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, Oct 18, 2006
2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA BRAKE PEDAL FAILED, WHEN ATTEMPTING PRESS THE PEDAL IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NM
Exterior lighting, Oct 12, 2006
AUTO HEADLAMPS MALFUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE AUTO ENGINE IS STARTED. ALL INCIDENCES HAVE OCCURRED AFTER AUTO WAS IN CONTACT WITH WATER, SUCH AS DURING A RAIN STORM OR A CAR WASH. THE AUTO INDICATOR LIGHT FOR HEADLAMP MALFUNCTION IS LIT AND DIFFERENT HEADLAMP BULBS ARE OUT, INCLUDING THE DAY RUNNING LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHTS. ON ONE OCCASION, ALL HEADLAMPS MALFUNCTIONED AT ONCE. AUTO WAS PURCHASED ON 4/26/05. FIRST INCIDENT WAS REPORTED ON 5/20/05. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER ON 5/26/05, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUED SINCE THE REPLACEMENT. THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE 5/26/05. THE DEALER REQUESTED THE AUTO BE RETURNED WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS VISIBLE TO THEM. I RETURNED THE AUTO TO THE DEALER ON 9/25/06 TO SHOW THE SERVICE ADVISOR THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS DOCUMENTED. THEY DID NOT ATTEMPT TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM ON THIS DAY AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TWO WEEKS LATER. ON 10/10/06 THE AUTO WAS RETURNED FOR REPAIR, HOWEVER, I WAS INFORMED ON 10/12/06 THAT BECAUSE THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEY WOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX IT. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE CENTER TO MAKE A COMPLAINT (REFERENCE NUMBER 60370228) AND WAS ASKED TO TAKE THE AUTO TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. I CONTACTED THE RECOMMENDED VW DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE TECHNICIAN WOULD NEED TO SEE THE PROBLEM AS IT WAS OCCURRING, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT. *NM
Exterior lighting, Oct 1, 2006
FAILURE OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH LEADING TO UNSAFE OPERATION OF VEHICLE. IMPROPERLY DESIGNED BRAKE SWITCH FAILED AT 19,000 MILES CAUSING REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TO NO LONGER FUNCTION. *JB
Power train, Sep 28, 2006
1. TURNED ONTO AN OFF RAMP AND CAME TO A STOP 2. CLUTCH WOULD NOT DISENGAGE, CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP 3. AWAITING DIAGNOSTICS TO DETERMINE MANUFACTURER OR DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2006
CALL STALLS OUT.. MY VW2005.5 JETTA WHILE DRIVE TURNS OFF WITH NO WARNING SIGNS.. VERY DANGEROUS.. ON THE HIGHWAYS. BEEN TO GUNTHER VW COCONUT CREEK FL FOR 2 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN AUG 30. 2006 FOR THE CAR STALLING .. SERVICE ADVISOR DEAN TOOK IN IT.. MY CAR WAS READY SEPT 1 2006 I BROUGHT THE CAR HOME AND IT STALLED. SO I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK IN FOR SERVICE THEY SEEM NOT TO BELIEVE ME UNTIL THEY DROVE IT AND IT CUT OFF ON THEM WHILE DRIVING NOW ITS IN THE SHOP AND NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA WHAT'S GOING ON.. *JB
Power train, Aug 11, 2006
PRETTY MUCH SINCE I LEASED MY CAR IN APRIL OF 05 THERE HAS BEEN PROBLEMS. WHEN I WOULD PUT MY CAR INTO REVERSE IT WOULD SHIFT HARD. THEN 3 MONTHS LATER I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PUT IT BACK ON THE BRAKE FOR IT TO GO INTO REVERSE. AS TIME WENT ON WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ENGAGE INTO REVERSE IT WOULD BOUNCE BACK. NOW WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE I CAN TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK AND LEAVE IT OFF FOR 5 MINUTES AND NOTHING, NO REVERSE. I CAN PUMP MY BRAKES AND NO REVERSE. I HAVE TO PUT IT BACK INTO PARK AND THEN BACK INTO REVERSE FOR IT TO GO INTO REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT IT IS NORMAL. BUT IT IS FAR FROM NORMAL. I JUST WANT THEM TO TAKE BACK THE CAR. NOW MY DRIVE IS STARTING TO ENGAGE HARD.
Seat belts, Aug 10, 2006
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TAB WON'T ENGAGE IN HOLDER MECHANISM. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2006
OIL PAN WAS CRACKED DO TO CONTACT WITH SPEED BUMP. ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON UNTIL ENGINE FAILED DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. WHEN OBTAINING A REPLACEMENT OIL PAN FROM MANUFACTURER A REDESIGNED OIL PAN WAS USED AS A REPLACEMENT. INSTEAD OF CAST ALUMINUM IT WAS STEEL. IF THIS PAN WAS USED AS THE ORIGINAL PAN THE INCIDENT WOULD HAVE NEVER OCCURRED. AFTER INVESTIGATING FOUND OUT THAT STEEL PAN IS USED IN GERMAN BUILT JETTA'S BUT US MADE USE CAST PRODUCT. VW REFUSED TO WARRANTY ENGINE WITH ONLY 21,000 MILES. *JB
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 1, 2006
DEALERSHIP: LINDSAY VOLKSWAGEN OF DULLES MANUFACTURER: VOLKSWAGEN I HAVE NEVER HEARD FROM VW CUSTOMER CARE SINCE MY INITIAL COMPLAINT, FILED 10.27.05 AT 9:12 P.M., REFERENCE NUMBER 804030825. I CALLED IN NOV 05' TO CHECK ON THE STATUS AND A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP TOLD ME I SHOULD FILE AGAIN (I HAVE A REFERENCE NUMBER FOR THAT, TOO). I'VE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM TO THIS DAY. SINCE I BOUGHT MY VW JETTA TDI 05' IN MARCH 05, I HAVE DOCUMENTED HOW THE VW DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION MODULE COMPONENT, DEALT WITH OCCURRING PROBLEMS WITH THE ASR LIGHT AND A SEPARATE GLOW PLUG LIGHT SITUATION, PLUS UPPER FRONT STRUT MOUNTS REPLACEMENTS. EACH INCIDENT HAS EQUALLY COLORFUL STORIES TOO DETAILED FOR YOUR DATABASE CHARACTER LIMITATIONS. *JB
Power train, Jul 13, 2006
I WAS DRIVING AND DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH IN MY CAR, AT WHICH TIME I FELT A SNAP AND I COULD NO LONGER CHANGE GEARS. IT BEGAN WORKING AGAIN ABOUT FORTY MINUTES LATER, BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AT TIMES. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE WAS NOT RELEASING PROPERLY AND THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE FLYWHEEL, AND THAT THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ITEM, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAS ONLY 35000 MILES AND IS UNDER WARRANTY FOR MORE THAN 70000 MILES. THIS REPAIR IS QUOTED TO COST ME OVER 2000 DOLLARS. *JB
Power train, Jul 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PROCEEDING FROM A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE CLUTCH SHATTERED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND OFFERED REPAIRS AT COST. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED COMPLAINTS FOR THE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE WERE A HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RELATING TO A SHATTERED CLUTCH. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Suspension, Fuel system, Diesel, Visibility, Seat belts, Structure, Jun 3, 2006
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS TDI FROM RANDY HILEY VOLKSWAGEN ON AUGUST 25TH 2005. I TOOK THE CAR INTO NORTH POINT VOLKSWAGEN IN SHERWOOD, ARKANSAS TO HAVE THE FUEL GAUGE CHECKED OUT ON SEPTEMBER 2ND 2005. THE SERVICE TECH TOOK ME TO THE SHOP TO LOOK AT THE CAR. HE ASKED ME IF I KNEW THE CAR WAS DAMAGED, I SAID NO. THE SALESMAN HAD SAID IT HAD NEVER BEEN WRECKED AND IF IT HAD BEEN WRECKED THEY WOULD SELL THE CAR AT WHOLESALE. THE SERVICE TECH AT NORTH POINT SHOWED ME THE FUEL PUMP/FUEL GAUGE-SENDING UNIT HAD BEEN BROKEN. HE SAID THE ONLY TIME THEY HAVE SEEN THIS HAPPEN IS IF A CAR HAD BEEN IN A WRECK. THEY PUT THE CAR ON THE LIFT AND FOUND THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN REPAIRED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. WE FOUND BAD WELDS, AND NO PAINT/RUST PROTECTANT. HILEY PAID FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO BE REPLACED. IF YOU LOOK AT THE VW WEB SITE FOR CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED YOU'D SEE THAT IT SHOWS UNDER THE UNDERBODY TAB "NO SIGN OF DAMAGE". I CALLED HILEY VW TO SEE WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS. TO WHICH THEY SAID, "THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO." (HILEY, GENERAL MANAGER). I HAVE HAD HILEY FIX A SEAT BELT PROBLEM AND CHECK FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON THE CAR. AFTER I ARGUED WITH GENERAL MANAGER ABOUT ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. I'M TIRED OF ARGUING! WHICH I HAD TO DRIVE TO ARLINGTON. THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN ON NOW. I TOOK THE CAR INTO MOFFITT VW. THEY SAY IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELT. THERE'S A FLAW IN THE WINDSHIELD. THERE ARE NO DOORSILL PROTECTORS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CAR. THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT LOCK INTO PLACE. THERE MAY BE MORE WRONG WITH THE CAR, I HAVE STOPPED LOOKING. I HAVE SUBMITTED A CONSUMER COMPLAINT FORM WITH THE TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND THE ARKANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. I HAVE ALSO SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT FORM WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN "CERTIFIED"? IS IT JUST A WAY TO DUMP A NOT "UP TO SNUFF" CAR ON AN UNSUSPECTING CUSTOMER?
Power train, May 22, 2006
WHILE ENTERING THE INTERSTATE AND UPSHIFTING INTO 5TH GEAR, THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED. THE CLUTCH STUCK TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL TRANSMISSION FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE CLUTCH DISC WHICH DISINTEGRATED AND WAS NOT COVERED SINCE IT WAS CONSIDERED A WEAR ITEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE SO THE OWNER THEN PAID TO MAKE THE REPAIRS, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 12, 2006
WHEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL ITS POWER AND WAS I COULD NOT GO OVER 25 MPH. WE WERE VERY LUCKY TO NOT GET HIT FROM BEHIND. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, ENGINE/EXHAUST LIGHT, ESR LIGHT, ESP LIGHT ALL CAME ON. IT ALSO STALLS OUT WHEN SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION. VW UNABLE TO FIX AS OF YET, BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS 3 TIMES ALREADY FOR THE SAME THING. VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, CAR VERY UNRELIABLE!! *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 28, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE FOR A SPLIT SECOND THEN STOP. IF THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF FOR 15 MINUTES, IT WILL GO FOR 10 MILES. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A PROBLEM, BUT HAS REPLACED MULTIPLE COMPONENTS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS RESET THE CODES, REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY CONTROL VALVE MODULE, THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, THE WIRES CONNECTING THE ECM, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, 18 CONNECTORS, THE WIRES TO THE PEDAL, BOLTS, AND INSTALLED A HARNESS. THESE EFFORTS HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP.
Power train, Feb 20, 2006
I NOW OWN A 2005. 5 NEW BODY STYLE JETTA TDI WITH JUST UNDER 15,000 MILES ON IT AND IN 5TH I CAN FEEL THE CLUTCH SLIPPING AT TIMES WHICH I FEEL IS UN-ACCEPTABLE. AND YES I DO KNOW HOW TO DRIVE A MANUAL DIESEL, TDI AND NON-TDI. *NM
Power train, Feb 9, 2006
AT COLD-START, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HESITATES THEN LURCHES INTO EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE, WHICH IS ESPECIALLY UNNERVING WHEN DRIVING IN AREAS WITH IN/DECLINES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE ROLLS LIKE A MANUAL. TOLD BY THE DEALER TWICE THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WAS FUNCTIONING TO MFG SPECS. THIS IS A PROBLEM. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2005 JETTA TDI, BRAND NEW. WHEN IT HAD LESS THAN 2000 MILES ON IT, IT DIED WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS LUCKILY ABLE TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC, AND AFTER 20 MINUTES IT FINALLY RESTARTED. THEN 6 WEEKS LATER, WITH LESS THAN 4500 MILES ON IT, IT DIED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS GOING 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE FREEWAY. I HAD MY 3 KIDS IN THE CAR. AGAIN, I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC AND ONTO A NARROW SHOULDER. I CALLED FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, BUT AGAIN, AFTER 20 MINUTES I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO RESTART IT. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WITH MY CHILDREN SINCE WE TRAPPED BETWEEN A GUARDRAIL AND THE FIRST LANE. IT WAS TERRIFYING. THE ONLY INDICATION THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WAS THAT AFTER IT DIED QUIETLY, A LIGHT CAME ON THAT SAID "EMISSIONS WORKSHOP." THE DEALER SAYS IT'S RUNNING TO SPECIFICATIONS. THAT DOESN'T EXPLAIN WHY A BRAND NEW CAR HAS QUIT TWICE WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO RESTART FOR 20 MINUTES EACH TIME. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 9, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES DO NOT ALWAYS DEPRESS. THE FIRST 3 TIMES THIS HAPPENED THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ITSELF. THE LAST TIME THIS OCCURRED THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HIT A VEHICLE. THIS CAUSED MINOR DAMAGE TO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THE COMPUTER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN AREA REPRESENTATIVE. HE WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK UPDATED 02/06/06. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 27, 2005
THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. DESPITE USING THE UNLOCK BUTTONS ON KEY, THE DRIVERS DOOR, AND THE PASSENGER DOOR, THE DOOR LATCH WILL NOT ENGAGE. EACH TIME ONE OF THE MENTIONED UNLOCK BUTTONS IS PUSHED, YOU CAN HEAR THE ELECTRONIC MECHANISM SOUND LIKE IT IS UNLOCKING THE DOOR, BUT THE LATCH STILL DOES NOT ENGAGE IN ORDER TO OPEN THE DOOR. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER YET, BUT FELT THIS SHOULD BE REPORTED HERE DUE TO THE DANGER OF THIS ISSUE IN CASE OF A CRASH / FIRE IN WHICH IT COULD PREVENT A QUICK EXIT OF THE PASSENGER. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Dec 19, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 25-30 MPH THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND LURCHED FORWARD. THIS PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT IN NATURE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES. HOWEVER , THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2005
WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WITH OUR 2005 JETTA SINCE PURCHASE. WHENEVER WE START THE CAR FROM COLD WE EXPERIENCE A VERY LOUD NOISE THAT LASTS FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS. WE HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT A NORMAL SOUND. UNFORTUNATELY AT FIRST THEY SAID THIS WAS NORMAL. ONLY NOW ARE THEY ADMITTING THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR A NEW CAR. THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS AND VOLKSWAGEN ARE STATING THIS IS A NORMAL ISSUE. THE DEALER DID REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH DID NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 22, 2005
THE CAR IS SQUEALING RIDICULOUSLY LOUD WHEN THE CAR COMES TO A STOP OR IN REVERSE. (MOSTLY IN REVERSE) I HAVE CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN MULTIPLE TIMES. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OR GIVEN ANY INFORMATION ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED EVERYTHING THEY COULD TO FIX IT. I HAVE OTHER FRIENDS WITH THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL WITH THE SAME NOISE. THE SQUEALING NOISE IS SO LOUD, IT SOUNDS LIKE AN 18 WHEELER COMING TO A STOP. WE KEEP GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM VOLKSWAGEN. IF I HAD KNOWN THIS PROBLEM WOULD NOT BE FIXED, I WOULD NEVER HAVE TAKEN OUT A LEASE ON THIS CAR. IT IS ONLY WITH THIS MODEL. MY PREVIOUS JETTA HAS NEVER DONE ANYTHING LIKE THAT. THE CAR IS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI 1.8 TURBO. I WANT ANSWERS FROM VOLKSWAGEN ON WHEN THEY ARE PLANNING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I WANT THIS KNOWN THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE OVER $350 A MONTH TO HAVE THE CAR, THAT THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT NEED TO WAIT 1 MORE MINUTE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 16, 2005
ANY TIME THE VEHICLE IS NOT OPERATED FOR A FEW HOURS OR LONGER, THE ENGINE MAKES A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE UPON STARTING. THE NOISE LASTS LESS THAN 30 SECONDS, THEN A HIGH-PITCHED NOISE FOLLOWS BEFORE BOTH NOISES CEASE. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THESE NOISES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS DUE TO THIS NOISE, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND THAT ALL NEW VEHICLES ON THE LOT WERE MAKING THE SAME NOISE. THE SALESMAN SUGGESTED THAT THE GRINDING NOISE WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS STARTING UP AND THE HIGH-PITCHED NOISE THAT FOLLOWED WAS THE FUEL PUMP. STILL, IT DOES NOT SOUND NORMAL, AND THE NOISE DOES NOT OCCUR IF THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN RESTING FOR A MATTER OF MINUTES. I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT A NORMAL FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE SUCH A NOISE, AND THEN ONLY MAKE IT ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 11, 2005
WE WERE DRIVING OUR NEW 2005.5 JETTA 5 SPD AT AN INTERSECTION THE VEHICLE STALLED AS A RESULT OF THE CLUTCH BEING LET OUT TO QUICKLY. I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT SUCCESS. I PULLED THE BRAKE UP; PUSHED THE CLUTCH PEDAL COMPLETELY IN AND PUT THE STICK SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. STILL WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER JUST MISSED US BY INCHES. FINALLY GOT THE CAR STARTED MADE OUR WAY HOME. AT HOME WE DUPLICATES WHAT HAPPENED AND DETERMINED WE NEEDED TO TURN THE KEY COMPLETELY TO THE OFF POSITION, THEN WE WERE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY RESTART THE ENGINE. WE DRIVE MOSTLY MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CANNOT THINK OF ANY TIME WE HAVE HAD TO TURN THE KEY COMPLETELY TO THE OFF POSITION TO GET OUR VEHICLES STARTED. WE CALLED AND TALKED WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WERE TOLD THAT THIS WAS A NEW FEATURE VW INSTITUTED THIS YEAR TO KEEP DRIVERS FROM TRYING TO RESTART AN ENGINE THAT MAY ALREADY BE RUNNING AND POSSIBLY RUINING THE STARTER. RUINING THE STARTER WAS THE LEAST OF OUR PROBLEMS. WE ARE CONCERNED THE DOCUMENTATION THAT OUTLINES THAT THE DRIVER MUST RETURN THE KEY TO THE 0FF POSITION EVERY TIME TO RESTARTED THE ENGINE IS BURIED ON PG 92 OF BOOKLET 3.1 IN SECTION IGNITION LOCK POSITION OF THE KEY. THIS IS CLEARLY NOT SOMETHING A DRIVER WOULD NORMALLY LOOK FOR OR EXPECT FROM THE VEHICLE THEY ARE DRIVING. I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THIS FEATURE BE CHANGED SO THAT IF A DRIVER STALLS THEIR VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY IN A COMPROMISING SITUATION, THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY BEING ANYWHERE IN THE ON POSITION. IN ADDITION, UNTIL THIS COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS INFORMATION BE INCLUDED IN THE JETTA QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE. THIS IS A MORE REASONABLE PLACE THE DRIVER MAY LOOK INSTEAD OF BEING BURIED DEEP INSIDE THE DRIVERS MANUAL. I ALSO RECOMMEND THIS BE INFORMATION THE DEALERSHIP IS REQUIRED TO MAKE SURE THE DRIVER KNOWS BEFORE LEAVING THEIR LOT. THIS IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING OF A POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE. *NM