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: power train
84 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Dec 12, 2009
WE HAVE A 2005 JETTA TDI AUTOMATIC. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW AND HAS BEEN SERVICED AT EVERY INTERVAL BY VW. WE HAVE HAD A COMMON CONCERN ABOUT THE CAR MOVING FORWARD IN DRIVE IN ERRATIC FASHION WHEN COLD AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS. WE INFORMED VW ABOUT THIS CONCERN AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. LAST WEEK MY WIFE WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. WE TRIED EVERYTHING TO GET IT STARTED BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. WE HAD IT TOWED TO OUR VW DEALER WHO INFORMED US THAT IT WOULD COST $600.00 JUST TO MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO WHAT THE CAUSE WAS. WE GAVE THEM THE GO AHEAD AND A DAY LATTER THEY INFORMED US THAT THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL HAS DISINTEGRATED WHICH IN TURN DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. THIS DMF APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW'S IN GENERAL. IN EUROPE VW WILL FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE, BUT NOT IN THE US. WE ARE WAITING TO HEAR FROM VW ON WHAT IF ANYTHING THEY WILL DO. THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS NO HELP IN THIS MATTER, EXCEPT TO TELL US IT WAS NOT COVERED. STAY TUNED AS WE ENTER THE TWILIGHT ZONE OF DESIGN DEFECTS WITH VW! *TR
Power train, Nov 16, 2009
ON 11/11/09, I PARKED MY CAR ON MY APARTMENT COMPLEX PARKING LOT. I LEFT MY CAR IN FIRST GEAR AS A SAFETY MEASURE. NEXT MORNING (11/12/09) I TRIED TO START MY CAR, BUT THE CAR WAS LOCKED IN FIRST GEAR EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE PEDAL CLUTCH. THE CAR DID NOT TURN ON BUT STALLED AND MOVE SLIGHTLY FORWARD. FORTUNATELY I HAD THE HAND BREAK ON. IF I DID NOT HAVE THE PARKING BREAK ON, I WOULD HAVE MOVED FORWARD INTO A BUSH IN FRONT OF MY PARKING LOT SPACE. I TURNED OFF THE CAR, SWITCHED TO NEUTRAL GEAR AND TURN THE CAR ON. THE CAR TURNED ON AND I THOUGHT I SOLVED THE PROBLEM. I PUT THE CAR ON REVERSE, TO EXIT MY PARKING LOT SPACE AND AGAIN THE CAR STALLED AND MOVED BACKWARDS. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO CAR OR PEOPLE BEHIND ME. AT THAT POINT I REALIZED THAT I COULD NOT ENGAGE THE CAR INTO ANY GEAR AND THAT THE CLUTCH WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. MY CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 46,000 MILES AND THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE CLUTCH WOULD FAIL SO EARLY IN LIFE. I READ IN MANY FORUMS THAT THE 05-06 VW JETTA HAS A DEFECTIVE CLUTCH AND IT COULD BE HAZARDOUS FOR PEOPLE IF THE CLUTCH FAILS WHILE DRIVING. MY CLUTCH DID NOT GIVE ME ANY SIGNAL OF WEAR AND TEAR, NO SOUNDS OR DIFFICULTY WHILE DRIVING, IT WAS WORKING VERY WELL ONE DAY AND NEXT DAY IT BROKE DOWN. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THE SERVICE MANAGER EXPECTED TO BE A SMALL FIX, SINCE THE CLUTCH WAS NORMALLY OPERATING ON 11/11/09 AND IT SUDDENLY FAILED ON 11/12/09. AFTER A REVIEW, THE DEALER IS CHARGING ME $2200, BECAUSE THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH, THE FLYWHEEL AND THE PRESSURE PLATE. IT APPEARS THAT A VW FAULTY PRODUCT IS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT VW DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THEIR MISTAKE. *TR
Power train, Jun 2, 2009
THE VOLKSWAGEN TDI 1.9L ENGINE WHEN COUPLED TO THE DSG( DIRECT SHIFT GEAR) TRANSMISSION HAS AN EXTREMELY HIGH FAILURE RATE OF THE DMF (DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL). FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN 10K AND 100K MILES. THE INTERNAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE FLYWHEEL IS IMPROPER AND WILL SEPARATE LEADING TO THE TOTAL FAILURE OF THE UNIT. WHEN THE UNIT FAILS IT CAUSES A VERY SPECIFIC AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES. THE DMF CAN SEPARATE AND THEN FRACTURE INTO LARGE SHRAPNEL TYPE PIECES. THIS SHRAPNEL WILL THE CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION AND POSSIBLY THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. WHEN THE SEIZURE OCCURS IS CAUSES THE FRONT TIRES TO LOCK AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH. THE SHRAPNEL CAN ALSO CAUSE THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION CASE RESULTING IT THE LOSS OF PRESSURIZED TRANSMISSION FLUID. THIS FLUID CAN CONTACT THE TURBOCHARGER AND RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE. CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE IS COMMON AS WELL. VWA(VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA) IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS REDESIGNED THE DMF. THE NEW DESIGN HAS NOT FAILED. THE DMF HAS BEEN RECALLED IN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND AUSTRALIA AS A SAFETY CONCERN . VWA HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN NOT COVERING THIS REPAIR UNDER EVEN IT'S STANDARD WARRANTY. NO VOLUNTARY RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. I CURRENTLY HAVE AN EXAMPLE OF THE FAILED PART AVAILABLE. THIS MODEL HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH ON A LARGE SCALE IF NOT ADDRESSED. *TR
Power train, Jun 1, 2009
VW DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FELL APART, RENDERING THE VEHICLE INOPERATIVE. *TR
Power train, Feb 18, 2009
ON FEBRUARY 16TH WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS I PULLED THROUGH A DRIVE THROUGH FOR LUNCH, CAR WAS RUNNING AND SOUNDED JUST FINE, AFTER PULLING AWAY I HEARD A LOUD "SHRIEKING" NOISE AND THEN A CLUNK, THE CAR LOST POWER AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE, I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO THE ADJACENT PARKING LOT AND SHUT THE CAR OFF, I WAITED A FEW MINUTES THEN RESTARTED THE CAR IT STARTED JUST FINE BUT SEEMED TO BE IDLING A LITTLE ROUGH, I SHIFTED CAR INTO DRIVE AND LIGHTLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR THE GRINDING NOISE WAS PRESENT SO I PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, CALLED AAA AND HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP THEN CALLED ME LATER THAT AFTERNOON AND INFORMED ME THAT THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL HAD SEPARATED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, THEY QUOTED ME $1800 FOR THE REPAIR. I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY HAD THE PART IN STOCK AND I APPROVED THE REPAIR. THE CAR JUST HAD 64,381 MILES AND I THOUGH IT WAS ODD THAT THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A "KNOWN" FAILURE. SINCE THE WARRANTY "JUST" EXPIRED I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I CONTACTED VW0FA AND THEY TOOK THE INFORMATION BUT DID STATE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, I UNDERSTAND THAT BUT IT APPEARS THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED! I HAD JUST EXITED THE INTERSTATE BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE OUTCOME IF I STAYED ON THE FREEWAY AT 60MPH AND THIS COMPONENT FAILED?*TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Exterior lighting, Feb 3, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. IN APRIL OF 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THAT TIME. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AND A HALF LATER, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BEGAN TO FAIL AGAIN. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WOULD NOT STOP ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES AND, FINALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHT DIMMED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME MOBILE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR ONE MONTH AND THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE THAN TWELVE MONTHS LATER, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,707 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,207. UPDATED 03-09-09 *BF THE SHIFTER WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOISEY AND WHICH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. UPDATED 03/12/09.*JB
Power train, Jan 14, 2009
2005 VW JETTA CLUTCH FAILURE AT 26K MILES. THERE IS NO WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE, BUT MY CLUTCH WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY. WITH CAR DISABLED, THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. VW WON'T COVER THIS UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY DEEM THE CLUTCH AS A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ITEM. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS DISCUSSION BOARDS WHERE PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. IT'S TIME FOR A RECALL OF THESE DEFECTIVE CLUTCHES. THEY ARE NOT GOING OUT BECAUSE OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. DEFECTIVE CLUTCHES WERE MADE AND PUT IN THESE CARS AND VW IS MAKING CUSTOMERS PAY FOR THEIR MISTAKES. IF I HAD BEEN IN A REMOTE LOCATION, I COULD'VE BEEN STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR HOURS AND COULD'VE BEEN STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. ALSO, WITH THE CLUTCH NOT WORKING, IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING FAST, WHEN I APPLIED THE BREAKS, IT COULD'VE JERKED TO A HALT AND I COULD'VE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. *TR
Power train, Aug 29, 2008
I HAVE A 2005.5 VW JETTA TDI WITH A 5 SPEED MANUAL. IT HAS A SACHS CLUTCH. THE CLUTCH HAS BEEN GIVING ME ISSUES FOR THOUSANDS OF MILES. IT FINALLY FAILED ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK IN RUSH HOURS TRAFFIC AND DISABLED ME. I WAS ABLE TO PUSH IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AVOID INJURY ON I-96 IN NOVI MICHIGAN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BTY THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY ARE NOT HELPING OUT THE CONSUMERS. THEY HAVE A TSB ISSUED ON NOV. 7, 2007 #03 07 01. WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO GET VW TO OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND HELP US OUT? IT IS GOING TO COST ME $3,000 FOR THE REPAIR NOT TO MENTION I WAS LUCKY TO AVOID INJURY ON A BUSY HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. PERHAPS THE NEXT PERSON WILL NOT BE SO LUCKY? *TR
Power train, Aug 25, 2008
THURSDAY AUG 14, 2008 I WAS EXITING OFF THE HIGHWAY RT 9 EXIT 5 IN CT. THE EXIT IS AT THE TOP OF A HILL SO I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH AND COASTED TO THE BOTTOM. MY CAR IS A 2005 NEW JETTA WITH 2.5L 5 CYL 5 SPEED MANUAL. I HAVE ABOUT 70,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CLUTCH OR TRANSMISSION. AS I STARTED COASTING I SHIFTED THE CAR TO SECOND GEAR NEAR THE BEGINNING OF THE EXIT BUT DIDN'T RELEASE THE CLUTCH. I HEARD A LOAD BANG SOUND AND THE CLUTCH ENGAGED. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY NOSE DIVED AND THE ENGINE RACED TO REDLINE. THE CLUTCH PEDDLE WAS ON THE FLOORBOARD AND WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. I HAD TO LOCKUP THE BRAKES TO FORCE THE CAR OUT OF GEAR AND COASTED TO THE STOP SIGN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL. I WAS LUCKY THAT NO ONE WAS FOLLOWING ME AT THE TIME AS I WOULD HAVE REARENDED FOR SURE. AT THE STOP SIGN THE CLUTCH PEDAL CAME UP OFF THE FLOOR AT THE CLUTCH PARTIALLY WORK SO I DROVE THE CAR TO THE COMMUTER PARKING LOT AND LEFT IT TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING. FRIDAY AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THEY WOULD FIX IT BUT THEY DON'T COVER WEAR AND TEAR ON CLUTCH PARTS. THE BILL WOULD BE ABOUT 2400.00 DOLLARS. BECAUSE I HAD 70000 MILES ON THE CAR I WOULD HAVE TO SEE THE PARTS BEFORE I COULD MAKE THAT JUDGMENT AS TO WEAR AND TEAR. SO I TOLD THEM TO FIX IT BUT I WANT THE PARTS. THE FINAL BILL CAME TO 2164.71 DOLLARS. THE PRESSURE PLATE AND FLYWHEEL SHOWED NO SIGNS OF ABUSE OR BURNING. THE CLUTCH HAD PLENTY OF PAD LEFT BUT WAS BROKEN DUE TO THE FORCE OF ENGAGING AT 60 MILE PER HOUR IN SECOND GEAR. THE MECHANICS REASON FOR FAILURE WAS "PRESSURE PLATE BLEW OUT" AND MY BOSS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER SAID IT LOOK LIKE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE NOT A WEAR ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW WHY VW GET TO WASH THEIR HANDS OF THIS UNDER A CAME OF THEY DON'T COVER CLUTCH PARTS UNDER WARRANTY AND WHY I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. IF THIS COULD HAPPEN ON A HIGHWAY IT COULD ALSO HAVE HAPPEN AT A STOP LIGHT. *TR
Power train, Jun 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE GEAR WOULD NOT CHANGE INTO SECOND OR THIRD GEAR, AND THE CLUTCH JAMMED INTO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND DRIVE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND ARE CHARGING $360 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC. IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY WEAR AND TEAR OR A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT IT ONLY COVERS THE REPAIR IF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DEFECT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ADMIT THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT. THE CONTACT WILL LEAVE THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER UNTIL THEY REPAIR IT FOR FREE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 55,000.
Power train, May 1, 2008, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ON APRIL 25, 2008, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE CLUTCH INTO THIRD GEAR, BUT THE CLUTCH NEVER SHIFTED BACK INTO POSITION. SHE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PIN FOR THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY CHAFFERED AND FAILED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT WONDERS IF THE TWO FAILURES ARE RELATED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,210.
Power train, Apr 5, 2008
CAR DEVELOPED PRONOUNCED ENGINE VIBRATION AT 100,000 MILES. VIBRATION WAS ACCOMPANIED BY SIGNIFICANT NOISE AT IDLE WITH CLUTCH ENGAGED. CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS REMOVED AND INSPECTED. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL HAD FAILED AND WAS THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE AND VIBRATION. CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL WERE REPLACED WITH AN AFTERMARKET SINGLE MASS FLYWHEEL AND MATCHING CLUTCH. *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
Power train, Jan 26, 2008
PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE AT 40,000 MILES. CAR AT DEALER FOR CLUTCH REPLACEMENT. *TR
Power train, Jan 18, 2008
CLUTCH GAVE OUT AT 32,000 MILES. VOLKSWAGEN CONSIDERS THIS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. *TR
Power train, Sep 17, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP AT 70 MPH, THE CONTACT PLACED THE CLUTCH IN AND IT FAILED TO RELEASE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO DRIVER ERROR. THE CLUTCH WAS REPLACED AND THE DEALER DID NOT CHARGE FOR LABOR. THE PART COST $1,800. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT YET DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF THE SECOND FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Power train, Aug 28, 2007
CLUTCH COMPLETELY FAILED AT 35,000 MILES, SUDDENLY ON A HIGHWAY (THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE, IT WOULD JUST REV REALLY HIGH). I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL VW DEALER. THE VW DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FAULTY VW PARTS; FAILURE WAS DUE TO A WORN CLUTCH, WHICH I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH VW OF AMERICA. I WAS SUSPICIOUS OF THIS DIAGNOSIS, SINCE THE CLUTCH FAILED SO SUDDENLY & IN ALL OF MY YEARS OF DRIVING MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS (16 YEARS), I HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO REPLACE A WORN OR DAMAGED CLUTCH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, WHICH COST ME $2,070. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS REPAIR IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, & THAT HE WOULD SHOW ME THE WORN CLUTCH WHEN THE REPAIR WAS FINISHED. WHEN I PICKED UP THE REPAIRED CAR, I ASKED TO SEE THE CLUTCH & FLYWHEEL (FOR SIGNS OF WEAR & HEAT MARKS). THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION; THEY WERE ALREADY DISPOSED OF & IN THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. AFTER READING SO MANY COMPLAINTS MADE BY EXPERIENCED MANUAL TRANSMISSION DRIVERS ABOUT VW CLUTCHES WEARING PREMATURELY, I BELIEVE THAT THIS CASE MAY BE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I'VE READ ON VW TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS THAT FAULTY PRESSURE PLATES AND/OR FLYWHEELS IN THESE NEWER JETTAS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE DAMAGE & EXCESSIVE PREMATURE WEAR TO THE CLUTCH. IN MY CASE, I WASN'T ABLE TO INSPECT THE OLD CLUTCH ASSEMBLY FOR OTHER SIGNS OF MECHANICAL FAILURE (SINCE THE DEALER DISPOSED OF THE OLD PARTS BEFORE I HAD A CHANCE TO SEE THEM). SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT VW CLUTCHES, I HOPE THEY ISSUE A RECALL & REIMBURSE THE MANY CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE NEEDED TO REPLACE THEIR CLUTCHES SO SOON. I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT HAVING TO SPEND $2,070 TO REPAIR A FAULTY CLUTCH IN A CAR THAT IS ONLY 2 YRS OLD. FOR MY NEXT CAR PURCHASE, I AM CONSIDERING BUYING FROM A DIFFERENT CAR COMPANY. *JB
Power train, Aug 15, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT LEASES A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO SECOND GEAR. SHE ACCELERATED TO 20 MPH, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO NEGLIGENT DRIVING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 15,500. WHILE TURNING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH WHILE SHIFTING INTO FIRST GEAR, THE CLUTCH PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOOR. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PRESSURE PLATE WAS HAD CRACKED INTO 3 PIECES WHICH DESTROYED THE ENTIRE CLUTCH. UPDATED 09/05/07. *JB
Power train, Aug 14, 2007
MY 2005 JETTA HAS A BROKEN PRESSURE PLATE IN THE CLUTCH. THE INCINDENT MUST HAVE HAPPENED WHILE IT SITTING AFTER BEING DRIVEN, BECAUSE I PARKED IT AND IT WAS ACTING FINE, THEN I GOT BACK IN LATER AND IT WASN'T WORKING. THE CAR HAS ONLY 15K MILES ON IT AND IS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR HARD AND ONLY DRIVE ABOUT 10 MILES A DAY, AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MANUAL FOR 12 YEARS. VW IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE WARRANTY AND IS TELLING ME THE CLUTCH PROBLEM IS MY FAULT. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A CLUTCH GOING IN 15K MILES, EVEN IF I WAS A TERRIBLE MANUAL DRIVER WHICH I AM NOT. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE WEB, AND IT LOOKS QUITE COMMON FOR THESE CHEAPLY MADE VW CLUTCHES TO BREAK DOWN AND FOR VW TO FIND A WAY TO NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. I NEED HELP STANDING UP AGAINST THEM. *TR
Power train, Jun 2, 2007
MY FLYWHEEL EXPLODED EARLIER LAST YEAR AND NOW I KNOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN DIESEL JETTAS. I HAD TO HAVE THE CLUTCH AND THE FLYWHEEL REPLACED, AND VOLKSWAGEN WOULD NOT DO IT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Dec 15, 2006
WE ASKED OUR DEALERSHIP TO ACQUIRE IT FOR US AFTER OUR 2004 TDI WAS TOTALED. CURRENT VEHICLE IS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED WE PURCHASED APRIL 25, 2006 WITH 10583 MILES ON IT. PREVIOUS OWNER WAS VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA. ON JULY 2, 2006 WHILE ON VACATION THE CLUTCH COMPLETELY FAILED AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC IT STARTED SMOKING AND THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE CLUTCH LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE THEN HAD ABOUT 14-15,000 MILES ON IT. A MAINE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER HAD FAILED AND THE ENTIRE CLUTCH FAILED. TOOK MORE THAN TWO WEEKS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY OUR VIRGINIA DEALER IT WAS REPORTED TO US THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS CRACKED DUE TO IMPROPER RE-INSTALLATION. VEHICLE THEN HAD 17632 MILES ON IT. IT TOOK ANOTHER TWO WEEKS TO FORCE THE MAINE DEALER TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE IT. ON DEC. 6, 2006 MY WIFE THE VALET PARKING SERVICE BROUGHT THE CAR TO HER WITH CONSIDERABLE SMOKE COMING FROM THE CLUTCH AND THE STATEMENT THAT IT HAD "BURNED OUT" WHILE TRYING TO COME UP A RAMP. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS ABUSE CAUSED THE CLUTCH TO FAIL AND CRACK THE FLYWHEEL IN THREE PLACES AND WARRANTY FOR THE FLYWHEEL WAS DENIED. WE HAVE OWNED MORE THAN SIX STANDARD TRANSMISSION AUTOMOBILES OVER OUR MORE THAN 3 0 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE AND HAVE NEVER HAD A CLUTCH FAIL OTHER THAN THE 2 FAILURES IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS WITH THIS VOLKSWAGEN. INTERNET RESEARCH INFORMS US THAT THIS IS A VERY PREVALENT PROBLEM WITH VOLKSWAGENS. CLEARLY THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL IS DEFECTIVE IN THIS VEHICLE AND THE CLUTCH IS IN GENERAL PRONE TO VERY PREMATURE FAILURE. *NM
Power train, Sep 28, 2006
1. TURNED ONTO AN OFF RAMP AND CAME TO A STOP 2. CLUTCH WOULD NOT DISENGAGE, CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP 3. AWAITING DIAGNOSTICS TO DETERMINE MANUFACTURER OR DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
Power train, Aug 11, 2006
PRETTY MUCH SINCE I LEASED MY CAR IN APRIL OF 05 THERE HAS BEEN PROBLEMS. WHEN I WOULD PUT MY CAR INTO REVERSE IT WOULD SHIFT HARD. THEN 3 MONTHS LATER I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PUT IT BACK ON THE BRAKE FOR IT TO GO INTO REVERSE. AS TIME WENT ON WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ENGAGE INTO REVERSE IT WOULD BOUNCE BACK. NOW WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE I CAN TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK AND LEAVE IT OFF FOR 5 MINUTES AND NOTHING, NO REVERSE. I CAN PUMP MY BRAKES AND NO REVERSE. I HAVE TO PUT IT BACK INTO PARK AND THEN BACK INTO REVERSE FOR IT TO GO INTO REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT IT IS NORMAL. BUT IT IS FAR FROM NORMAL. I JUST WANT THEM TO TAKE BACK THE CAR. NOW MY DRIVE IS STARTING TO ENGAGE HARD.
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 1, 2006
DEALERSHIP: LINDSAY VOLKSWAGEN OF DULLES MANUFACTURER: VOLKSWAGEN I HAVE NEVER HEARD FROM VW CUSTOMER CARE SINCE MY INITIAL COMPLAINT, FILED 10.27.05 AT 9:12 P.M., REFERENCE NUMBER 804030825. I CALLED IN NOV 05' TO CHECK ON THE STATUS AND A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP TOLD ME I SHOULD FILE AGAIN (I HAVE A REFERENCE NUMBER FOR THAT, TOO). I'VE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM TO THIS DAY. SINCE I BOUGHT MY VW JETTA TDI 05' IN MARCH 05, I HAVE DOCUMENTED HOW THE VW DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION MODULE COMPONENT, DEALT WITH OCCURRING PROBLEMS WITH THE ASR LIGHT AND A SEPARATE GLOW PLUG LIGHT SITUATION, PLUS UPPER FRONT STRUT MOUNTS REPLACEMENTS. EACH INCIDENT HAS EQUALLY COLORFUL STORIES TOO DETAILED FOR YOUR DATABASE CHARACTER LIMITATIONS. *JB
Power train, Jul 13, 2006
I WAS DRIVING AND DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH IN MY CAR, AT WHICH TIME I FELT A SNAP AND I COULD NO LONGER CHANGE GEARS. IT BEGAN WORKING AGAIN ABOUT FORTY MINUTES LATER, BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AT TIMES. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE WAS NOT RELEASING PROPERLY AND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE FLYWHEEL, AND THAT THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAS ONLY 35000 MILES AND IS UNDER WARRANTY FOR MORE THAN 70000 MILES. THIS REPAIR IS QUOTED TO COST ME OVER 2000 DOLLARS. *JB