NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
15 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 2, 2024
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
I drove over a commercial-grade water hose unraveled in the middle of the lane. It had metal couplings on it and my oil pan was damaged due to the low riding body of the VW to the road. The vehicle was drivable for 5 minutes afterward & the low engine pressure light turned on, but I was in a dangerous area with traffic during ru…
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I drove over a commercial-grade water hose unraveled in the middle of the lane. It had metal couplings on it and my oil pan was damaged due to the low riding body of the VW to the road. The vehicle was drivable for 5 minutes afterward & the low engine pressure light turned on, but I was in a dangerous area with traffic during rush hour in the evening. It was congested with multiple avenues of transportation via buses, scooters, and pedestrian crosswalks. I started to lose power steering and the gas pedal would not accelerate the car, but the brakes still worked. I was able to coast the car to a stop & nearby a Midas car shop. Midas replaced the damaged oil pan and did not have any other damage reported. Midas informed me that my vehicle would not start, but failed to mention that the safety of my vehicle was compromised with rolled down windows. I inspected my car on 8.20.24, the battery was still working & powered the lights but the window power and engine would not operate. On 8.22.24 I paid for the work & noticed the windows were now rolled up & Midas said an employee used the power from the battery to override the window system but the car still would not start and needed to go to a dealership to access the engine codes for this hybrid vehicle. Towed the vehicle to VW, who said that Midas was not accurate in their description, as there were no access codes needed for the vehicle & it should have started once the oil pan was replaced. The VW diagnostic results showed a “bad” battery and the transmission failed/ stopped engaging and needed a replacement of the transmission along with the battery which would total $11K! The VW agent recommended that I contact other car repair companies to rebuild it for a more affordable solution. Midas and VW were the only car repair companies to evaluate my car and it is currently at VW where it can be inspected if needed. The safety recall code: 34J6, of 2015 VW Jetta Hybrids somehow exclude some VINs until owners had issues.
NHTSA ODI #11612065
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2022
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesSteering
You will be driving the car and it will shut off with no warning. You can not steer th ecat you have no brakes.
NHTSA ODI #11458402
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2021
Steering
Volkswagen Jetta 2015-- 45K--defective Power steering Pump---
NHTSA ODI #11432237
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2021
SteeringSuspensionWheels
BOTH MY FRONT TIRES UNRAVELED ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITHIN A MONTHS TIMEFRAME ON THE INSIDE WHEEL WELL. I WAS DRIVING AND I HEARD SOME LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THE TIRE AND WHEN REMOVED THERE WAS METAL SHOWING ALL ALONG THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE AND ABOUT A FOOT OF UNRAVELED RUBBER WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED A …
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BOTH MY FRONT TIRES UNRAVELED ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITHIN A MONTHS TIMEFRAME ON THE INSIDE WHEEL WELL. I WAS DRIVING AND I HEARD SOME LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THE TIRE AND WHEN REMOVED THERE WAS METAL SHOWING ALL ALONG THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE AND ABOUT A FOOT OF UNRAVELED RUBBER WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED A COUPLE WEEKS LATER TO THE OTHER FRONT TIRE.
NHTSA ODI #11403809
54,000 miles · Dec 22, 2019
Electrical SystemSteeringStructure
THE WINDOW HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN. I WENT THROUGH THE MANUAL TO TROUBLESHOOT IT, WORKED FINE FOR A DAY THEN RIGHT BACK TO WHAT IT WAS BEFORE. EVERYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE DRIVERSIDE DOOR, EXPECT TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE JUST WENT HAYWIRE WITH NO WARNING. THE MIRROR DEFROST DOESN'T WORK AND THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE WON'T OP…
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THE WINDOW HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN. I WENT THROUGH THE MANUAL TO TROUBLESHOOT IT, WORKED FINE FOR A DAY THEN RIGHT BACK TO WHAT IT WAS BEFORE. EVERYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE DRIVERSIDE DOOR, EXPECT TO OPEN FROM THE INSIDE JUST WENT HAYWIRE WITH NO WARNING. THE MIRROR DEFROST DOESN'T WORK AND THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE WON'T OPEN ANY LONGER. WHEN I TURN IT IS NOW MAKING A STAGE SQUEALING NOISE. MY CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY OF THESE ISSUES.
NHTSA ODI #11290707
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2019
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED NHTSA FOR MORE INFORMATION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT E…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V615000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED NHTSA FOR MORE INFORMATION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11271083
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO GOSSETT VOLKSWAGEN GERMANTOWN (7420 WINCHESTER RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38125, (901) 405-4909) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS NEEDED FOR THE KEY REMOT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, ALL OF THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO GOSSETT VOLKSWAGEN GERMANTOWN (7420 WINCHESTER RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38125, (901) 405-4909) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW BATTERY WAS NEEDED FOR THE KEY REMOTE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONCE THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START AND OPERATE PROPERLY. DAYS LATER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY OPERATE WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE IN THE EMERGENCY START FEATURE MODE, AND THE "NO KEY" WARNING INDICATOR WOULD FLASH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL DRIVING; HOWEVER, EVERY TIME SHE TOUCHED A FEATURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL, A PINGING NOISE WOULD SOUND AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD FLASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11271017
59,000 miles · Oct 23, 2019
Steering
I CANNOT REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL CYLINDER LOCK ONCE THE CAR IS STARTED. IT TAKES AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIMES AND JUST PLAIN LUCK FOR THE LOCK TO RETURN TO THE OFF POINT AND THE KEY TO BE REMOVED
NHTSA ODI #11270463
92,000 miles · Jul 8, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainSteering
I AM WRITING TO ADVISE YOU OF A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE DESIGN OF THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. I OWN A 2015 JETTA. AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, AND USUALLY AFTER PASSING THROUGH STANDING WATER, THE CAR LOSES POWER AND STALLS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE OCCASIONS RECENTLY. I FIRST TOOK THE CAR TO MY OWN MECHANIC, AN EXPERIENCED TECH…
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I AM WRITING TO ADVISE YOU OF A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE DESIGN OF THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. I OWN A 2015 JETTA. AFTER A HEAVY RAIN, AND USUALLY AFTER PASSING THROUGH STANDING WATER, THE CAR LOSES POWER AND STALLS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE OCCASIONS RECENTLY. I FIRST TOOK THE CAR TO MY OWN MECHANIC, AN EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN WITH A MAJOR REPAIR FRANCHISE. HE WAS UNABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE PROBLEM RECURRED, I TOOK IT BACK AND HE AGAIN TESTED IT BUT WAS UNABLE TO SAY FOR SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THERE WAS AN AIR INTAKE IN THE FRONT END THAT MIGHT HAVE TAKEN IN WATER AND CAUSED THE ISSUE. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP (BURLINGTON VOLKSWAGEN) AND THEY WERE ALSO UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC THERE ALSO INDICATED THAT IT MIGHT BE DUE TO WATER ENTERING THE AIR INTAKE IN THE FRONT END. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS WOULD BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE THROUGH PUDDLES, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY NOT A PRACTICAL SOLUTION. I THEN ASKED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM. THE ONLY OPTION THE REPRESENTATIVE THERE OFFERED WAS FOR ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO ANOTHER VW DEAIERSHIP, WHICH I AM UNWILLING TO DO AT MY PERSONAL EXPENSE. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY OWN AND MY WIFE'S SAFETY WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN, BUT VOLKSWAGEN IS BASICALLY TELLING ME THAT THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM SO THEY CAN'T FIX IT. I WOULD BE GLAD TO WORK WITH YOU ON THIS ISSUE, AND I HAVE ATTACHED THE VW MECHANIC'S REPORT.
NHTSA ODI #11230219
31,000 miles · Jun 20, 2019
Steering
IGNITION WILL NOT TURN OFF CAR STAYS STARTED
NHTSA ODI #11221519
Official recalls
7Sep 25, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Aug 22, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Steering:column LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT Device
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Consequence: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Oct 26, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Consequence: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Consequence: If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Oct 7, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to November 28, 2014, Golf vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to December 3, 2014, and E-Golf vehicles manufactured July 26, 2014, to October 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) that may have been manufactured improperly. As a result, the front passenger seat occupant may be improperly classified or may not be detected.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger seat occupant is incorrectly classified or non-detected, the passenger frontal air bag may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswgen's number for this recall is 69L6.
Jan 23, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Dec 15, 2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured July 11, 2014, to November 13, 2014. Due to incorrect software within the headlight control module, the low beam headlights may turn off when high beam lights are turned on. As a result, the light output from the headlights may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Insufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the headlight control module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57F6.
Oct 24, 2014
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the assembly of the seatback recliner retaining bracket, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F1.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗