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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 580

Of the 2006 reports, 15 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train245 reports · 42% of complaints
Owner complaints580Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship6 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train245
  2. Electrical system112
  3. Air bags65
  4. Engine and engine cooling54
  5. Engine39
  6. Exterior lighting32
  7. Service brakes28
  8. Seats25

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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: power train

245 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Electrical system, Nov 13, 2014

    AT HIGHWAY SPEED, CAR SUDDENLY WENT INTO NEUTRAL WITH A FLASHING PRNDS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND "PRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR. ONCE PULLED OVER ON THE ROAD, CAR WOULD LOCK IN PARK AND WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. CAR HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A FAULTY MECHATRONIC UNIT. PREVIOUS RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR 2009-2010 MECHATRONICS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BUT NOT THIS 2006. NHTSA ACTION NUMBER IS PE09035 AND RECALL NUMBER IS 09V333000 FOR THE 2009-2010 CARS. VOLKSWAGEN NEEDS TO REALIZE THE SCOPE IS FAR BROADER THAN JUST 2009-2010 CARS. THIS VEHICLE ALSO SUFFERS FROM THE DRIVER'S DOOR WIRING HARNESS FAILURE LIKE MANY OTHERS (UNABLE TO LOCK DOORS, OPERATE WINDOWS, ETC). *TR

  2. Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 4, 2014

    ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN ABUNDANT IN THIS VEHICLE STARTING IN 2012. DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCKS WORK RANDOMLY. THE CAR RESPONDS TO THE KEYS RANDOMLY EVEN WITH A NEW BATTERY. ALARM WILL SOUND WHEN IT FAILS TO RESPOND TO KEY. OVER THE LAST YEAR LIGHTS GO OUT MONTHLY. SHIFTER ELECTRONICS FAILED. REPAIRED IN JUNE 2014. MECHANIC HAD NO IDEA WHY IT WOULD GO OUT WHICH WAS CAUSE FOR MY CONCERN. *TR

  3. Power train, Engine, Sep 9, 2014

    CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE BODY VALVE IN THE TRANSMISSION ON MY JETTA. THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS PART THAT ENDED IN 2012. I AM EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WITH MY CAR NOW AND IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. MY CAR SHIFTS SO HARD BETWEEN 1ST AND 4TH GEAR AND WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT LAG TIME BETWEEN ACCELERATION WHICH DURING TRAFFIC, CAN CAUSE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. VW WON'T OFFER ANY REIMBURSEMENT TO PAY FOR THIS TO BE FIXED BECAUSE IT IS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY HOWEVER I THINK IT IS RIDICULOUS WHEN THEY KNOW THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE PART IN THE FIRST PLACE. SO NOW I AM STUCK PAYING ANOTHER $1,500 REPAIR BILL FOR THIS CAR IN ADDITION TO ALL OTHER REPAIRS I HAVE PAID FOR. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE NOW EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AFTER THE END DATE AS I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS BODY SHOPS AND DEALERSHIPS WHO HAVE SHARED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

  4. Power train, Electrical system, Wheels, Aug 30, 2014

    UPON RESEARCH ON BLOGS AND REVIEWS THE 2006 JETTA HAS SEVERAL OF THE SAME ISSUES. CAR HAS 54K MILES AND CV BOOTS ARE CRACKED AND NEEDING REPLACEMENTS. THE HEADLINER DROPPED WHILE DRIVING IMPAIRING VISIBILITY OF ROAD WAYS AND HINDERS VIEW OUT BACK WINDOWS. DRIVERS SIDE WIRING HARNESS. *TR

  5. Power train, Aug 20, 2014

    WHEN THE DSG TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FROM 2ND TO 3RD IT DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE RPM GAUGE ALMOST REDLINES, THEN WHEN IT ENGAGES TO 3RD IT JERKS AND THE WHEELS PILL OUT, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING TO ME ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE TO GET TO WORK! VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT FIX MY VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID THE DSG TRANSMISSION IS SEALED. I WOULD LIKE VOLKSWAGEN HEALED RESPONSIBLE FOR MANUFACTURING AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND SELLING IT TO AMERICANS PUTTING ME IN DANGER. I WOULD LIKE YOUR ATTORNEYS TO FILE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST VW FOR 1 BILLION DOLLARS ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, I BELIEVE THAT WILL MAKE THEM UP, YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED DAY AND DON'T BUY A VOLKSWAGEN. *TR

  6. Power train, Engine, Aug 5, 2014

    TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE MOUNTS SNAPPED THAT SECURED THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

  7. Power train, Engine, May 13, 2014

    THE DIRECT SHIFT GEAR TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CAR COULD NO LONGER GET OUT OF NEUTRAL. *TR

  8. Power train, Apr 2, 2014

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE "MECHAERON". THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DECLINED TO PROVIDE A REMEDY TO FIX THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

  9. Fuel system, Diesel, Power train, Engine, Feb 24, 2014

    AT APPROX 80-90K I STARTED HEARING A CLATTERING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AND EXTRA NOISE WHEN IDLING. ALSO, THE CAR HAS A HARD TIME SHIFTING (AUTOMATIC TRANS). AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO A MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THAT IT'S THE DSG DMF COMING APART AND RATTLING. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I FIND IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. IT STARTED HAPPENING SHORTLY AFTER MY CAR WENT OUT OF CPO WARRANTY, WHICH EXPIRED AT 74K. I DIDN'T REALLY PAY THAT MUCH ATTENTION TO IT UNTIL IT GOT WORSE. THIS IS A 06 TDI MKV WITH AUTO DSG, BRM ENGINE. ALSO EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES WITH SOOT IN FUEL FILTER, LIKELY DUE TO FAULTY SEAL IN FUEL INJECTORS UNDER CAM SHAFT. ONCE AGAIN, COMMON PROBLEM ACCORDING TO MECHANICS AND ONLINE FORUMS ON THIS MODEL. THERE'S A RECALL ON THE DMF FOR THIS MODEL IN AUSTRALIA, NEEDS TO HAVE ONE FOR US. *TR

  10. Power train, Feb 15, 2014

    DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. FLYWHEEL FAILURE SENT METAL SHRAPNEL INTO TRANSMISSION, CRACKING THE BELL HOUSING AND THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY. THE CAR WAS MECHANICALLY TOTALED AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REFUSED TO TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE, DESPITE IT BEING A DOCUMENTED AND KNOWN ISSUE. OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THAT THIS PART WAS RECALLED IN AUSTRALIA BUT NOT THE UNITED STATES. COST OF REPAIR WAS BEYOND VALUE OF VEHICLE AND CAR WAS DEEMED A TOTAL MECHANICAL LOSS. *TR

  11. Power train, Feb 8, 2014

    OUR JETTA EXPERIENCED A "FALSE NEUTRAL" PROBLEM BACK IN DECEMBER, 2013. (95,000 MILES) I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT IT COULD BE DUE TO A LOW VOLTAGE CONDITION. I CHECKED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND FOUND THE ALTERNATOR TO BE FAULTY. I REPLACED IT AND KEPT DRIVING THE CAR. EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE UNTIL MID JANUARY, 2014 WHEN WE EXPERIENCED ANOTHER FN EVENT. WE WERE ABLE TO SWITCH THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THE CONDITION WENT AWAY. I CALLED OUR LOCAL VW DEALER AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE RESULTS OF THIS TEST CAME BACK AND THEY SAID WE NEEDED A NEW MECHATRONICS UNIT (THIS CONTROLS THE TRANSMISSION) AT A COST OF $2300.00 I AM FAMILIAR WITH THESE CARS AND ALSO FAMILIAR WITH THE FACT THAT VW HAS ALREADY INVESTIGATED THIS ISSUE IN LATER YEAR CARS. THIS INVESTIGATION (NHTSA ACTION# PE09035) RESULTED IN A RECALL CAMPAIGN (NHTSA# 09V333000) WHERE VW REPLACED DEFECTIVE MECHATRONICS UNITS AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE AFFECTED UNITS TO 10YRS/100,000 MILES. LESS THAN 24 HOURS AFTER RECEIVING THIS DIAGNOSIS, THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, LUCKILY IT WAS AT AN INTERSECTION AND THE SPEED WAS LESS THAN 15MPH. I HAD THE CAR TOWED BACK TO THE VW DEALER, THE TRANSMISSION MUST NOW BE REPLACED ($6,000.00) I CONTENT THAT THIS IS THE SAME OR NEARLY THE SAME ISSUE ADDRESSED IN THE PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN AND THAT VW DID NOT FIND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MECHATRONICS AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSMISSION FAILURE. A NEW INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE OPENED TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN ADDRESSED FOR SOME OF THEIR VEHICLES. VW NEEDS TO BE MADE TO ADDRESS IT FOR ALL DSG EQUIPPED VEHICLES, ESPECIALLY ONES MANUFACTURED BEFORE THE PREVIOUSLY INVESTIGATED LOT. I CONTACTED VWOA AND EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS STILL WITHIN THE MILEAGE RANGE OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE IN THE REPAIRS. *TR

  12. Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2014, crash

    BEEN TO MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS CLAIMING IN FOX VALLEY IL ROCKFORD IL GLENVIEW IL THAT EITHER MY MECHUNIT IS BAD/FAULTY OR DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL IS BAD/FAULTY. WAS DRIVING WHERE EITHER MY CAR WOULD SHIFT VERY ROUGH AS IF SOMEONE WHO IS VERY INEXPERIENCED WOULD LET GO OF THE CLUTCH LATE AND SHIFT HARD/ROUGH INTO 1-2-3 WITH CLICKING NOISES. CAR JUST RECENTLY SHIFTED FROM 2 TO NEUTRAL AND SCARED THE CRAPOUT OF ME. THE CAR HAS EXTREME VIBRATION AND UNCONTROLLED SHIFT PATTERNS. WAS TURNING ONTO MY STREET AND CAR WENT FROM 3-2 TO NEUTRAL WHILE MY CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE AND WENT INTO A SNOW BANK ON SIDE OF ROAD. WOULD JUST LIKE TO HAVE VOLKSWAGEN CONTACT ME TO EITHER REPLACE OR FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS OWNERS OF A 2006 VW TDI OR ANY AUTOMATIC WITH DSG MECHUNIT BEWARE AND PLEASE BE CAREFUL. *TR

  13. Power train, Electrical system, Jan 7, 2014

    TRAVELING ALONG AT 55 MPH AND THE GEAR DISPLAY STARTED FLASHING/BLINKING AS THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. BATTERY IS FINE. *TR

  14. Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Dec 16, 2013

    I AM THE OWNER OF A 2006 VW JETTA TDI SEDAN. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN A PRIVATE SALE IN 2009. BY 2011 I WAS HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL FAILED JUST AFTER I HAD MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE TIMING BELT SERVICE (APPROXIMATE MILEAGE 106,000). I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED (AT MY EXPENSE) TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE IT WASN'T SAFE TO DRIVE THE 130 MILES. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA HAS NOT OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE. APPARENTLY SOMEONE HAS TO DIE TO GET THEIR ATTENTION. APPROXIMATE COST OF REPAIRS: $1,800. 2ND BIG PROBLEM IS ELECTRICAL. WIRING HARNESS IN THE DRIVER DOOR FAILED SOON AFTER I PURCHASED IT. IT STARTED WITH THE DRIVER WINDOW SWITCH NOT WORKING. THEN THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON QUIT WORKING. THEN THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SAFETY LIGHTS. I HAVE HEARD THAT IT WILL PROGRESS TO THE TRUNK LID, THE OTHER WINDOWS, THE FUEL DOOR, ECT. ONCE AGAIN AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO A POOR DESIGN. ONCE AGAIN VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA HAS REFUSED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE - THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME JUST UNDER $500 IN PARTS AND LABOR. WHY WOULD A HARNESS COST $205!!! THIRD PROBLEM IS COSMETIC ISSUES. THE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF ESPECIALLY NEAR THE SEAMS AND AT THE WHEEL WHEELS. RUST FORMED WHERE THE PAINT BUBBLED UP AT TWO OF THE FOUR WHEEL WHEELS. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR PAINT PROBLEMS IN THE GENERATION BEFORE THIS VEHICLE AND A 10-12 YEAR CORROSION WARRANTY THAT VW REFUSES TO HONOR. ADDITIONALLY, PROBLEMS WITH POOR MANUFACTURING PRACTICES AND MATERIALS ABOUND IN THIS VEHICLE. THE HEADLINER PULLS AWAY FROM THE PILLARS AT THE SEAMS IN THE REAR DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIALS. IT WILL SEPARATE FROM THE ROOF AND BECOME A HANGING VISIBILITY HAZARD. THE PLASTIC DASH PIECES DON'T FIT TOGETHER - SHRINKING AND PULLING AWAY AT THE SEAMS. STEREO BUTTONS (AS WELL AS DOOR SWITCHES) BUBBLE AND FLAKE OFF. *TR

  15. Power train, Aug 28, 2013

    VOLKSWAGON HAS A PROBLEM WITH A FAULTY DUAL MASS FLYWHEELS,THE SPRINGS BREAK INSIDE THE FLYWHEEL YOU HEAR A RATTLE WHEN THE CAR IS AT IDLE AND THE GOES AWAY WHEN IN GEAR.FROM READING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM I FINALLY FOUD OUT WHAT THIS NOISE IS.I HAVE ASKED THE SERVICE TECH TO SEE IF ANYTHING IS LOOSE AND THEY ALWAYS COME UP EMPTY.I FINALLY READ ABOUT THIS ON THE VW TDI FORUMS ONLINE.THEY SAID VW RECALLED THIS PROBLEM IN AUSTRAILIA BUT NOT IN THE UNITED STATES.I HAVE CALLED VW CUSTOMER LINE BUT ALL THE TELL ME IS WE HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM SO THEY CAN'T HELP ME.ONE OF THE SPRINGS ALREADY BROKE A HOLE IN THE COVER FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP! *TT

  16. Power train, Aug 22, 2013

    #1 JULY 262013 JETTA SEDAN 2.5L AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 87,850 MILES A D V E R T I S E M E N T S I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2006 VW JETTA WITH A DSG TRANSMISSION AND 2.5 L MOTOR. THE VEHICLE LURCHES AND LOSES POWER AS IF GAS HAD BEEN SWITCHED OFF OR THE TRANSMISSION HAS BOGGED DOWN AND SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN SHIFTING. IT ALSO HAPPENS FROM A DEAD STOP, WITH THE VEHICLE LURCHING FORWARD WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON BOTH VERY HOT DAYS, 100+ DEGREES, AND ALSO DURING EVENING AND NIGHTTIME WHILE DRIVING ON SURFACE STREETS AND ON THE INTERSTATE THOUGH ON THE INTERSTATE IT DOESN'T LURCH FORWARD WHEN POWER IS RESTORED. THE VEHICLE USUALLY REGAINS POWER 3-5 SECONDS AFTER LOSS OF POWER MOST TIMES THIS OCCURS BUT THERE WERE A FEW TIMES THE VEHICLE STALLED. ONCE THIS HAPPENS THIS CONDITION CONTINUES TO OCCUR MORE WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS COOLED OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, 2 OR MORE HOURS, IT DRIVES WITH OUT THIS PROBLEM FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME, OR LESS, AS WHEN DRIVEN FROM A COLD START. THIS HAS ALSO OCCURRED WHILE PASSING AND FORCED ME TO CANCEL MY PASS OF A SLOWER MOVING VEHICLE AND MERGE INTO THE TRAFFIC WHICH ON ONE OCCASION HAD CLOSED RANKS LEAVING ME NO ROOM TO MERGE. I HAVE ONLY BEEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A WEEK. THIS STATEMENT WAS POSTED AROUND 8-5-2013. THE PROBLEM IS STILL THE SAME. *TR

  17. Power train, Jul 13, 2013

    IN THE MORNING I WENT TO START MY CAR AND I SHIFTED IT INTO REVERSE AND THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. I THEN WENT TO DRIVE IT AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF THIRD GEAR. *TR

  18. Power train, Apr 17, 2013

    THE DSG CLUTCH ON THE 2006 VW JETTA TDI LOST STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY AND CAME APART COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING, DESTROYING THE AUTOMATIC CLUTCH AND POTENTIALLY THE TRANSMISSION. THE SPRINGS ARE SO DAMAGED THAT THEY WERE EJECTED FROM THE CASING ONTO THE ENGINE PROTECTION MATT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THERE IS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE CLUTCH WHICH WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED COMPLETELY AND POTENTIAL TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. *TR

  19. Fuel system, Diesel, Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2013

    MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING HOME AND SUDDENLY MY CAR STARTED JERKING AND MADE A "KNOCKING" SOUND, WITHOUT ANY WARNING (I.E. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT). WE WERE CLOSE TO HOME AND DECIDED TO CONTINUE ON; HOWEVER, IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MILES, THE PROBLEMS PERSISTED, STILL WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANY INDICATION OF WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS, WHILE PARKED ON A SECURED PREMISE, I STARTED THE CAR UP AND IT HAD AN ERRATIC LOPING SOUND. I PROCEEDED TO CALL A NEARBY VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND SPOKE TO TWO CERTIFIED VW MECHANICS, WHO FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATION BEFORE THE CAR STARTED TO ACT UP AND SAID TO BRING IT IN TO SWAP OUT THE ENGINE AT APPROX. $7500; THEY DISMISSED THE PROBLEM AS "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR". I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND IT LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAM, WHICH I HAD CONFIRMED BY AN AUTO-MECHANIC AFTER TOWING THE CAR IN. HE TOLD ME THE ENTIRE ENGINE WAS WARPED DUE TO THE CAM GOING OUT. OTHER 2006 VW JETTA TDI OWNERS HAVE COMMENTED ON THE SAME ISSUES, WHICH AT THIS POINT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT IT IS NOT "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR", BUT A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *TR

  20. Power train, Jan 14, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE TRANSMISSION POSITION LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE SYMPTOMS AND STATED THEY KNEW THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000.

  21. Power train, Jan 4, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLUTCH FAILED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V164000 (POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

  22. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 12, 2012

    WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 4 AT 65 MPH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WENT FROM DRIVE TO SECOND GEAR BY ITSELF EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS IN DRIVE, NEARLY PUTTING ME THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD HAD I NOT HAD MY SEAT BELT ON. I MANAGED TO GET ONTO THE BURM OF THE HIGHWAY AND STOP. AT THIS POINT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS DUMPING ALL OVER THE ROAD AND THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER MOVE AND THE DIGITAL GEAR SELECTION LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF CONTINUOUS(PRND). HAD IT TOWED TO MY VW MECHANIC AND THEY FOUND THAT THE ELECTRONIC VALVE ASSEMBLY HAD QUIT WORKING AND THAT THE MECH TRONIC CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WAS DESTROYED BY IT GOING FROM DRIVE TO 2ND . AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT VW HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HAS SENT OUT LETTERS TO CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE 2007-2010 VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME TRANSMISSION THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THEIR DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSIONS UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OR RE-IMBURSE THEM FOR REPAIRS IF DONE PRIOR TO THIS LETTER UP TO 100000 MILES. I CONTACTED VW USA AND ASKED ABOUT MY CAR AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE MY CAR WAS A 2006 IT WASN'T COVERED EVEN THOUGH I GOT THEM TO ADMIT THAT IT WAS THE SAME TRANSMISSION THAT WAS USED FOR 2005.5 THROUGH 2010. *TR

  23. Power train, Nov 9, 2012

    I WAS ON A FREEWAY THAT WAS MERGING WITH ANOTHER FREEWAY, AND THE GEAR LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, THE TRANSMISSION QUIT, AND I COULDN'T ACCELERATE TO GET OUT OF OTHER VEHICLES WAY. I WAS DOING 10 MPH, AND I HAD TO CROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC DOING 65 MPH. NOWHERE TO GO BUT THAT. I WAS SO SCARED AND WAS REALLY LUCKY THAT NO ONE HIT ME, ALTHOUGH THEY DID HAVE TO HIT THEIR BRAKES HARD AND SWERVE TO AVOID ME. THIS IS SOMETHING I'VE SEEN ON DIFFERENT FORUMS NOW, AND EVERYONE SAYS IT IS A MECHATRONIC UNIT GONE BAD. *TR

  24. Power train, Oct 16, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THE DUAL MASS FLY-WHEEL AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

  25. Power train, Electrical system, Jul 30, 2012

    I WAS SITTING IN TRAFFIC IN MINNEAPOLIS MN. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, TRAFFIC MOVED AND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE SPED UP AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. THE SHIFT SELECTOR WAS IN D FOR DRIVE. THE PRNDL INDICATOR ON THE DASH FLASHED RED WITH ALL FIVE LETTERS ILLUMINATED. I TRIED TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND TURNING IT BACK ON WITH THE SAME RESULTS. NO MOVEMENT WITH ENGINE ACCELERATING. AFTER BEING PUSHED INTO A PARKING LOT BY PASSERSBY, I TRIED AGAIN AND THE TRANSMISSION WORKED AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, I FIND THAT IT IS A COMMON VW PROBLEM AND THE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER IS PE09035 OPENED JULY 17, 2009 COVERING 2008 AND 2009 MODELS. MY TDI IS A 2006 MODEL PURCHASED IN MAY 2007 BECAUSE VW KEPT SELLING 2006 TDIS IN 2007. THERE WERE NO 2007 VW JETTA TDIS. *TR