2006 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 580 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 15 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 17 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
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 10, 2010
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 10V621000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftMay 19, 2009
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2.01 ENGINE. THE FASTENING SCREW CONTACT SURFACES ON THE DRIVESHAFT COVER PLATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN OVER TIME, CAUSING A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS COULD LOOSEN TO THE POINT WHERE THE DRIVESHAFT DETACHES FROM THE GEARBOX.
IF THE VEHICLE IS MOVING WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE DETACHED DRIVESHAFT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE THE GEARBOX HOUSING. A DAMAGE GEARBOX HOUSING COULD LEAK GEARBOX OIL ONTO THE STREET AND CREATE A RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH FOR BOTH THE DRIVER AND OTHER MOTORISTS.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVESHAFT SCREWS AND REPLACE THE SCREWS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 09V164000 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
Visibility, windshield wiper/washerJun 25, 2007
CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L GASOLINE ENGINES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CHAFING HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A FUEL LEAK OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR AND WILL ALSO INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 24, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 07V284000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
112 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Mar 11, 2011
DRIVER'S SIDE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE - SEVERAL WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND DRIVER DOOR HAVE FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, RELEASE FUEL DOOR, AND RELEASE TRUNK FROM DRIVER DOOR. THE FAILED WIRING ALSO RESULTS IN A CONSTANT DOOR AJAR INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ILLUMINATION OF THE FRONT DOME AND ENTRY LAMPS. SAFETY SYSTEMS MAY BE COMPROMISED IF THE ONBOARD COMPUTER BELIEVES THE DOOR IS AJAR. VW STATES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH, YET THE COST FOR REPAIR IS OVER $400. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2011
OUR 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA DEFINITELY HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THEY ALL DO!!!! WHEN WE PURCHASED OURS 1 YEAR AGO IT WAS WINTER AND OUR TRUNK LATCH WOULDN'T WORK THE 1ST NIGHT WE GOT IT. WE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE VW DEALER AND THEY REPLACED IT - AND THE NEXT DAY IT DID IT AGAIN - THEN THEY TOLD ME IT WAS BECAUSE IT WAS COLD OUT THAT IS WHY MY TRUNK DID NOT CLOSE. NOW AFTER COUNTLESS LIGHTS CHANGED AND THE CADILLAC CONVERTER CHANGED. MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LIGHT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE MY DOOR IS OPEN AND DOES NOT COME ON AND IT IMMEDIATELY GOT WORSE MY TWO FRONT WINDOWS ARE GOING UP AND DOWN - MY WINDOW LOCK SWITCH IS STILL ON WHEN THE CAR IS OFF - SO I HAVE TO LOOK UP CLOSE AND PUSH AGAIN UNTIL THE LIGHT IS OFF. **********************TOOK TO VW THEY WANT $92 JUST TO LOOK AT************RECALL RECALL MY VW DEALER TOLD ME TODAY THAT THERE IS AN AIRBAG RECALL ON MY 2006 JETTA 2.5 WHY WERE WE NOT NOTIFIED THAT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY WITH MY CHILDREN!!! NEED TO INVESTIGATE ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Interior lighting, Feb 2, 2011
BOUGHT USED VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TURBO. AFTER ONE YEAR OF PERFECT FUNCTIONING, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND AIR CONDITIONING HAVE TOTALLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. MECHANIC CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. ADDITIONALLY, TRUNK LATCH WOULD NOT LATCH UPON OPENING TRUNK. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 29, 2011
I HAVE A 2006 .5 VW JETTA TDI WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN SUMMER 2006. STARTING IN SEPT 2010 WE HAVE HAD AN ENDLESS PROBLEM WITH DOOR AJAR SENSOR. WHILE DRIVING THE DOME LIGHTS AND AJAR LIGHT COME ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY. THE ALARM SYSTEM ARMS ITSELF AND GOES OFF WHEN PARKED AND THE SENSORS STOP WORKING. I HAVE HAD BOTH DOOR SENSORS CHANGED ALONG WITH LATCH ASSEMBLY TO NO AVAIL , NOW THE SHOP INDICATES IT IS THE WIRING HARNESS. YESTERDAY I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VW ABOUT OTHER WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG SYSTEM. (SERVICE ACTION 97U3/T3) THOUGH THEY DON'T CALL IT A RECALL. *LN
Electrical system, Seats, Jan 24, 2011, fire
MY 2006 VW JETTA 2.5 L HAS HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WARMER CATCH FIRE AND CAUSE HOLES IN MY SEAT. AS I DROPPED OFF ONE OF MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL TODAY I NOTICED A BLACK HOLE WITH GLOWING ORANGE EMBERS IN THE SEAT! I TOUCHED IT AND REALIZED MY SEAT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE! THANK GOD MY CHILD WAS ALREADY OUT OF THE CAR AND WAS WEARING A HEAVY COAT AND WASN'T BURNED BY IT. DEFINITELY A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND I'M LUCKY NO ONE WAS INJURED! *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Interior lighting, Jan 3, 2011
THE CAR DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THAT THE DOOR IS OPEN. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING DOES NOT COME ON AND THE NOTIFICATION THAT THE HEADLIGHTS REMAIN ON IS NOT FUNCTIONAL. THIS HAS LEFT ME WITH A DEAD BATTERY TWICE. ALSO, THE CAR ALARM REARMS ITSELF IF THE ENGINE IS NOT STARTED WITHIN 30 SECONDS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT THE LIGHTING IS NOT FUNCTIONAL WHICH IS A SECURITY CONCERN AT NIGHT. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Jan 1, 2011
DRIVER'S SIDE WIRING HARNESS FAILURE - SEVERAL WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND DRIVER DOOR HAVE FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, RELEASE FUEL DOOR, AND RELEASE TRUNK FROM DRIVER DOOR. THERE IS NO MANUAL RELEASE FOR THE FUEL DOOR. THE FAILED WIRING ALSO RESULTS IN A CONSTANT DOOR AJAR INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ILLUMINATION OF THE FRONT DOME AND ENTRY LAMPS. SAFETY SYSTEMS MAY BE COMPROMISED IF THE ONBOARD COMPUTER BELIEVES THE DOOR IS AJAR. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2010
I GOT INTO THE CAR AND WENT TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS FOR MY TWO CHILDREN AND PUT THEM IN THE CAR. THEY GOT IN THE CAR AND THE DOOR OPEN ALARM CONTINUED EVEN AFTER THE DOOR WAS CLOSED. I REOPENED AND CLOSED THE DOOR AND IT FINALLY STOPPED. THE NEXT TIME I OPENED THE DOOR THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO DOWN, THE LOCKS DID NOT WORK AND I COULD NOT ADJUST THE MIRRORS. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE SAID IT WAS THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE CAR. A WIRE HAD BROKEN AND THEY ORDERED A REPLACEMENT HARNESS. AFTER INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE, I SEE THEIR ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE 2006 VW JETTA TDI WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I SEE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE, DUE TO THE FACT THAT IN AN EMERGENCY I WOULD STRUGGLE WITH EXITING THE CAR WITH MY TWO CHILDREN. IT ALSO MEANS AN EXPOSED WIRE IS A REGULAR OCCURRENCE WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 24, 2010
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Visibility, Nov 18, 2010
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED, LOW MILEAGE 2006 VW JETTA AND SOON AFTER I NOTICED THE HEADLINER BEGAN TO BUBBLE, SAG, AND TEAR AWAY FROM THE C-PILLARS I KNEW THAT THIS WAS NOT NORMAL FOR A FOUR-YEAR-OLD CAR AND THAT THIS COULD QUICKLY TURN INTO A SAFETY HAZARD IF LEFT IGNORED. SHOULD THE HEADLINER CONTINUE TO BUBBLE AND SAG INTO THE DRIVER'S LINE OF SIGHT THIS COULD BECOME A SERIOUS MOTOR VEHICLE HAZARD. I BEGAN TO READ AROUND ONLINE AND DISCOVERED, TO MY SHOCK, NEWS ABOUT THE COMMONALITY OF THIS ISSUE TO HUNDREDS OF OWNERS. SO, SURELY VOLKSWAGEN IS ALREADY AWARE THAT THIS IS A MASS ISSUE AND WOULD CERTAINLY WANT TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT IT, RIGHT? I AM WRITING BECAUSE I GENUINELY LOVE THIS CAR, BUT FEEL THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS MOTOR VEHICLE DEFECT WITHIN THE HEADLINER ASSEMBLY, GLUE OR THE WAY THE FABRIC LINER WAS CUT, POSSIBLY TOO SHORT. I WANT TO GET MY HEADLINER REPAIRED, BUT HONESTLY DO NOT FEEL THAT I SHOULD BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR LOW QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP PUT INTO THE HEADLINER OF A FOUR YEAR OLD VEHICLE. I'D LIKE FOR VOLKSWAGEN TO PETITION TO HAVE THIS ITEM RECALLED CITING THE POTENTIAL SAFE HAZARDS IT CAN CAUSE DUE TO LOSS OF SIGHT WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, I'D LIKE FOR YOU TO CONTACT ME IN ORDER TO MAKE THE PROPER ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE MINE REPLACED. I AM ALSO SENDING THIS LETTER TO VOLKSWAGEN'S CONSUMER COMPLAINTS DEPARTMENT, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION FOR THEIR REVIEW. THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN ONE WEEK OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WAS DETERMINED THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SOON AFTER, THE RADIO AND WINDOW BUTTONS BEGAN TO PEEL AS IF THEY HAD BEEN SITTING OUT IN HEAT. UPDATED IVOQ 12/22/10*JB *TR THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE WIRING IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE EXTERIOR SIDE MIRROR TURN SIGNALS DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE WIRING HARNESS INSIDE THE BOOT OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR SHOWED SIGNS OF WEAR. THE CONSUMER STATED 2 OUT OF THE 11 WIRES WERE BROKEN, INCLUDING THE GROUND WIRE. UPDATED 06/07/11
Electrical system, Nov 16, 2010
MY VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI REGULARLY STOPPED WORKING, ABOUT ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS BEGINNING WHEN IT WAS LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD. UNDER WARRANTY THE DEALERSHIP FIXED IT THE FIRST TIME BY "REPLACING A RELAY" THEY SAID, BUT NOT REALLY BECAUSE IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN. THE SECOND TIME WHEN IT WAS ABOUT A YEAR OLD AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE DEALERSHIP SAID BY THE TIME IT WAS TOWED TO THEM IT HAD BEGUN WORKING AGAIN SO THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. THEY SAID UNLESS IT WAS NOT WORKING WHEN THEY HAD IT IN THEIR SHOP THEY COULDN'T FIX IT, ALTHOUGH THEY COULD SEE SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED. IT WOULD SIMPLY STOP WORKING OR NOT START. AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT I BEGAN TAKING IT TO A VW TRAINED MECHANIC WHO ALSO TOLD ME HE COULDN'T FIX IT BECAUSE IT WAS INTERMITTENT AND WOULD START WORKING AGAIN BEFORE THE TOW TRUCK GOT IT TO HIS SHOP. HE SAID IT WAS DUE TO "ONE OF THE SEVERAL COMPUTERS NOT TALKING TO ONE OF THE OTHER COMPUTERS". HE COULD SEE A RECORD IN THE CAR THAT SOMETHING HAD BEEN NOT WORKING, BUT THE CAR RAN BY THE TIME IT GOT TO HIM. TOWARD THE END, IT WOULD DIE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I FEARED FOR MY LIFE AND THAT OF THE CHILDREN WHO RODE IN MY CAR. I TRADED IT IN, ALREADY NOT WORKING AGAIN, FOR A NEW CAR THAT I FELT I COULD TRUST. THROUGH OUT ALL THIS, I COULD NOT CONTACT ANYONE AT VW EXCEPT SOMEONE WHO TOLD ME THEY WERE SORRY, BUT VW COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. THE PROBLEM STARTED HAPPENING WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW AND CONTINUED TO HAPPEN AND WAS NEVER RESOLVED. IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE DATE BELOW IS MERELY THE LATEST INCIDENT. *TR
Fuel system, Diesel, Electrical system, May 24, 2010
2006 JETTA TDI 58,229 MILES TODAY / PURCHASED FROM 2ND OWNER AT 53K MILES 34MPG IN TOWN / 42.5MPG HIGHWAY WIFE DRIVEN WITH LIGHT FOOT. OIL CHANGE AND FUEL FILTER REPLACED AT 53K MILES BACKGROUND: CAR WAS PURCHASED EARLY DEC 2009, WITH IN 2 WEEKS IT WAS AT THE DEALER FOR A NON START ISSUE. CAR WAS GARAGED OVER A 3 DAY WEEKEND AND NOT DRIVEN AT ALL. MONDAY MY WIFE GOES TO START IT AND IT WILL NOT START, AFTER TELLING ME I TRY FOR 3 MINUTES TO GET IT STARTED AND IT FINALLY STARTS. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY FIND NO ISSUES, THEY BLAME COLD START AS THE CULPRIT. THIS IS A BS CALL AS THE CAR WAS AND IS ALWAYS GARAGED AT 50+ DEGREES F. ROUGHLY 3 WEEKS LATER THE SAME SITUATION HAPPENS AND THE CAR GOES BACK TO THE DEALER. TO NO AVAIL THEY STILL COULD NOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE NOR FIND A SOLUTION. THE NO START ISSUE/ HARD START ISSUE SEEMED TO PROGRESS FROM SITTING FOR 3 DAYS AND NOT STARTING TO RANDOMLY MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK NOT STARTING. THEY STILL CANNOT FIND A SOLUTION. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THIS IS A FUEL ISSUE. ON TO TODAY'S ISSUE: FIRST NOTICED 3 WEEKS AGO WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS A CAR ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH (AROUND 4K RPM), THE CAR DOWN SHIFTED AND STUTTERED RATHER THEN INCREASING SPEED. I THOUGHT IT WAS A 1 TIME ISSUE UNTIL I STARTED NOTICING IT MORE AND MORE. NOW IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AND MORE PRONOUNCED STARTING AT EVEN 35MPH/3400 RPM IN 3RD GEAR. FROM 10AM TUESDAY TO 5PM FRIDAY OUR JETTA WAS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A STUTTER/POWER LOSS ISSUE. THEY DID REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER TODAY AS WELL AS TEST THE FUEL (WHICH TESTED FINE), THE EGR VALVE WAS CLEANED WITH A CARB CLEANER. THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE THE CAR OFTEN AND HAS BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE POWER LOSS / STUTTER, HOWEVER THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEY CALLED THE VW TECH LINE MULTIPLE TIMES AND STILL NO FIX ONCE AGAIN. CAR DIED SEVERAL TIMES TODAY. TURNING ONTO THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STUTTERED AND THEN .5 MILES LATER IT DIED AT 45MPH IN TRAFFIC. PULLED OVER AND CRANKED FOR 3 MINUTES. *TR
Electrical system, May 7, 2010
THERE IS A DEFECT WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CAUSES MOST OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRONICS TO SHUTDOWN AND OCCASIONALLY STOPS THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. I CAN PROVIDE PICS OF THE WIRING ISSUE IF NEEDED. THE ISSUE USUALLY OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING IN VERY WET CONDITIONS. AFTER THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, THE PROBLEM GREW WORSE AS THE WIRING WAS CHAFED MORE & MORE OVER TIME. THE JETTA TDI'S SHOULD BE RECALLED TO HAVE THE HARNESS CHECKED & REPAIRED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES IN A CAR CRASH. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 13, 2010
BRITTLE WIRING INSULATION LOCATED IN THE DOORS. WIRING ON A 2006 VW JETTA, AFTER 50,000 MILES THE USE OF ELECTRONICS AND LIGHTS ON DRIVERS DOOR FAILED. INSPECTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS SHOWED CRACKED WIRING INSULATION, CHAFFED WIRING AND BROKEN WIRES WHERE THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS WERE SUBJECT TO MOVEMENT FROM THE DOOR OPERATION. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2010
SEVERAL WIRES IN THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND DRIVER DOOR HAVE FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, RELEASE FUEL DOOR, AND RELEASE TRUNK FROM DRIVER DOOR. THERE IS NO MANUAL RELEASE FOR THE FUEL DOOR. THE FAILED WIRING ALSO RESULTS IN A CONSTANT DOOR AJAR INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ILLUMINATION OF THE FRONT DOME AND ENTRY LAMPS. THE WIRE INSULATION AND STRANDS APPEARED TO BE BRITTLE, WHICH RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT OTHER WIRING IN THE VEHICLE. THIS WIRING WAS INSIDE A PROTECTIVE RUBBER BOOT, INTEGRAL TO THE HARNESS, BETWEEN THE CABIN AND DOOR. THERE WAS NO MOISTURE OR DEBRIS WITHIN THE BOOT WHEN IT WAS OPENED TO INSPECT THE WIRING. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 29, 2009
AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.9L TDI AUTOMATIC DSG WITH 87,000 MILES. A VIDEO OF IT IN ACTION: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=7LSEX_-B_O0 WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL AND ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WILL COME ON WITH DIFFERENT SOUNDS. CHANGING THE SHIFTER INTO P, N, D, R, S (SPORTMODE) DOES NOTHING. CHANGING INTO THE TIPTRONIC MODE DOES NOTHING. THIS IS ONE INCIDENT OF A SERIES OF INCIDENTS THAT HAVE BEEN HAPPENING SPORADICALLY FOR THE PAST YEAR, BUT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING 2009. WE'VE BEEN ON THE PHONE WITH VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION. THE DEALERSHIP (PARADISE VOLKSWAGEN 760-200-4000) HAS DONE NUMEROUS "REPAIRS" TO THE CAR INCLUDING: MISC DIAGNOSIS 12/28-?? NEW STEERING RACK 12/6-12/22 SENSOR AND ELECTRICAL MODULE 12/1-12/16 MISC DIAGNOSIS ON 11/16-11/20 WE FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THE CAR - WHAT IF IT HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY? *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Aug 21, 2009
DRIVING ON I-95 IN JACKSONVILLE, FL, IT WAS RAINING WITH SOME POUNDING (APPROX. 1 INCH OF WATER) ON THE ROADWAY. I WAS MAINTAINING A SPEED OF 35-45 MPH WHEN THE EPC AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. AT FIRST THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY BUT AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES IT LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 1500 RPM. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY TAKE AN EXIT RAMP OFF THE FREEWAY AND COAST INTO A GAS STATION, THE CAR CONTINUING TO REFUSE TO ACCELERATE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WAITED FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I STARTED UP AGAIN AND DROVE AROUND THE GAS STATION AND THINGS SEEMED NORMAL AGAIN, ALTHOUGH THE EPC LIGHT WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. STOPPED AGAIN AND WAITED ANOTHER 5 MINUTES. UPON STARTING UP AGAIN, BOTH WARNING LIGHTS WERE GONE AND THE CAR BEHAVED AND ACCELERATED NORMALLY. THIS DEFECT COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO GET STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY FREEWAY POSSIBLY CAUSING A CRASH AND INJURIES. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT IT HAPPENED WHERE IT DID AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO SAFETY. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 20, 2009
VEHICLE TRUNK UNLATCHES WHILE VEHICLE IS STANDING OR IN MOTION, WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING. ITEMS IN TRUNK MAY SPILL ONTO HIGHWAY, CAUSING ACCIDENT OR INJURY. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2009
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I PURCHASED A 2006.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI IN SEPTEMBER OF 2006. I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE FOUND A MAJOR MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT CAN CAUSE FIRE, AN ACCIDENT, OR BOTH. IT SURELY IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, A DANGER TO THE DRIVER, ALL PASSENGERS, AND OTHER CARS AS WELL. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CAR HAS TOTAL LOSS OF POWER . AFTER A FAILED REPAIR ATTEMPT BY MY DEALER, I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. I FOUND THAT THE MAIN ENGINE FEED HARNESS HAS MAJOR WIRE CHAFING CAUSING WIRES TO CONTACT EACH OTHER, POTENTIALLY CAUSING FIRE. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL WITH ALL POWER LOST. I DIRECTED MYSELF TO THE TDI FORUM WHERE MANY VW ENTHUSIASTS AND SERVICE TECH'S GATHER TO TALK ABOUT THEIR CARS. I QUICKLY FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS FINDING THE SAME PROBLEM. BARE WIRES RUBBING TOGETHER. I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT VW IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS WELL. THE ONLY WAY TO PROPERLY CORRECT THE PROBLEM IS A NEW ENGINE HARNESS, WITH A LARGER LOOM, OR PADDING AROUND THE WIRES. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 23, 2009
I COULDN'T PUT MY KEYS IN THE IGNITION. I TRIED ALL SPARE KEYS AND THEY DIDN'T WORK. IF YOUR WINDOW IS OPEN, YOU CAN CLOSE IT BY PUTTING YOUR KEY IN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO USE THE WINDOW SWITCH.....DEALER DID NOT KNOW THIS...??? GO FIGURE (SALES) 2006 JETTA TDI. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Interior lighting, Jan 10, 2009
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL AND TRIM PROBLEMS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 12, 2008
STEERING WHEEL IS FAILING ELECTRICALLY. AIR BAG FAULT IN PASSENGER SIDE, NO HORN OR OTHER WHEEL CONTROLS. REAL/UNREALIZED SAFETY HAZARD(S) DUE TO NON WORKING ELECTRONICS IN STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 4, 2008
THE BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF RESULTING IN A DEAD BATTERY AND A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION WHILE DRIVING. I DROVE FOR A HALF A DAY WITHOUT KNOWING THE LIGHT WAS STAYING ON. A COUPLE OF PEOPLE HONKED AT ME, BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHY. I ALSO COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY MY CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK. I FIGURED OUT THE BRAKELIGHT SWITCH WAS NOT WORKING WHEN I CAME OUT OF HOME DEPOT AFTER DARK AND I THOUGHT I LEFT MY LIGHTS ON. IT TURNED OUT IT WAS THE BRAKELIGHT SWITCH. I CALLED A VOLKSWAGON REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY. WHEN I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER SERVICE TO REPAIR IT, THEY DENIED ANY RECALL. I DID A LITTLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND I NOW SEE THEY HAVE A HISTORY OF BRAKELIGHT SWITCH FAILURES ON JETTAS AND BEETLES. THEY TOLD ME MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY ALSO AS IT HAS 59,400 MILES ON IT AND IT IS A 2006 JETTA TDI. I BOUGHT THIS CAR THINKING IT WILL GO 250,000 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS AND AM SADDENED BY THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT FOR A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH THEY HAVE A HISTORY OF. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS OVER 250,000 MILES WITHOUT A BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE. IT SEEMS VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURES ON THE MEXICAN MADE VEHICLES ON SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WHICH SHOULD BE DESIGNED FOR A NEAR INFINITE LIFE SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS NOT LIKE A FAN SWITCH. I AM PROBABLY ONE OF THE FIRST TO SEE THE FAILURE AS I HAVE PUT ON AN UNUSUALLY HIGH AMOUNT OF MILES, BUT MOST OF THEM ARE HIGHWAY MILES. WHEN I GET IT REPAIRED, I CAN GET THE OLD PART. I HOPE TO GET IT REPAIRED TOMORROW. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 26, 2008
I HAVE A 2006 VW JETTA TDI WITH APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES ON IT. THIS AUTO WAS PURCHASED TO BE USED PRIMARILY AS A COMMUTER CAR FOR MY WIFE AND I. LAST WEEK WE SUDDENLY STARTED SEEING THE DASHBOARD WARNING "AIR BAG FAULT". UPON TAKING IT TO THE LOCAL VWOA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THIS INVESTIGATED WE WERE INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A VWOA TECHNICAL BULLETIN (THAT EVIDENTLY HAD BEEN OUT FOR SOME TIME) WHICH INDICATED THAT SOME CONNECTOR(S) LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT THAT ARE RELATED TO THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS NOT A MAINTENANCE ITEM NOR ANYTHING THAT WE COULD HAVE CAUSED BUT VWOA IS INDICATING THAT DUE TO THE AUTO NOT BEING WITHIN THE WARRANTY (4 YEAR AND/OR 50,000 MILES AS WE'VE BEEN TOLD) THAT WE WILL NOW HAVE TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $400 TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED. WE WERE FURTHER INFORMED BY THE VWOA SERVICE THAT WITHOUT THIS REPAIR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WAS CONSIDERED TO BE IN AN "UNSTABLE STATE" AND COULD POTENTIALLY NOT ACTIVATE THE AIRBAG WHEN NEEDED OR POSSIBLY ACTIVATE AT AN INAPPROPRIATE TIME. THE VW DEALER ALSO SAID THAT VWOA CONSIDERS THIS TO BE SO UNSAFE THAT THEY ISSUE A FREE RENTAL AND REQUIRE THE REPAIR TO BE MADE BEFORE RELEASING THE AUTO AGAIN....BUT ONLY IF YOU'RE UNDER WARRANTY. VWOA DID MANAGE TO COME THROUGH WITH SOME "GOOD WILL ASSISTANCE" (THEIR WORDS) BY PROVIDING $200 TOWARDS THE REPAIR. THIS AIRBAG ISSUE HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2006 VW JETTA (MAYBE OTHER YEARS AS WELL I'M NOT SURE) FOR SOME TIME. VWOA INDICATES THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT A MAJOR CONCERN AND IS THEREFORE NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON NHTSA AND OTHER SITES THAT SEEM TO INDICATE THAT THIS IS A LARGER ISSUE THAN VWOA STATES. I THINK A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED DUE TO THE OBVIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS INVOLVED WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. HOPEFULLY THERE WILL BE BEFORE ANY INJURIES AND/OR FATALITIES OCCUR. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2006 JETTA ATTRACTED BY AN EXTENSIVE LIST OF FEATURES AND CONVENIENCES THAT I WANTED AS A CONSUMER. ONE OF THIS FEATURES INCLUDED THE AUTOMATIC WINDOW OPENING VIA REMOTE CONTROL, FEATURE THAT IS NOT NORMALLY SEEN ON VEHICLES OF ITS CLASS AND PRICE. VOLKSWAGEN DID AN UPDATE TO THE SOFTWARE TO THIS VEHICLE AND WITHOUT MY CONSENT TOOK THAT OPTION OUT. I PAID FOR THAT CONVENIENCE AND VW CANT EVEN TELL ME WHY IT WAS REMOVED FROM THE COMPUTER. THE DEALER CANT TELL ME EITHER BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THEM THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT'S ON THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. IN ANY CASE I NEED TO BE COMPENSATED BY THIS INCONVENIENCE OR THE SOFTWARE NEEDS TO BE RETROFITTED TO GET ME THIS OPTION BACK. *TR