RoadVitals

2022 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.
42
Latest Aug 12, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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 2022 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

  • Brakes1219.0%
  • Engine1219.0%
  • Electrical1015.9%
  • Steering69.5%
  • Fuel system34.8%
  • Visibility11.6%
  • Body & structure11.6%
  • Interior & seats11.6%
  • Exterior lighting11.6%
  • Suspension11.6%
  • Airbags11.6%

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

Driver assistance

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

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2022 Volkswagen Jetta (purchased new) has a recurring Travel Assist/Adaptive Cruise Control safety malfunction that has existed since before approximately 24,000 miles. While driving with Adaptive Cruise Control or Travel Assist engaged, the vehicle repeatedly warns me to "Take Control of the Vehicle" or indicates my hands are not on the steering wheel even though both hands are firmly on the wheel. I often have to immediately tighten my grip to prevent the system from escalating. On numerous occasions, the vehicle has also applied the brakes unexpectedly at highway speeds when there was no apparent hazard in front of the vehicle. These unexpected braking events create a serious safety concern, especially in traffic. I drive between [XXX] and [XXX] approximately twice each month. During a typical one-way trip, the steering wheel recognition warnings may occur a dozen or more times while using Travel Assist or Adaptive Cruise Control. Unexpected braking has occurred repeatedly over the course of ownership. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealer multiple times for this same issue. Volkswagen has replaced the steering wheel multiple times, updated software, opened a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) case, and at least one technician duplicated the concern during a test drive. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the problem continues. I am reporting this because I believe the recurring Travel Assist failures and unexpected braking present an ongoing motor vehicle safety defect. Below it asks for the approximate date the incident occurred. It started approximately in XXX but it happens all of the time still. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11749181 · filed Jul 8, 2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a failure related to the steering wheel assembly that caused the "Travel Assist Not Currently Available" warning to appear while driving. The issue affected the operation of the vehicle's driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Travel Assist functions. An authorized Volkswagen dealership diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the steering wheel assembly requires replacement. The vehicle is currently available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure caused the vehicle's driver assistance and safety systems to become unavailable while the vehicle was being operated on public roadways. The unexpected loss of Adaptive Cruise Control and Travel Assist functionality could increase driver workload and create a potential safety risk, particularly during highway driving where these systems are designed to assist with vehicle control and spacing from other traffic. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. An authorized Volkswagen dealership inspected the vehicle, retrieved diagnostic fault codes, and confirmed that the steering wheel assembly is defective and requires replacement. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Volkswagen dealership. The dealership diagnosed the fault and determined that the steering wheel assembly requires replacement. The dealership has submitted a goodwill assistance request to Volkswagen because the issue first occurred before the vehicle exceeded the warranty mileage limit. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The vehicle displayed a "Travel Assist Not Currently Available" war

NHTSA ID 11743357 · filed Jun 10, 2026
All 14 reports naming driver assistance

Brakes

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

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

the components that failed are the rear brakes and rotors. we no longer have the components as the vehicle would not pass inspection without having the work completed. The manufacturer sent a letter to customers affected by this issue as it is a known issue for this year/make/model. the inspection location advised that given the mileage on the vehicle there is no reason it should need this type of work performed, under 25k miles on vehicle. the only warning that was given was the letter sent by the manufacturer. we took our vehicle back to the dealership when the letter was received and were informed they would not complete the outlined work on our vehicle. now that the vehicle would not pass inspection, the brake work had to be performed so my daughter could get back and forth to work

NHTSA ID 11741996 · filed Jun 4, 2026

- Rear brake pads. They were replaced at 22,464 miles under warranty due to premature wear, and at just 34,170 miles (less than 12,000 miles later), they are already down to 4mm. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request. - The rapid and premature wear of the rear brake pads reduces braking efficiency and increases stopping distance, particularly in emergency situations or adverse weather. If this wear continues unnoticed, it could lead to brake failure or reduced rear braking function, creating a serious safety hazard for myself, passengers, and others on the road. - Yes. The original issue was diagnosed and confirmed by Safford Brown VW in Richmond, VA in January 2024. The dealership replaced the rear pads under warranty at that time and stated the wear was premature. Those same pads are now down to 4mm after less than 12,000 miles. - Yes. Volkswagen authorized the original replacement under warranty due to premature wear. The issue has now recurred, and I contacted Volkswagen Customer Care directly, who declined to offer a solution and redirected me back to the dealership. - No warning lamps or messages appeared. The only symptom is the abnormal wear itself, confirmed by a technician upon routine inspection. The pads were previously found to be under 2mm in 2024, and now, less than 12k miles later, are already down to 4mm—far faster than what is typical for rear pads.

NHTSA ID 11663209 · filed May 27, 2025
All 12 reports naming brakes

Engine

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

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle is currently experiencing steady coolant loss with no external puddles.My vehicle is at 65,000 miles, placing it just 5,000 miles outside of the 60,000-mile factory powertrain warranty. This specific issue matches the exact symptoms of Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin #2071245 (Service Action 15-23-01) regarding the premature failure of the factory head gasket.Because this is a well-documented manufacturing defect that VW.

NHTSA ID 11756558 · filed Aug 12, 2026

Head Gasket, premature failure at 49k miles. Online this a very common issue for Jetta and Taos owners that Volkswagen is not addressing through a recall. This will cause engines to fail.

NHTSA ID 11742452 · filed Jun 6, 2026
All 12 reports naming engine

Electrical

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

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact heard a dinging noise twice coming from the instrument panel. The driver assist not avaiable warning light was illuminated. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mention the failure has occurred on several different occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID 11740386 · filed May 27, 2026

Had the steering wheel replaced once for a sensor at around 38,000 miles and the issue now popped up again around 80,000 and now it’s 90,000 still there

NHTSA ID 11671786 · filed Jul 7, 2025
All 10 reports naming electrical

Steering

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

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The steering wheel touch sensors has malfunctioned and whenever the steering wheel is grabbed from the bottom half, the lake keeping assist errors out and the car throws a "travel assist unavailble" in the guage cluster. My steering wheel was replaced under warranty less than a year ago for this issue, it seems to have returned (unfortunately my car is out of warranty now). VW seems to be aware that this is a wide-spread issue since they have released an internal TSB for it, but refuse to issue a warranty extension for the same.

NHTSA ID 11740896 · filed May 29, 2026

The contact owned a 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact heard a dinging noise twice coming from the instrument panel. The driver assist not avaiable warning light was illuminated. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mention the failure has occurred on several different occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID 11740386 · filed May 27, 2026

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Difficulty gasing up the vehicle. Noticeable fuel leak coming from the rear passenger side fender well. It appears the fuel evap canister is leaking.

NHTSA ID 11661085 · filed May 15, 2025

Rear brakes replaced twice on warranty. The car only has 24,000. Car remains with loud chattering brakes on all 4 brakes especially when brakes are cold. Especially loud chattering and squealing brakes still exist especially on rear brakes. Issue with a fuel valve needing to be replaced on warranty. EPS engine light on dash. Driver's door widow regulator malfunction for door not going down with one touch. Replaced under warranty. Dealer for VW stated that they would no longer do any brake repairs. Obviously, the material being used for brake materials is cheap and doesn't last. Have had situation with the main radio Information screen going blank on 2 occasions and having to do a hard reboot to get it to work. Cause unknown for screen totally going blank.

NHTSA ID 11631862 · filed Dec 20, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, a crack in the sunroof glass was discovered. After opening the driver’s side door, the sunroof glass shattered causing shards of glass to fall into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the sunroof glass had shattered due to an object striking the vehicle. The contact stated that no objects had impacted the sunroof glass to cause the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 2,000.

NHTSA ID 11508946 · filed Feb 24, 2023

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

I have a 2022 VW Jetta and my breaks lasted 13,400 miles, I have a daily commute of 11 miles and I believe this is not a normal condition on a car. The delaer refused to replace the breaks despite the eviden condition of low quality. In addition I have a problem in my door where the door does not close in case of really cold weather. I have a video but it I cannot upload.

NHTSA ID 11617140 · filed Sep 29, 2024

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

The driver’s side seat is not secured and has slight movements in some positions and wobbles in other positions, particularly when braking . The seat does not feel secure or safe when under any hard braking. I had the dealer inspect it a few months after purchase they acknowledged it and replaced the mounting brackets to the seats and within 20 minutes the seat was loose again and the rail has a stutter in it when sliding it about 2/3rds back.

NHTSA ID 11539243 · filed Aug 17, 2023

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

This vehicle has a "digital cockpit" without traditional analog gauges. It completely shut down on me while driving on the freeway, leaving me without a speedometer, and a red caution "do not drive" warning indicator. I have a video of this incident captured by my partner that I can share, as well as a static image, which I attach therein. Prior to this incident, it repeatedly shut down while driving, but in those cases would come back up in 5 to 10 seconds. This may have been a computer "crash" as it came back up with 0 on the trip odometers. The dealer seemingly fixed this problem with a reset process described in a TSB. In the most recent incident, the display never came back online, and I was unable to safely continue driving. There are also random issues with this display locking into "night" mode during the day, usually after backing out of a dark garage or going through a tunnel, which leaves the display impossible to read in bright sun. The only fix when this happens is to pull over, turn the car off, wait 5 minutes, and resume driving.

NHTSA ID 11566906 · filed Jan 22, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought this 2022 Jetta new on August 2022. The dealership replaced brakes on their own on July 1, 2023. This was 11 months after I purchased the vehicle. Vehicle had 10, 900 miles on 7/1/2023. On August 26, 2024 I brought the vehicle to the dealership and reported issues with the breaking system. The service technician discovered worn-out pads and break rotors needed replacement. The service department refused to complete the work because the vehicle was out of warranty. A claim was filed with Volkswagen Corporation(case #06407327). Claim was declined. Break pads and rotors are being worn-out within 11-15 months. This is a safety issue. Volkswagen Corporation refuses to recognize the mechanical issue.

NHTSA ID 11652587 · filed Apr 3, 2025

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Car was hit in rear by tractor trailer, spun into another tractor trailer. Then the second tractor trailer slammed the vehicle front end first into the median. Front end crushed, driver side door caved in, rear end damage. No airbags were deployed the entire time. 55 mph (approximate) to a complete stop in a fraction of a second. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the insurance company, and it was a massive risk to my own safety. I have no idea how I did survive, and no airbags deploying makes it a very difficult situation to ever purchase a VAG vehicle again.

NHTSA ID 11706221 · filed Dec 19, 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 .