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
248 reports, newest first.
Engine, Sep 30, 2014
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR TO HAVE CHECKED AT ADVANCE AUTO. TECHNICIAN FOUND FAULT FAILURE CAM SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR. CAR TAKEN TO VW DEALERSHIP, TOLD IT WAS THE TIMING BELT, ESTIMATE REPAIR $2700 NOT GUARANTEE THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. TOTAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT $6400. TIMING BELT SHOULD NOT FAIL ON A CAR WITH 109K MILES, CAR HAS BEEN KEEP ON ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SINCE PURCHASED 5 YEARS AGO. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Sep 18, 2014
DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR WIRING HARNESS HAS BROKEN, RESULTING IN NO OPERATION OF POWER WINDOW OR DOOR LOCK. DOOR WILL NOT LOCK. SERVICE TECHNICIAN HAS ADVISED REPLACEMENT OF THE WIRING HARNESS. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2014, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE COMPRESSOR AND THE FUSE BOX OVERHEATED CAUSING THE AIR CONDITIONER TO STOP WORKING. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED TWICE WITHIN A YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE FUSE BOX CATCHING ON FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,480.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Jun 30, 2014
SOMETIME IN EARLY TO MID 2013, I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM VOLKSWAGEN THAT I NEEDED TO BRING MY 2005 JETTA IN TO HAVE THE DRIVER'S SEAT WIRING HARNESS REPAIRED DUE TO A RECALL. I HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS OR WARNING LIGHTS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND THEY DID THE WORK. WITHIN A FEW DAYS, I GOT AN ERROR MESSAGE IN THE DISPLAY THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE AIR BAGS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO VOLKSWAGEN. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TECHNICIAN FAILED TO CLEAR SOMETHING IN THE COMPUTER MEMORY SO THE FAILURE MESSAGE HAD COME ON. THEY INDICATED THEY CLEARED THE MESSAGE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DISPLAY DID GO OFF. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE AIR BAG ERROR MESSAGE CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOL THE CAR BACK TO VOLKSWAGEN. THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE WIRING HARNESS AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE A NEW DRIVER'S SEAT SIDE AIRBAG INSTALLED, AT A COST OF ABOUT $700. IN NOVEMBER 2013 I CORRESPONDED WITH VOLKSWAGEN AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE ISSUE BECAUSE I HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL THEY REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS. VOLKSWAGEN'S RESPONSE WAS THAT, EVEN THOUGH I HAD BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR RECALLS ON "A CAMPAIGN RELATED TO AIRBAG CONNECTORS AND WIRING", IT WAS NOW THE AIRBAG ITSELF THAT WAS BAD NOT THE CONNECTORS OR WIRING, SO THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT. THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DISPLAY IS STILL THERE. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Structure, Jun 20, 2014
MY FUEL TANK EXPLODED ON MY 2005 JETTA WAGON TDI. I WAS FILLING THE TANK UP WITH DIESEL AND ALL OF SUDDEN DIESEL FUEL STARTING GUSHING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. THE BACKSEAT BULGED UP SO MUCH THAT I COULD NOT LIFT IT UP. THE UNDERNEATH PART OF THE CAR HAS BEEN DAMAGED AS WELL. I CONTACTED VW AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO A LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP. VW HEADQUARTERS HAS INFORMED ME THAT THEY WILL COVER THE COST OF PARTS, $900, BUT THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR THE CONSEQUENT DAMAGES WHICH HAVE BEEN ESTIMATED TO BE OVER $4,000, DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE EXPANSION OF THE FUEL TANK. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE CAR IS WORTH ONLY ABOUT $5,000, BUT THAT WAS WITH A WORKING FUEL SYSTEM, I'M SURE. VW HEADQUARTERS ALSO GAVE ME THE OPTION OF RECEIVING A $1,000 LOYALTY VOUCHER SHOULD I CHOOSE TO PURCHASE/LEASE A NEW CAR THROUGH THEM. I'VE BEEN INFORMED THAT THESE TWO OFFERS ARE GOOD FOR 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF 6/19/2014. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I DO BELIEVE THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE NHTSA IN THE PAST BY ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL IN NORTH CAROLINA. THIS INDIVIDUAL'S CLAIM TO VW WAS ORIGINALLY DENIED BY VW, BUT LATER, VW REIMBURSED HIM FOR ALL EXPENSES TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Jun 19, 2014
I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR AN EARLY 65K MILE SERVICE BECAUSE I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY & WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I THOUGHT HAVING THE 85K SERVICE DONE WOULD TAKE CARE OF THAT, IT DIDN'T & IT GOT WORSE, SO I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE VALVE BODY WAS FAULTY & THAT IT WOULD COST $1000+ TO FIX. I JUST PAID OVER $1000 FOR THE K MAINTENANCE & OTHER REPAIRS; I CAN'T AFFORD THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSE. [XXX], IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, STATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS ??NOT THAT BAD, ...THAT THEY SEE MUCH WORSE, ?WON'T BE A PROBLEM TO KEEP DRIVING IT...?. I WASN'T CONVINCED THAT A MALFUNCTIONING VALVE BODY WOULDN'T CAUSE ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS, BECAUSE WHEN I AM DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO DROP OUT OF THE CAR & THE CAR HESITATES TO THE POINT THAT IT IS NOT SAFE! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, May 19, 2014
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER CONTROLS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FAILED. THE WINDOW, LIGHTING, FUEL DOOR LATCH, TRUNK LATCH, AND SIDE MIRROR FAILED TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
Power train, May 16, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN AN ACCIDENT IN FRONT OF ME CAUSED ME TO ABRUPTLY STOP. IN ORDER FOR ME TO BACK UP AND GO AROUND, I HAD TO GET OUT THE VEHICLE AND PUSH IT BACKWARDS DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2014
WIRE HARNESS IN BOTH FRONT DOORS ARE BROKEN DUE TO SHORT WIRES AND THE PURGE VALVE IS ALSO BROKEN AND THE OVER HEAD LIGHT IS FAULTY AND I FEEL LIKE THE 2005 -2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2.5 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO FAULTY WIRING IN THE VEHICLE AND VOLKSWAGEN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE AND I THINK THEY SHOULD AT LEAST FIX THE PROBLEM FOR THE CONSUMER. I HOPE SOMEONE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE ASAP!!!! *TR
Structure, Feb 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH AND EXITING A HIGHWAY RAMP, A VERY A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY TO AN AUTO SERVICE CENTER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE TWO ALUMINUM BOLTS USED FOR THE MOTOR MOUNTS HAD FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE MOTOR TO FALL ONTO THE SUB-FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,362.
Power train, Engine, Feb 1, 2014
THE CAR WOULD BUCK AND BUCK THEN GO INTO GEAR , THEN IT WOULD BUCK GET STUCK IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR I WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF LET IT SIT THEN TURN IT BACK ON . THE PRNDS PANEL WOULD ALL LIGHT UP AND STAY ON AND SOMETIMES GO OFF IF THE CAR SAT FOR LIKE 2-3 DAYS BUT THE LIGHT WOULD STAY ON AND THE CAR WOULD DO THE SAME THING . THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT THE MECHANIC STATED THE 3RD OR 4TH GEAR WAS STRIPPED AND THAT IT WILL COST ME ANYWHERE FROM 4K TO7K TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 26, 2014
THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK STOPPED WORKING FOR PASSENGER DOOR BEHIND DRIVER. THERE IS NOT WAY TO MANUALLY LOCK. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 22, 2014
I WENT TO PRESS THE BUTTON ON THE REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE. CAR, BUT ALL DOORS UNLOCKED EXCEPT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. I MANUALLY HAD TO UNLOCK CAR DOOR. WHEN I WAS INSIDE I SHUT THE DOOR BUT THE CAR KEPT INDICATING THAT IT WAS OPENED. THE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN, SIDE MIRROR CANNOT BE ADJUSTED, CANNOT OPEN TRUNK OR POP THE GAS TANK. DOORS ARE SUP POST TO AUTO LOCK AT A CERTAIN SPEED WHICH THEY NO LONGER LOCK WHILE DRIVING. THE SWITCHES ON EVERY OTHER DOOR ARE STILL OPERATING PROPERLY EXCEPT FOR SPEED LOCKS. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE CHILDREN MAY ATTEMPT TO OPEN CAR DOOR WHILE IT IS IN MOTION. I SEARCHED ONLINE FOR SAME VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THERE ARE SEVERAL THAT INDICATE WHAT THE ISSUE IS, THE WIRES ARE TO SHORT FOR THE DOORS TO OPEN AND CLOSE WHICH PULLS ON THEM AND WILL CAUSE THE CONNECTION TO BREAK LEAVING THE DOOR POWERLESS. *TR
Power train, Dec 22, 2013
I HAVE A VW JETTA 2005 THAT HAS THE 2.5 ENGINE. FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS STARTED SHIFTING GEARS BY ITSELF IN HARD SHIFTS, MOSTLY FROM 1ST TO 2ND AT ODD TIMES. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE VWS AND REQUIRED A TRANSMISSION REBUILD. (I'VE HEARD THAT A NUMBER OF TIME). I HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT AT A COST OF $4,000 TO END THE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Dec 18, 2013
I WROTE TO YOU ABOUT A MONTH AGO ABOUT RECALLING THE 2005 JETTA. NOTHING CAME OUT OF IT. IT IS MY FIRM BELIEF THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. GOOGLE THE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2005 JETTA AND YOU WILL SEE TONS ABOUT COMPLAINTS REGARDING THEIR TRANSMISSION WOES. PLEASE BE OBJECTIVE IN YOUR INVESTIGATION. *TR
Air bags, Dec 15, 2013
AIR BAG LIGHT ON IN VEHICLE INDICATING AN ERROR WITH THE SYSTEM. MANUAL SAYS THE BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY OR DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN I THINK THE CAR COMPANY SHOULD ADDRESS. *TR
Power train, Nov 5, 2013
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A FIRST OWNER IN 2010 FOR MY DAUGHTER WHO WAS THEN A SENIOR AT UC DAVIS. NO PROBLEM FOR THE FIRST 2 YEARS BUT 2013 SEEMS TO BE THE BEGINNING OF SOME PROBLEMS. THE MOST MAJOR ONE IS THE TRANSMISSION. THERE IS A SLIPPAGE ON 2ND, 3RD, AND 4TH GEARS. THERE IS A JOLT ACCOMPANYING THE SLIPPAGE AND IF THERE IS A BABY ONBOARD, I PROBABLY FEEL THE BABY WILL BE SUFFERING SOME KIND OF PAIN. CHECKED THE INTERNET FOR SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS OF THE SAME MODEL AND SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 JETTA BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR
Engine, Oct 25, 2013
VEHICLE HAD A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER (MISFIRING VERY BADLY) AND WOULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON, AND THERE WERE NO TROUBLE CODES STORED. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO VW DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY CONFIRMED THE CAMSHAFT WAS COMPLETELY WORN AND "SEVERAL LIFTERS HAD CAVED IN." INTERNET SEARCHES CONFIRM THIS MODEL VEHICLE (TDI WITH A BRM ENGINE) HAS A KNOWN HISTORY OF CAMSHAFT FAILURE. ASIDE FROM THE COST OF REPLACEMENT ($2900 AT THE DEALER), THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING CRASH. *TR
Power train, Oct 14, 2013
07/22/13 I BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR AN EARLY 100K MILE SERVICE BECAUSE I NOTICED MY TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY & WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I THOUGHT HAVING THE 100K SERVICE DONE WOULD TAKE CARE OF THAT, IT DIDN'T & IT GOT WORSE, SO I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE VALVE BODY WAS FAULTY & THAT IT WOULD COST $1000+ TO FIX. I JUST PAID OVER $1000 FOR THE 100K MAINTENANCE & OTHER REPAIRS; I CAN'T AFFORD THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSE. [XXX], IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, STATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS ??NOT THAT BAD, ...THAT THEY SEE MUCH WORSE, ?WON'T BE A PROBLEM TO KEEP DRIVING IT...?. I WASN'T CONVINCED THAT A MALFUNCTIONING VALVE BODY WOULDN'T CAUSE ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS, BECAUSE WHEN I AM DRIVING IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO DROP OUT OF THE CAR & THE CAR HESITATES TO THE POINT THAT IT IS NOT SAFE! I DID SOME RESEARCH, FOUND THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VALVE BODY, HOWEVER, I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION IN ANYWAY REGARDING THIS, EVEN WHEN MY CAR HAD BEEN IN FOR SERVICE. I CONTACTED VW HEADQUARTERS & SPOKE TO [XXX] 8/30/13 WHO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE VALVE BODY, APOLOGIZED THAT I DIDN'T RECEIVED NOTIFICATION, THEN INDICATED THAT VW COULD NOT HELP ME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE & SHOULD BE COVERED BY VW. PLEASE HAVE SOMEONE CONTACT ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 6, 2013
2005.5 JETTA--VEHICLE HAS ROUGH SHIFTING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. AS WELL AS DOWNSHIFTING. WHILE DRIVING ON A MOUNTAINSIDE, GOING 65 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN, WITH CARS FLYING BY ME. THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS UNTIL TURNED OFF AND ON AGAIN. THIS IS NOW HAPPENING DURING REGULAR ACCELERATION AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN, AS I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO LOSS OF POWER/SPEED. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 25, 2013
I NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE IN THE "ON" POSITION AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND ALL LIGHTS WERE IN THE OFF POSITION. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY LEFT IT OVERNIGHT AND EXAMINED IT THIS MORNING. THEY NOTED THIS WAS A FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND INDICTED THE HOUSING HAD MELTED OVERNIGHT. THIS SEEMS LIKE A FIRE HAZARD. ALSO, VOLKSWAGEN HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE COMPLAINT # [XXX]. WHEN I SPOKE WITH VOLKSWAGEN THEY SAID THEY ARE ONLY COVERING VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE THROUGH MANUFACTURED YEAR 2003. MY CAR IS A 2005. OBVIOUSLY, THIS ISSUE PERSISTED BEYOND THE YEARS THEY INDICATED, AND THEY EXPECT THE OWNERS NOW TO FOOT THE BILL FOR A FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND DAMAGES CAUSED BY THIS ISSUE. I THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS ISSUE EXTENDS BEYOND THE PERIOD THEY INDICATED AND I HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER MAKING THIS A RECALL ITEM. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF THIS ISSUE BECOMES A RECALL ITEM. I FEEL, AT A MINIMUM, THE DEALER SHOULD COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Jun 18, 2013
THE WINDOWS AND DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK, THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN, AND THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR WOULD NOT TURN OFF WITH THE DOOR SECURELY SHUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED SAID THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE DRIVERS DOOR WIRING HARNESS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER DOOR WIRING HARNESS. THIS OCCURRED AT 80,000 MILES. FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AT 93,330 MILES, AND REPAIRED BY A DIFFERENT AUTO MECHANIC. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 13, 2013
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER JUST LIKE IGNITION TURNED OFF. ALMOST WAS REAR ENDED DUE TO SUDDEN SLOWING DOWN. HAD TO PULL OVER TO LEFT LANE ON VERY BUSY INTERSTATE BECAUSE I WAS IN CARPOOL LANE. HAD LIMITED SHOULDER AREA TO STOP. NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. ONCE STOPPED TRIED TO START ENGINE. IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT NOT START. CONTINUED ATTEMPTS CAUSED ENGINE PRESSURE WARNING. HAD TO BE TOWED FROM BUSY INTERSTATE LEFT LANE. NOW THE CAR HAS FAILED LIKE THIS WHILE ON THE ROAD 3 TIMES. THERE IS NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF FAILURE. CAR JUST DIES. ALL THREE INCIDENTS WHERE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. 2 WERE ON HILLS NEAR STOP SIGN AND I HAD TO ROLL VEHICLE BACK AROUND OTHER CARS TO SAFE PLACE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 24, 2013
LEFT TURN SIGNAL, DRIVERS DOOR/ALL REMOTE WINDOW SWITCHES, TRUNK/FUEL DOOR RELEASE, DRIVERS DOOR LOCK KEY FOB LOCKING OF DRIVERS DOOR/DRIVERS DOOR INTERNAL LOCK ARE ALL INOPERATIVE. OCCASIONALLY, THE CABIN INTERIOR LIGHT REMAINS ON WITH A DRIVERS "DOOR OPEN" INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVERS DOOR IS CLOSED AND SECURE (BUT UNABLE TO BE LOCKED FROM THE DRIVERS DOOR LOCK SWITCH IN THE PASSENGER CABIN). THE PRIMARY SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM IS THAT THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL DISPLAYS ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, BUT DOES NOT ACTIVATE ON THE REAR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT AND DRIVERS WINDOW (ALONG WITH ALL OTHER WINDOWS REMOTELY CONTROLLED ON DRIVERS DOOR) ARE INOPERATIVE IF NEEDED TO MAKE A HAND TURN SIGNAL OR EGRESS FROM THE VEHICLE IN AN ACCIDENT (OR SUBMERGED UNDER WATER FOR AN EGRESS). DEALER AND MANUFACTURE BOTH REFUSED TO COVER THE REPLACEMENT COST OF THE FAULTY PART. I HAVE PERFORMED EVERY MANUFACTURE REQUIRED SERVICE REQUIRED (ALL DOCUMENTED) SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY AND RELIABILITY. IT HAD VERY LOW MILEAGE ON MY PURCHASE IN EARLY 2007. PER VW TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, GROUP 97: 09-01 (201-7600), FEBRUARY 26, 2009, STATES THAT THE DRIVERS DOOR WIRING HARNESS WAS MANUFACTURED 80 MM TOO SHORT. THIS RESULTS IN PUTTING STRAIN ON THE NUMEROUS WIRES IN THIS HARNESS NEAR THE DOOR BOOT AND CONNECTOR PLUG CAUSING WIRES TO BREAK AND/OR ELECTRICALLY SHORT. MY VEHICLE WAS AFFECTED BY THE VIN RANGE OF THIS MANUFACTURES SERVICE BULLETIN. THE NEW REPLACEMENT DRIVERS DOOR ELECTRICAL HARNESS ARE NOW 80 MM LONGER THAN THE ORIGINALLY MANUFACTURED (INSTALLED) FAULTY PART THAT THE MANUFACTURE IS UNWILLING TO REPLACE AT THEIR COST (PARTS OR LABOR). I WILL PAY FOR MY REPAIR PERSONALLY, BUT BELIEVE THAT THE SAFETY ASPECT OF THIS FAULTY PART COULD COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS IN ADDITION TO OTHER MOTORIST. *TR
Visibility, Apr 18, 2013
AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD HER DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SUDDENLY DROPPED INTO THE DOOR, CREATING A LOUD NOISE AND SERIOUS DRIVING DISTRACTION. SHE REPORTED SWERVING AND SLAMMING ON HER BRAKES AS SHE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HAD HAPPENED. IT TURNS OUT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT, SEE TECHNICAL BULLETIN 64-08-06 AND THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED TO COVER THIS PART, BUT WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. APPARENTLY, THERE WAS NO RECALL NOTICE, DESPITE KNOWING OF THIS ONGOING PROBLEM, ONLY A WARRANTY EXTENSION AFTER THE PROBLEM OCCURS. THIS HOW NOW EXPIRED. SHE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, IN THE SNOW, AND THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR