2023

1) IGNITION SWITCH - yes 2) car wont turn off, key is stuck and wont allow to be turned off. this is dangerous for car to be left on. 3) yes - common problem with VW 4) yes by mechanic 5) no warnings, typically ignition needs jiggling to start and turn off ignition but this is the first time it has refused to budge.

NHTSA ID
11546256
Incident
Sep 23, 2023
Airbags
Filed Sep 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and became aware that the sunroof had opened independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 77,000.

NHTSA ID
11544247
Incident
Jul 9, 2018
Mileage
77,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jul 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake was depressed and the ABS and Traction Control warning lights inadvertently illuminated, and the vehicle spun out of control, nearly causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable ABS Hydraulic module. The contact was informed that the ABS Hydraulic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after researching, he discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11535063
Incident
May 9, 2023
Mileage
90,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly shifted into neutral(N). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V333000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,900.

NHTSA ID
11533319
Incident
Jul 19, 2023
Mileage
159,900 mi
Electrical
Filed May 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated he was unable to start the vehicle temporarily. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle within 30 minutes and drove to his destination. The contact stated that he had experienced the failure a total of 4 times. The contact took the vehicle to the independent mechanic, where the steering column lock assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 255,000.

NHTSA ID
11523505
Incident
May 21, 2023
Mileage
255,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jan 16, 2023

2010 Jetta, manual transmission Key gets stuck in ignition and wont cut car off. Eventually got key out, ignition locked wont let key turn car on. This is a known vw issue with over 860 complaints on this exact issue between 2009-2013. VW refuses to do recall, even though this is a manufacturing parts issue.

NHTSA ID
11501984
Incident
Jan 14, 2023
AirbagsBrakesElectrical
Filed Jan 6, 2023

FAULT ON ANTI LOCKING BRAKE (ABS), INDICATED BY ILLUMINATION ON DASH, ESC LIGHT ON AND FLASHING BRAKE LIGHT ON. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED THAT ISSUE AS LISTED IN SAFETY RECALL 16V-913 APPLIES TO OTHER VEHICLES NOT LISTED ON VIN RANGE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS OTHERS HAVE INDICATED THE SAME ISSUE EXISTS ON THEIR MODELS NOT COVERED BY VIN RECALL. CUSTOMER SERVICE (VW) WAS CALLED, PER DEALER DIRECTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AT VW DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ THE VIN CODES OR CAN TELL ME WHICH VIN CODE MAKES THE FAULTY ABS MODULE APPLICABLE OR NOT APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11500428
Incident
Jan 6, 2023
Steering
Filed Dec 13, 2022

"Key gets stuck in ignition and I cannot turn off the engine."

NHTSA ID
11497333
Incident
Dec 11, 2022
Brakes
Filed Nov 22, 2022

On certain vehicles, a fault within the antilock brake system (ABS) may cause the module to fail during ABS and/or electronic stability control (ESC) activation. This will cause warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. If this happens, the brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) may not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage

NHTSA ID
11494632
Incident
Nov 22, 2022
Airbags
Filed Aug 8, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported

Hit head on by train and air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID
11478160
Incident
Jul 27, 2022
Brakes
Filed Apr 9, 2022

After a hard braking situation, the ABS, Traction Control, and Brake warning lights activated. A computer scan by the dealer indicated the ABS system failed and needs replacement (computer printout and repair estimate attached). There is a recall (16V-913) for the identical issue for the same year/make/model of my vehicle; however, the date of production is different.

NHTSA ID
11460250
Incident
Mar 30, 2022
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Apr 4, 2022

Received an ABS Break light flashing on my dash board. Went to the Valley Volkswagen dealer in Staunton, VA and confirmed the ABS Module needs to be replaced. This is the same part that was on Volkswagen recall 45F2/45F5 ABS and stability control becomes inoperative. With a warning A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash. This is a safety issue and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. I'm driving an vehicle that is unsafe to drive. Please include my VIN # in this recall. Thanks

NHTSA ID
11459524
Incident
Mar 26, 2022
ElectricalVisibility
Filed Mar 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle, due to a battery shortage. The contact stated that the warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery to be replaced. The battery had been replaced three-time. The contact also stated that the rear lights failed to operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Additionally, while driving 75 MPH, the sunroof detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no injury. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. 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 105,000.

NHTSA ID
11455485
Incident
Mar 1, 2020
Mileage
105,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 27, 2022
Fire reported

Car spontaneously caught fire while driving

NHTSA ID
11454379
Incident
Feb 22, 2022
ElectricalSteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 15, 2021

Abs and stability control became inoperative at around 50mph. It's a 55mph road thats heavily trafficked since its near a port. I had to stop the car on the side of the road since we almost crashed into an 18 wheeler. Fortunately we were close to home I drove the car at a reasonable speed just to get home. After that incident we have stopped using this vehicle since it gets even more dangerous every time, especially when it rains. Since then brake light has come on and hydraulic and suspension has been bad. This happened last year when pandemic was still full force and without a vehicle. Had to save and buy a more reliable vehicle for our own safety. I know this is a really good car but i really hope y’all can help me fix this since it’s really not the consumer’s fault. I’ve checked there is a recall for this but my “Jetta” is not in those vehicles that were recalled. I really cant drive the vehicle therefore i have no use for it. Please let me know if something could be done since i wouldn’t like to pay out of pocket for something that could be done by the manufacturer and even save our and others life’s in the future when more vehicle owners come forward. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID
11440554
Incident
Aug 13, 2020
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Nov 8, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with ABS module failure. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA ID
11439722
Incident
Sep 8, 2021
Mileage
59,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 5, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module, stabilizer links, and carbon manifold needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. While the owner does not expect VW to pay for the stabilizer links or carbon manifold repairs, they do expect the ABS module to be covered because it was the same faulty module which was in all the other 2009 and 2010 Jettas which were recalled previously. This specific vehicle was, I believe, limited to 1,000 vehicles as it is a limited edition version of the 2010 VW Jetta. It does, however, have the same ABS module as the 2010 Jettas with the open recall. VW Corporate as well as Platinum VW in Hicksville were informed about the recall for 45F2 which recalled the ABS module on most VW Jettas from 2009 to 2010. We were told that our vehicle, for unknown reasons, was not part of that recall. Mind you, this is DESPITE having the same exact failure of the ABS module and Traction Control as the regular 2010 VW Jettas We got the vehicle repaired and had to pay a very large amount of money to replace and repair the module which should have been covered under the recall. We should not be penalized because we have a more limited edition of a vehicle, please help, thank you! I've attached the invoices and payment slips from VW and Eagle Nest Motors which analyzed and repaired the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11439521
Incident
Oct 1, 2021
Mileage
45,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Oct 29, 2021

My ABS system light has been on, but I haven't had the funds to take care of it. I inherited the car after my daughter passed away, so I don't know how long it's been on. I was just told by my mechanic that there was a recall for this very issue. I'm not in a position to pay what they're asking, but it seems like I shouldn't have to since there was a recall for this. I don't know why your website says there are no recalls for my car, but I feel I fall in this category for the ABS recall. I had a woman pull out in front of me and my car's system didn't work

NHTSA ID
11438655
Incident
Oct 29, 2021

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.

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