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
580 reports, newest first.
Power train, Oct 3, 2006
THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION OF MY 2006 JETTA TDI. ALWAYS WHEN ROLLING SLOWLY AND SOMETIMES FROM A STANDING STOP, PRESSING HARD ON THE ACCELERATOR TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC THERE IS A 1-2 SECOND LAG BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPENS. IT IS AS IF THE ENGINE TOTALLY BOGS DOWN AND THEN CATCHES SOMETIMES THROWING YOUR HEAD BACK, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY DELAYING THE ACCELERATION. I HAD PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR A 16 YEAR OLD CHILD, BUT CANNOT LET HIM DRIVE IT FOR THIS REASON. *JB
Power train, Sep 26, 2006
I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO NOT REAR END A CAR THAT WAS NOT MOVING. WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKES SO FORCEFULLY, IT APPARENTLY MESSED UP MY TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH. I COULDN'T GET MY CAR INTO GEAR. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO VW OF VAN NUYS WHERE THE SERVICE AGENT SAID IT WAS MY FAULT THAT THE CLUTCH WAS BURNT OUT, EVEN THOUGH I ONLY HAD 7500 MILES ON THE CAR. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR REGARDING THE CLUTCH. I WAS ABLE TO TALK THE DEALERSHIP INTO COVERING THIS WITH MY WARRANTY BUT FELT IT'S IMPORTANT TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW BECAUSE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Structure, Wheels, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2006
I HAVE A 06' JETTA IT HAS 10,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS. 1. STERO BROKE AFTER 2 MO. AND 6 CD'S WERE STUCK IN DAMAGED CD PLAYER AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECIEVED THEM BACK LIKE I WAS TOLD AFTER 4 MONTHS OF BEING FIXED. 2.PAINT WAS PEELING OFF FRONT BUMPER, WAS REPAIRED. 3. BACK CENTER CONSOLE WOULD NOT STAY IN PLACE. 4.STEERING WHEEL MAKES SQEAKING NOISE WHEN TURNED TO THE RIGHT. 5.HAZARD BUTTON FELL INTO DASH. 6.PAINT IS NOW PEELING AGAIN. 7.CHROME ON WHEEL IS PEELING. 8.A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE PUT IN AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS OF FIXING IT VW TECH SUPPORT TOLD THE VALENCIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO JUST REPLACE IT. 9.WHEN REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT WHICH IS HOLDING THE AXEL SPINNDELES AND WHEELS ALTOGETHER TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE BOLT WAS STRIPPED AND TECH SUPPORT SAID IT WAS A FACTORY MALFUNCTION AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNLESS FIXED .WE CAME TO FIND OUT THE SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. *NM
Power train, Sep 18, 2006
2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI WITH 12,469 MILES HAD COMPLETE CLUTCH FAILURE. CENTER OF THE CLUTCH WAS COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT. VOLKSWAGEN REPLACED AS WE WERE ONLY 469 MILES OVER WARRANTY BUT UPON INVESTIGATION THERE SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW IN THE CLUTCH WHICH VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. *NM
Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 4, 2006
FILLED UP MY 2006 JETTA TDI AND DIESEL FUEL CAME OUT ALL OVER THE CAR AND THE GROUND. THE FUEL FILLER DESIGN WILL NOT ACCOMMODATE THE LARGER DIAMETER TRUCK DIESEL NOZZLE, BUT THAT'S ALL THERE WAS AVAILABLE AT THE SERVICE STATION (AND AT MOST SERVICE STATIONS ALONG THE INTERSTATE). THE PREVIOUS GENERATION FUEL FILLER DID ACCOMMODATE THE LARGER DIAMETER DIESEL NOZZLES SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT VW WAS THINKING. VW NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX THIS ASAP. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO SPILLED DIESEL FUEL. *JB
Seats, Aug 27, 2006
2006 JETTA GLI - WHEN SEATS ARE OCCUPIED THEY MAKE A METAL CREAKING SOUND UPON ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. IT APPEARS TO BE A WEAK COMPONENT IN (MANUAL) SEAT FRAME. CONCERN: POSSIBILITY OF SEAT FRAME MALFUNCTIONING DURING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER STATEMENT: NORMAL. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 15, 2006
PURCH NEW VEHICLE - VW JETTA 2006 (10/10/05). BRAKE FAILURE AT 10K MI. (REPAIRS AT VW DLRSHIP 12/05). REPLACED BRAKE PADS & ROTORS. BRAKE FAILURE AT 20K MI. (REPAIRS AT VW DLRSHIP 2/06). REPLACED BRAKE PADS & CALIPERS. BRAKE FAILURE AT 30K MI (REPAIRS AT VW DLRSHIP 4/06), REPLACED BRAKE PADS & ABS. BRAKE FAILURE AT 50K MI (REPAIRS CRRNT AT VW DLRSHIP 8/06), SCHED'D TO REPLACE MASTER CYLINDER & BRAKE PADS. *NM
Electrical system, Aug 11, 2006
SPEEDOMETER IS NOT ACCURATE AND IN TIME I FOUND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. AT FIRST IT WAS TRUCKS RUNNING UP ON MY REAR BUMPER BEEPING HORNS AT ME. SO WHEN I DISCOVERED THE SPEEDOMETER WAS REGISTERING SLOW, I SPED UP. BUT THEN HOW MUCH YOU CAN NOT TELL AND I FIND MYSELF BREAKING WHEN I SEE A PATROL CAR. I WAS MAYBE 1 OR 2 OVER BUT YET YOU JUST DO NOT KNOW. ITS A DISTRACTION THAT I FIND MAY CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. VW DOES THIS TO CONFORM TO A EUROPEAN STANDARD. THIS COULD BE EASILY CALIBRATED OUT AS THE CARS COMPUTER IS AWARE OF THE CORRECT SPEED AS VW CLAIMS THE ODOMETER IS NOT AFFECTED. UNECESSARY BREAKING OR A ROAD RAGED TRUCK DRIVER ARE SAFETY ISSUES. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2006
UNABLE TO DETERMINE ACTUAL VEHICLE SPEED. SPEEDOMETER OFF BY AT LEAST 5 MPH. FACTORY CONSIDERS THIS NORMAL. TRAFFIC FLOW MAY OR MAY NOT BE ACCORDING TO SAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS AND WITHOUT ACCURATE INSTRUMENT DRIVER UNABLE TO MAKE A SAFE SPEED JUDGMENT. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2006
SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYS 3-5 MPH SLOWER SPEED THAN ACTUAL. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM MANUFACTURER TT-06-19 SAYS ITS BY DESIGN. PROBLEMS CAUSES CARS TO PASS CREATING SAFETY CONCERN. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Aug 10, 2006
I PURCHASED A 2006 VW JETTA (DIESEL) THAT HAS A 3-5 MPH SPEEDOMETER ERROR IN THE DRIVER'S ANALOG DISPLAY. THE DISPLAYED SPEED IS LOWER THAN ACTUAL. THIS HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS CARS TO PASS ME. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERN. I WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THIS WORKING AS DESIGNED. I INSTALLED A SCAN TOOL ON THE CAR AND IT READS THE CORRECT SPEED, WHILE THE ANALOG DISPLAY IS READING 3-5 MPH SLOWER THAN ACTUAL. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THAT THE ANALOG DISPLAY IS SET FOR DIFFERING TIRE SIZES. *JB
Power train, Jul 29, 2006
THE CLUTCH ON MY HUSBANDS 2006 JETTA TDI IS GOING OUT. IT ONLY HAS 44, 000 MILES ON IT. HE HAS OWNED SIX MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS IN THE PAST, NEVER HAVING TO REPLACE A CLUTCH IN LESS THAN 110,000 AND EVEN THEN IT WAS NOT THE CLUTCH WORN OUT BUT THE THROW OUT BEARING FELL APART. WE HAVE DONE SEVERAL SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET ON VW TDI CLUTCHES. ONE THING WE FOUND OUT IS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2005.5 AND EARLY 2006. VW OF EUROPE HAS ISSUED RECALLS ON THE 2006 PASSAT TDI ONLY SOLD OVERSEAS. I BELIEVE THAT THE SAME CLUTCH WAS USED IN THE EARLY 2006 JETTAS. AUDI HAS ISSUED A RECALL ON THERE A3 WITH THE TDI ENGINE THAT WAS PRODUCED FROM JUNE OF 2003 TILL THE END OF 2004. ON 6/24/2005 THE LOS ANGELES TIMES REPORTS THAT VW IS RECALLING 44,000 OF ITS TOURAN VANS WORLDWIDE TO FIX A CLUTCH PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON WWW.UK-MKIV.NET WHERE THE GOLF AND JETTA ARE REFERRED TO AS MKV OR THE 5TH EDITION AND ON WWW.AUDI-SPORT.NET FOR THE AUDI A3 TDI AND ON WWW.TDICLUB.COM AND HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM. ALSO THERE IS A REUTERS NEWS REPORT DATED JUNE 29, 2006 THAT STATES THE PASSAT RECALL AND MAKES MENTION OF EARLIER RECALLS FOR THE GOLF, GOLF PLUS, JETTA AND TOURAN. VW SELLS FAR MORE TDI DIESEL CARS IN EUROPE SO IT WOULD BE ADVANTAGEOUS FOR THEN TO ISSUE A RECALL THERE. ALL OF THE CARS THAT HAVE PROBLEMS HAVE THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL AND MOST ARE TDI DIESEL CARS. VOLKSWAGEN IS BLAMING THE OWNERS BECAUSE IT DOES NOT HAVE A LARGE NUMBER OF THE TDI VEHICLES IN THE USA AND HAS NO 2007 TDI DIESEL CARS DUE TO EMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS. WHEN MANY ARE EXPERIENCED MANUAL TRANSMISSION DRIVERS THAT HAVE NOT HAD CLUTCH PROBLEMS WITH OTHER VEHICLES. WHILE THE FOREIGN CARS ARE NOT EXACTLY THE SAME MOST SHARE MANY COMMON PARTS FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURERS. *JB
Power train, Jul 28, 2006
THE CLUTCH ON MY 2006 VW JETTA TDI HAS STARTED TO FAIL. THE CAR HAS 43,000 HIGHWAY MILES ON IT. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE CLUTCH FAILING ON 2006'S DUE TO NOT BEING BUILT HEAVY ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND THE ADDITIONAL TORQUE OF THE NEW TDI ENGINE. LUJAK'S VW IN DAVENPORT, IA TOLD ME THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1300 TO $2500 AND THAT GENERALLY SPEAKING VW WILL NOT WARRANTY THIS PROBLEM AFTER 12,000 MILES. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 24, 2006
IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE NOTICED A CHEMICAL SMELL SIMILAR TO WET PAINT OCCASIONALLY EMITTING FROM THE A/C VENTS. IN THE LAST TWO DAYS, IT HAS BECOME CONSTANT AND I HAVE REFRAINED FROM USING THE A/C FOR FEAR THAT IT IS SOMETHING HARMFUL. WE HAVE LOOKED THE CAR OVER, RAN THE A/C AND BLOWER WHILE OUT OF THE CAR AND CHECKED EVERYTHING WE CAN THINK OF WITH NO SOLUTION. THE DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED WE SPRAY LYSOL IN THE AIR INTAKE AND SEE IF THAT HELPS, BUT I DO NOT WANT TO MASK THE ODOR ESPECIALLY IF IT SOMETHING WITH WHICH WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED. *NM
Seats, Jul 18, 2006
DRIVER'S SEAT CLICKS/CLUNKS AND NOTICEABLE MOVEMENT CAN BE FELT IN THE SEAT AROUND WHERE THE SEAT BACK CONNECTS TO THE SEAT BOTTOM ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THIS OCCURS WHEN ACCELERATING, BRAKING, OR MAKING TURNS. THIS STARTED OCCURRING FOR NO APPARENT REASON. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER - THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE NOISE/MOVEMENT. WAITED A COUPLE WEEKS, THEN TOOK BACK TO DEALER. DEALER WAS ABLE TO VERIFY NOISE AND MOVEMENT - THEY SAID THAT THE SEAT FRAME BOLTS WERE NOT TORQUED TO SPEC AND TIGHTENED THE SEAT BOLTS. THE NEXT DAY THE NOISE AND MOVEMENT RETURNED. THIS CONCERNS ME FROM A SAFETY STANDPOINT - I DO NOT WANT THE SEAT TO COME APART IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *NM
Seats, Jul 11, 2006
SEAT IMPROPERLY DESIGNED FOR A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI SEVERE LEG DISCOMFORT. LEG BOLSTERS AND UNADJUSTABLE ANGLE OF SEAT MAKE THE DRIVER POSITION LEG AWKWARDLY CAUSING THE SEAT TO DIG INTO LEG. AFTER 6 MONTHS, LEG PAIN IS CONSTANT. CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN AND WILL NOT FIX SEATS WITHOUT A RECALL. SHOULD BE FIXED AT DEALERS EXPENSE. NOT BUYER. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 19, 2006
WHILE DRIVING MY NEW 2006 JETTA TDI MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A TOTAL MILEAGE ON THE ODOMETER READING OF APPROXIMATELY 385 MILES, ON JUNE 12, 2006, ON I-84 IN WATERBURY, CT. THE MOTOR VEHICLE STALLED WHILE TRAVELING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE OF THE HIGHWAY. AT THE TIME OF THE STALL, THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION WAS OPERATING IN THE DRIVE MODE, IN 5TH GEAR WITH RPMS AT APPROXIMATELY 1300 RPM. DURING THE STALL THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED INTERMITTENT POWER, WHILE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL EXHIBITING A FLASHING NUMERAL 3, ON THE GEAR INDICATOR. I MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WITH MUCH DIFFICULTY AS THE ENGINE STALLED OUT COMPLETELY. THIS MANEUVER CAUSED A MAJOR INTERRUPTION TO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY AND A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK TO ME AND OTHER MOTORISTS ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER PULLING OVER THE BREAKDOWN LANE, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND PROCEED TO MY DESTINATION, DURING WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. ON JUNE 15, 2006, DRIVING WITH APPROX. 484 MILES, WHILE ON RT. 8 SOUTHBOUND IN WATERBURY, CT. THE SUBJECT MOTOR VEHICLE STALLED ONCE AGAIN WHILE DRIVING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE. I ONCE AGAIN WAS FORCED TO MAKE ANOTHER EMERGENCY CROSSING OF A MAJOR CONNECTICUT HIGHWAY IN A STALLED VEHICLE. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2006
THE SPEEDOMETER INCORRECTLY REFLECTS THE RATE OF SPEED AT WHICH THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING. THIS CAN BE VERIFIED BY USING A GPS UNIT WHICH WILL ACCURATELY REFLECT THE "TRUE" SPEED AT WHICH THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING. IN GENERAL, THE VEHICLE'S SPEEDOMETER REFLECTS A SPEED THAT IS 5-7 MPH GREATER THAN THE VEHICLES ACTUAL SPEED. FOR EXAMPLE, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYS THE RATE OF SPEED AS 70 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ACTUALLY TRAVELING ONLY 64 MPH. YOU CAN VISIT THE WEBSITE HTTP://WWW.TDICLUB.COM OR HTTP://WWW.VWVORTEX.COM AND VIEW THE FORUMS TO VERIFY THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH ALL NEW VW JETTA VEHICLES AND POSSIBLY OTHER VW MODELS. I AS WELL AS OTHER JETTA OWNERS WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE CORRECTED SO THAT OUR SPEEDOMETERS ACCURATELY REFLECT THE RATE OF SPEED AT WHICH WE ARE TRAVELING. *NM
Exterior lighting, May 23, 2006
UPON APPLICATION OF THE CAR'S BRAKE, THE UPPER REAR BRAKE LIGHT BLEEDS LIGHT INTO THE REAR WINDOW. THIS OBSCURES VISION THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW AT NIGHT, ESPECIALLY IN VERY LOW AMBIENT LIGHT CONDITIONS. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS UNDER WARRANTY, AND THEIR POSITION IS THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY OR DESIGN ISSUE. I HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT YET DUE TO THIS DESIGN FLAW, BUT I DO CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *NM
Suspension, May 3, 2006
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW VW JETTA TDI. FROM DAY ONE, THE CAR'S FRONT SUSPENSION FELT AND SOUNDED "LOOSE." AT 700 MILES I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE BOLTS FOR THE CAR'S TIE RODS AND OTHER PARTS OF THE SUSPENSION WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE CAR CAME FROM THE FACTORY LIKE THIS. THIS COULD HAVE LED TO A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *NM
Power train, Apr 1, 2006
AFER 1477 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 2006 TDI JETTA FAILED. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 1 WEEK AND THE DEALER TELLS ME IT WILL TAKE ANOTHER 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTS COME IN. I CALLED VW AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD DISCUSS ARBITRATION AFTER THE CAR WAS FIXED. THEY WOULD NOT TAKE THE CAR BACK. THAT'S VW QUALITY AND SERVICE FOR A $27K CAR. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 12, 2006
ON 2/1/06 I LEASED A NEW 2006 JETTA ONLY TO HAVE THE ENGINE NOT START ON 2/27/06. I WAS STUCK IN A GAS STATION PARKING LOT WITH A DEAD CELL PHONE AWAITING A TOW TRUCK FOR 1.5 HRS. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. LATER THAT DAY THEY TOLD ME POSSIBLY A FUEL PUMP BUT WEREN'T SURE AND THAT I SHOULD ARRANGE FOR A RENT-A-CAR. THEY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND WHEN I PICKED IT UP THEY STATED IT WAS A PROGRAM THAT NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AND EVERYTHING IS FINE. IT IS NOW A WEEK AND A HALF LATER AND THE IGNITION KEY WOULDN'T TURN IN THE IGNITION. I CONTINUED TO SWITCH BETWEEN MY ALARM KEY AND MECHANIC KEY UNTIL IT FINALLY TURNED AND STARTED. ONCE ON THE ROAD THE CAR DIED IN MID DRIVE. THE ENGINE COMPLETELY TURNED OFF WHILE DOING ABOUT 25MPG. THANK GOD THERE WAS NO ONE AROUND ME, THE CAR CAME TO A STOP AND RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND DRIVEN BACK TO WORK. LEAVING WORK THE CAR DIDN'T TURN OVER AT ALL. YOU COULD HEAR THE CRANKING OF THE ENGINE BUT WAS NOT TURNING OVER, THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE. THE CAR IS NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, NO LOANER CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME AND THERE WAS SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ALREADY UNDERWAY. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE CARS ENGINES SOUND. WHEN THE CAR IS INITIALLY STARTED IN THE MORNING IT IS A HARD LOUD ROUGH SOUND THAT GIVES AFTER A MINUTE OR SO. *JB
Air bags, Mar 1, 2006
THE 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES, WITH NO PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THIS IS NOT PROBLEMATIC IN THE DAYTIME BUT, AT NIGHT, IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OF THE DISTRACTION OF A VERY BRIGHT ORANGE LIGHT GLARING AT THE DRIVER. IF THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING NORMALLY, WHETHER IT'S ON OR OFF, THERE SHOULD NOT BE A WARNING LIGHT. HAVING THAT BRIGHT ORANGE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME, AT NIGHT, IS NOT SAFE. *JB
Power train, Feb 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50MPH AND APPROACHING A YIELD, THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED. THE CLUTCH STUCK TO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE ALL TRANSMISSION FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAS DUE TO DRIVER ERROR. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE REPAIR SHOP PERSONNEL DETERMINED THE FLYWHEEL HAD BROKEN CAUSING THE CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE TO BREAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2006
2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, ENGINE MAKES A VERY LOUD RATTLING NOISE FOR THE FIRST MINUTE EVERYTIME THE CAR IS COLD AND AT FIRST STARTUP IN THE MORNING...EVERY SINGLE DAY , AFTER REPORTING THE PROBLEM TO MY DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT THIS NOISE IS ON ALL 2006 JETTA'S AND THE MANUFACTURER IS WORKING ON SOLVING THE PROBLEM, I FIRST REPORTED THE PROBLEM LAST MAY 2005 WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR AND I HAVE SINCE MADE 2 OFFICIAL COMPLAINTS DIRECTLY WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WITH THE DEALER. I HAVE NOW WARNED THEM A THIRD TIME AND WILL WAIT THE OFFICIAL 30 DAYS BEFORE ESCALATING IT TO ARBITRATION. *NM