RoadVitals

2025 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.
32
+2 complaints in 30 days
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.
2
Latest Mar 25, 2026
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.
0
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.
4
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 32 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), driver assistance and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 162 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

  • Driver assistance721.9%
  • Fuel system412.5%
  • Visibility39.4%
  • Electrical39.4%
  • Brakes26.3%
  • Engine13.1%
  • Exterior lighting13.1%

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

2 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Mar 25, 2026
75,323 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Jetta and Taos vehicles. The instrument panel may fail to display warning lights or gauges. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
The risk: An instrument panel that does not display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software and replace the instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90Z5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 22, 2026.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 90Z5View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Mar 11, 2026
48,165 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Jetta vehicles. The transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, causing an open electrical circuit.
The risk: An open circuit may draw a higher current and increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair transmission ground wire as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97TC. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 13, 2026.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 97TCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 26, 2026

The car has randomly shifted out of a drive gear on two separate occasions. First time it happened I had car towed back to selling dealership for warranty repair but they found nothing wrong and said they reset a fault code. They also told me we would have to wait and see if it happened again. It did and I called dealership to speak to service manager or the GM and was told they were unavailable and would relay the message to them and someone would call me back. This was on Friday the 23rd. Today the 26th, there has not been a return call so far. This is a major safety hazard as this randomly happens and it will not go into fwd or reverse when it occurs while I’m driving the car. Warranty or not, VW of America should buy this defective safety hazard vehicle back.

NHTSA ID
11773765
Incident
Oct 23, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor was a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed.

NHTSA ID
11772994
Incident
Mar 18, 2026
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Oct 12, 2026

I am not sure. My brakes are making noise. I made multi complaints to dealer and vw. I saw owner with the same car and he had the same problem. Please look into this. Something is wrong with brakes on VWs

NHTSA ID
11770572
Incident
Nov 29, 2025
Filed Sep 25, 2026
1 injury reported

Rental Vehicle Door Malfunction (Claim # [Insert Complaint/Claim Number]) Date: XXX To: Damage Recovery Unit / Customer Relations Enterprise Rent-A-Car Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally report a serious safety defect and personal injury resulting from a rental vehicle provided by your [XXX] location, and to register a formal protest against returning this vehicle to service without a certified mechanical inspection. Rental & Vehicle Details •Rental Location: [XXX] •Pickup Date/Time: XXX at 11:15 AM •Vehicle: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta (Black) •License Plate: [XXX] •VIN: [XXX] •Vehicle Unit #: XXX •Starting Mileage / Fuel: 18,635 / 8.2 gal •Damage Recovery Unit Complaint #: [Insert Complaint Number Here] Incident Summary & Pre-Existing Vehicle History At the time of rental, an Enterprise representative mentioned that the vehicle had just been returned from a body shop. When I inquired about the reason, the representative stated that the previous renter had left it there. A second representative mentioned while dropping me when went to return car with help of a friend after release from ER, that doors on these models can feel heavy and that lightweight hinges can cause issues. While I was opening the driver’s side door after parking and getting out, it forcefully and unexpectedly slammed shut forcefully, crushing and severely injuring my right (dominant) hand and wrist. Comparative checks on similar vehicles confirm that standard driver-side doors do not operate or slam violently in this manner. Medical Impact & Ongoing Treatment injury occurred over 3 months ago and has caused severe, ongoing pain and mobility restriction. The impacts include: •Medical Care: Multiple emergency room visits, ongoing primary care, and orthopedic consultations. Treatment has required a hard cast, a removable brace, elastic bandaging, and prescribed physical therapy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11766995
Incident
Jun 25, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 3, 2026

This update is for ODI #11761839. I am submitting new diagnostic evidence confirming that the ACC/Travel Assist safety defect in my 2025 Volkswagen Jetta continues to occur and existed long before any accident or windshield replacement. On August 18, 2026, a certified ADAS technician performed a full diagnostic scan and documented U112300 Databus errors and C12B3FD temporary camera view limitation. During the test drive, the technician successfully reproduced the Travel Assist failure (“Travel Assist not available”). The technician also wrote: “Owner is having issues with the ACC intermittingly since pick up. He took it to the dealer, but they were not able to find any faults.” This shows the defect existed from initial delivery and is not accident‑related. The technician also identified NHTSA TSB MC‑11007395‑0001 (48‑23‑01), which may apply to 2025 models and describes potential hardware or software deviation in the steering wheel hands‑on detection system. After windshield replacement and both static and dynamic ADAS calibrations, a second diagnostic scan on September 1, 2026 showed the defect persists. The ACC module still reports U112300 Databus errors. Additional communication faults were found in the instrument cluster (U111000), gateway module (B184C00, U17A000), and electronic central electric module. The front camera also reported an internal malfunction (B200FF0) despite successful calibration. These results demonstrate that the issue is caused by internal electronic/communication failures, not the windshield or calibration. The ACC/Travel Assist system continues to fail during normal and highway driving, creating an ongoing safety risk due to sudden disengagement. I request that this evidence be added to my existing complaint and that NHTSA continue its investigation into this unresolved safety defect.

NHTSA ID
11761930
Incident
Sep 3, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 3, 2026

This submission is an update to my previous NHTSA ODI complaint #11761837. I am adding new documentation provided by the authorized repair facility, including service records, diagnostic notes, and repair details. These documents confirm that the same safety defect continues to occur despite following all repair instructions and completing the recommended work. Please attach these materials to my existing complaint and include them in the ongoing review of this unresolved safety issue.

NHTSA ID
11761839
Incident
Sep 3, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 3, 2026

I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system in my 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. The ACC system fails suddenly and without warning while driving, including during highway operation. This creates an immediate safety hazard, as the vehicle unexpectedly disengages speed control and forces abrupt driver intervention, increasing the risk of collision. The defect first occurred during the first week after I took delivery of the vehicle and has continued for over a year. The issue is completely unrelated to any accident; it existed before the accident, persisted during body shop repairs, and continues even after completing all repairs recommended by the dealership. I followed every diagnostic and repair instruction provided by the authorized Volkswagen dealership, but the defect has never been resolved. The ACC failure occurs intermittently and unpredictably, including during normal highway driving. When the defect occurs, the vehicle displays an ACC error and immediately disables the system, requiring sudden manual control. This behavior represents a serious safety risk, especially at higher speeds or in traffic. I have video and photo evidence documenting the defect occurring during real driving conditions. The dealership and Volkswagen Customer CARE have been unable to diagnose or correct the issue, despite multiple attempts and extensive time spent on repairs. Based on the timeline and repeated failures, this appears to be a manufacturing defect affecting the ACC or related electrical/sensor systems. Requested Action I request that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect affecting the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. The defect is persistent, unrelated to any accident, and has not been resolved despite multiple repair attempts. Given the safety implications, I believe this issue warrants federal review and potential recall consideration.

NHTSA ID
11761837
Incident
Sep 3, 2026
Visibility
Filed Sep 3, 2026

I am the owner/operator of a 2025 Volkswagen Jetta S and am submitting this complaint regarding recurring optical distortion in the windshield within my normal driving field of view. The vehicle has undergone four windshield replacement attempts for this same condition, yet the distortion remains present. The distortion appears as a rippling or “funhouse” effect that can cause objects and straight lines viewed through the windshield to appear distorted while driving. The dealership and Volkswagen have inspected the vehicle on multiple occasions. Although the condition has not been consistently reproduced by every inspector, I continue to experience the distortion during normal driving. Following the most recent replacement, I believe the distortion is more noticeable than before. Volkswagen has been notified of the problem and has assigned corporate case number REF 07697200. The dealership has documented my continuing complaint and Volkswagen Customer Retention is currently involved. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and consider whether recurring optical distortion in the driver’s field of view in this vehicle or windshield application may represent a safety-related defect.

NHTSA ID
11761784
Incident
Sep 2, 2026

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

V0019012040590_16

Water Migration under RAPGARD® during PDI

V9422012066639_7

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Condensation

V9419012011521_22

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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

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—
2025Viewing322061.3
2024460043.9
2023430038.4
2022431043.9
2021714052.4
2020546158.7
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.