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: engine and engine cooling
54 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO LIMP MODE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT SHUT OFF THE FUEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A DESIGN BY THE MANUFACTURER AS A SAFETY FEATURE, AND THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT ADDRESSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000. ...UPDATED 04/12/16 *BF UPDATED 04/13/16.*JB *JS *JS *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 14, 2014
PURCHASED A "PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED" 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AFTER HITTING 90,000 MILES THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CV BOOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2013
THE OIL PAN IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED VECHILE THAT I OWN HAD TO BE CHANGED DUE TO A DESIGN PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAD PUT A ALUMINUM PAN WITH A STEEL BOLT. THE STEEL BOLT OVER THE YEARS CORRODED THE PAN NECESSIATING A REPLACEMENT OF THE PAN. FITZGERALD AUTOMALL (410-224-3480) IN ANNAPOLIS MD REPLACED THE PAN FREE OF LABOR BUT CHARGED ME FOR THE OIL PAN. THEY DID INFORM ME THAT IT WAS A DESIGN PROBLEM THAT VW HAS SINCE RECTIFIED IN THE NEWER MODELS AND THAT I HAD TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER FOR REIMBURSEMENT. WHEN I CONTACTED VW, THEY REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THEY INFORMED IT WAS UNDER THEIR DISCRETION TO RECTIFY THE DEFECT IN NEWER MODELS AND WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR OLDER MODELS. IN MY OPINION VW SHOULD REIMBURSE ME AND ALSO RECALL ALL THEIR VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE TO BE ADDRESSED APPROPRIATELY. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS IF SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS OR NOT.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 28, 2012
WE WERE DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOR HOOD AT ABOUT 25MPH AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. LUCKILY, WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER AND PARK. THE CAR WENT INTO FAIL SAFE MODE (WHICH I NOW KNOW). ABOUT 5 DIFFERENT ERROR LIGHTS WERE ON AS WELL AS THE GEAR LIGHTS FLASHING. PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, LET IT REST AND THEN PROCEEDED TO RESTART WITH THE SAME ENGINE ERROR. THE CAR WOULDN'T REVERSE OR GO OVER 2ND GEAR. I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY IT HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY AT MY LOCAL VW DEALER ON TIME AND IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. PRIOR TO THIS SPECIFIC ENGINE FAILURE, I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEM WITH MY GLI, FROM INTERIOR, ELECTRICAL, TO THE TURBO. I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS VERY EARLY ON WITH THIS CAR, SOME WERE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY AND SOME WERE NOT. INCREDIBLY DISAPPOINTED IN THE QUALITY OF MY GLI ALL AROUND. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 9, 2012
THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL ( DMF ) FAILED AT 90,801 MILES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 4, 2012
DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL(DMF) DETACHED ITSELF,CAUSING ENORMOUS DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION(DSG).INITIALLY,I HAVE TO REPLACE DMF,THEN CRANKSHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR,CRANKSHAFT SEAL AND BEARING.THIS REPAIR COST ME $1,700.00. *TR AFTER TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT THE CAR,THE MECHANIC FOUND OUT THAT,BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGESDMF HAS CAUSED TO THE TRANSMISSION,THE TRANSMISSION IS NOW LEAKING OIL.A PIECES OF THE DMF CUT INTO THE CASING OF THE TRANSMISSION AND CREATED A NUMBER OF HOLES.AS A RESULT OF ALL THIS,THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED,AS MY ONLY SOLUTION,TO REBUILT TRANSMISSION,WHICH COST AN ADDITIONAL $ 3,300.00. VW OF AMERICA,DENIED ANY REIMBURSEMENT,BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN JANUARY 2011.THEY CAN NOT EXPLAIN WHY DMF FAILD.THEY JUST LOST ONE CUSTOMER.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 30, 2012
THIS VEHICLE IS A 2006 TURBO DIESEL VW JETTA. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN ENGINE FAILED, NO WARNING LIGHTS. EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER, ROUGH IDLING, VALVE TRAIN NOISE AND TRANSMISSION NOISE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO CERTIFIED MECHANIC. MECHANIC FOUND COMPLETE LOSS OF COMPRESSION ON ONE PISTON AND SCORED LIFTERS. ALSO DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL WAS MAKING LOUD NOISE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP QUOTED EST 1800 DOLLARS FOR PARTS AND LABOR FOR FLYWHEEL AND CERTIFIED MECHANIC RECOMMENDS REBUILT ENGINE FOR APPX 5000 DOLLARS PLUS LABOR TO INSTALL. ESTIMATE WILL BE COMPLETE NEXT WEEK. TOTAL WILL EST AROUND 9 TO 10,000 DOLLARS FOR TOWING, INSPECTING VEHICLE TO FIND ISSUES, PARTS AND LABOR. SPOKE WITH VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CONSUMER ADVOCATE WHO OFFERED US $750 OFF A NEW VW. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR WITH APPROPRIATE OIL CHANGES USING VW APPROVED OIL. MOST OF THE MILEAGE WAS OBTAINED AS HIGHWAY MILES. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS VIBRATING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE FLYWHEEL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED FOR THE FLYWHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 4, 2012
I WAS INFORMED BY NIELLO VOLKSWAGEN WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO BE SERVICED FOR 2 RECALLS THAT I HAD A MAJOR OIL LEAK. I THEN BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO SACRAMENTO EUROPEAN ON 2/1/12 FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF MY OIL LEAK. I WAS INFORMED BY THEM THAT I DID NOT HAVE AN OIL LEAK, BUT A TRANSMISSION LEAK. THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUT THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT THE SEAL THAT JOINS THE 2 TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS IS LEAKING. CLEARLY SINCE THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, THE TRANSMISSIONS THAT THEY HAVE IN THESE VOLKSWAGEN CARS ARE DEFECTIVE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. MY TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING WHEN IT SHIFTS INTO SECOND AND THIRD GEARS AND ALSO WHEN I BRAKE. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, SHE HEARD A NOISE SIMILAR TO SOMETHING MOVING INSIDE THE ENGINE AFTER THE VEHICLE BEGAN VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND JERKING. WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD ALSO INCREASE. THE VEHICLE WAS CAREFULLY DRIVEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DUAL MASS FLY WHEEL HAD A HOLE IN IT WHICH CAUSED THE METAL TO FRACTURE THE BELL HOUSING AND DAMAGE THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FLY WHEEL AND INFORMED HER TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 19, 2011
BOUGHT NEW VW JETTA SEDAN ON 08/17/06. ON 05/13/10 TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF CAR DECELERATING WHILE DRIVING I.E. DROPPING IN SECONDS FROM 60 MILES TO 20 MILES. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER ANSWER "UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM" UNTIL WARRANTY OF FOUR YEARS EXPIRED. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES EVEN AFTER THE CARBON ACCUMULATED ON THE THROTTLE WAS CLEANED AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. DUE TO UNSAFE TO DRIVE, REQUESTED FOR THE DEALER TO BUY THE CAR BACK AS A LEMON. THE DEALER REFUSES BECAUSE THE FOUR YR WARRANTY IS OVER. OTHER PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED WITH THIS VEHICLE DURING THIS PERIOD: AIR BAGS LIGHTS GOING OFF, AIR BAG COVER FALLING OFF, TRUNK OPENING ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING, RAIN WATER LEAKING INSIDE THE LINING OF THE CAR, SCREWS COMING OFF A DOOR PANEL, DOORS FALLING OFF THE HINGES, EMERGENCY SWITCH FALLING INSIDE PANEL, FUEL CAP NOT LOCKING, RECALLS. DEALER RECOMMENDING TO REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN FOR 2,340.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 7, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING BETWEEN 3 AND 4 GEAR AND BETWEEN 4 AND 5 GEAR. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 27, 2011
AT 64K MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY ENGINE STARTED STRUGGLING TO DRIVE EVEN AT A SNAILS PACE. THE TIMING CHAIN WAS THE ISSUE AND WAS REPLACED FOR APPROXIMATELY $2500. APPROXIMATELY 10 MONTHS LATER, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, SAME ISSUE. ONCE AGAIN, IT WAS REPLACED (THIS TIME UNDER WARRANTY). *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE HOOD AREA. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THE DUAL MASS FLY WHEEL COULD POSSIBLY BE DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT, BUT DID NOT DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 20, 2011
ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN 2007. COMPLAINED ABOUT THE CAR - WHEN SHIFTING IT WOULD EXCEL AND JERK AFTER SHIFTING. THEN AS TIME WENT ON I WOULD BE DRIVING AND THE JETTA WOULD HESITATE AS IF A FUEL WAS NOT GETTING TO THE ENGINE. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA AND DRIVE JUST HIGHWAY MILES AND HAVE APPROX. 121,000 MILES ON IT. I PURCHASED THIS VW AS I ANTICIPATED IT TO LAST A LOT LONGER THAN A REGULAR VEHICLE. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR THE LAST OIL CHANGE AND THE INTERMITTENT HESITATION WAS REALLY BAD I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST ME ANYWHERE FROM $7500 TO $8000 TO FIX. AND I STILL OWED $9000! I ASKED IF IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. OF COURSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN JULY...BUT NOTHING WAS FOUND ALL THE PREVIOUS TIMES I HAD BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE. AND VW'S REGIONAL REP AND HQ WAS CONTACTED AND BOTH WERE APOLOGETIC THAT VW COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT FIXING MY CAR. LOOKING AT THE INTERNET - I FOUND THAT NATIONWIDE AND UP TO CANADA OTHER INDIVIDUALS WITH LESS MILEAGE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND INDIVIDUALS WERE SEEKING ARBITRATION AGAINST VW. I UNDERSTAND VW DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL OR ANYTHING CONSIDERING THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. ALL THEY CAN OFFER IS $1000 TO BUY ANOTHER VW!!! THEIR NERVE! TOTALLY DISHEARTEN WITH VW. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 20, 2011
THE ENGINE IN OUR 2006 TDI DSG BEGAN TO EXHIBIT ROUGH IDLING. AT A CERTAIN POINT IT BECAME EVIDENT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY A VW DEALERSHIP AT THE SPECIFIED INTERVALS (I CALL THEM THE $400 OIL CHANGES). I COULD HEAR WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN INTAKE VALVE POPPING AND COULD FEEL A PULSATION IN THE TURBO INTAKE HOSE. I CHECKED ON SOME OF THE FORUMS AND WAS SHOCKED TO LEARN OF THE EARLY CAMSHAFT FAILURE PROBLEM COMMON TO THE PD ENGINES. IT SEEMS THAT VW NARROWED UP THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAM LOBES BY ABOUT 30% TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE INJECTOR LOBE, AND TRIED TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS INADEQUATE DESIGN BY MANDATING "SPECIAL" OIL (WHICH I CAN ONLY HOPE OUR DEALER USED EACH TIME THE OIL WAS CHANGED). IT TURNS OUT THOUGH, THAT A CRITICAL CAN WEAR ADDITIVE IN THIS OIL, ZDDP, IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES CAN CAUSE EARLY FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER (AN ITEM WHICH HAS A LONGER WARRANTY PERIOD THAN THE ENGINE). IT SEEMS THAT THE ZDDP ONLY EXISTS IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITY IN VW "SPECIAL" OIL TO GET THROUGH THE ENGINE WARRANTY PERIOD, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PROTECTING THE CONVERTER FROM WARRANTY FAILURE. I BOUGHT AN AFTER MARKET CAM KIT AND INSTALLED IT MYSELF, SAVING NEARLY $3000 IN THE PROCESS. SINCE THEN WE'VE PUT ANOTHER 60K MILES, USING MOBIL TD TRUCK 5W40 OIL... SO FAR SO GOOD. I THINK THIS WHOLE SITUATION IS DISGRACEFUL AT BEST AND VW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL PD CAMSHAFT FAILURES TO A PERIOD SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER THAN THE 80,000 KM WARRANTY. THE PRIMARY REASON WE PAID 32K FOR A COMPACT SEDAN WAS THE REPUTED LONGEVITY OF THE DIESEL ENGINE. THIS FAILURE, ALONG WITH THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FIASCO HAS MADE OUR PURCHASE OF THIS SILVER COLORED LEMON ANYTHING BUT A GOOD INVESTMENT. UNTIL VW FACES UP TO THEIR MORAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS MATTER I WOULD CAUTION ANYONE CONSIDERING THIS MAKE OF VEHICLE. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 8, 2011
2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA COOLING FAN STOPPED WORKING AT JUST OVER 50K MILES AND 2 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. VW OF AMERICA WILL NOT COVER THIS (AS IT IT OUT OF WARRANTY). IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR MANY CUSTOMERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 29, 2011
I TOOK MY 2006 VW JETTA TDI, 5 SP, 40K MILES TO THE VW DEALERSHIP FOR ITS 40K SERVICE ON 5/27/11. AFTER THE SERVICE WAS COMPLETED, I STARTED THE CAR AND NOTICED IT WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGH (THE CAR WASN'T RUNNING ROUGH WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF FOR SERVICE). MY SERVICE REP TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN WHO CHECKED ALL THE FILTERS AND RE-BLED THE FUEL FILTER TO REMOVE ANY AIR BUBBLES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN TRAPPED, WHICH DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN TOOK THE COVER OFF THE ENGINE AND IDENTIFIED THE THAT THE CAMSHAFT IS WEARING. MAINTENANCE ON THIS CAR IS COMPLETED EVERY 5K MILES AND SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS PURCHASED FROM.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Apr 10, 2011
VW HAS CHANGED THE DIESEL ENGINES (TDI) STARTING WITH APPROXIMATE YEAR 2004 UNTIL 2007, WHEN THEY STOPPED SELLING TDI TO MEET EMISSION REQUIREMENTS. TO SAVE MONEY AND LICENSING FEES TO BOSCH THEY HAVE CHANGED FROM COMMON RAIL SYSTEM MADE BY BOSCH (FEEDS THE DIESEL FUEL TO ENGINE WITH VERY HIGH PRESSURE) TO VW SYSTEM CALLED TDI PD: PUMP DUSE (OR PUMP-NOZZLE INJECTION). TO ACCOMMODATE THE INJECTORS INSIDE THE ENGINE, THEY HAVE CHANGED THE SPECS AND DIMENSIONS OF MANY PARTS, INCLUDING THE CAMSHAFT. THE CAMSHAFT INSIDE THIS ENGINE HAS THE ADDED ROLE TO DRIVE THE PD LIFTERS, APART FROM VALVE LIFTING AND CLOSING. I OWN THIS TYPE OF CAR VW JETTA 2006 TDI, AND THE CAMSHAFT WORE OFF AT 80,000 MILES, AND YES IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT COSTS $3000. APART FROM THE COSTS, WHICH ACCRUES TO APROX $3000 PER 50,000 TO 80,000 MILES RENDERING THIS CAR A LIABILITY COST TO THE OWNERS (A LONG TERM OWNER WILL HAVE THE PRICE OF CAR DOUBLED BY ADDED BILLS TO CHANGE THE CAMSHAFTS MANY TIMES. THIS IMPACTS DRASTICALLY FINANCIALLY MANY FAMILIES DEPENDING ON THIS CAR), WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY TO FIX IT PERMANENTLY AND FOR ONCE . I HAVE CHANGED THE CAMSHAFT AND NOW AT 115000 MILES IT STARTS TO SHOWS SIGNS OF WEAR, LIKE LAST TIME. NOT CHANGING GEARS IN TIME, CAR IS SHAKING. THE EFFECT GETS WORSE, UNTIL WHEN THE CAMSHAFT LOBES WEARS OFF MORE, AND RESULTS IN VALVES NOT OPENING AND CLOSING IN RIGHT SEQUENCE AND TIME, AND ENGINE WILL STALL, LIKE MINE DID ON MY STREET. AS WELL I WAS ON HIGHWAY AND CAR WILL NOT OPERATE AND RESPOND TO ACCELERATION PEDAL INPUT, MAXIMUM PEDAL INPUT WAS GIVING ONLY 40MPH, EXPOSING ME TO A STAMPEDE OF CARS FROM BEHIND IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION UNABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR. I HAVE EXPLAINED THE SITUATION TO VW AND THEY DENY ANY: WRONGDOING, DESIGN FLAW, FAULT OR LIABILITY. ACCORDING TO TDICLUB.COM THERE IS UP TO 20% FAILURE OF THE ENGINES VIA CAMSHAFT WEAR OF LOBES. I TRUST YOU WILL INVESTIGATE AND REQUEST VW TO ADDRESS:SAFETY+FINANCIAL IMPACT TO TDI PD OWNERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 30, 2011
VERY STRONG EXHAUST/FOUL SMELL INSIDE VW JETTA CAR UPON RAPID ACCELERATION THIS SMELL OCCURS VERY OFTEN (SEVERAL TIMES A DAY) WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATES RAPIDLY (FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN PASSING ANOTHER CAR ETC.) WE'VE BEING TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE FOR A LONG TIME: CHANGED FILTER, VW SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND CHANGED IT, BUT THE SMELL CAME BACK. THIS STRONG SMELL IS CAUSING MY KIDS TO COUGH AND IS UNBEARABLE. VW IS NOW REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER AND EVERY TIME I ASK THE LOCAL DEALER TO DIAGNOSE IT, THEY CHARGE ME A LARGE FEE AND DO NOT SOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2011
I WAS LEAVING FOR A TRIP FROM MILWAUKEE TO MADISON TO START A LONG WEEKEND VACATION. I WAS I-94 TRAVELING 65 MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE'S EPC LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE DIED. THIS RENDERED ME USELESS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY FEARING FOR MY SAFETY. THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC DUE TO IT BEING THE END OF THE WORK DAY. THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE ON THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION CAUSING ENGINE INTERFERENCE AND REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT. NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED BY VW STATING IT WAS FAULT OF OPERATOR ERROR. INDEPENDENT COMPANY THAT PUT REPLACEMENT ENGINE IN STATED THIS MALFUNCTION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY NO ADHERING TO PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE OR OPERATOR ERROR AS CAR MANUFACTURER PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 28, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. WHENEVER THE GEARS SHIFTED, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACE. THERE WAS ALSO A MASSIVE OIL LEAK IN THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS AND IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 04/12/11*LJ THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 04/29/11
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2011
THE OVERHEAD CAM ON MY 06 VW JETTA TDI FAILED CAUSING EXTENSIVE ENGINE DAMAGE. THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURE DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM. I CHANGED THE ENGINE OIL PER THE OWNERS MANUAL AT 10K INTERVALS USING ONLY VW 505.01 SPEC ENGINE OIL, ACQUIRED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 21, 2011
VIBRATING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM MOTOR AT IDLE AND WOULD STOP UNDER ACCELERATION. STOPPED VEHICLE AND MOTOR RATTLED LOUD. TURNED MOTOR OFF AND IT WOULD NOT START. BROKEN SPRINGS WERE NOTED LAYING ON UNDERCOVER.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 11, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE WHILE ACCELERATING. AT SLOW SPEEDS THE CAR WOULD STALL AND COULD NOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE VW DEALER THEY INFORMED ME A CAMSHAFT HAD WORN PREMATURELY AND CAUSED THE ROCKER ARM TO BREAK WHICH DESTROYED A FUEL INJECTOR AND THE VALVE COVER. TOTAL COST TO REPAIR $6,000. THE CAR WAS 1000 MILES BEYOND THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (60,000) SO VW PAID HALF THE COST OF THE REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE CAR NEVER RAN CORRECTLY AGAIN AND THEY COULD NOT TELL ME WHY. I TRADED THE CAR IN AFTER THE REPAIR. AFTER I HAD THIS PROBLEM I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND FOUND IT TO BE VERY COMMON. IF YOU GOOGLE "CAMSHAFT WEAR IN PUMP DUSE TDI ENGINES" YOU WILL FIND A GREAT DEAL OF INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM. IN MANY CASES SUCH A SEVERE PROBLEM DID NOT OCCUR, BUT THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SEIZE COMPLETELY. I INSISTED THAT THE DEALER RETURN THE FAILED PARTS TO ME, BUT THEY REFUSED BECAUSE IT WAS CONSIDERED A WARRANTY REPAIR. I DID SEE THE WORN CAMSHAFT LOBE AND IT LOOKED IDENTICAL TO THOSE PICTURED IN CASES REPORTED ONLINE IN FORUMS. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A MAJOR FLAW AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY A COMPLETE RECALL. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR