NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
580 reports94,000 miles · Feb 21, 2009
Power Train
I PAID $1300 IN REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH COMPLAINING OF SYMPTOMS LEADING UP TO MY FAILURE WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER REPAIR I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH COULD EASILY LEAD TO CATASTROPHE SHOULD FAILURE OCCUR AT SPEED. I FIRST REPORTED A SHUDDER WHEN CLUTCH ENGAGED WHICH DEALER CLAIMED WAS WITH…
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I PAID $1300 IN REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH COMPLAINING OF SYMPTOMS LEADING UP TO MY FAILURE WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER REPAIR I HAVE DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR MY VEHICLE WHICH COULD EASILY LEAD TO CATASTROPHE SHOULD FAILURE OCCUR AT SPEED. I FIRST REPORTED A SHUDDER WHEN CLUTCH ENGAGED WHICH DEALER CLAIMED WAS WITHIN VW'S SPECS. THE SHUDDER GREW WORSE THEN A "LOOSE PEBBLES" NOISE WAS HEARD AT IDLE. WHEN THE DEALER HEARD THIS NOISE, THEY REFERENCED A TSB AND DIAGNOSED AN IMPENDING DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FAILURE. I WAS FORTUNATE TO DISCOVER BEFORE THE FAILURE(WHICH WAS IMMANENT) AS THE FAILURE WOULD HAVE DESTROYED THE $6000 DSG TRANSMISSION AND IF IT OCCURRED AT SPEED COULD LOCK UP THE DRIVE TRAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259549
16,000 miles · Jan 28, 2009
Visibility
2006 VOLKWAGEN JETTA TDI VEHICLE MILEAGE 16,000 WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER SYSTEM THE 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT MOUNTED WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR AND HOOD MOUNTED WASHER FLUID SPRAY NOZZLES. IN THE AREA OF THE RIGHT HOOD HINGE THERE IS A FLEXIBLE HOSE SECTION IN THE PLUMBING OF THE SYSTEM TO ALLOW FO…
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2006 VOLKWAGEN JETTA TDI VEHICLE MILEAGE 16,000 WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER SYSTEM THE 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT MOUNTED WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR AND HOOD MOUNTED WASHER FLUID SPRAY NOZZLES. IN THE AREA OF THE RIGHT HOOD HINGE THERE IS A FLEXIBLE HOSE SECTION IN THE PLUMBING OF THE SYSTEM TO ALLOW FOR OPENING OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HOOD WHILE MAINTAINING WASHER SYSTEM PLUMBING INTEGRITY. THE HOSE WAS SEPARATED WHERE IT BENDS BETWEEN THE ENGINE AREA AND HOOD, MAKING THE WASHER FLUID SYSTEM INOPERABLE. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED WITH A CONNECTOR. AFTER ABOUT THE THIRD USE, FLUID SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK AGAIN. UPON EXAMINATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRITTLE FLEXIBLE HOSE HAD CRACKED COMPLETELY IN TWO JUST ABOVE THE NEW CONNECTOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256601
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2009
EquipmentLatches/locks/linkagesVisibility
THIS VEHICLE DESIGN ALLOWS FOR POOR REAR VISIBILITY IN GENERAL; HOWEVER, IT IS AMPLIFIED IN LOW LIGHT SITUATIONS WITH THE COMBINATION OF HIGH REAR HEAD RESTS, A GLARE ON THE BACK GLASS FROM THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, AND IF YOU HAVE A REAR SPOILER THIS MAKES FOR A REALLY BAD COMBINATION. NIGHTTIME VISIBILITY IN A JETTA IS THE EQUIV…
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THIS VEHICLE DESIGN ALLOWS FOR POOR REAR VISIBILITY IN GENERAL; HOWEVER, IT IS AMPLIFIED IN LOW LIGHT SITUATIONS WITH THE COMBINATION OF HIGH REAR HEAD RESTS, A GLARE ON THE BACK GLASS FROM THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT, AND IF YOU HAVE A REAR SPOILER THIS MAKES FOR A REALLY BAD COMBINATION. NIGHTTIME VISIBILITY IN A JETTA IS THE EQUIVALENCE OF WEARING A BLIND FOLD. OH AND THE SALESMAN NEGLECTED TO MENTION THAT THE ALL WEATHER PACKAGE INCLUDED A TRUNK THAT WILL NOT SHUT OR STAY SHUT IN COLD WEATHER. EVEN THE REPLACEMENT LATCHES NEED REPLACING. VW IS MAKING BIG BUCKS ON THE CONSUMER HOPING TO SAVE A FEW DOLLARS WITH FUEL ECONOMY. VW NOT ONLY FAILS TO ADDRESS OR ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECTS WITH THESE VEHICLES, BUT TO EXACERBATE THE SITUATION THEY ATTEMPT TO LOCK YOU -THE CONSUMER INTO THEIR MONOPOLY, FOR EXAMPLE:KEYLESS REMOTES IN WHICH THE BATTERIES ARE ONLY REPLACEABLE BY VW DEALERS, A SYNTHETIC VW OIL, A VERY COSTLY TRUNK LATCH, THAT WITH MY EXPERIENCE YOU END UP REPLACING ANNUALLY...THE LIST GOES ON. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO OLD FASHIONED CUSTOMER SERVICE? TO SUM IT UP MY JETTA HAS ALOT OF BUGS...NOT TO WORRY, I'M SURE VW HAS PATENTED THE PESTICIDE, JUST HOPE I'M ABLE TO AFFORD THAT-CAN USE THE MONEY I'M SAVING IN FUEL ECONOMY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256171
80,000 miles · Jan 23, 2009
Electrical System
I COULDN'T PUT MY KEYS IN THE IGNITION. I TRIED ALL SPARE KEYS AND THEY DIDN'T WORK. IF YOUR WINDOW IS OPEN, YOU CAN CLOSE IT BY PUTTING YOUR KEY IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO USE THE WINDOW SWITCH.....DEALER DID NOT KNOW THIS...??? GO FIGURE (SALES) 2006 JETTA TDI. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256122
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE TRUNK DOOR UNLATCHED UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE TRUNK FAILED TO CLOSE TIGHTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND MORE FREQUENTLY IN COLD WEATHER…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE TRUNK DOOR UNLATCHED UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE TRUNK FAILED TO CLOSE TIGHTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND MORE FREQUENTLY IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO A DEFECTIVE LATCH SYSTEM. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE LATCH DEFECT WAS A COMMON FAILURE WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURES OCCURRED ON FORTY SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10255882
20,000 miles · Jan 19, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
MY 2006 VW JETTA 2.5L REQUIRED A BRAKE AND ROTOR CHANGE AT ONLY 20,000 MILES. THE NEXT BRAKE CHANGE HAD TO BE DONE AGAIN AT 36,000 MILES. I HAVE CHECKED A LOT OF FORUMS AND OTHER JETTA OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING THE SAME. VW DEALERS KEEP ON SAYING THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES AND ITS MY OWN DRIVING STYLE THAT CAUSES T…
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MY 2006 VW JETTA 2.5L REQUIRED A BRAKE AND ROTOR CHANGE AT ONLY 20,000 MILES. THE NEXT BRAKE CHANGE HAD TO BE DONE AGAIN AT 36,000 MILES. I HAVE CHECKED A LOT OF FORUMS AND OTHER JETTA OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING THE SAME. VW DEALERS KEEP ON SAYING THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES AND ITS MY OWN DRIVING STYLE THAT CAUSES THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10255540
83,000 miles · Jan 10, 2009
Electrical SystemInterior LightingPower Train
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL AND TRIM PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10254485
70,000 miles · Jan 1, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS ISSUE DRAINING BATTERIES--2006 CAR--CURRENTLY ON 3RD BATTERY. WHEN BATTERY IS CLOSE TO FAILURE, VEHICLE HAS STRANGE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS TRUNK RELEASING AND BRAKES NOT WORKING. LAST INCIDENT WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN. WHEN THE BRAKE PETAL WAS PUSHED, NO RESPONSE. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO …
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TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS ISSUE DRAINING BATTERIES--2006 CAR--CURRENTLY ON 3RD BATTERY. WHEN BATTERY IS CLOSE TO FAILURE, VEHICLE HAS STRANGE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS TRUNK RELEASING AND BRAKES NOT WORKING. LAST INCIDENT WAS COMING TO A STOP SIGN. WHEN THE BRAKE PETAL WAS PUSHED, NO RESPONSE. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CAR WAS IN FRONT OF ME AND I WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO TWO VW DEALERSHIPS AND TO REGIONAL REP. THEY DO NOT FEEL THERE IS A PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10253425
29,123 miles · Dec 19, 2008
Tires
CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO TIRE FAILURE. BETWEEN 12,000 AND 30,000 ALL 4 OF OUR CONTI PRO TIRES HAVE FAILED. ALL THEY SAY IS SORRY WE CANT HELP. SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET CONTINENTAL N/A ATTENTION AND HAVE THEM RECALL THESE TIRES BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR IS INJURED FOR LIFE. WE HAVE TIRED SEVERAL TIMES TO REASON WITH CONTINENTAL TO NO A…
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CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO TIRE FAILURE. BETWEEN 12,000 AND 30,000 ALL 4 OF OUR CONTI PRO TIRES HAVE FAILED. ALL THEY SAY IS SORRY WE CANT HELP. SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET CONTINENTAL N/A ATTENTION AND HAVE THEM RECALL THESE TIRES BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR IS INJURED FOR LIFE. WE HAVE TIRED SEVERAL TIMES TO REASON WITH CONTINENTAL TO NO AVAIL, AND EVEN VW HAS TIRED, WITH NO LUCK. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT ALL YOUR TIRES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10252259
50,000 miles · Dec 15, 2008
Power Train
VW DEALER AT LAST SERVICE SAYS MY 2006 VW JETTA TDI NEEDS TO HAVE DMF, DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING ON-LINE IT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MANY VW'S WITH DSG TRANSMISSION, AND WORTHY OF POSSIBLE RE-CALL. THE CAR HAS AN INTERMITTENT ACCELERATOR HESITATION. IT CAN OCCUR WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD OR HOT. IT SE…
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VW DEALER AT LAST SERVICE SAYS MY 2006 VW JETTA TDI NEEDS TO HAVE DMF, DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL REPLACED. AFTER RESEARCHING ON-LINE IT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH MANY VW'S WITH DSG TRANSMISSION, AND WORTHY OF POSSIBLE RE-CALL. THE CAR HAS AN INTERMITTENT ACCELERATOR HESITATION. IT CAN OCCUR WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD OR HOT. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN IT IS ROLLING FREE AT NEAR 5 TO 10 MPH, AND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED NOTHING HAPPENS FOR A COUPLE SECONDS, THEN IT CATCHES AND GOES. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS AND DO NOT LET OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS DRIVE CAR BECAUSE OF SAFETY AND RELIABILITY CONCERNS. *TR UPDATED 06/08/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SINCE FILING THIS COMPLAIN IN DEC 2008 ON THE DSG TRANSMISSION, HE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FOR $1,681.62 AT AAMCO TRANSMISSION. HE ALSO LEARNED THAT THE MECHATRONIX UNIT IN THE SAME DSG TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. UPDATED 06/09/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10251874
Official recalls
4Dec 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.
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.
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.
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 ↗