RoadVitals

2020 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.
54
Latest Oct 10, 2026
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 Feb 14, 2024
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.
1
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.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 54 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 543 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

  • Electrical1724.3%
  • Engine1217.1%
  • Powertrain (other)710.0%
  • Brakes710.0%
  • Driver assistance68.6%
  • Fuel system57.1%
  • Steering45.7%
  • Suspension34.3%

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

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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Feb 14, 2024
261,257 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number VW: 20UF/AUDI:20YFView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Aug 30, 2023
62,538 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
The risk: Ignition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 1, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 28H7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 28H7View on NHTSA.gov

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Oct 31, 2022
296,044 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
The risk: An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number AU:45J7,VW:45J6,45J8View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ23007ClosedRecall Query

Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)

Opened Dec 12, 2023
Closed Jul 1, 2024

On December 12, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened RQ23-007 to investigate the remedy repair effectiveness and scope of Volkswagen (VW) recall 16V-647. Recall 16V-647 was issued on September 2, 2016, for a defective suction jet pump (SJP) inside the fuel tank. Failure of the SJP could lead to a fuel leak from the vehicle. This recall covered certain model year (MY) 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3 passenger car vehicles. The recall remedy repair replaced SJP Version 1.0 with an improved version, Version 1.1. The SJP is designed to purge fuel from the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. VW’s recall filing stated the SJP may have been damaged during assembly, which could potentially allow fuel to flow directly into the EVAP system. Over time, the fuel could accumulate in, and cause a leak from, the charcoal canister filter element. ODI received consumer complaints of SJP failure leading to a fuel leak, refueling spit back, refueling shutoff, and/or fuel odor in vehicles previously repaired under recall 16V-647. Additional complaints alleging SJP failure leading to the previously stated outcomes were received in vehicles outside the scope of recall 16V-647, including MY 2016-2020 VW Golf and Audi A3 vehicles. VW issued recall 24V-110 on February 14, 2024, to address issues with SJPs Versions 1.0 and 1.1. The recall remedy replaces the SJP Version 1.0 or 1.1 with an improved version, Version 2.0. Recall 24V-110 covers certain MY 2015-2020 VW Golf (including Golf GTI), 2015-2020 Audi A3, and 2019-2020 VW Jetta GLI vehicles, including vehicle previously repaired under 16V-647. Vehicle owners were notified of this recall in April 2024 and VW’s projected date for owner notification of recall remedy availability is August 2024. In view of the recall being conducted by VW, ODI is closing this Recall Query (RQ). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:CANISTERLed to recall 24V110

Recent owner complaints

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

Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Oct 10, 2026

On September 25th 2026, while driving my 2020 Volkswagen Jetta south on Route 12, the driver-front wheel completely separated from the vehicle while in motion. The vehicle suffered an immediate loss of structural control, and the undercarriage dropped directly onto the roadway, causing extensive mechanical, structural and body damage. A subsequent post-incident inspection by a certified Volkswagen dealership (NYE Volkswagen of Rome) revealed that the bolt holes on the wheel hub assembly were severely oblong, indicating that the lug bolts had loosened and backed out during operation. The vehicle had recently received 4 new tires on August 21st 2026 and the subsequent retorque on August 24th and a valve stem replacement on the driver-front wheel at the same automotive facility on September 3rd 2026. This report is being filed to document a catastrophic wheel separation and structural component failure under normal driving conditions.

NHTSA ID
11770305
Incident
Sep 25, 2026
Body & structure
Filed Sep 25, 2026

upon my mechanic's inspection of the vehicle for an unrelated issue, it was found that the entire subframe is rusty and corroded. He informed me that it was at a critical stage that would sooner than later lead to structural failure. Upon brining it to the VW dealer, they agreed with the assessment. VW is not willing to take responsibility for the issue. I am willing to let it be inspected upon request and the dealer supplied me with a video of the inspection. There has been no indication that this was happening, it was only found when my car was put on a rack for an unrelated issue. Here's a link to the video [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11766997
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Electrical
Filed Sep 10, 2026

On 2 separate occasions (in recent 2 months); the car would not restart and error messages would include printing the electrical parking brake engagement. Attempts to reset were futile. Car had to be towed. After 2nd incident, the VW dealership identified that the ground wire for the electrical harness that runs through fuse box and engine was severely overheated resulting in inability to start. There are no recalls on this item; from a safety standpoint, this could happen while driving and a loss of power could result with overheated ground wire condition. This is a potential very unsafe condition and a costly repair item. In comparison, the non-start stop button vehicles have experienced the same condition, and recalls were performed on 2018-2021 Jetta’s. The same exact case, severely overheated ground wires requiring complete replacement of main wiring harness.

NHTSA ID
11763364
Incident
Sep 8, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed May 20, 2026

Volkswagen mandatory software update/campaign 24Fi corrupted the OCU/Telematics firmware on my vehicle. This firmware corruption deactivated the critical emergency SOS safety system (Automatic Crash Notification), leaving a persistent red fault light on the overhead console. The dealership confirmed the internal malfunction code(B105207 & B200049) occurred immediately after they performed the flash, but the manufacturer is refusing to remedy the compromised safety system at no cost.

NHTSA ID
11738989
Incident
Apr 8, 2026
Suspension
Filed Apr 26, 2026

Rear left coil spring snapped mid driving, breaking off a 3 inch piece. Car now rattles when it goes over bumps. Upon looking under the car, the right rear coil spring is corroded and snapped as well.

NHTSA ID
11733888
Incident
Apr 20, 2026
Filed Apr 7, 2026

There was a warning light for the emergency call function unavailable please service immediately.

NHTSA ID
11729607
Incident
Apr 6, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 12, 2026

Upon “starting” car, all systems turn on and car tells me the engine is on; however, if I put into any gear nothing. Only once I press the ignition one more time does the engine actually start.

NHTSA ID
11717699
Incident
Jan 27, 2026
Filed Nov 8, 2025

While driving southbound on I-15 near Exit 300 (5300 S, Murray, Utah), the sunroof on my 2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL suddenly and spontaneously exploded outward without any impact or external object striking the glass. The vehicle had approximately 72,000 miles at the time. There was no tint, film, or modification to the sunroof. The weather was clear, and the road was smooth. The explosion produced a loud gunshot-like sound, followed by glass fragments scattering across the sunshade. Fortunately, the sunshade was closed, which prevented most of the glass from falling into the cabin. However, the incident caused a significant distraction which posed a serious safety risk while driving at highway speeds. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared before the failure. The glass appears to have shattered from internal stress rather than impact, as there were no visible signs of an object strike. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Volkswagen, law enforcement, or insurance, but the glass remains available for inspection if needed.

NHTSA ID
11698386
Incident
Nov 8, 2025

Manufacturer communications

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

V0017132033846_27

ENGINE

Prevent Sporatic Misfire Faults.

V1718032037201_21

ENGINE

Checking engine oil level.

V0118122014603_22

ENGINE

Reprogramming Control Module process

V9419012011521_22

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses

V0116132033805_12

ENGINE

Engine missfire diagnostic aid

V1917012022548_16

ENGINE

Identifying and Mixing Volkswagen Engine Coolants

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
2027100—
2026610—
2025322061.3
2024460043.9
2023430038.4
2022431043.9
2021714052.4
2020Viewing546158.7
201955311261.6
2018323053.1
20171607056.6
20161625057.1
20151948050.5
20143885358.8
20135186357.1
20125008559.5
201160710559.6
20108525456.0
20098897558.0
20081886153.8
20072016051.7
20065806047.6
20052487051.5
20042315054.8
20034574467.8
20027027767.4
20016687562.1
20004395662.7
19993497563.2
19981923257.4
19971412258.9
19961742560.8
19952206464.1
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.