2005 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 248 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 8 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderSep 23, 2020
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Campaign 20E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 7, 2014
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Campaign 14E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 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.
NONCOMPLIANCE CAN INHIBIT PROPER HEADLAMP AIM ADJUSTMENT FOR ROADWAY ILLUMINATION, IMPROPERLY AIMED HEADLAMPS COULD CAUSE REDUCED ROAD VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 07V442000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 07V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJul 5, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L GASOLINE ENGINE, A FUEL SUPPLY LINE CLAMP LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY NOT BE POSITIONED PROPERLY AND COULD CAUSE A FUEL LEAK.
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUEL SUPPLY LINE CLAMP AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CLAMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 05V305000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, dieselDec 15, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP.
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 04V586000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
48 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 5, 2013
DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO LOCK OR UNLOCK, EITHER BY THE KEY FOB BUTTON OR DOOR PANEL LOCK/UNLOCK SWITCH. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IT MAY IMPEDE ACCESS TO THE VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 13, 2012
I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP ON 10-8-2012 UP IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. AREA AND DROVE IT BACK HOME TO MY HOUSE IN SC. EVERYTHING WAS FINE ON THE WAY HOME. THE VERY NEXT DAY ON MY WAY INTO WORK THE CAR HESITATED WHEN IT WAS SUPPOSED TO SHIFT FROM 3RD GEAR TO 4TH GEAR AND THEN SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED ALL THE WAY BACK TO 1ST GEAR WHICH MADE THE CAR DE-ACCELERATE FROM 35-40MPH TO 10MPH WITHIN 40 FEET OR SO. THE ENGINE REVVED TO 6000 PLUS RPMS WHICH SCARED ME BUT NOT AS MUCH AS THE BIG TRUCK THAT WAS TOWING A TRAILER THAT HAD TO SKID OFF THE ROAD AND GO AROUND ME TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS NOW A DAILY OCCURRENCE. I CARRY MY 16 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER AROUND IN THIS CAR AND I'M SCARED TO DEATH THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO SMASH INTO THE BACK OF US. I'VE STARTED PULLING OFF THE ROAD AND LETTING CARS GO TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 5, 2012
A FEW WEEKS AGO, I WENT TO START MY CAR AND ALL THE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING AND CAR DIDN'T START. JUMPED THE BATTERY, GOT THE CAR RUNNING; BUT EVER SINCE MY AIR BAG LIGHT HAS STAYED ON AND THE DRIVER'S WINDOW IS SLOW, THE AUTO UP/DOWN FEATURE NOT WORKING, AND IF THE DRIVER DOOR IS OPEN, I CAN'T POP TRUNK OR GAS LID OR ROLL DOWN ANY OF THE WINDOWS. MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, SO IT'S GOING TO BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX THE MULTIPLE ISSUES. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2012
WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, TRUNK AND FUEL DOOR RELEASE AND AIRBAGS NON-FUNCTIONING DUE TO WIRING HARNESS LOCATED IN DRIVERS DOOR. FOUND OUT THERE IS ISSUE CONCERNING THE LENGTH OF THE HARNESS THAT CAUSES WIRES TO BREAK OVER TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 5, 2012
THE CAR HAS 83K MILES, SINCE APPROX 1 YEAR AGO (73K MILES) THE LCD MULTIFUCTION DISPLAY IS GETTING DIMMER AND DIMMER UP TO THE POINT THAT SOMETIMES IS ALMOST UNREADABLE AND THE PROBLEM OCCUR ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS EXPOSED TO HIGH TEMPERATURES. (IN THE MORNING THE LCD BRIGHTNESS IS NORMAL). I DID SOME RESEARCH IN THE INTERNET AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME CONDITION. THE LCD MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY SHOWS THE ODOMETER DATA, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION AND ALSO SHOWS SAFETY WARNINGS RELATED TO AIR BAGS MALFUNCTION AND FRONT AND REAR DOORS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED. I WAS ADVISED BY A DEALER SERVICE ADVISOR TO CONTACT VW CUSTOMER SERVICE BECAUSE THE REPAIR OF THIS DEFECT IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND ACCORDING TO HIM MAY BE CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE PARTS. I WAS TOLD BY VW CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE IS NOT RECOGNIZED AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS ILLEGAL FOR A CAR OWNER TO ALTER THE ODOMETER DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR, IF THAT IS THE CASE SHOULD BE ILLEGAL A FOR A CAR MANUFACTURER TO SELL A CAR THAT AFTER SIX YEARS YOU ARE UNABLE TO READ THE ODOMETER INFORMATION.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 17, 2011, crash
FRONT END CRASH INTO A STOPPED VEHICLE ON COUNTY HIGHWAY. APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH TO 40 MPH. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY INSURANCE PROVIDER. SEAT BELT STRAINING UPON BODY, THAT TOOK FULL FORCE OF STOP NO OTHER ABSORPTION OF IMPACT ENERGY. VEHICLE KEPT ENERGIZED EVEN AT THE SALVAGE STORAGE AREA WHEN KEYS WERE INSERTED NO ELECTRICALLY SAFETY RELAYS DISENGAGED THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Electrical system, Jul 10, 2011
WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE DOORS FLEXES DURING OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE DOOR. THE WIRE COATING BECOMES BRITTLE WITH AGE AND CRACKS CAUSING STRESS POINTS IN THE WIRE LEADING TO BREAKAGE OF 1 OR MORE WIRES IN THE HARNESS LEADING TO INOPERABLE CONTROLS AND ELECTRONICS IN THE DOOR, POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT, AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THIS FAILURE TENDS TO OCCUR AFTER A COUPLE YEARS OF USAGE. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE FAILED AT 65,000 MILES. USUALLY THE DRIVER'S DOOR FAILS FIRST AS IT IS USED MOST FREQUENTLY. THIS EQUIPMENT INCLUDES BUT MAY NOT BE LIMITED TO WINDOW CONTROLS, DOOR LOCKS, DOOR OPEN SENSOR, AIR BAG SYSTEM CRASH SENSOR, TRUNK RELEASE SWITCH, FUEL DOOR RELEASE SWITCH, DOOR MIRROR ADJUSTMENT, MIRROR TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR, MIRROR HEATING ELEMENT. WIRING HARNESS MUST BE REPLACED WHICH COSTS APPROXIMATELY $150-$200. HARNESS SHOULD BE REDESIGNED WITH LONGER WIRES TO AVOID STRETCHING OF THE WIRE AND WIRE COATING MATERIAL CHANGED TO AVOID BRITTLENESS WITH AGE AND WORK HARDENING. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING THAT EXTENDED FROM THE ALTERNATOR TO THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER BURNED, CAUSING THE BATTERY'S INABILITY TO HOLD A CHARGE AND THE ENGINE'S INABILITY TO START SUCCESSFULLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE WIRES WERE REPLACED. ALSO, THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED; WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GAUGES WERE MOVING AROUND AND NOT STAY STEADY. THE MECHANIC ALSO REPLACED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 27, 2010, fire
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH MALFUNCTION AND FIRE... RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ACTIVATED WITHOUT SWITCH BEING ACTIVATED. AFTER ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES IN THIS CONDITION, SMOKE CAME OUT OF STEERING COLUMN. FIRE/MARKING COULD BE SEEN IN THE SWITCH AREA. EVENTUALLY THE TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT AND THE SMOKE/FIRE STOPPPED. VW SERVICE REPLACED THE SWITCH AND WIRE HARNES. THE PLACTIC ON THE SWITCH AND HARNES WAS MELTED AND CHARRED. *CN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 31, 2009
THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON 4 TIMES IN MY 2005 NEW JETTA 2.5 THE SEAT BELT SENSORS IN FRONT HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE AT DEALERSHIP, THIS STARTED WHEN THE CAR HAD ONLY 22000 MILES AND KEPT COMING ON AROUND EVERY 10000 MILES, THEY HAD TO ALSO REPLACE THE AIRBAG(S) NOT SURE WHICH ONES WERE REPLACED, THE SEATBEALTS DON'T WIND BACK UP PROPERLY SOMETIMES AS WELL. AT AROUND 25000 MILES THE BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED, WE HEARD A CLICKING ONE DAY IN THE REAR WHEEL WELL, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY HAD REPLACED THE BRAKES, ROTORS ETC. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF THESE REPAIRS. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Sep 8, 2008
THE FUSE FOR THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX. I CALLED VW AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT WHEN THEY MANUFACTURED THE VEHICLE THEY PLACED A 25 AMP FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX AND IT SHOULD BE CHANGED TO A 30 AMP. THEY INFORMED ME THAT I CAN DO THIS MYSELF SINCE THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PLACED ON THIS. I TOLD THEM THERE WAS NO WAY THAT I CAN GET THE FUSE OUT SINCE IT IS MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THE FUSE BOX REPLACED. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR SOMETHING THAT I NEVER DID. I CANNOT USE MY REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER, HEATED SEATS AND MY HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHERS DON'T EVEN WORK. I HAVE WENT THE ROUNDS WITH VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY STICK TO TELLING ME THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS IN REPLACING THE FUSE BOX. ITS LIKE THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I BUILT THE CAR AND I PLACED THE WRONG FUSE. IF I DID BUILD THE CAR AND PLACE THE WRONG FUSE IN THE CAR I WOULD PAY FOR THE DAMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS, BUT I DID NOT BUILD IT VW BUILT IT AND I FEEL THEY NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PLACING THE WRONG FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 3, 2008
2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA BUCKS AND SHAKES WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE SOUNDS LIKE IT JUST WANTS TO SHUT OFF AND NOT RUN. WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP THE LOANER GOT HIT AND DEALER WOULD NOT RETURN HER CAR UNTIL PAYMENT WAS MADE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST TIME THE PROBLEM HAPPENED, SHE HAD COME TO A FULL STOP. WHEN SHE WENT TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE ALMOST STALLED, STARTING BUCKING AND WAS SLUGGISH. IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THE RESET A COMPONENT, HOWEVER 1 MONTH LATER THE PROBLEM RE-SURFACED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS SEVERAL DIFFERENT THINGS, BUT EACH TIME THE COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED, THE PROBLEM WOULD COME BACK. *JB
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION AT ALL. SHE HAS THREE SETS OF KEYS AND NONE OF THEM WILL ENTER THE IGNITION. SHE ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THE OFFICE IS CLOSED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,000.
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2007
AFTER DRIVING FOR 40 MINUTES IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, I WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF, THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED FOR A FEW SECONDS AND WENT OUT. AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES, THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 6, 2007
THERE ARE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE SPECIFICALLY THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS, REMOTE ENTRY TO VEHICLE, MAKING IT UNSAFE AT TO DRIVE? TRIED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LOCAL DEALER AND THEY ADVISE THEY ARE BOOKED OUT FOR 12 DAYS - NOT SYMPATHETIC TO THE FACT THAT THESE PROBLEMS ARE SAFETY RELATED AND NEED TO BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY? EITHER DEALERSHIP HAS MORE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLES THAN THEY CAN HANDLE OR THEY ARE UNDER STAFFED? WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT LINE DUE TO POOR SERVICE AND UNWILLINGNESS TO ADDRESS SAFETY CONCERNS PROMPTLY! *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 21, 2006, fire
2005 JETTA CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *TS THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THAT A LOT OF VEHICLES WERE HAVING A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TAILLIGHTS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2006
CALL STALLS OUT.. MY VW2005.5 JETTA WHILE DRIVE TURNS OFF WITH NO WARNING SIGNS.. VERY DANGEROUS.. ON THE HIGHWAYS. BEEN TO GUNTHER VW COCONUT CREEK FL FOR 2 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN AUG 30. 2006 FOR THE CAR STALLING .. SERVICE ADVISOR DEAN TOOK IN IT.. MY CAR WAS READY SEPT 1 2006 I BROUGHT THE CAR HOME AND IT STALLED. SO I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK IN FOR SERVICE THEY SEEM NOT TO BELIEVE ME UNTIL THEY DROVE IT AND IT CUT OFF ON THEM WHILE DRIVING NOW ITS IN THE SHOP AND NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA WHAT'S GOING ON.. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 12, 2006
WHEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL ITS POWER AND WAS I COULD NOT GO OVER 25 MPH. WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO NOT GET HIT FROM BEHIND. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, ENGINE/EXHAUST LIGHT, ESR LIGHT, ESP LIGHT ALL CAME ON. IT ALSO STALLS OUT WHEN SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION. VW UNABLE TO FIX AS OF YET, BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 3 TIMES ALREADY FOR THE SAME THING. VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, CAR VERY UNRELIABLE!! *JB
Electrical system, Nov 11, 2005
WE WERE DRIVING OUR NEW 2005.5 JETTA 5 SPD AT AN INTERSECTION THE VEHICLE STALLED AS A RESULT OF THE CLUTCH BEING LET OUT TO QUICKLY. I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT SUCCESS. I PULLED THE BRAKE UP; PUSHED THE CLUTCH PEDAL COMPLETELY IN AND PUT THE STICK SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. STILL WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER JUST MISSED US BY INCHES. FINALLY GOT THE CAR STARTED MADE OUR WAY HOME. AT HOME WE DUPLICATES WHAT HAPPENED AND DETERMINED WE NEEDED TO TURN THE KEY COMPLETELY TO THE OFF POSITION, THEN WE WERE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY RESTART THE ENGINE. WE DRIVE MOSTLY MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CANNOT THINK OF ANY TIME WE HAVE HAD TO TURN THE KEY COMPLETELY TO THE OFF POSITION TO GET OUR VEHICLES STARTED. WE CALLED AND TALKED WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WERE TOLD THAT THIS WAS A NEW FEATURE VW INSTITUTED THIS YEAR TO KEEP DRIVERS FROM TRYING TO RESTART AN ENGINE THAT MAY ALREADY BE RUNNING AND POSSIBLY RUINING THE STARTER. RUINING THE STARTER WAS THE LEAST OF OUR PROBLEMS. WE ARE CONCERNED THE DOCUMENTATION THAT OUTLINES THAT THE DRIVER MUST RETURN THE KEY TO THE 0FF POSITION EVERY TIME TO RESTARTED THE ENGINE IS BURIED ON PG 92 OF BOOKLET 3.1 IN SECTION IGNITION LOCK POSITION OF THE KEY. THIS IS CLEARLY NOT SOMETHING A DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY LOOK FOR OR EXPECT FROM THE VEHICLE THEY ARE DRIVING. I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THIS FEATURE BE CHANGED SO THAT IF A DRIVER STALLS THEIR VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN A COMPROMISING SITUATION, THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY BEING ANYWHERE IN THE ON POSITION. IN ADDITION, UNTIL THIS COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS INFORMATION BE INCLUDED IN THE JETTA QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE. THIS IS A MORE REASONABLE PLACE THE DRIVER MAY LOOK INSTEAD OF BEING BURIED DEEP INSIDE THE DRIVERS MANUAL. I ALSO RECOMMEND THIS BE INFORMATION THE DEALERSHIP IS REQUIRED TO MAKE SURE THE DRIVER KNOWS BEFORE LEAVING THEIR LOT. THIS IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING OF A POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 28, 2005, fire
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AND HE FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT GETTING ANY FUEL. HE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN IT STALLED. HE DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL WHILE TRYING TO RESTART IT, AND IT STARTED SMOKING. HE GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND LIFTED THE HOOD AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, ACCORDING TO THE AUTO BODY SHOP THE ONLY THING THAT REMAINED WERE THE HEAD LIGHTS. THERE HAS BEEN NO INVESTIGATION AS TO WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. SHE CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN, AND THEY TOLD HER THERE WAS A RECALL FOR A FAULTY FUEL CLAMP. BUT SHE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT 5021483 WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 27, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED ON 8-16-05 WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR DIED. THEN IT LURCHED FORWARD, STOPPED AND LURCHED FORWARD AGAIN. THIS WAS THE FIFTH TIME THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERS. THE FIRST TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THEY REPLACED A FUEL INJECTOR. THE SECOND TIME THE ABS LIGHT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THEY INSTALLED A FULL DISTRIBUTOR RAIL. THE THIRD TIME THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, AND THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD NOT WORK . THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND COOLING FANS. THE FOURTH TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, AND THEY REPLACED A VALVE. THIS LAST TIME THE DEALER GAVE HIM A LOANER CAR. THEY HAVE NOT DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM YET. THE DEALER CALLED ON FRIDAY TO TELL HIM THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE LOANER CAR. *AK
Electrical system, Aug 17, 2005
I WAS STOPPED AT LIGHT AND HIT THE ACCELERATE TO FIND MY CAR HAD NO POWER AND SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME INCLUDING ESP, AND TRACTION, AS WELL AS THE EXHAUST LIGHT. THERE WAS ALSO A STRONG ODOR OF SOMETHING BURNING IN THE CAR. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 10 MILES PER HOUR AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW DEALERSHIP THE POWER ISSUES WAS FIXED THE WAS NOT THE POWER ISSUE WAS THE WIRING HARNESS WHICH WAS REPLACED. *JB
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2005
MY ALARM ON MY 2005 JETTA TDI IS MALFUNCTIONING. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, INCLUDING FAULTY CONTROLS IN THE STEERING COLUM, AND FAULTY COMPONENTS IN THE ESP. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT TO REPAIR THE ALARM, THE RADIO MUST BE REPLACED, HOWEVER THE RADIO IS ON 'BACKORDER', HAS BEEN FOR SIX WEEKS, AND I DO NOT AS OF TODAY, KNOW WHEN I WILL HAVE THIS REPAIRED. THESE PROBLEMS, ALONG WITH THE EXTENDED DELAY IN REPAIRING THE RADIO HAVE CAUSED ME TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF A MORE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE ITSELF AND I AM CONCERNED.*AK