IllustrationINTERMITTENTLY CRUISE CONTROL BECOMES INOPERABLE, AND THROTTLE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE. RECALL 95E34000 WAS ISSUED; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.*AK
1994 Volkswagen Jetta
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1994 Volkswagen Jetta do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 68.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Jetta years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 3 of 117 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Equipment. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports5 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
117 reportsDRIVER AND PASSENGER POWER DOOR LOCKS DO NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK PROPERLY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. ALSO WINDOWS MALFUNCTIONED, WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN.*AK. THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS FOUND TO BE FAULTY, WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. THE HOOD WILL NOT OPEN, THE CABLE CAME LOOSE FROM THE HOOD LATCH. THE SUNROOF WAS BROKEN THE CABLE AND W…
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DRIVER AND PASSENGER POWER DOOR LOCKS DO NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK PROPERLY, CAUSE UNKNOWN. ALSO WINDOWS MALFUNCTIONED, WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN.*AK. THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS FOUND TO BE FAULTY, WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. THE HOOD WILL NOT OPEN, THE CABLE CAME LOOSE FROM THE HOOD LATCH. THE SUNROOF WAS BROKEN THE CABLE AND WIND DEFLECTOR WAS INOPERABLE. THE RADIO HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT. *JG
BLOWER SWITCH GETS EXTREMELY HOT WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS RUNNING. ACTUALLY BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM THE DASH AND MELTED THE SWITCH BEZEL. I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE HEAT WITH MINIMAL DAMAGE ONLY TO THE BLOWER SWITCH AND DASH FASCIA. I'M NOT POSITIVE THAT IT RESULTED IN FIRE, BUT I AM POSITIVE IT WOULD HAVE IF I HAD NOT SHUT THE…
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BLOWER SWITCH GETS EXTREMELY HOT WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS RUNNING. ACTUALLY BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM THE DASH AND MELTED THE SWITCH BEZEL. I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE HEAT WITH MINIMAL DAMAGE ONLY TO THE BLOWER SWITCH AND DASH FASCIA. I'M NOT POSITIVE THAT IT RESULTED IN FIRE, BUT I AM POSITIVE IT WOULD HAVE IF I HAD NOT SHUT THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THIS MODEL YEAR JETTA.*AK
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, ENGINE SHUTS DOWN PARTICULARLY WHEN HOT (~190 F ). SOMETIMES WHEN ENGINE IS IDLE, WHILE HOT, VEHICLE STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE HAS TO BE RESTARTED TO REGAIN POWER. EVIDENTLY THIS ENGINE PROBLEM CAUSES A SAFETY HAZARD, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING AT ANY SPEED. THIS …
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WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, ENGINE SHUTS DOWN PARTICULARLY WHEN HOT (~190 F ). SOMETIMES WHEN ENGINE IS IDLE, WHILE HOT, VEHICLE STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE HAS TO BE RESTARTED TO REGAIN POWER. EVIDENTLY THIS ENGINE PROBLEM CAUSES A SAFETY HAZARD, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING AT ANY SPEED. THIS CONDITION OCCURS FREQUENTLY: THAT IS WHILE ENGINE IS HOT, IT SHUTS DOWN, THEN RESTART ENGINE AFTER IT COOLS SOMEWHAT, VEHICLE MAY RESTART; BUT AGAIN THIS WILL REPEAT ITSELF EVEN FOR SHORT DRIVING DISTANCES. DEALER CLAIMS IT CANNOT FIND ANY ENGINE PROBLEM!!!!!. *AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
RIGHT REAR WINOW INOPERATIVE/REPAIRED 3 TIMES IN PAST SAME PROBLEM-REGULATOR. *AK
INNER SIDEWALLS ON 3 OF 4 TIRES HAVE SPLIT - 2 OCCURRED WHILE NOT DRIVING AND THE OTHER OCCURED AT LOW SPEED. THEY HAVE ALL FAILED IN LESS THEN ONE MONTH. I HAVE THE THIRD FAILED TIRE AND THE FORTH ORIGINAL. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE AROUND THE SPLITS. THE MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE SAID THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST OCCURA…
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INNER SIDEWALLS ON 3 OF 4 TIRES HAVE SPLIT - 2 OCCURRED WHILE NOT DRIVING AND THE OTHER OCCURED AT LOW SPEED. THEY HAVE ALL FAILED IN LESS THEN ONE MONTH. I HAVE THE THIRD FAILED TIRE AND THE FORTH ORIGINAL. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE AROUND THE SPLITS. THE MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE SAID THIS WAS NOT THE FIRST OCCURANCE BUT THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO.*AK (TIRESIZE: 185/60R14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 185/60R14 )
THE ELECTRICAL WIRING IN THE DASH FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *MJS
INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE BEEN EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SIX OCCASIONS, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
TIMING BELT DETERIORATED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO ENGINE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK THE TIMING BELT FAILURE DAMAGED THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF FAULTY ENGINE DESIGN. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT INNER TUBE WAS FOUND IN SUPPOSEDLY TUBELESS TIRE WHEN THE TIRE BECAME FLAT. *YH
Official recalls
598V195000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Aug 17, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK. THE LINE COULD BE DAMAGED BY CHAFING AGAINST THE FUEL TANK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: REPEATED CHAFING COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A LEAKING BRAKE LINE CAUSING DIMINISHED BRAKING IN ONE BRAKE CIRCUIT INCREASING THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINE AND REPLACE ANY DAMAGED LINES.
98V160000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Jul 16, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH CAN LOOSEN OVER TIME. THE LATCH WOULD MOVE CAUSING DISENGAGEMENT OF THE HOOD STRIKER FROM THE LATCH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD COULD OCCUR OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HOOD LATCH AND SECURING BOLTS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY.
96V128000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
Jul 8, 1996
THE SHEET METAL PANELS OF BOTH REAR DOORS HAVE OPENINGS FOR THE ROUTING OF THE ELECTRICAL WINDOW REGULATOR WIRING. THE PANEL OPENINGS HAVE SHARP EDGES THAT CAN DAMAGE THE INSULATION OF THE WIRING HARNESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING CAN OCCUR RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE EDGE COVER IN BOTH REAR DOOR INNER PANEL OPENINGS.
95V178000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan
Sep 20, 1995
IMPROPER MATERIAL WAS USED IN MANUFACTURING THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAUSING THE SHAFT TO WEAR AND BECOME NOISY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A WORN AND NOISY FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAN SEIZE RENDERINGTHE FAN MOTOR INOPERATIVE, EVENTUALLY CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND STALL. A STALLED VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC CAN INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPLETE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY ON VEHICLE HAVING THE POTENTIAL SHAFT MATERIAL PROBLEM. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FAN BLADE INCLUDING A NEW LOCK NUT ON VEHICLE WITH LOOSE FAN BLADE LOCK NUTS.
95V054000 · Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift; Equipment:mechanical:integrated Jack/leveler/stabilizer
Mar 13, 1995
THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED SPINDLE, SO THAT A SHARP RIDGE ON THE EDGE OF SPINDLE'S THREAD WOULD HAVE REMAINED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS RIDGE CAN DAMAGE THE INSIDE THREAD OF THE JACK'S SCISSOR SHOE WHEN THE JACK IS USED TO LIFT THE VEHICLE. THE JACK COULD COLLAPSE WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT A PERSON STANDING CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE COULD BE INJURED.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW JACK.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:mechanical:integrated Jack/leveler/stabilizer
THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED SPINDLE, SO THAT A SHARP RIDGE ON THE EDGE OF SPINDLE'S THREAD WOULD HAVE REMAINED.
Consequence: THIS RIDGE CAN DAMAGE THE INSIDE THREAD OF THE JACK'S SCISSOR SHOE WHEN THE JACK IS USED TO LIFT THE VEHICLE. THE JACK COULD COLLAPSE WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT A PERSON STANDING CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE COULD BE INJURED.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW JACK.
Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift
THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED SPINDLE, SO THAT A SHARP RIDGE ON THE EDGE OF SPINDLE'S THREAD WOULD HAVE REMAINED.
Consequence: THIS RIDGE CAN DAMAGE THE INSIDE THREAD OF THE JACK'S SCISSOR SHOE WHEN THE JACK IS USED TO LIFT THE VEHICLE. THE JACK COULD COLLAPSE WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT A PERSON STANDING CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE COULD BE INJURED.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A NEW JACK.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA00028 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Dec 28, 2000 · Closed Jan 29, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.
PE00033 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Aug 10, 2000 · Closed Dec 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.