2017 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 2017 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 system4118.6%
- Electrical3415.5%
- Engine3415.5%
- Airbags219.5%
- Driver assistance177.7%
- Brakes156.8%
- Powertrain (other)156.8%
- Steering146.4%
- Visibility52.3%
- Exterior lighting52.3%
- Other / unspecified41.8%
- Seat belts41.8%
- Suspension41.8%
- Body & structure31.4%
- Interior & seats20.9%
- Tires & wheels20.9%
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
The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven or started any time before or after it actually caught on fire, it was only taken care of quickly as the tow truck driver had a fire extiguisher, we do not carry one in the car. The car had the recall work done in 2021 in Tyson's Corner VA. The dealer refuses speak to us and states that the recall was done and therefore not their issue. The issue was confirmed with the new mechanic. There was one EFC light on the night it started leaking fuel.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel rail bolts. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired by the previous owner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was later informed that the vehicle was already repaired in 2022. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have severe painful burns on my gluteus from the seat heater. I had the heater on intermittently on a drive of about 75 miles. I put the heater on for about 10-15 minutes a few times but did not have it on the entire trip. After getting to my destination I started feeling painful burning sensation so looked at my bum in the mirror and was shocked to see an open wound about the size of a silver dollar with peeling skin and many other burns all around. It’s very painful.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the infotainment system touch screen failed to operate as an intended. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle could be repaired, and that the failure was common. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was not a known failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE! Put lever into park: turned off car and turned back on : put thr stick BACK INTO DRIVE - NOTHING HAPPENED I GUNNED it BY pushing my foot on the gas VW Jetta ALMOST REDLINED but didnt: was able to get across the interaction as I turned Left . Car sputtered: Car died: CAR CAUGHT FIRE! put fire out with towel: transmission fluid expelled: Car SEIZED ALL MOVEMENT Car would turned on with push start: could put in ALL GEARS BUT WOULD NOT MOVE
The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven or started any time before or after it actually caught on fire, it was only taken care of quickly as the tow truck driver had a fire extiguisher, we do not carry one in the car. The car had the recall work done in 2021 in Tyson's Corner VA. The dealer refuses speak to us and states that the recall was done and therefore not their issue. The issue was confirmed with the new mechanic. There was one EFC light on the night it started leaking fuel.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Please copy the link. It is not a spam nor malware. It is the diagnostic report ran 9/12/2025. Please look under “airbag” tab and you will see the code related to brake system. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
so all the sudden my air bag light came on and my whole steering wheel don't work.. none of the buttons nor the cruse control and air bag light is on . Not sure why this happened but I feel very unsafe with my children in the car due to there's been a lot of crazy ppl out that don't pay attention when driving .
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my car used. In the past 3 years I have had problems my headlights became increasingly dim I checked my fuses and it had blown so I replaced it. Upon doing so my windshield wipers that had just been working no longer moved. But my headlights worked. Then my passenger window would not work with the drivers door controls. I can put it up but not down. I have never had the front collision warning work. Nor the lane departure the tire info used to work. Now it doesn’t. I toook my car into be caked and I was told that everything except the windows and wipers was fine. The wipers had a blown motor. Replaced it and they are good the window motors are dying? And need to be replaced. Also when in cruise control it will accelerate for just a second before slowing to the speed set at. Love the Volkswagens family has had four others and never had smyproblems
FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY: 1) the HID HALOGEN lights- (a.) the main DS3 buld continues to burn out not lasting longer than a month. (b.) the ballast also than shorts out (c.) the HIGH BEAM does the reverse effect making everything black (d.) the LOW BEAM do not work right as i cannot see obstacles in the road clearly- WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; I ONLY HAVE MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT AND FOG LIGHT ASSEMBLY TO DEPEND ON PRIMARILY. THE PASSENGER LIGHTS WHEN SOMEWHAT WORKING; ARE DIM AND WHEN THE HID BULB BURNS OUT- ALL I HAVE TO DEPEND ON (for that side of car) ARE MY DAY RUNNING AND FOR LIGHTS. 2.) FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SENORS ARE NOT WORKING MAKING IT TOO LATE IF OBSTACLES DETECTED 3.) THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER STOPPED WORKING
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Please copy the link. It is not a spam nor malware. It is the diagnostic report ran 9/12/2025. Please look under “airbag” tab and you will see the code related to brake system. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ABS UNIT COMPLETE was malfunctioning per volkswagen's inspection. When this malfunctions it can lead to a loss of its anti-lock braking function, potentially causing wheel lock-up during braking, longer stopping distances, and reduced vehicle control, especially on slippery surfaces. Additionally, other driver assistance features relying on the ABS module, like traction control and automatic braking, may also be affected. Other 2017 models had a recall on this part but I was told my VIN did not. There were warning lights on dash when this occurred. This was confirmed by VW.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE! Put lever into park: turned off car and turned back on : put thr stick BACK INTO DRIVE - NOTHING HAPPENED I GUNNED it BY pushing my foot on the gas VW Jetta ALMOST REDLINED but didnt: was able to get across the interaction as I turned Left . Car sputtered: Car died: CAR CAUGHT FIRE! put fire out with towel: transmission fluid expelled: Car SEIZED ALL MOVEMENT Car would turned on with push start: could put in ALL GEARS BUT WOULD NOT MOVE
July 2024 my 2017 VW JETTA SEL PREMIUM [XXX] at 153,253 miles without notice had TRANSMISSION FAILURE where a major oil and transmission fluid leak occurred. I was sitting at a red light, the light turned green I tried to go and ended up flooding the engine thus preventing the car to ever move again. I experienced a total loss on a vehicle who’s PZEV WARRANTY just expired and VW OF AMERICA REFUSED TO ASSIST ME. I lost my employment as I couldn’t get to work and was left high and dry forced to sell my lemon for pennies of the cars net worth INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Clockspring in steering wheel has failed, rendering driver airbag non-operational. Should vehicle be involved in a collision, driver airbag will not engage. Horn and steering wheel buttons are also non-operational
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE SLIDE ACROSS THE STREET AND HIT A TREE AND A POLE. THE CONTACT HAD MINOR INJURIES BUT A PASSANGER DIED IN THE CRASH. A POLICE ARRIVED AT THE THE CRASH SCEEN AND THE CONTACT DID NOT RECIEVE NOTICE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S SIDE BACK DOOR WAS SMASHED IN FROM HITTING THE TREE, THE TRUCK WAS DAMAGED SEVERLY. THE FRONT OF THE SMASHED IN THE MIDDLE FROM CRASHING INTO THE POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY TO AN IMPOUND LOT FOR THE POLICE. AN IVESTIGATION JUST ENDED ON 12/04/20 AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE RELEASED SO IT COULD BE DECLARED TOTLED BY HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER SPRINGFIELD MITSUBISHI313 BALTIMORE PIKE, SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064 (484) 574-8434 STATED THEY WOULD NEED ALTTER FORM THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR A FULL FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The EPC light and Check Engine light came on while driving, major car throttling, problems with acceleration, stronger throttling occurred with more acceleration. Car was immediately towed to nearest VW dealership service. Me and my son had to stop on the expressway far from home. Problems were confirmed at inspection by VW dealership on same day of incident. No symptoms or warnings occurred of problems before incident.
Driving down from work to lunch. Whenn slowly pulling out of the parking lot and no one around. then all of a sudden a loud explosion was heard and I looked up and saw glass shattered all across the moonroof. I parked in my parking spot and got out and looked up and saw glass shattered at the top with no impacts. The sunroof just spotenoulsy shattered
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am continually have issue with my headlights bi-xenon ds3 bulbs going out. I have replaced the ballast and the bulb w oem parts and the issue continues. My day runner LED lights work on the passenger side but the HID bulb does not work. I have no low beam. Everything else works. Same issue on drivers side until I replaced the entire housing unit. Regardless both lights DO NOT REFLECT IN DISTANCE making it EXTREMELY HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT forcing me to have to drive w my fog lights on just to see.
FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY: 1) the HID HALOGEN lights- (a.) the main DS3 buld continues to burn out not lasting longer than a month. (b.) the ballast also than shorts out (c.) the HIGH BEAM does the reverse effect making everything black (d.) the LOW BEAM do not work right as i cannot see obstacles in the road clearly- WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; I ONLY HAVE MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT AND FOG LIGHT ASSEMBLY TO DEPEND ON PRIMARILY. THE PASSENGER LIGHTS WHEN SOMEWHAT WORKING; ARE DIM AND WHEN THE HID BULB BURNS OUT- ALL I HAVE TO DEPEND ON (for that side of car) ARE MY DAY RUNNING AND FOR LIGHTS. 2.) FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SENORS ARE NOT WORKING MAKING IT TOO LATE IF OBSTACLES DETECTED 3.) THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER STOPPED WORKING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR HAS 65K ON IT AND HAS BEEN ACTING UP FOR AT LEAST 10K MILES ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: 1. THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON DASH WENT ON FOR NO REASON AND I HAD TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE FOR IT TO BE RESET. 2. THE RADIO LINKS TO MY PHONE ONLY 50% OF THE TIME WITH A FAILURE NOTICE POSTED ON THE MONITOR. THE BLUETOOTH WILL STILL WORK BUT TO CONNECT WITH MY CORD TO ALSO CHARGE, VERY INCONSISTENT. 3. THE TIRE DASH LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED DESPITE HAVING THE TIRES AND MONITORS CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES. 4. THE BACK UP WARNING INDICATOR HAS RECENTLY STOPPED ALERTING ME AND I CAME WITHIN INCHES OF BACKING INTO A CAR TODAY. I WOULD LIKE MY DASH TO BE ERROR MESSAGE FREE AND MY RADIO RELIABLY WORKING VIA MY PHONE CORD. I HAVE TRIED DIFFERENT CORDS, PURCHASED NEW TIRES AND MONITORS, AND THE SAME ISSUES CONTINUALLY OCCUR. THIS ALL OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS POWERED ON, DOES NOT MATTER IF IT IS PARKED OR BEING DRIVEN.
2017 VW JETTA SEL WAS PURCHASED NEW 11/02/ 2017. FROM THE START, THE HANKOOK KNTROL M&S 224/45/R17 TIRES PROVIDED VERY POOR CONTROL IN WET OR EVEN LIGHT SNOW DRIVING CONDITIONS, IN SPITE OF GOOD ALIGNMENT AND WHEEL BALANCE. BY 22,000 MILES(07/2020) THE TIRES HAD BECOME EXTREMELY NOISY , WITH A THUMP, THUMP NOISE AT LOW SPEEDS. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, DID A COMPLETE VEHICLE CHECK IN AUGUST OF 2020, INDICATED NO PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE ITSELF AND PLACED THE BLAME ON THE TIRES, OF WHICH THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY. HANKOOK CORPORATE SAID THEY HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY, IN SPITE OF TIRES STILL BEING WITHIN WARRANTY . READING NUMEROUS CONSUMER REVIEWS SHOWED THAT MY PROBLEM AND SAFETY CONCERNS ARE SHARED BY MANY WHO HAVE OEM HABKOOKS. THIS INCLUDES TOYOTA AND HONDA OWNERS, FOR EXAMPLE. MY CONCERN IS THAT BEYOND THE 'NOISE'ISSUE, THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. OF THE 150 + REVIEWS, A COMMON CONCERN WAS NOT JUST POOR PERFORMANCE AND VERY SHORT TREADWEAR LIFE, BUT A VERY REAL SAFETY CONCERN. THE SAFETY CONCERN, ABOVE ALL, NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BY YOUR AGENCY. THANK YOU
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to securely buckle. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal beeping sound detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the seat belt buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
The drivers seatbelt does not latch. It will eventually but sometimes takes 30 or 40 attempts.
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
On 8/14/24 I had the rear springs replaced due to a broken spring. Now today 2/25/26 I was inform that I have a broken front spring. This vehicle is only 9 years old and we have had spring break in the front and back. This seems like a premature failure of a critical suspension component. Though fortunately nothing happened in the way a bodily injury the failure could very well lead to an inability to properly control the vehicle if the broken spring were to slip and crash is possible. For example a tire could be punctured at a high rate of speed. I may not be able to maintain control with the broken suspension component. The vehicle springs should last more than 7 years before failure. I have owned many vehicles over the years a lot older than this one and with more miles and have never experience spring failure.
My 2017 vw Jetta S front left coil spring broke in half & the sharp ends could have puncture my tire while I was driving. I was checking it over as soon as it made noise, & discovered that it had broken and didn’t drive it & bought 2 new ones and replaced them both and got our state inspection. I got on the internet and saw where the Jetta 2019 & some other models had been recalled, and wondered why my car hasn’t been, no one got hurt over this, but I as a former mechanic I keep my cars well taken care of, if this was someone else’s who just get in & drive it they could of caused a accident. My car is garage keep with 60,000 miles on it. Also we have 2017 vw all track which I checked it over and no broken coil springs on it as of now, I would like you to consider paying for my parts and repairs as I feel that it was the failure of the part and not abuse. Thanks
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Door lock actuator for all passenger doors, the only one that hasn't failed is the driver's door.
CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE UNBEKNOWNST TO THE DRIVER. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR ROLLING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES. A ACCIDENT DID OCCUR ON FEB 12, 2021 IN SPROUTS GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT IN LA MESA, SAN DIEGO CA. INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN INVOLVED TO REPAIR THE OTHER PARTIES VEHICLE INVOLVED. THE DAMAGE TO THE MENTIONED CAR INCLUDES DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER, TAIL LIGHT AND SIDE BODY. THE OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED NEEDS THE ENTIRE SIDE PANEL REPLACED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have severe painful burns on my gluteus from the seat heater. I had the heater on intermittently on a drive of about 75 miles. I put the heater on for about 10-15 minutes a few times but did not have it on the entire trip. After getting to my destination I started feeling painful burning sensation so looked at my bum in the mirror and was shocked to see an open wound about the size of a silver dollar with peeling skin and many other burns all around. It’s very painful.
The drivers side seat does not heat up not to mention the leatherette material used is cheap and has torn making the heater to not work anymore possibly
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
We own a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving at 55 MPH, he heard a loud Bang noise and experienced difficulty steering the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. We pull over to inspect the vehicle, We did not see any problems with the tires and they looked ok. But there was smoke coming up from the front passenger side. We were able to drive the vehicle another mile before more smoke was coming from under the passenger side. When we pulled over again we realized the right front tire on the passenger side was shredded. We called AAA. replaced the tire with the spare and went home. We called the VW dealer and took the car in. They said it was a front suspension coil spring that broke and punctured the right front tire.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, it was discovered that the horn was inoperable and there was no longer an audible sound while activated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the failure continued intermittently. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Additionally, the TPMS warning light would remain illuminated even though the tire air pressure levels were at the correct air pressure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
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 .