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.
Air bags, Apr 15, 2008
I PURCHASED MY VW JETTA NEW IN 2005. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD A RECURRING ISSUE THAT I BELIEVE CAN CAUSE DEATH TO THE DRIVERS OR PASSENGERS IF THEY ARE IN A N ACCIDENT. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAGS (AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON) ABOUT 5 OR 6 TIMES.. THE MOST RECENT ONE BEING THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH. THE TIMES THE LIGHT HAS COME ON I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED.. BUT IT SEEMS TO ALWAYS BE THE SAME THING.. SOME SORT OF DAMAGED/SHORTING WIRES FROM WHAT THE DEALER HAS TOLD ME. I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE AND FEEL THAT FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO/RECTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I CALLED TODAY TO VW'S CUSTOMER SERVICE.. AND WAS BRUSHED OFF.. AND TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE PAID MANY TIMES TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED.. I WAS NOT TRYING TO GET WARRANTY WORK DONE. I WAS TRYING TO BRING TO LIGHT A RE OCCURRING ISSUE THAT MY CAR WAS HAVING. *TR
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
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 1, 2008
THE TRUNK DOES NOT LATCH IN COLD WEATHER. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY SAID THAT THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. HAVE SEARCHED AROUND THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF INSTANCES OF THIS PROBLEM IN THESE CARS NATIONWIDE. WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLD, THE TRUNKS CANNOT BE CLOSED. VOLKSWAGEN KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT OUR CAR'S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND THEY WANT US TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED ($190). IF IT IS A NATIONAL PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE SO MANY ORDERS THAT IT IS ON BACKORDER, SHOULDN'T THE TRUNKS BE RECALLED? *TR
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
Visibility, Jan 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND REALIZED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW HAD COME OUT OF THE FRAME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,000.
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT GO INTO THE IGNITION AT ALL. SHE HAS THREE SETS OF KEYS AND NONE OF THEM WILL ENTER THE IGNITION. SHE ATTEMPTED TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THE OFFICE IS CLOSED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 38,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 14, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT LEASED A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE VEHICLE IS A DRIVE BY WIRE VEHICLE AND THERE IS NO MECHANICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ENGINE. THE DRIVE BY WIRE IS PART OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CONTACT IS A TWO FOOT DRIVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MODIFIED. WHILE ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO AN INTENTIONAL COMPUTER PROGRAM, WHICH PREVENTS SIMULTANEOUS BRAKING AND ACCELERATING IN ORDER TO PREVENT STRAIN TO THE DRIVE TRAIN. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REPAIR AVAILABLE TO PREVENT THIS FROM OCCURRING. ON OCCASION, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AGAINST TRAFFIC OR TRYING TO MERGE, THE VEHICLE FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD. WHEN THE VEHICLE DOES MOVE FORWARD, IT ACCELERATES AT HIGH SPEEDS, APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND CAN BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THERE HAVE BEEN 15 OR MORE NEAR CRASHES. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE COMPUTER INTERLOCK BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS WERE FEDERALLY MANDATED. THIS DELAY IS TO PREVENT A CRASH IF THE ACCELERATOR SENSOR FAILS IN THE OPEN POSITION. ON NOVEMBER 7, 2007, THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE VOLKSWAGEN MANUFACTURER DROVE THE VEHICLE AND DUPLICATED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR WHEN DRIVING WITH TWO FEET OR ONE FOOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,850. EQ-10209410-4200. 12/12/07. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 7, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR EMANATING FROM HER VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHANGED THE AIR FILTER; HOWEVER, THE REPLACEMENT WAS ONLY A TEMPORARY SOLUTION. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE SMELL INTENSIFIED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,635 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE COSUMER WAS INFORMED THE SMELL WAS FROM THE ENGINE COOLANT. UPDATED
Electrical system, Oct 29, 2007
AFTER DRIVING FOR 40 MINUTES IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, I WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF, THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED FOR A FEW SECONDS AND WENT OUT. AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES, THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY. *TR
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 5, 2007
20K MILES, NOTICED REAR GRINDING SOUND WHEN BRAKING. SOUND SEEMED TO DISSIPATE AFTER A FEW HUNDRED FEET OF BRAKING. HOWEVER, IT TURNS OUT THAT THE GRINDING SOUND WAS THE REAR PADS HAVING BEEN WORN DOWN TO THE RIVETS. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE REAR ROTORS AND REAR PADS, AT 20K MILES. THIS IS VERY UNUSUAL. SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO TO 60K MILES ON REAR PADS, PERHAPS AS SOON AS 30K ON FRONTS. *TR UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07
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
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2007
MY CAR A 05.5 VW JETTA TDI HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE DEALER SINCE MAY 24,07 WITH THE SAME TROUBLE. LOSS OF POWER. INTERMITTENTLY, MOST OF THE TIME WITH OUT ANY INDICATION OR NOTICE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO CROSS THE STREET. IF CARS ARE COMING AND YOU PULL OUT INTO THE STREET AND YOUR CAR HAS LOST ITS POWER AND YOU DO NOT EXPECT IT. YOU END UP CROSS WAYS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH ON COMING TRAFFIC HAVING TO BRAKE AND WAIT FOR YOU TO GET OUT OF THEIR WAY. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY SO YOU CAN'T PREPARE FOR IT. IT ALSO WILL LOSE POWER WHILE YOU ARE CRUISING DOWN THE ROAD AND NEED TO PUSH YOUR ACCELERATOR DOWN, AND FIND OUT THAT NOTHING IS HAPPENING, AND YOU MAY HAVE TRY SOME OTHER EVADECIVE MOVE. I NO OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME THE CAR, HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AND DEALER HAVE NOT FIXED THEIR CARS EITHER. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 24, 2007
I OWN A 2005.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. JUST PRIOR TO THE 40K SERVICE THE CAR DEVELOPED A DANGEROUS POWER LOSS PROBLEM WHICH RENDERED THE CAR POWERLESS AND THE ONLY WAY TO CLEAR THE PROBLEM WAS TO PULL OVER, SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART. WE TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SHOP FOR OUR 40K SERVICE AND NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. IN JULY WE TOOK THE CAR ON A ROAD TRIP TO SANTA FE NM AND THE PROBLEM BECAME CHRONIC. WE TOOK THE CAR TO PREMIER MOTORCARS IN SANTA FE 505-428-5521 ON JULY 5TH, AND AS OF TODAY, AUGUST 24TH THE CAR IS STILL NOT REPAIRED. I HAVE ALSO JOINED A FORUM WHERE I HAVE MET OTHERS WITH THE CAME CAR, HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEIR CARS ARE NOT BEING REPAIRED. I HAVE THEIR NAMES, RO NUMBERS AND VW CLAIM NUMBERS UPON REQUEST. THERE APPEARS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT SO FAR APPEARS TO AFFECT THE 05.5 JETTA TDI MODELS. THE PROBLEM CAUSES THE CAR TO ENTER A "LIMP MODE" WHERE BASICALLY THE HORSEPOWER IS REDUCED DRAMATICALLY AND CAN HAPPEN UNSUSPECTINGLY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO NOT BE AWARE OF AN UNSAFE CONDITION ENTERING TRAFFIC. TO MAKE AN EXAMPLE THE FIRST TIME IT DID THIS TO ME I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AT A BUSY HIGHWAY. I HAD SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE TO CROSS BUT UNKNOWN TO ME MY CAR HAD LOST POWER BUT I DIDN'T REALIZE THIS UNTIL ENTERING THE INTERSECTION CAUSING ME TO BARELY MISS AN ONCOMING CAR. VW HAS BEEN VERY UNCOOPERATIVE WITH ALL OF US AS FAR AS LETTING US SHARE OUR INFORMATION WITH THEM. I HAVE COMPILED THE SERVICE INFO FOR ALL OF THESE PEOPLE AND SHARED IT WITH EACH AND WHEN WE SPEAK TO VW THEY REFUSE THE INFORMATION. IT APPEARS THAT VW HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM LEAVING MANY OF US WITHOUT OUR CARS FOR MONTHS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 17, 2007
FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, MY 2005.5 VW JETTA TDI HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY BEEN LOSING POWER UPON ACCELERATION. UNFORTUNATELY, I NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN; THUS IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU GO TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC AND HAVE NO ACCELERATION POWER. MY CAR, AS WELL AS MANY OTHER'S CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, HAS BEEN IN THE "SHOP" SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO *FIX* AS OF YET. THOUGH VW AND THEIR NUMEROUS TECHNICIANS KEEP *GUESSING* AND REPLACING PARTS, THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIST. FOR THOSE OF US DRIVING THESE AUTOMOBILES, WE ARE VERY LUCKY IF WE GO WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT OR BEING THE CENTER OF AN ACCIDENT WHEN YOU HAVE NO ACCELERATION POWER. *TR
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 9, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ABS FAILURE. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT 15 MPH THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, USUALLY WHEN DECELERATING AND STOPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKES MAY CONTAIN DUST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,100, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,300.*AK UPDATE 4/25/07 *TR
Visibility, Feb 17, 2007
DURING WINTER DRIVING WITH TEMPERATURE AT 18 DEGREES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERATIVE AFTER 45 MINUTES OF USE IN WASH MODE. WATER/ICE BUILDS UP UNDER A PLASTIC COWL, THIS COWL HIDES THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MECHANICS. THE ICE BUILD UP PREVENTS OPERATION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. A FRIEND OF MINE WHO IS A 2005 VW JETTA OWNER HAS REPORTED THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH HIS CAR. VW HAS REFUSED TO COVER THIS REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY, CLAIMING THIS IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM. *JB
Electrical system, Jan 6, 2007
THERE ARE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE SPECIFICALLY THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS, DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS, REMOTE ENTRY TO VEHICLE, MAKING IT UNSAFE AT TO DRIVE? TRIED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LOCAL DEALER AND THEY ADVISE THEY ARE BOOKED OUT FOR 12 DAYS - NOT SYMPATHETIC TO THE FACT THAT THESE PROBLEMS ARE SAFETY RELATED AND NEED TO BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY? EITHER DEALERSHIP HAS MORE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLES THAN THEY CAN HANDLE OR THEY ARE UNDER STAFFED? WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT LINE DUE TO POOR SERVICE AND UNWILLINGNESS TO ADDRESS SAFETY CONCERNS PROMPTLY! *JB
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
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 21, 2006, fire
2005 JETTA CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *TS THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THAT A LOT OF VEHICLES WERE HAVING A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TAILLIGHTS. *JB