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

580 reports, newest first.

  1. Structure, Sep 6, 2012

    2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH HEADLINER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, HE NOTICED THE HEADLINER WAS PULLING AWAY FROM THE REAR PILLARS. *JB

  2. Electrical system, Structure, Aug 8, 2012

    THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW IN MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THE CAUSE WAS A FAULTY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HARNESS. THERE WERE SEVERAL WIRES THAT WERE BROKEN OR ABOUT TO BREAK, AND THEY SUGGESTED I REPLACE IT IMMEDIATELY. I WAS QUOTED OVER $400 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS ISSUE WAS RECALLED ON THE EARLIER MODELS, AND THEN FIXED ON THE 2008 AND LATER MODELS DURING PRODUCTION. HOWEVER THE 2006 AND 2007 MODELS ARE STILL AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEM. VOLKSWAGEN HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS CRUCIAL PART AND CONTINUES TO LET ITS CUSTOMERS PAY FOR THE DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW IN THESE VEHICLES. WARNING TO POTENTIAL BUYERS: BEFORE PURCHASING A 2005.5 (NEWER BODY STYLE), 2006, OR 2007 JETTA CHECK TO MAKE SURE THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED. OTHERWISE, YOU COULD WIND UP WITH YOUR POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, MIRRORS, GAS DOOR, AND TRUNK RELEASE NO LONGER WORKING WHEN YOU NEED THEM TO. ALSO, I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A RISK AND A SAFETY CONCERN THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. *TR

  3. Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jul 31, 2012

    AT 130,623 MILES OUR JETTA HAD TO HAVE THE CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS REPLACED. THE LOBES ON THE CAMSHAFT HAD COMPLETELY WORN OFF AND THE LIFTERS HAD PITTED. I FEEL LIKE OUR DIESEL MOTOR HAS AGED PREMATURELY AND THERE IS AN UNDERLYING PROBLEM THAT VW IS IGNORING. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR. WE ARE HAVING BOTH REPLACED, BUT UNTIL THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM IS FOUND THERE WILL BE AN ISSUE AGAIN. VW MUST KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY STOPPED PRODUCTION OF THE TDI JETTA IN 2006. THE 2006 WAS THE LAST YEAR BEFORE STOPPING PRODUCTION. WHY WOULD THEY STOP MAKING A CAR THAT WAS IN SUCH HIGH DEMAND WITH THE RISING COST OF DIESEL AND GAS. THEY KNEW OF AN ISSUE IN THE CAR THAT THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT. NOW THEY IGNORE THE PROBLEM AND CONTINUE TO BLAME THE CUSTOMER FOR POOR MAINTENANCE. THE CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND VW NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *TR

  4. Air bags, Jul 30, 2012

    MAY 2011 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CASEY IMPORTS (CASEY VOLKSWAGEN) 777 J. CLYDE MORRIS BLVD NEWPORT NEWS VA 23608 (757)988-1236 IN REGARDS TO SERVICE ACTION 97U3/T3 DATED JANUARY 2011. ---FAILURE WAS DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG CONNECTOR RESULTING IN ILLUMINATED AIRBAG LIGHT IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. CASEY VW PROCEEDED TO REPLACE THE CONNECTOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BUT ONLY "INSPECTED" THE PASSENGER SIDE WITH NO REPAIR ACTION PERFORMED. THE INSTRUCTIONS CLEARLY STATE ON PAGE 6: PERFORM PROCEDURE ON BOTH FRONT SEATS. RECALL WAS ENTERED INTO VOLKSWAGEN'S ELSAWEB AS COMPLETED EVEN THOUGH THE REPAIR PAPERWORK CLEARLY STATES ONLY HALF OF THE WORK WAS PERFORMED. JULY 2012 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CASEY VW WITH AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ---FAILURE WAS PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG CIRCUIT HIGH RESISTANCE. I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO AUTHORIZE A $120 DIAGNOSTIC FEE BEFORE ANYTHING WAS DONE AND THAT THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. I INFORMED [XXX] (SERVICE ADVISOR) REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER [XXX]AND CASEY SERVICE MANAGER [XXX] THAT I DID NOT WANT ANYTHING DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. I MADE IT PERFECTLY CLEAR THAT I WANTED THE RECALL PERFORMED IN IT'S ENTIRETY. I CALLED VWOAMERICA AT 1-800-893-5298 TWICE. THE SECOND TIME I RECORDED WITH PERMISSION A CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE BY THE NAME OF[XXX]. THE ONLY ANSWER I HAVE BEEN GIVEN IS TO AUTHORIZE A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. I BELIEVE THIS CONSTITUTES NEGLIGENCE ON VW AND CASEY IMPORTS FOR NOT ONLY IMPROPERLY PERFORMING A SAFETY RECALL BUT FAILING TO ADDRESS AND CORRECT THE ISSUE WHEN IT IS WAS BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION. THIS TYPE OF SERVICE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO SEE HOW MANY OF CASEY IMPORTS CUSTOMERS MAY STILL BE AT RISK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR

  5. 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

  6. Vehicle speed control, Jul 25, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 122,000.

  7. Power train, Jul 21, 2012

    RECURRING DSG TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS: FIRST REPORTED TO VW IN JANUARY OF 2006 WITH FAILURE TO DOWNSHIFT AT 22K MILES (NO PROBLEM FOUND/NO CODES).IN 2010 REPORTED LOSS OF POWER AND OR SHIFTING IN AND OUT OF GEAR DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. IN JUNE OF 2012; FROM PARKING, DELAYED SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE AND THEN VIOLENTLY ENGAGING. ON RETURN FROM ARIZONA, AGAIN HIGH TEMP, FOR APPROXIMATELY 100 -150 MILES WOULD LOSE POWER TO WHEELS AND THEN WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL REPEATEDLY. VW WILL NOT COVER 2006 JETTA UNDER DSG RECALL (I BELIEVE THERE ARE TWO RECALLS). COST OF NEW DSG TRANSMISSION QUOTED AT $7000.00! *TR

  8. Power train, Jul 16, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. HE PULLED OVER AND WAITED UNTIL THE VEHICLE COOLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT SURE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 08/23/12*LJ UPDATED 09/24/2012 *JS

  9. Electrical system, Jul 11, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND A LIGHT INDICATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

  10. Power train, Jul 5, 2012

    2006 JETTA 2.0T WITH A DSG TRANSMISSION HAS A DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL (DMF) WHICH IS FAILING: CHATTERING AT IDLE, WHEN SHIFTING GEARS, AND WHEN SLOWING TO A STOP. SPOKE WITH A FEW DEALERS IN THE AREA TO ASK ABOUT THE REPAIR AND WAS QUOTED $2500 TO REPAIR (THE DMF ONLY!). CONTACTED VOA TO FIND OUT IF THIS ISSUE WAS PART OF A RECALL, BUT NO RECALLS FOR SUCH FAILURES. HOWEVER, I WAS OFFERED $1000 TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VW - THAT WON'T FIX MY PROBLEM. ALL DEALERS I SPOKE WITH HAVE NO RECOLLECTION OF ANY OTHER FAILED DMFS - AT ALL. THROUGH MY OWN RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT AUDI (VW PARTNER COMPANY) ISSUED A RECALL FOR A NUMBER OF 2006 A3 MODELS WITH THE SAME PART NUMBER (SAME PART) TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE DMF PART (R/2006/031). ALSO LEARNED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR 1.9TDI MODEL JETTAS IN AUSTRALIA (135C). THERE HAS BEEN NO SUCH RECALL FOR US OWNERS OF VW MODELS WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION AND THE DMF. WHY NOT? I ALSO OWN A 2010 PASSAT WITH THE SAME ENGINE, TRANSMISSION AND DMF PART. I CAN ONLY EXPECT TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THAT CAR LATER ON. IT WOULD BE NICE EVEN TO HAVE VW ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ADDRESSING THE DMF PART MAKER (LUK AND/OR SACHS) FOR A PARTIAL PAYMENT OF THE REPAIRS. AT THIS POINT I HAVE TWO OPTIONS; SELL THE CAR TO AN UNSUSPECTING VICTIM, OR PAY NEARLY 50% OF THE TRADE VALUE OF THE CAR WITH 106,000 MILES ON IT TO HAVE IT FIXED. *TR

  11. Engine, Jul 4, 2012

    ENGINE LOSS OF POWER, BLACK SMOKE FROM EXHAUST AND PINGING NOISE FROM ENGINE VEHICLE STALLED A FEW TIME IN TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WITH OTHER VEHICLES DRIVING VEHICLE TO WORK, STARTED MAKING NOISE AND DECIDED TO DRIVE TO VW DEALERSHIP. DEARLERSHIP FIRST DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BAD CLUTCH. UNDER MY RECOMMENDATION CAMSHAFT WAS INSPECTED AND FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE AS WELL AS THE LIFTERS THAT CONTACT THE CAMSHAFT. DEALER SAYS THIS IS NOT A VW PROBLEM AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE A PROBLEM WITH THE CAMSHAFT. IF YOU LOOK ON THE INTERNET, MANY TDI VW OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT BEING RECONGIZED BY VW AND IS COSTING OWNERS A LOT OF MONEY IN REPAIRS AS WELL AS CREATING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. *JS

  12. Engine, Jun 29, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED. THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BANGING UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FLY WHEEL WITHIN THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

  13. Engine, Jun 24, 2012

    CAMSHAFT BEGAN KNOCKING AROUND 100,000 MILES. MANY OTHER '06 JETTA TDI HAVE HAD PREMATURE CAMSHAFT FAILURES AS WELL. KNOCKING INTENSIFIED JUST BEFORE 101,000 MILES. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC WHO WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE ISSUE, AS HE HAS SEEN MORE THAN HIS SHARE. HE SAID THE EARLIEST FAILURE HE HAS SEEN WAS AT AROUND 40,000 MILES. I HAD TO GO TO GREAT EXPENSE TO REPLACE CAM FOLLOWER, CAMSHAFT AND CAM BEARINGS. IT ALSO CAUSED PREMATURE WEAR ON MY LIFTERS, WHICH I EXPECT I'LL HAVE TO DO SOON, AS THEY ARE STARTING TO "TICK". I LOVE MY TDI, AND HAVE MADE SURE ALL SERVICE WAS DONE PROMPTLY. I AM FRUSTRATED THAT VWAG HAS DENIED THERE IS A PROBLEM. IF ENOUGH PEOPLE COMPLAIN, THEN THEY WILL HAVE TO ADMIT THAT POOR ENGINEERING IS THE CAUSE OF THE PREMATURE CAMSHAFT FAILURES THAT ARE PLAGUING PUMPED USE OWNERS. *TR

  14. Air bags, Jun 21, 2012, crash

    I WAS IN 2 ACCIDENTS I DON'T REMEMBER THE DATES, BUT ONE WAS IN THE LATTER PART OF 2010 AND ANOTHER WAS IN 2008. IN BOTH ACCIDENTS THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, THE AIR BAG LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF, EVEN BEFORE THE ACCIDENTS. I HAD THIS LIGHT RESET ABOUT 3 TIMES, THE FIRST TIME WAS THROUGH THE DEALER AND THE OTHERS WHERE THROUGH AUTO MECHANIC SHOP. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $250 TO FIX THE LIGHT PROBLEM, THEY SAY IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE. I REALLY THINK THAT THIS HAS BEEN A SAFETY PROBLEM AND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS INREGARD TO THIS MATTER. YET THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. *TT

  15. Power train, Engine, Jun 11, 2012

    ON HIGHWAY GOING APPROX 60 MPH, CAR LOCKED UP, SKIDDING FOR ABOUT 50 FEET. WAS UNABLE TO ENGAGE CLUTCH, ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING THOUGH. GOT CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, DISCOVERED ENGINE MOUNT BOLT HAD SHEARED OFF, CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS HAD ALL OIL CHANGES/ETC ( 2K MILES LATE FOR 60K SERVICE). *TR

  16. Air bags, Jun 7, 2012

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS AND AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

  17. Electrical system, Structure, May 31, 2012

    DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WIRING HARNESS HAS DESIGN FLAW AS REFLECTED IN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS DOCUMENTED ON-LINE. REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLES MAY BE FOUND AT FOLLOWING LINK. HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/VOLKSWAGEN-JETTA-2006. THE DESIGN FLAW POSES AN RESCUE HAZARD IN EVENT OF ACCIDENT, AS NON OF THE ELECTRICAL DOOR LOCKS CAN BE UNLOCKED AND WINDOWS CANNOT BE LOWERED. ACCESS TO GAS TANK TO FILL REQUIRES DISMANTLING OF TRUNK COMPARTMENT FOR MANUAL LATCH MANIPULATION, WHICH CARRIES RISK OF CUTS AND BRUISES. REPAIR COSTS $677.00. SHOULD BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED BY VOLKSWAGEN AT NO COST TO CONSUMER. *TR

  18. Engine, Apr 30, 2012

    ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AND COULD NOT RESTART THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE CRANKED BUT WOULD NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND RE-OCCURRED EVEN AFTER THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER. AFTER ONLY 40 MILES AND ONE DAY OF DRIVING IT IS AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. *JS

  19. 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

  20. Electrical system, Apr 14, 2012

    THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. THE LOCKS, WINDOWS, MIRRORS, TRUNK LATCH, GAS TANK LATCH, MIRROR DEFROSTER ET AL. IN SPEAKING THE VW SERVICE REPS THEY KNEW RIGHT AWAY THAT THE ISSUE WAS A BROKEN HARNESS. THEY INDICATED IT HAD FAILED IN MANY OTHER VEHICLES. HOWEVER, IN SPEAKING WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE KNOWN ISSUE. BUT THE DOORS CAN NOT BE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED, THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT REMAINS ON AND DINGS ALL THE TIME, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE ON NIGHT AND DAY MAKING VISIBILITY AT NIGHT DIFFICULT AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST THE WINDOWS CANNOT BE PUT DOWN. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS AS VW DOES NOT APPEAR WILLING AND THIS ISSUE IS EVERYWHERE WITH THIS MODEL YEAR AND MAKE. THANKS! *TR

  21. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 9, 2012

    THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL ( DMF ) FAILED AT 90,801 MILES. *TR

  22. Electrical system, Apr 5, 2012

    THE CAR ALARM RANDOMLY ARMS ITSELF WHILE PARKED. THE REPAIR SHOP SEES NO ERROR CODES BUT WE CAN SEE THAT THE DOOR AJAR INDICATOR RANDOMLY LIGHTS UP WHILE DRIVING. ODDLY, THE DOOR OPEN CHIME DOES NOT SOUND. *TR

  23. 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.

  24. 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

  25. Air bags, Mar 21, 2012

    THE INDICATOR LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG STAYS ON. THIS SEAT IS RARELY USED BY A PASSENGER. *JS