FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2020 Volkswagen Jetta
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 52 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and brakes categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 533 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Jul 2020 | 2 | 3 |
| Aug 2020 | 2 | 5 |
| Oct 2020 | 2 | 7 |
| Jan 2021 | 2 | 9 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 10 |
| Apr 2021 | 3 | 13 |
| Dec 2021 | 3 | 16 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 17 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 18 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 19 |
| Dec 2022 | 2 | 21 |
| Jul 2023 | 3 | 24 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 26 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 27 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 28 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 29 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 30 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 31 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 32 |
| May 2024 | 2 | 34 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 36 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 39 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 40 |
| Dec 2024 | 2 | 42 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 43 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 44 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 45 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 46 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 47 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | 48 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | 50 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 51 |
| Sep 2026 | 1 | 52 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Electrical1725.8%
- Engine1218.2%
- Brakes710.6%
- Powertrain (other)710.6%
- Driver assistance69.1%
- Fuel system57.6%
- Steering34.5%
- Visibility23.0%
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.govELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
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.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
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
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
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
There was a warning light for the emergency call function unavailable please service immediately.
- NHTSA ID
- 11729607
- Incident
- Apr 6, 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
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
October 9, 2025 EPC light on. October 10, 2025, called Brown's VW in Charlottetown, PEI and brought the car in. The EPC light was off. The scan revealed that turbo on the vehicle had a seized wastegate. The cost of repair is $4,026.85 and a wait for parts. If the EPC light was flashing, the vehicle would buck and stop in the middle of the road causing a safety issue. There were no warnings previous to the EPC light going on. the vehicle is out of warranty but low mileage. Please note I spend 6 months a year in PEI, Canada and 6 months in the US. My address in Canada is: 81 Kilkenny Rd., Rte 250, Harrington, PE CIE 3A5. The vehicle is registered in PEI and had a RIV certificate. I was also told by an independent source that the above problem is common in the Atlantic Provinces because of the position of the wastegate and also the salt in the air in the Atlantic Provinces. I am certain in sea coast areas of the US, there is a similar problem with this VW turbo and the VW Tiguan is also affected. Many years of the VW Jetta have the same problem.
- NHTSA ID
- 11692696
- Incident
- Oct 9, 2025
While driving down a the road, my husband, 2 children and I, with no cars around us, we heard a loud pop (almost exploding like). We all looked around and then my husband looked up and our sunroof glass was shattered. As we exited the vehicle to take a better look, you could clearly see that the glass was broken from the inside, as if it was popped like a balloon. While no glass fell in the vehicle due to the shade being shut, there was glass all over the top that my husband had to clean up. Unfortunately due to no negligence on our part, we had to file an insurance claim.
- NHTSA ID
- 11678099
- Incident
- Aug 3, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
SERVICE BRAKES
Repair or Replace Information
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: Part number 3Q0-959-435N software version number 1307 has incorrect coding.
POWER TRAIN
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
POWER TRAIN
Replacement instruction
Permission to change Daily Order upgraded to RED Order
Differences between a leak and seepage
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 60.9 |
| 2024 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 44.1 |
| 2023 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 38.5 |
| 2022 | 43 | 1 | 0 | 44.3 |
| 2021 | 69 | 4 | 0 | 51.5 |
| 2020Viewing | 52 | 6 | 1 | 59.2 |
| 2019 | 548 | 11 | 2 | 61.6 |
| 2018 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 52.1 |
| 2017 | 159 | 7 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2016 | 161 | 5 | 0 | 57.6 |
| 2015 | 194 | 8 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2014 | 386 | 5 | 3 | 58.6 |
| 2013 | 516 | 6 | 3 | 56.9 |
| 2012 | 499 | 8 | 5 | 59.3 |
| 2011 | 607 | 10 | 5 | 59.6 |
| 2010 | 852 | 5 | 4 | 56.0 |
| 2009 | 888 | 7 | 5 | 57.9 |
| 2008 | 188 | 6 | 1 | 53.8 |
| 2007 | 201 | 6 | 0 | 51.7 |
| 2006 | 580 | 6 | 0 | 47.6 |
| 2005 | 248 | 7 | 0 | 51.5 |
| 2004 | 231 | 5 | 0 | 54.8 |
| 2003 | 457 | 4 | 4 | 67.8 |
| 2002 | 702 | 7 | 7 | 67.4 |
| 2001 | 668 | 7 | 5 | 62.1 |
| 2000 | 439 | 5 | 6 | 62.7 |
| 1999 | 349 | 7 | 5 | 63.2 |
| 1998 | 192 | 3 | 2 | 57.4 |
| 1997 | 141 | 2 | 2 | 58.9 |
| 1996 | 174 | 2 | 5 | 60.8 |
| 1995 | 220 | 6 | 4 | 64.2 |
| 1994 | 117 | 7 | 2 | 60.2 |
| 1993 | 17 | 6 | 2 | 47.8 |
| 1992 | 30 | 4 | 0 | 57.2 |
| 1991 | 31 | 7 | 3 | 61.1 |
| 1990 | 22 | 7 | 4 | 59.0 |
| 1989 | 28 | 5 | 1 | 54.4 |
| 1988 | 19 | 8 | 1 | 59.3 |
| 1987 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 66.8 |
| 1986 | 14 | 3 | 3 | 61.7 |
| 1985 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 63.1 |
| 1984 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1983 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1982 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
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.