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2006 Volkswagen Jetta

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Jetta years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

508 reports with mileage · 72 unknown

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.

  • Power Train. Review the 245 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports6 fire reports14 injury reports

Structure complaints

23 reports
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290,000 miles · Mar 19, 2019
Structure

THE TRUNK DID NOT LATCH WHEN FIRST CLOSED. I THEN WAS ABLE TO GET THE TRUNK TO LATCH AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CLOSE IT. HOWEVER, THE TRUNK CAME OPEN LATER ON IN MY TRIP. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE HAD TROUBLE CLOSING THE TRUNK, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT IT HAS POPPED OPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11189873

Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2019
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Structure

WITH MY CAR IN MOTION EVERY TIME I TURN MY CAR ON, I HAVE MULTIPLE WARNINGS THAT COME ON DUE TO A FAULT IN SENSORS CAUSING MY CAR TO HAVE THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR AIR EMISSION ON MY CAR OR AIR BAG RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THERE ANSWER WAS NO. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BROK…

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WITH MY CAR IN MOTION EVERY TIME I TURN MY CAR ON, I HAVE MULTIPLE WARNINGS THAT COME ON DUE TO A FAULT IN SENSORS CAUSING MY CAR TO HAVE THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR AIR EMISSION ON MY CAR OR AIR BAG RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THERE ANSWER WAS NO. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS BROKEN OFF TO WHERE YOU CANNOT PROPERLY CLOSE THE DOOR (I HAVE KRAZY GLUED IT BACK ON ONCE ALREADY) AND IT JUST IS BECOMING A BIG ISSUE. EVERY TIME I FIX ONE ISSUE, ANOTHER ONE RISES UP CAUSING ME MORE HEADACHES AND STRESS DUE TO NO ONE HAVING ANSWERS FOR ME.

NHTSA ODI #11179735

Mileage unknown · Dec 25, 2014
StructureVisibility

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2006 SAGGING HEADLINER FABRIC FROM HEADLINER. THE SEPARATED HEADLINER FABRIC CREATES A VISIBILITY OBSTRUCTION AND POSSIBLY A DANGER TO THE DRIVERS VISIBILITY. IT SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT WAS TOLD THAT WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, REPAIR WOULD BE UP TO ME. COST TO FIX IT AT…

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VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2006 SAGGING HEADLINER FABRIC FROM HEADLINER. THE SEPARATED HEADLINER FABRIC CREATES A VISIBILITY OBSTRUCTION AND POSSIBLY A DANGER TO THE DRIVERS VISIBILITY. IT SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT WAS TOLD THAT WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, REPAIR WOULD BE UP TO ME. COST TO FIX IT AT THE DEALER IS HOWEVER OVER $1000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10668211

86,000 miles · Sep 23, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLINER FABRIC DETACHED, WHICH DISTORTED THE CONTACT'S VISION WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS WOULD ONLY UNLOCK MANUALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY AND THE HORN WOULD NOT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLINER FABRIC DETACHED, WHICH DISTORTED THE CONTACT'S VISION WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. IN ADDITION, THE DOORS WOULD ONLY UNLOCK MANUALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY AND THE HORN WOULD NOT ACTIVATE WHEN ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #10638468

88,000 miles · Sep 4, 2014
Electrical SystemStructure

THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR HAS BROKEN. THE WINDOWS, LOCKS, AND BLINKER ON MIRROR DO NOT WORK AT ALL OR WILL WORK SPORADICALLY AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IN THE DASH TURNED ON INDICATING THE AIRBAGS ARE DISABLED. A MECHANIC CONFIRMED IT WAS THE WIRING HARNESS AND IT WAS TEMPORARILY FIXED SO THE WINDOWS COULD BE ROLL…

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THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR HAS BROKEN. THE WINDOWS, LOCKS, AND BLINKER ON MIRROR DO NOT WORK AT ALL OR WILL WORK SPORADICALLY AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IN THE DASH TURNED ON INDICATING THE AIRBAGS ARE DISABLED. A MECHANIC CONFIRMED IT WAS THE WIRING HARNESS AND IT WAS TEMPORARILY FIXED SO THE WINDOWS COULD BE ROLLED UP TO PREVENT ANY DAMAGE INSIDE FROM SNOW AND RAIN. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM A SETTLEMENT COMPANY IN REGARDS TO THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE LETTER STATES "..THE LEFT FRONT (DRIVER'S SIDE) DOOR OR ANY WIRING OR CONNECTORS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHEN REPLACING SUCH WIRING HARNESS,..." I CALLED THE NUMBER TO ASK ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT OF MY WIRING HARNESS, AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE IT WAS THE PASSENGER DOOR IT DID NOT MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS. I HAVE SINCE RESEARCHED THE RECALLS ON THE 2006 VW JETTA WIRING HARNESS AND WHAT I WAS ABLE TO FIND, IT DID NOT SPECIFY A PARTICULAR SIDE, BUT STATED THE JETTA'S MADE IN THAT YEAR WHERE MANUFACTURED WITH THE WIRING HARNESSES BEING TO SHORT, CAUSING THE WIRES TO BREAK. THIS IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO MINE. ANY INFORMATION REGARDING IF I MEET ANY GUIDELINES TO HAVE THIS FIXED WITH NO COST TO ME WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THE SAFETY OF MY SON AND I IS VERY IMPORTANT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10630725

102,550 miles · Jun 26, 2014
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN AND THE PASSENGERS WERE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE USING THE REAR DOORS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN AND THE PASSENGERS WERE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE USING THE REAR DOORS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,550. UPDATED 9/18/14*CN

NHTSA ODI #10606280

90,000 miles · Mar 24, 2014
Structure

THE HEADLINER BEGAN SEPARATING ABOVE THE REAR RIGHT PASSENGER SEAT. I LIVE ALONE AND NO ONE EVER EVEN RIDES IN THE BACK SEAT. CANNOT BE REPAIRED WITHOUT INSTALLING A WHOLE NEW HEADLINER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10574441

101,000 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Electrical SystemPower TrainStructure

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2006 VW JETTA TDI SEDAN. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN A PRIVATE SALE IN 2009. BY 2011 I WAS HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FAILED JUST AFTER I HAD MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE TIMING BELT SERVICE (APPROXIMATE MILEAGE 106,000). I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED (AT MY EXPENSE…

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I AM THE OWNER OF A 2006 VW JETTA TDI SEDAN. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN A PRIVATE SALE IN 2009. BY 2011 I WAS HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FAILED JUST AFTER I HAD MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE TIMING BELT SERVICE (APPROXIMATE MILEAGE 106,000). I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED (AT MY EXPENSE) TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE THE 130 MILES. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA HAS NOT OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE. APPARENTLY SOMEONE HAS TO DIE TO GET THEIR ATTENTION. APPROXIMATE COST OF REPAIRS: $1,800. 2ND BIG PROBLEM IS ELECTRICAL. WIRING HARNESS IN THE DRIVER DOOR FAILED SOON AFTER I PURCHASED IT. IT STARTED WITH THE DRIVER WINDOW SWITCH NOT WORKING. THEN THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON QUIT WORKING. THEN THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SAFETY LIGHTS. I HAVE HEARD THAT IT WILL PROGRESS TO THE TRUNK LID, THE OTHER WINDOWS, THE FUEL DOOR, ECT. ONCE AGAIN AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO A POOR DESIGN. ONCE AGAIN VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA HAS REFUSED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE - THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME JUST UNDER $500 IN PARTS AND LABOR. WHY WOULD A HARNESS COST $205!!! THIRD PROBLEM IS COSMETIC ISSUES. THE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF ESPECIALLY NEAR THE SEAMS AND AT THE WHEEL WHEELS. RUST FORMED WHERE THE PAINT BUBBLED UP AT TWO OF THE FOUR WHEEL WHEELS. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR PAINT PROBLEMS IN THE GENERATION BEFORE THIS VEHICLE AND A 10-12 YEAR CORROSION WARRANTY THAT VW REFUSES TO HONOR. ADDITIONALLY, PROBLEMS WITH POOR MANUFACTURING PRACTICES AND MATERIALS ABOUND IN THIS VEHICLE. THE HEADLINER PULLS AWAY FROM THE PILLARS AT THE SEAMS IN THE REAR DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIALS. IT WILL SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF AND BECOME A HANGING VISIBILITY HAZARD. THE PLASTIC DASH PIECES DON'T FIT TOGETHER - SHRINKING AND PULLING AWAY AT THE SEAMS. STEREO BUTTONS (AS WELL AS DOOR SWITCHES) BUBBLE AND FLAKE OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556286

57,000 miles · Aug 5, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLINER UPHOLSTERY NEAR THE REAR WINDOW WAS SPLITTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UPHOLSTERY CENTER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE ENTIRE UPHOLSTERY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLINER UPHOLSTERY NEAR THE REAR WINDOW WAS SPLITTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UPHOLSTERY CENTER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE ENTIRE UPHOLSTERY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

NHTSA ODI #10533666

69,000 miles · Sep 17, 2012
StructureVisibility/wiper

THE HEADLINER IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE REAR PILLARS. BEING THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE I DO NOT SPEND TIME IN THE BACK SEAT. MY DAUGHTER IS CURRENTLY LEARNING TO DRIVE SO ON A RECENT ERRAND I WAS SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT AND LOOKED UP TO SEE THE HEADLINER COMPLETELY PULLING AWAY AND COMING DOWN FROM THE ROOF OF THE CAR A…

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THE HEADLINER IS PULLING AWAY FROM THE REAR PILLARS. BEING THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE I DO NOT SPEND TIME IN THE BACK SEAT. MY DAUGHTER IS CURRENTLY LEARNING TO DRIVE SO ON A RECENT ERRAND I WAS SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT AND LOOKED UP TO SEE THE HEADLINER COMPLETELY PULLING AWAY AND COMING DOWN FROM THE ROOF OF THE CAR AND DOME LIGHT. WHEN I GOT BACK HOME, I DID SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND FOUND A MULTITUDE OF WEBSITES, FORUMS, ETC. WITH PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE ADDRESSES THAT I FOUND: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN/JETTA/2006/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/HEADLINER_SEPARATING_FROM_CEILING.SHTML HTTP://RICH-BLOG.BLOGSPOT.COM/2010/10/2006-VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA-TDI-HEADLINER-PROBLEMS.HTML HTTP://FORUMS.VOLKSWAGENVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?5104886-SAGGING-FALLING-HEADLINER-WARRANTY-SUCCESS-STORIES-PLEASE HTTP://WWW.CARS-GUIDE.COM/VOLKSWAGEN-FORUM/2006-VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA-HEADLINER-T4941.HTML ADDITIONALLY, I PERSONALLY KNOW ANOTHER 2006 JETTA OWNER IN SCHENECTADY, NY WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. AS THE HEADLINER FALLS, IT IS CREATING A VISUAL DISTRACTION AS WELL AS IMPAIRING MY FIELD OF VISION TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475719

Official recalls

4

10V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 10, 2010

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

09V164000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

May 19, 2009

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2.01 ENGINE. THE FASTENING SCREW CONTACT SURFACES ON THE DRIVESHAFT COVER PLATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN OVER TIME, CAUSING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DETACHED DRIVESHAFT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE THE GEARBOX HOUSING. A DAMAGE GEARBOX HOUSING COULD LEAK GEARBOX OIL ONTO THE STREET AND CREATE A RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS AND REPLACE THE SCREWS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

07V442000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Sep 24, 2007

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE HAD A REQUIRED CAP INSTALLED WHICH DISABLES THE HEADLIGHT HORIZONTAL AIM AND SOME VEHICLES MAY CONTAIN A CAP THAT DISABLES THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE LOW BEAM HORIZONTAL AIMING SCREW AND INSTALL ONE IF MISSING, AND INSPECT FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CAP IN THE SOCKET OF THE VERTICAL AIMING SCREW AND IF PRESENT, THE CAP WILL BE REMOVED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

07V284000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Jun 25, 2007

CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L GASOLINE ENGINES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CHAFING HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A FUEL LEAK OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR AND WILL ALSO INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.