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.
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
Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 16, 2009
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN MY CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS HAD BEEN DEPLOYED. MY SEATBELT RESTRICTED SO HARD, I COULD HARDLY BREATHE ANYMORE. NOTHING HAD HIT MY CAR AND I HAD NOT GONE OVER ANY POTHOLES OR BUMPS. VW SAID THAT IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR MY AIRBAGS OR THE DAMAGE DONE TO MY HEADLINER AND DRIVER SEAT. I NO LONGER HAVE A FUNCTIONING SEATBELT EITHER. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE FOR AMERICA. NOT ONLY DID THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY WITH NO ACCIDENT, I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN MY OWN VEHICLE. WHAT IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT TONIGHT WITHOUT THE PROPER PROTECTION A CAR IS GUARANTEED TO HAVE? IF I WAS KILLED OR MY KIDS WERE KILLED, WOULD VW DO SOMETHING THEN? *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
Air bags, Mar 25, 2009, crash
MY DAUGHTER HIT THE BACK OF A VOLVO SUV WITH HER 2005 VW JETTA AND NOT 1 AIR BAG DEPLOYED LEAVING HER IN THE HOSPITAL FOR A MONTH'S STAY WITH MAJOR BRAIN TRAUMA AND $100,000 + DOLLARS IN MEDICAL BILLS INSTEAD OF A MINOR TRIP TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. HER ENTIRE FRONT END IS IN THE WINDSHIELD. (WE HAVE PHOTOS).BECAUSE SHE HIT THE VOLVO AT THE WRONG ANGLE, WAS THE DETERMINED REASONING AS TO WHY THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. LET'S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK INTO VW'S ADVERTISEMENTS FOR SAFETY. MY DAUGHTER WAS FOOLED BY THIS NONSENSE AND THE REST OF THE COUNTRY IS BEING FOOLED ALSO. I WILL PURSUE THIS FOR CORRECTION FOR AS LONG AS NEED BE.LET'S HOPE THE BOARD GETS ON BOARD WITH THIS UNSAFE ISSUE! "AIRBAGS ONLY DEPLOY IF YOU HIT THE FRONT END AT A CERTAIN ANGLE? AGAIN< ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I'M SURE JOHN.Q. PUBLIC WILL BE VERY INTERESTED TO SEE THESE PIX ONLINE. *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
Service brakes, Air, Feb 10, 2009
MY 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA'S LEFT REAR BRAKE HAS WORN METAL TO METAL APPROXIMATELY EVERY 10,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS REQUIRED 5 BRAKE JOBS TO INCLUDE BRAKES, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS. *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
Fuel system, Diesel, Jan 7, 2009
ON THE NIGHT OF 25 DEC 2008 MY VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START BACK UP, THE IGNITION WAS CYCLED SEVERAL TIMES AND ASSISTANCE WAS REQUIRED TO GET THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE INTERSECTION TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE NEXT MORNING THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH NO ISSUES. IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL FILTER BE REPLACED AND THAT WAS DONE IMMEDIATELY ON THE MORNING ON 26 DEC 2008. THE SAME EVENING THE VEHICLE STALLED ONCE MORE IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAIN ROAD. IT IS FORTUNATE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON A DECLINE AND TRAFFIC WAS MOVING RATHER SLOW WHICH ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO COAST TO A SAFE TURN-OFF POINT. THREE HOURS LATER THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START ONCE MORE AND MADE IT TO A SAFE LOCATION WHERE THE FUEL PUMP (AKA IN TANK LIFT PUMP) COULD THEN BE REPLACED. A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS ORDERED AND REPLACED ON 29 DEC 2008 AND THE OLD PUMP WAS TESTED AND DEEMED TO HAVE FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS OF FAILURE, NO ERROR CODES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE AND NO MEANS OF SAFELY BEING ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AFTER IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN OPERATING WITH THE NEW FUEL PUMP WITHOUT INCIDENT. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Fuel system, Other, Dec 30, 2008
MY FUEL PUMP FAILED WITH NO WARNING, LEAVING MY WIFE STRANDED IN WINTER. THIS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER - THE CAR WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY, AND THEN STALLED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL CAR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 8, 2008
REAR BRAKES ON 2005 VW JETTA - METAL ON METAL AFTER 19K AND 38K MILES. TOLD BY VW THAT IT IS DUE TO A SMALLER BRAKE PAD ON THE REAR. FEAR THAT A SMALLER BRAKE PEDAL WEARS FASTER AND IS THUS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2008
OVER THE PAST 11 MONTHS OF OWNING MY VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS (LIGHTBULB ONLY) SEVEN TIMES. ALSO, OTHER VARIOUS BRAKE AND RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT. THE FIRST TIME, I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 1 DAY OFF THE LOT (USED). THE FIX IS OBVIOUSLY GOING TO PURCHASE NEW HEADLIGHTS. I'VE TRIED HIGH QUALITY SYLVANIA H7 LIGHTS, AND ALSO TESTED THE LOWER QUALITY TO SEE IF IT WOULD LAST LONGER, OR HOLD OUT AT ALL. VW (VIA A DEALERSHIP, NOT CORPORATE) HAS INDICATED THAT IT COULD BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, A SEAL IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, OR THE OBVIOUS POOR VENTILATION TO RELIEVE THE HEAT BUILD-UP. THERE IS A PLASTIC CAP INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON EACH HEADLIGHT THAT IS REQUIRED TO BE REMOVED TO ACCESS THE SOCKETS. IT DOES GET VERY HOT IN THERE. VW DID INDICATE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, BUT DOES NOT COVER BULB REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY, AS FREQUENT OR INFREQUENT AS IT MIGHT HAPPEN. ON A SEPARATE NOTE, AUTOZONE (LOCAL PARTS DISTRIBUTOR) HAS MADE COMMENTS INDICATING THE TYPE OF BULB (H7) IS OF POOR DESIGN ON ANY VEHICLE. ANOTHER ACQUAINTANCE HAS ADVISED ME ON HER VW, THERE ARE SIMILAR LIGHTING ISSUES. I AM SEEKING A RESOLVE, AS THE LIGHTS ARE RATHER EXPENSIVE ALONE, AND LETTING THE DEALERSHIP FIX THEM EXTREMELY COSTLY. THE INCIDENT DATE LISTED WAS THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED TO MY VEHICLE, AND THE LAST TIME WAS 2 WEEKS AGO. TO NOTE, THE HEADLIGHT USUALLY BLOWS OUT WHEN I START THE VEHICLE, NOT WHEN IT'S RUNNING. THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON, DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. I AM EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS AS TO NOT TOUCH THE BULB DIRECTLY, AS I KNOW THIS TO CAUSE DAMAGE. *TR
Air bags, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 28, 2008
MY TRUNK HAS NEVER CLOSED PROPERLY FROM THE DAY I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK WITHIN A FEW WEEKS TO BE REPAIRED. THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART AND IT TOOK A FEW MORE WEEKS. WHEN THEY REPLACED IT, IT STILL CONTINUED NOT TO CLOSE PROPERLY. I HAVE THE OLD PART. I ALSO RECENTLY HAD AN AIR BAG DEFAULT SENSOR COME ON. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM MULTIPLE TIMES REGARDING THIS AND THEY CONTINUE TO ADVISE THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO CHARGE ME A DIAGNOSIS OF 97.50 AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR A RENTAL IF THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE CONTINUOUSLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I HAVE TRIED TO DROP THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEY INSIST THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE ROOM AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET TO MY VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THESE ARE VERY SERIOUS HAZARDS THAT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING YET THEY FAIL TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR CUSTOMER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Oct 30, 2008
I OWN A 2005 VW JETTA TDI. AT APPROX. 60,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAVE REPLACED THE SAME FLAP MOTOR 3 TIMES AND IT HAS FAILED AGAIN. I HAVE ALSO CHANGED THE THERMOSTAT, COOLING KIT, SENSOR, AND IT COMES BACK AS A FLAP MOTOR FAILURE. HAS VW HAD A PROBLEM WITH INTAKE FLAP MOTORS ON THE TURBO DIESEL MOTORS?. VW WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP WITH THIS SITUATION. *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Oct 7, 2008
I HAVE A 2005 VW 2.5 JETTA. MY FIRST INCIDENT WAS AT 32,000 MILES WHEN THE BACK BRAKES WENT OUT. FOLLOWING THAT, MY BRAKE LIGHTS BECAME FAULTY. AFTER REPLACING MY BRAKE LIGHTS, THEY WENT OUT AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO CHARGED ME $38 TO CHANGE THEM AGAIN. THEY WENT OUT ONCE AGAIN BEFORE THE DEALER DECIDED TO INFORM ME THERE WAS A DEFECT WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME MY SPARK PLUGS WERE WET FROM THE RAIN. THEY SUGGESTED THE 40K MILE MAINTENANCE AT $500 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I AGREED TO DO THIS ONLY TO HAVE THE LIGHT COME ON AFTER I LEFT THE DEALER. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 4 MORE TIMES UNTIL THE DEALER FINALLY REVEALED THEY ARE AWARE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE COILS. THEY WERE DYING ELECTRONICALLY ONE BY ONE AND THEY HAD TO ORDER 5 NEW UPDATED COILS FROM MICHIGAN FOR MY SPECIFIC VIN. 6 MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AT 50 MILES. NOW I AM BEING TOLD THE A/C FAN MOTOR HAS DIED. THERE IS NO SENSOR FOR THIS SO THE FAN MOTOR HAS TO BE REPLACED AT $780.00. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE LARGER FAN IS WORKING, BUT IT IS WEAK AND MIGHT NEED REPLACED AS WELL. THE CAR JERKS AND RUNS VERY ROUGH. MY CAR ALSO MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN I START IT. WHEN I AM SITTING AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES. THIS DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT FOR A CAR THAT HAS 56K MILES CURRENTLY. *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
Air bags, Seat belts, Equipment, Sep 3, 2008
I OWN A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN NEW JETTA 2.5 WHICH JUST HAD AN INCIDENT OF THE AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT GOING ON. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE SERVICED AND WAS INFORMED THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WHICH WAS THE REASON FOR THE LIGHT. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY AT 58,00 MILES AND MY WARRANTY WAS ONLY EXTENDED TO 50,000 MILES, LEAVING ME TO SHOULDER THE COSTS OF A NEW SEAT BELT BUCKLE. THE SEATBELT'S INNER ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS HAVE BURNED OUT, BUT THERE ARE NO OTHER DEFECTS WITH THE BUCKLE. BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT HAS BURNED OUT, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM IS CONSIDERED UNSTABLE AND MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY DURING AN ACCIDENT. I FEEL THAT IN NO WAY SHOULD I BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT REGARDLESS OF MY VEHICLE'S WARRANTY STATUS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SAFETY ISSUE BUT STRANGELY VOLKSWAGEN HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS DEFECT. ALTHOUGH I CANNOT FIND ANY INCIDENTS OF ACCIDENT REGARDING THIS DEFECT, I FEEL THAT A PROACTIVE APPROACH AND INVESTIGATION IS BETTER THAN SOMEONE LOSING THEIR LIFE OR LOVED ONE FROM THIS DEFECT. *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
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2008, fire
2005 JETTA SOMEWHERE UNDER HOOD SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES WITH CAR PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY AND ENGINE TURNED OFF AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. FIRE CONSUMED ENTIRE ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS ACCORDING TO INSURANCE ADJUSTER. THERE WERE NO OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FIRE STARTED. CITY OF PLANTATION (FL) POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED AND WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH FIRE AFTER 15 MINUTES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2008
SMALL RADIATOR COOLING FAN STOPPED. *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.
Tires, Apr 26, 2008
FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT AT HIGH SPEED IN THE EVENING OF MARCH 4 2007. TIRES WERE ORIGINAL FROM PURCHASE OF VW JETTA ON 8/27/05. TIRES WERE PART OF AN UPGRADE PERFORMANCE PACKAGE. THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS ARE ON OUTER RIM; 225/45 R17 91H CONTIPROCONTRACT. NUMBERS ON INNER RIM; DOT AFTY PXH6 1105 AND 225/45 R17 M-S E4 0224686 G4 0224002. I HAVE A PICTURE OF THE TIRE. CAR HAD LESS THAN 28, 898 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE BLOWOUT. *TR UPDATED 05/05/08 *JB