NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
161 reportsMileage unknown · Dec 14, 2017
Service BrakesWheels
THE REAR BRAKES CREATE A SUBSTANTIAL RESIDUE THAT IS NOTICEABLE OVER THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AFTER EACH DRIVE. THE REAR BRAKES SQEAK AND SEEM TO BE WORN FROM THE GRINDING SOUND YET THE DISCS LOOK FINE. THE BRAKES DEFINITELY ARE FAULTY AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 17K ON IT. I HAVE ALSO GIVEN GONE THROUGH A TIRE AND SOON NEED TO REPA…
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THE REAR BRAKES CREATE A SUBSTANTIAL RESIDUE THAT IS NOTICEABLE OVER THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AFTER EACH DRIVE. THE REAR BRAKES SQEAK AND SEEM TO BE WORN FROM THE GRINDING SOUND YET THE DISCS LOOK FINE. THE BRAKES DEFINITELY ARE FAULTY AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 17K ON IT. I HAVE ALSO GIVEN GONE THROUGH A TIRE AND SOON NEED TO REPAIR ANOTHER ONE FROM SIDE WALL DAMAGE AND IT IS AT THE SAME CONTACT POINT THAT THE WHEELS COME TO MEET THE OUTER TIRE. IT IS SLICING INTO THE TIRE BECAUSE OF HOW IT LAYS ON THE TIRE. SO THESE ALL MAY BE RELATED BUT THE REAR TIRES ARE NOT RIGHT. I HAVE A 1.8 SEL 17'ALLOY WHEELS WITH ALL/SEASON TIRES. THE SOUNDS COMENRANDOMLY BUT NOT WHEN BREAKING IN AN INCLINE OR FROM FAST SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI #11054810
6,869 miles · Nov 18, 2017
Power Train
3 TIMES CAR POPPED OUT OF 3RD GEAR WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION, NOTHING IN PARTICULAR BROUGHT THIS ON (NO BUMP IN ROAD, ETC), CAR HAS LESS THAN 7K MILES, BROUGHT TO VW DEALERSHIP AND AFTER DRIVING IT ONLY TWO MILES, THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT EVEN INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM. NOW THE ISSUE IS …
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3 TIMES CAR POPPED OUT OF 3RD GEAR WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION, NOTHING IN PARTICULAR BROUGHT THIS ON (NO BUMP IN ROAD, ETC), CAR HAS LESS THAN 7K MILES, BROUGHT TO VW DEALERSHIP AND AFTER DRIVING IT ONLY TWO MILES, THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT EVEN INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM. NOW THE ISSUE IS THAT SOMETIMES I CAN'T GET THE CAR INTO 3RD GEAR. CONTACTED NE VW REGIONAL MANAGER BECAUSE I WANTED IT IN WRITING THAT THEY WERE REFUSING TO SERVICE THE CAR. THOUGH I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE SENT A LETTER, I'VE RECEIVED NOTHING MORE THAN A MONTH LATER. OTHER PROBLEMS I HAVE WITH THE CAR INCLUDE THE TURN SIGNAL SOMETIMES NOT TURNING OFF RIGHT AWAY-SOMETIMES IT BLINKS RIGHT, BLINKS LEFT AND THEN FINALLY TURNS OFF AFTER 1 MIN OR SO AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT GO UP WHEN WEATHER WAS HOT THIS PAST SUMMER.
NHTSA ODI #11047222
3,300 miles · Nov 10, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
VEHICLE PAUSES FOR UP TO 5 SECONDS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE ACROSS AN INTERSECTION OR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS FAILURE HAPPENS SPORADICALLY WHETHER ON A PUBLIC STREET OR HIGHWAY. I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL OCCUR BUT HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY OTHER VEHICLES SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #11045085
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL- I AM IN DANGER BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI #11035423
3,200 miles · Oct 10, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
AT ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT, ANY TIME OF THE YEAR, WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THIS CAR WILL FAIL TO ACCELERATE WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE DELAY CAN BE AS LONG AS 5 SECONDS AND SINCE I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN, I FEEL THE VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE. IT CAN FAIL TO ACCELERA…
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AT ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT, ANY TIME OF THE YEAR, WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THIS CAR WILL FAIL TO ACCELERATE WHEN PRESSING DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE DELAY CAN BE AS LONG AS 5 SECONDS AND SINCE I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN, I FEEL THE VEHICLE IS VERY UNSAFE. IT CAN FAIL TO ACCELERATE IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH TRAFFIC COMING AT YOU FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THEIR WAY. I FEEL I TAKE MY LIFE IN MY HANDS EVERY TIME I STEP INTO THIS VEHICLE AND RECOMMEND THAT ON ONE EVER BUY ONE OF THESE DEATH TRAPS!!!!
NHTSA ODI #11032759
11,000 miles · Oct 7, 2017
Visibility/wiper
GAUGE BACKLIGHT INTENSITY CONTROL VIOLATES "49 CFR 571.101 - STANDARD NO. 101; CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS" THIS REPORT IS ECHO FROM NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11025444 THAT ANOTHER JETTA HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. FIRST, BASIC ISSUE IS, AUTOMATIC GAUGE BACKLIGHT INTENSITY CONTROLS TILL ZERO WHILE DRIVING ON DAY TIME, BUT THE ZERO LEVEL…
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GAUGE BACKLIGHT INTENSITY CONTROL VIOLATES "49 CFR 571.101 - STANDARD NO. 101; CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS" THIS REPORT IS ECHO FROM NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11025444 THAT ANOTHER JETTA HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. FIRST, BASIC ISSUE IS, AUTOMATIC GAUGE BACKLIGHT INTENSITY CONTROLS TILL ZERO WHILE DRIVING ON DAY TIME, BUT THE ZERO LEVEL UNDER DARKER AMBIENT LIGHTING SURROUND AREA IS PREVENTING DRIVER TO CHECK SPEED THAT VIOLATING THE REGULATION. SECOND, THE FACT THAT MANY OF VW MODELS WITH THIS LIGHTING SENSOR HAS THE SAME CONTROL OF THE GAUGE AND THIS REPORTING ISSUE IS NOT A SINGLE CAR OR A SINGLE MODEL YEAR ISSUE. IN MY CASE, BOTH 2016 AND 2017 HAS THE SAME ISSUE. THIRD, ADDITIONAL FACT I FOUND OUT IN THE NIGHT TIME, AT VERY DARK ENVIRONMENT, I HAVE FOUND THE GRAPHICAL LCD PANEL IN THE CENTER OF THE GAUGES, ENTERTAINMENT CONTROL LCD PANEL AND THE BOTH REV GAUGE AND SPEED GAUGE NEEDLES ARE ALSO CONTROLLED INTENSITY, BUT NEVER DARKER THAN THE BRIGHTNESS WHILE HEADLIGHT ON. WITH ABOVE FACT, I UNDERSTAND VW'S INTENTION AND IDEA IS RIGHT, CONTROLLING THE BACKLIGHT WHILE IN THE DAYTIME, BUT THE GAUGE BACKLIGHT IS WAY BELOW BRIGHTNESS THAN NIGHTTIME AND TILL ZERO BACKLIGHT, WHILE NEEDLES, GRAPHIC PANEL, AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM IS CONTROLLED AS IDEAL RANGE. SO FAR, VW OF AMERICA CUSTOMER CARE SAID THIS IS EXACTLY THE DESIGN, BUT ZERO INTENSITY BACKLIGHT IS VIOLATING THE REGULATION "S5.3.2 BRIGHTNESS OF ILLUMINATION OF CONTROLS AND INDICATORS" UNDER "49 CFR 571.101 - STANDARD NO. 101; CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." SINCE VW IS NOT LISTENING MY REPORT, I WOULD LIKE THE AUTHORITY TO CHECK THE ISSUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. VIDEO OR PHOTO IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST, BUT YOU CAN REPRODUCE THE ISSUE AT ANY WHERE. SEE ID 11025444.
NHTSA ODI #11032193
Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2017
Service BrakesCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 50 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND QUICKLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S SON HAD TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 50 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND QUICKLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S SON HAD TO USE THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHING INTO A LAMP POST. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT RIGHT FENDER WAS DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (TOYOTA COLLISION CENTER, 966 INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY BLVD, (386) 947-7800). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11002408
11,400 miles · Jun 19, 2017
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control
THIS CAR CONTINUES TO SPORADICALLY GO IN REVERSE WHILE I AM IN DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE WAITING IN LIKE AT A DRIVE THROUGH, FOOT ON BREAK WHILE IN DRIVE WHILE WAITING FOR FOOD, THEN TOLD TO PULL UP ONLY TO NEARLY BACK INTO THE CAR IN LINE BEHIND ME. HAD TO PUT CAR IN PARK AND SHUT OFF ENGINE- RESTART TO CORRECT PROBLEM. H…
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THIS CAR CONTINUES TO SPORADICALLY GO IN REVERSE WHILE I AM IN DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE WAITING IN LIKE AT A DRIVE THROUGH, FOOT ON BREAK WHILE IN DRIVE WHILE WAITING FOR FOOD, THEN TOLD TO PULL UP ONLY TO NEARLY BACK INTO THE CAR IN LINE BEHIND ME. HAD TO PUT CAR IN PARK AND SHUT OFF ENGINE- RESTART TO CORRECT PROBLEM. HAS HAPPENED WHILE FOOT ON BREAK AT RED LIGHT WHILE IN DRIVE, TOOK FOOT OFF BREAK WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN - CAR WENT INTO REVERSE WHILE DRIVE SHAFT "D" STILL LIT UP ALMOST BACKING INTO CAR BEHIND ME. AND AGAIN THIS HAPPENED WHILE BACKING UP IN MY APARTMENT PARKING LOT, PUT CAR INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT, BREAK, WHEN TO PUT CAR INTO DRIVE AND CAR WENT INTO REVERSE. EACH TIME THE CAR HAS WENT INTO REVERSE WHILE IN DRIVE I HAVE HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR COMPLETELY AND RESTART TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD AND THREATENING TO MY CAR, MY SAFETY, AND OTHER DRIVERS. DEALERSHIP CANNOT RECREATE PROBLEM AND SAYS THEREFORE THERE IS NO PROBLEM, VW CUSTOMER CARE IS NO HELP EITHER AS THEY SIMPLY KEEP TELLING ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #11000103
500 miles · May 31, 2017
Power Train
2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WITH 1.8 L.TURBO ENGINE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AFTER TOTALLY STOPPING CAR AT AN INTERSECTION AND THEN APPLYING A LITTLE THROTTLE THE CAR WILL START MOVING OUT INTO INTERSECTION, BUT IF I HAVE TO LET OFF ON THROTTLE AFTER STARTING OUT IN INTERSECTION FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER THE ENGINE WILL NOT RESPO…
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2016 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WITH 1.8 L.TURBO ENGINE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AFTER TOTALLY STOPPING CAR AT AN INTERSECTION AND THEN APPLYING A LITTLE THROTTLE THE CAR WILL START MOVING OUT INTO INTERSECTION, BUT IF I HAVE TO LET OFF ON THROTTLE AFTER STARTING OUT IN INTERSECTION FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER THE ENGINE WILL NOT RESPOND AND FOR A FEW SECONDS, IT WILL NOT MOVE LEAVING ME DEAD IN THE INTERSECTION WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE. ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING BUT CAR WILL NOT MOVE FOR A FEW SECONDS. NO RESPONSE FROM THE THROTTLE.I TOOK IT INTO VW DEALER IN SAINT GEORGE UTAH ON !!/2/2016 AND HAD THEM CHECK IT OUT. THE MANAGER DROVE THE CAR AND SAID IT WAS OKAY NO PROBLEMS. THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, BUT WHEN IT DOES OCCUR IT IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. MECHANICS AT VW WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT . THEY SAID IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE TRANSMISSION.THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED IN THEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO ME ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES. THESE CARS ARE TO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROADS.
NHTSA ODI #10992479
26,950 miles · May 21, 2017
Unknown Or Other
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. START/STOP HYBRID MOTOR STARTING EVERY THREE SECONDS WHEN VEHICLE STOPPED. APPLICATION OF BRAKES MEETS WITH OCCASIONAL SURGE IN SPEED.
NHTSA ODI #10990811
Official recalls
4Oct 21, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
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.
Jun 6, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.
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 cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗