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 and engine cooling, Nov 21, 2011
DRIVING MY DAUGHTER HOME FROM SCHOOL, HOT COOLANT STARTED SPEWING INTO WHERE HER FEET REST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2011
AS EMPHASIS BY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS CAR (HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?5457990-CLASS-ACTION-AGAINST-VW-FOR-TIMING-CHAIN-PROBLEM), VOLKSWAGEN DESIGNED A FLAWED SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWS THE TIMING CHAIN TO FAIL PRE-MATURELY. IN FACT, DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THIS MOTOR, A TIMING CHAIN FAILURE WILL DIRECTLY AND IMMEDIATELY LEAD TO OTHER CATASTROPHIC ISSUES SUCH AS A BENT VALVE IN MY SITUATION. UPON REPLACEMENT OF THE MOTOR, I HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE HAPPEN LESS THAN 1 MONTH LATER (11/16/11). *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2011
THE CAR INTERIOR HAS A CRAYON SMELL MOST NOTICEABLE ON HOT DAYS. I AM CONCERNED THAT I AM BREATHING IN POSSIBLY TOXIC FUMES FROM THE EVAPORATION OF CHEMICALS THAT WERE USED WHEN THE CAR WAS BUILT. AFTER TYPING INTO GOOGLE ONLY THE 2 WORDS "CRAYON SMELL" I GET MANY MANY HITS FOR VW CARS THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME SMELL AS MINE, SO THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS A LARGE GROUP OF VW VEHICLES. *TR
Power train, Nov 3, 2011
2005 .5 MODEL YEAR VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI (TURBODIESEL) WITH AUTOMATIC (DSG) TRANSMISSION. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING CAR, THE TRANSMISSION WILL FOR NO REASON SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, AND ALL TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHTS 'PRNDS' WILL FLASH SIMULTANEOUSLY. SO FAR, IF ENGINE IS SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL AGAIN FUNCTION NORMALLY. I BELIEVE THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 OR 5 TIMES NOW. ON ONE OCCASION, THE CAR WAS IN AN INTERSECTION WHEN IT BECAME IMMOVABLE WHICH PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD.I CAN SEE THAT THERE IS A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF INFO ON MANY VW INTERNET SITES ABOUT THIS ISSUE, IN FACT IF YOU SIMPLY GOOGLE 'VW DSG FLASHING PRNDS' OR 'VW DSG TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS' ANYONE CAN FIND IT. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I SEE THAT HHTSA HAS BEGUN AN INVESTIGATION BASED ON THIS FOR 2007 THRU 2009 MODEL YEARS, OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM ON 2005/2006 VW WITH DSG TRANSMISSION AS WELL. VW HAS INITIATED A NEW CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS CUSTOMER CONCERNS RELATED TO CERTAIN DSG EQUIPPED MODELS BUT APPARENTLY MINE (AND MANY OTHERS) ARE NOT COVERED THEY SAY BY THIS PROGRAM- NEVERTHELESS A SAFETY ISSUE EXISTS WITH 2005 AND 2006 DSG EQUIPPED VW'S. I CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE (NATIONAL) TODAY 11/3/11 AND REP SAID "I AM NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUE' FOR THIS YEAR- SO THEY ARE EITHER LYING OR INCREDIBLY UNDERINFORMED. I HAD THE CAR TO VW DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS, AND THEY STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWED A MALFUNCTION IN A PART THAT CONTROLS TRANSMISSION OPERATION AND WAS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL BY ITSELF. THEIR RECOMMENDATION, "SPEND $2000 TO REPLACE THE PART, OR JUST GET A NEW TRANSMISSION = $4000. SINCE THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY RELATED DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL- I FEEL THE NHTSA SHOULD EXPAND THE INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE ALL YEARS OF VW DSG TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED VEHICLES SOLD IN THE USA. *TR
Power train, Oct 19, 2011
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WON'T SHIFT FROM SECOND TO FIRST. OR FIRST TO SECOND. IF ENGINE IS VERY HOT IT WILL MOST TIMES BUT NOT AT ALL IF COLD OR WARM. *TR
Power train, Oct 13, 2011
3 OCT 2011: THIS VEHICLE'S FLYWHEEL ASSY FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES. FORTUNATELY, THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE I WAS AT A VERY LOW RATE OF SPEED IN A NON-CONGESTED AREA. AFTER THE EVENT, I HAVE COME TO REALIZE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ON DSG TRANSMISSIONS AS INSTALLED ON A VARIETY OF VW MODELS. VW DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE INTERESTED IN DISCUSSING THIS ISSUE FOR MODEL YEARS 2005 / 2006. I AM ONE OF THE LUCKIER ONES AS I REGULARLY MAKE LONG DISTANCE - INTERSTATE TRIPS WITH FAMILY IN-TOW. VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO ACCEPT FULL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO NOT ONLY TAKE CARE OF CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SUCH LOW-TIME FAILURES BUT, ALSO, EXPAND ANY RECALL THAT MAY BE IN-PLACE FOR LATER MODELS SO AS TO PREVENT POTENTIAL LIFE-THREATENING ACCIDENTS WITHIN THE OVERALL DRIVING POPULATION. I HAD BEEN DRIVING A "TIME BOMB" FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS AND, TO DATE, VOLKSWAGEN OF NORTH AMERICA HAS ONLY ISSUED A LIMITED RECALL FOR LATER MODELS, THE 2008-2010, I BELIEVE. THIS EPISODE WILL COST AT LEAST $3000.00 USD AND NONE OF IT IS COVERED BY VOLKSWAGEN. WHAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS AND HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY REPLACEMENT DSG TRANSMISSION WILL NOT BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THIS HAPPENING AGAIN CAUSING POTENTIAL VEHICLE, PROPERTY, AND PERSONAL DAMAGE IN THE FORM OF A VEHICLE "MISHAP".??? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 6, 2011
2005.5 VW JETTA, 2.5L 5 CYL ENGINE. CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER GUIDELINES. VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY WHEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS LIT STEADY, NOT FLASHING. STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND WAS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN SPEED. PULLED OFF ROAD AND IDLE WAS VERY ROUGH. TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IDLE WAS WORSE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STILL LIT AND NOT FLASHING. VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE GRINDING NOISE FROM DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WAS DIFFICULT TO MOVE VEHICLE UNDER ITS OWN POWER AND HAD CAR TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. REPAIR SHOP FOUND TROUBLE CODE P1340 AND AFTER MORE DIAGNOSTIC THAT TIMING WAS INCORRECT. CAM TIMING WAS VERY FAR OFF AND STRETCHED TIMING CHAIN SUSPECTED. COMPRESSION TEST REVEALED BENT VALVES AS WELL. LOCAL INDY MECHANIC AND LOCAL VW DEALER HAVE BOTH SEEN THIS ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES WITH 2005.5 AND 2006 MODEL JETTA AND RABBIT VEHICLES WITH THE 2.5L ENGINE, AND SEVERAL OTHER SIMILAR FAILURES ARE OUTLINED IN SEVERAL PLACES ONLINE. THE FAILURE OF THE TIMING CHAIN WAS VERY SUDDEN AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Visibility, Sep 28, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN NEW JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE POWER WINDOWS AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT BOTH A WIRING AND CRASH HARNESS WAS NEEDED TO RESOLVE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2011
CAMSHAFT FAILURE CAUSING ALL ASSOCIATED/CONNECTING PARTS TO ALSO FAIL. NEVER DEVIATED FROM SPECIFIED MANUFACTURES REQUIRED OIL (505.01). THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN PROBLEM, THAT IS COMMON ON ALL THESE DIESEL ENGINES (BRM), OF WHICH THE MANUFACTURE WILL NOT CORRECT AND THE OWNER IS REQUIRED TO CORRECT AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE AT A COST OF $2000 PLUS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Aug 23, 2011
OWN A 2005 VW JETTA, BROUGHT INTO DEALERSHIP TODAY WITH 106K MILES ON IT AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING THE TIMING CHAIN HAS JUMPED. THIS SOUNDS LIKE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM, SO WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL. *TR
Equipment, Aug 12, 2011, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A BURNING WAX ODOR EMITTING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE CARPET. THE ODOR RETURNED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR DURING SUMMER MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED $1500 TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NO REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 6, 2011
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE RETURNING HOME AFTER SHOPPING. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. DIAGNOSIS WAS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF ENGINE DUE TO A TIMING CHAIN JUMP ON A 72K MILE, 2.5 LITER, 2005 VW JETTA TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. *TR
Steering, Jun 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT ADDED POWER STEERING FLUID TO THE VEHICLE BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000.
Power train, Jun 16, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 NEW JETTA AND AT AROUND 60,000 MILES IT SHIFTS HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. IT ALSO DOWNSHIFTS ABRUPTLY. THE HARD JERKING SCARES ME WHEN DRIVING BECAUSE IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. AT SOME POINT VW HAS TO REALIZE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. I GOT THE RECALL LETTER ABOUT THE VALVE BODY AND WHEN I TOOK IT TO A VW DEALER FOR SERVICE I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR DIDN'T HAVE A VALVE BODY ISSUE. THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. COST $6,000. I CONTACTED VW BY PHONE AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NOW AT CLOSE TO 70,000 MILES THE JERKING HAS WORSEN AND I HAVE BECOME VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS CAR WHILE I'M DRIVING IT. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Jun 7, 2011
I PURCHASED A 2005 NEW JETTA AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN JULY OF 2010. IT CURRENTLY HAS 72,000 MILES. 3 ISSUES. ONE, WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED UP, A CLANGING NOISE OCCURS AND LASTS FOR APPROX 30 SECONDS, THEN IT SOUNDS LIKE A VENT CLOSES AND THE SOUND GOES AWAY. TWO, THE RIGHT FRONT HEADLIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF SOMETIMES WHEN I PULL ALONG SIDE A CURB. I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR, BACK THE CAR UP, THEN PULL THE CAR FORWARD TO GET IT TO TURN OFF. THE THIRD ITEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY NOT ALWAYS AND INVOLVES SHIFTING OF GEARS. WHEN THE CAR IS GOING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR, IT SEEMS TO BOUNCE BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR A LITTLE ROUGH BUT NOT JERKY AND SOMETIMES WHEN COASTING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION THE CAR SEEMS TO HESITATE WHEN I AM READY TO PUSH ON THE GAS. BUT THEN, AFTER A COUPLE SECONDS, ENGAGES INTO GEAR WITH A LUNGE. I RECENTLY TOOK THE CAR TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP FOR ANALYSIS AND THE MAN SAID HE COULD NOT PRODUCE ANY CODES. I TOLD HIM I HAD RECEIVED THE LETTER ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION'S VALVE BODY WARRANTY EXTENSION. HE DROVE THE CAR AND SAID THE CAR DEFINITELY LUNGES AND TOLD ME TO GET IT TO A VW DEALERSHIP FOR A CHECK UP AS HE WAS NOT AN AUTHORIZED VW TECH. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHICH IS 2 HOURS AWAY FROM MY HOME. THEY DROVE THE CAR 3 SEPARATE TIMES TRYING TO PRODUCE THE SCENARIO I DESCRIBED BUT COULD NOT. THE TECH TOLD ME IT SOUNDED LIKE I WAS DESCRIBING THE VALVE BODY ISSUE AND HE WOULD TELL THE SERVICE ADVISOR THAT HE HAD FELT THE PROB AND THAT MY CAR NEEDED A NEW VALVE BODY. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR, THE CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE ABOVE 20 MPH WITHOUT THE ENGINE ROARING AND THE SHIFTING HARD INTO GEAR EVERYTIME. ME AND MY DAUGHTER HAD PULLED OUT INTO A VERY BUSY 40 MPH TRAFFIC. IT WAS SCARY. AT ONE POINT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR! I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM SOMETHING WAS SERIOUSLY WRONG. NEXT DAY, THEY TOLD ME MY CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AT MY COST OF $5000. WHAT HAPPEN? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 1, 2011
COILPACK FAILURE CAUSES THE CAR TO DECELERATE AND SPUTTER, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT STARTS TO RAIN. VOLKSWAGEN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE 2001. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMMENTS ON THIS DEFECT YET THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. *TR
Power train, May 19, 2011
HARD SHIFTING, IT HARD SHIFTS AND IT KEEPS GETTING WORSE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE VALVE BODY BUT VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT WANT TO PAY FOR IT BECAUSE IT IS A FEW MILES OVER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY WHEN I HAVE READ MANY THINGS SAYING THAT VOLKSWAGEN WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VALVE BODY. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2011
NOXIOUS ODOR FROM CARPET UNDERLAYMENT. CAUSES HEADACHES AND ODOR TO BE ABSORBED INTO CLOTHING, SKIN, SEATS, ETC. VW WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM, NOR DISCLOSE THE MATERIAL USED AND IF IT IS OFF-GASSING ANY HAZARDOUS FUMES. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2011
JETTA 2005.5 SEDAN (AUTOMATIC) HARD SHIFTED BETWEEN 2ND & 3TH GEARS, DISPLAYING SHUDDERING AND HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION IN TRAFFIC. SINCE OCTOBER 2010 HARD SHIFTING HAS CONTINUED DAILY AND FREQUENCY OF SHIFTING HESITATION ISSUE HAS WORSENED. HARD SHIFTING WITH HESITATION UP BETWEEN 3TH AND 4TH, AND ALSO HARD SHUDDERING DOWNSHIFT BETWEEN 3RD AND 2ND. DEALER HOOKED VEHICLE TO COMPUTER ON FEB 14, 2011 AND STATED TRANSMISSION HAS NO ERRORS. DEALER WOULD NOT TEST DRIVE FOR LONGER THAN 4 MILES, DEALER STATED HARD SHIFT DID NOT OCCUR IN THAT 4 MILE PERIOD, TEST WAS NOT AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, OWNER WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE. DEALER STATES VEHICLE IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR VALVE FIX. VEHICLE SHIFTING FAILURE IS HAZARDOUS AND DANGEROUS HIGHWAY CONDITION.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 22, 2011
THE OUTSIDE HANDLES OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR & DRIVER'S SIDE BACK PASSENGER DOOR DO NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. IT APPEARS THAT THE CYLINDER INSIDE THE DOOR DOES NOT LOCK THE HANDLE IN PLACE SO THE DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE. I HAVE TO ROTATE THE CYLINDER WITH MY FINGERS ALONG WITH PUSHING THE DOOR HANDLE INTO PLACE FROM THE OUTSIDE TO RESET THE DEVICE. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT THAT CORRELATES WITH THIS FAILURE. THIS OCCURS DURING EACH USE OF THE DOOR. IN RESEARCHING, I FOUND THAT SOME 2005 VW JETTA MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE DEALER, HE SAID MY VIN NUMBER DID NOT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 12, 2011
VW JETTA 2.5L 2005 OUT OF THE BLUE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 81,000 MILES. RANDOM MISFIRE AND VACUUM LEAK CODES. TURN OUT TO BE TIMING CHAIN STRETCHED CAUSING THE PROBLEM COST $2000 TO FIX. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR WHENEVER DECELERATING THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VALVE COVER DIAPHRAGM, COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND CRANK SHAFT SENSORS WERE REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,236.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A NOISE COULD BE HEARD FROM THE ENGINE WHILE DECELERATING FROM ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TIMING CHAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 79,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.