RoadVitals

2020 Volkswagen Jetta Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
51
Latest May 20, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 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

  • Electrical1624.6%
  • Engine1218.5%
  • Brakes710.8%
  • Powertrain (other)710.8%
  • Driver assistance69.2%
  • Fuel system57.7%
  • Steering34.6%
  • Visibility23.1%
  • Suspension23.1%
  • Airbags23.1%
  • Tires & wheels11.5%
  • Interior & seats11.5%
  • Body & structure11.5%

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

When I start the car Multiple times the car will throw over half of all the error code and could not start the vehicle. Driving in the highway doing 65mph with the cruise control on the car completely shut off and I had to limp it to the shoulder and was unable to start the car. Each time I cleared the fault codes then was able to start the car. If I didn’t have my scanner I would have had to get towed each time to the dealer. I see there is an ignition switch recall on the 2019 and the 2020 cars but for some reason I don’t see my 2020 included in that. Now the proximity sensor is at fault and I have to take it to the dealer again. Please let me know what I should do

NHTSA ID 11638851 · filed Jan 27, 2025

Vehicle has been displaying "Emergency services unavailable" along with lights for steering and braking systems, Intermittently since new. The dealer stated no problem found.. Now that the vehicle is out of warranty they tell me it needs a new computer module. I believe they said Telematics control unit.

NHTSA ID 11632961 · filed Dec 29, 2024
All 16 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 12, 2026

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 · filed Oct 11, 2025
All 12 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This is the same thong that was recalled on the other 2020 vw jetta..I also had a 2016 jettabefore I was allowed to trade it in for the 2020 jetta and the air went out on the both of them before the car was 2 years old. Now the 2020 has rain water coming in holding in the doors. When you open it the water comes out. What's showing is: 1.front assist not available 2. Fault electronic parking brake 3. Transmission in emergency mode you can continue driving 4.only exit vehicle in P position service engine soon Number 3 has shown before and I had another transmission put in. Also engine light was on for the longest. I'm not sure of the exact date. I do have repair bills but I will have to go in my storage unit. Would like to send later

NHTSA ID 11673621 · filed Jul 15, 2025

My brakes have always sounded weird to me. But the dealer and my mechanic assured me that they were fine. On Saturday 7/6/24, I noticed a horrible grinding noise. I took it to my mechanic and was told that due to a faulty brake caliper the passenger side front inner brake pad has gone metal to metal. I can see that there is a recall on the calipers for 2020 VW Jetta but it doesn't show up for my VIN #. I am having to pay $541.07 and feel that if this is a recall I shouldn't have to pay.

NHTSA ID 11600522 · filed Jul 9, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I recently purchased a vehicle on July 11th, and on July 12th, I noticed a significant issue with the transmission. Specifically, the vehicle began grinding when I attempted to engage reverse gear. Concerned for safety, I promptly contacted the dealership. Initially, they advised that the proper procedure was to shift from first gear to reverse, attributing the issue to a known Volkswagen transmission characteristic. Upon further inspection at the dealership, they acknowledged the problem as a documented issue with Volkswagen transmissions, providing a "tech tip" confirming its severity. This issue poses a serious safety risk due to the delay in shifting from first to reverse, potentially impeding quick maneuvering in emergencies, thereby compromising driver and passenger safety. The problem was replicated multiple times during dealership visits, with no warning lights or indications prior to the grinding in reverse.

NHTSA ID 11605105 · filed Jul 29, 2024

Internal Component on Transmission has failed, Vehicle is Available for inspection (Niello Volkswagen has already confirmed). The vehicle shakes when shifting which could potentially cause an accident. Yes, Niello Volkswagen confirmed the issue. Dealer for Manufacturer has confirmed issue. No vehicle warning or Lights or messages, check engine light didn't trigger. Dealership attempted to "Flash" Transmission and ECM which made the issue worse.

NHTSA ID 11546501 · filed Sep 25, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 20, 2026

Hit a pot hole in the road and vehicle completely shut down and will not crank. Diagnostic code U0100 is saying that the ecm and pcm are no longer communicating. If I had been on the highway or in a high traffic area that could have been a life threatening situation as everything is run through the electronics of the car.

NHTSA ID 11498544 · filed Dec 22, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This is the same thong that was recalled on the other 2020 vw jetta..I also had a 2016 jettabefore I was allowed to trade it in for the 2020 jetta and the air went out on the both of them before the car was 2 years old. Now the 2020 has rain water coming in holding in the doors. When you open it the water comes out. What's showing is: 1.front assist not available 2. Fault electronic parking brake 3. Transmission in emergency mode you can continue driving 4.only exit vehicle in P position service engine soon Number 3 has shown before and I had another transmission put in. Also engine light was on for the longest. I'm not sure of the exact date. I do have repair bills but I will have to go in my storage unit. Would like to send later

NHTSA ID 11673621 · filed Jul 15, 2025

Will not take fuel. Even when the gasoline tank is empty it will not accept fuel properly. Fuel seeps out and leaks. Problem presents identically to the 2015-2020 VW & Audi recall. VW doesn’t acknowledge my VIN as a vehicle with the problem. My car is on the identical platform as the Audi A3 and is FWD. my problem is identical to the recall but VW will not acknowledge the problem.

NHTSA ID 11607621 · filed Aug 9, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

When vehicle goes over 60mph starts to shake really bad and warning not enough power for engine light is on

NHTSA ID 11445991 · filed Jan 3, 2022

AS I WAS DRIVING HOME LATE LAST NIGHT FROM WORK ON A CITY STREET , MY CAR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT ACCELERATE IN SPEED WHILE IN MOTION BUT YOU CAN HEAR THE CAR ACCELERATE WHEN I WAS PUSHING ON THE GAS. IT FELT AS IF THE CAR HAS TURNED OFF BECAUSE THEN MY STEERING WHEEL GOT HARD WAS HARD TO MOVE WHILE IN MOTION. CAUSE OF PROBLEMS IS UNKNOWN BUT MAY NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE IF IT CONTINUES

NHTSA ID 11388795 · filed Jan 19, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the panoramic sunroof shattered without impact. The contact stated that he was cut by shards of falling glass from the sunroof. The contact stated that no medical attention was sought. The contact pulled over and inspected the vehicle but found no cause or evidence that an object had struck the sunroof glass to cause the failure. The contact was able to drive to the residence with no additional issues. The local dealer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be brought in for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,829. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11498675 · filed Dec 23, 2022

SUNGLASS HOLDER KEEPS BREACKING WHICH PREVENTS ME FROM SEEING REVIEW VIEW MIRROS. THIS IS AN ONGOING VW ISSUES THAT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED FOR MANY YEARS. IT IS CHEAP AND BREAKS EASILY .

NHTSA ID 11406951 · filed Apr 7, 2021

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 26, 2026

The front strut spring broke. The dealer warned against driving it at all, since it could cut open the tire or damage other parts that would cause a lot of control. The vehicle is just past the three year warranty. But it is too new for aftermarket parts, so I had to replace it the same parts. The dealer said this is very common on this make/model and to expect these parts to consistently fail.

NHTSA ID 11567420 · filed Jan 24, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SUNROOF WAS EXPODED during I drive to home.

NHTSA ID 11531073 · filed Jul 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V492000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11443210 · filed Dec 9, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Since I PURCHASED MY Jetta SEL the car IN 2020 March the back right tire will not hold air. Have taken to the dealership and the young man said it was the valve stem and simple fix small issue. Claiming had an stem issues. Leaving the dealership 15 minutes later Hit the interstate and all of a sudden light comes on low air right tire ongoing issue for over a year refuse to be fixed by the car dealership just being pushed over. Bought car brand new very upsetting treatment.

NHTSA ID 11444588 · filed Dec 21, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

There is a spring that it out of place and when I turned to get out of the seat it scratched my back.

NHTSA ID 11596004 · filed Jun 23, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

When I start the car Multiple times the car will throw over half of all the error code and could not start the vehicle. Driving in the highway doing 65mph with the cruise control on the car completely shut off and I had to limp it to the shoulder and was unable to start the car. Each time I cleared the fault codes then was able to start the car. If I didn’t have my scanner I would have had to get towed each time to the dealer. I see there is an ignition switch recall on the 2019 and the 2020 cars but for some reason I don’t see my 2020 included in that. Now the proximity sensor is at fault and I have to take it to the dealer again. Please let me know what I should do

NHTSA ID 11638851 · filed Jan 27, 2025

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

Data on this page last refreshed .