2010 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 875 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 24 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 12 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipDec 20, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 16V913000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, dieselOct 3, 2011
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.
DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 11V490000 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, automatic transmissionAug 20, 2009
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE "DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.
THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 09V333000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
875 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2025
Why driving at 55mph the high pressure fuel pump grenaded sending metal shrapnel through the engine causing an immediate engine shut off while still driving. Entire fuel system has shut down as result
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 21, 2025
When you turn on the vehicle, the abs and traction light illuminates. The light that says "BRAKE" also illuminates and the vehicle beeps 3 times. When driving the vehicle, the red light "BRAKE" flashes constantly, while the ABS and traction control light remains illuminated but no flashes. The dealership says it's a fault ABS module and Hydraulic Pump Assembly. I researched and found a Volkswagen safety recall code: 45F2 (published March 17, 2017) that seems very applicable to my vehicle. Safety concerns include but are not limited to the following: loss of vehicle control, failure to brake properly, auto engagement of brakes not by the driver, etc. All safety concerns may cause my life or the life of another individual.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving or parked, the door locks, gas cap sensor, and tailgate were not working as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to several unknown recalls; however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, ESC, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Service brakes, May 21, 2024
ABS module in 2010 VW Jetta wagon malfunctioned. Warning lights in dash were lit for ABS, Brake, and airbag on 5/18/24. Towed to local auto shop by AAA on 5/20/24. Verified by local auto shop as faulty ABS module on 5/21/24. Prior year VW Jetta wagon (2009) already has recall for this issue. Car is not safe to drive due to brake issue and will not pass state inspection. This VIN / make / model of VW should be added to existing VW ABS recall. I have not towed vehicle back to house and do not have the auto shop report yet.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake light, ABS, and Electronic Stability Control warning lights remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 260,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2023
Every time it rains, water comes down im assuming from my sunroof, ive cleaned the drains multiple times, it doesnt make a differenc, the water goes through my fuse box on the driver side fuse box inside the car like a white water rapid and collects in the floorboard. It blows all of my fuses, it also blows out my headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Not to mention the mold that must be growing in the car from all the water. I tried contacting volkswagen but they wont do anything.. eventhough ive spent who knows how much money replacing all those bulbs and fuses. Plus the damprid containers ive bought to help dry everything up, and the cleaners, the air freshners, the cost of vacuuming all that water up.. also my doors wont lock, i cant control anything in the car with the drivers side controls, cant open my trunk with the switch by the drivers seat. This has changed my whole opinion of volkswagen vehicles.. i used to think they were really good cars, not anymore!
Service brakes, Air, Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module software needed to be updated. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure however, the contact was awaiting a call back. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2023
1) IGNITION SWITCH - yes 2) car wont turn off, key is stuck and wont allow to be turned off. this is dangerous for car to be left on. 3) yes - common problem with VW 4) yes by mechanic 5) no warnings, typically ignition needs jiggling to start and turn off ignition but this is the first time it has refused to budge.
Air bags, Sep 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and became aware that the sunroof had opened independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake was depressed and the ABS and Traction Control warning lights inadvertently illuminated, and the vehicle spun out of control, nearly causing a crash with another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable ABS Hydraulic module. The contact was informed that the ABS Hydraulic module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after researching, he discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Jul 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly shifted into neutral(N). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V333000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,900.
Electrical system, May 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated he was unable to start the vehicle temporarily. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle within 30 minutes and drove to his destination. The contact stated that he had experienced the failure a total of 4 times. The contact took the vehicle to the independent mechanic, where the steering column lock assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 255,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 16, 2023
2010 Jetta, manual transmission Key gets stuck in ignition and wont cut car off. Eventually got key out, ignition locked wont let key turn car on. This is a known vw issue with over 860 complaints on this exact issue between 2009-2013. VW refuses to do recall, even though this is a manufacturing parts issue.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Jan 6, 2023
FAULT ON ANTI LOCKING BRAKE (ABS), INDICATED BY ILLUMINATION ON DASH, ESC LIGHT ON AND FLASHING BRAKE LIGHT ON. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED THAT ISSUE AS LISTED IN SAFETY RECALL 16V-913 APPLIES TO OTHER VEHICLES NOT LISTED ON VIN RANGE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS OTHERS HAVE INDICATED THE SAME ISSUE EXISTS ON THEIR MODELS NOT COVERED BY VIN RECALL. CUSTOMER SERVICE (VW) WAS CALLED, PER DEALER DIRECTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AT VW DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO READ THE VIN CODES OR CAN TELL ME WHICH VIN CODE MAKES THE FAULTY ABS MODULE APPLICABLE OR NOT APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE.
Steering, Dec 13, 2022
"Key gets stuck in ignition and I cannot turn off the engine."
Service brakes, Nov 22, 2022
On certain vehicles, a fault within the antilock brake system (ABS) may cause the module to fail during ABS and/or electronic stability control (ESC) activation. This will cause warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. If this happens, the brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) may not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 20, 2022
In June of 2021 my car had a warning light for the DPF filter come on and told me to follow the instructions in the manual to drive it on the freeway at certain RPMs to get it to clear well that didn’t work and eventually the check engine light came on as well, I took it to the dealership and found out that the Diesel Particulate Filter was bad and needed to be replaced, the DPF was under an extended warranty because of the whole Dieselgate issue, my car had approx 95k miles or so on it when the filter was replaced along with my timing belt. Well six months later the DPF filter light came on again so I brought it back to the dealership that replaced it and they said it wasn’t their fault and that now the glow plugs and thermostat needed to be replaced to get the filter to work so I spent a bunch of money fixing that and now just recently the DPF light and check engine light came on again so I brought it back to the mechanic and they said I needed a new O2 sensor and that would fix this problem, well the replaced the sensor and I drove away and now my Turbo blew which was incredibly scary cause my car lost all power and made a crazy siren noise as I tried to get to a safe area. and my car isn’t driveable at all, my car only has 101,000 miles in it and it going to cost me over $3000 to fix the turbo when I just spent $600 to replace the sensor, $600 on glow plugs and themostat, and $1000 on the timing Belt. This is a lot of extra money to spend on a car in just one year. I don’t think that the DPF filter should be giving me problems every 6 months. I’m a single mom and I don’t know what to do, I can’t afford a new car but I also can’t afford to keep fixing this one. My car is currently at the VW dealership waiting to be fixed and I hope I’m not wasting my money just for it to break again. I’m going into Credit card debt just to keep This car running at this point.
Air bags, Aug 8, 2022, crash
Hit head on by train and air bags did not deploy.
Service brakes, Apr 9, 2022
After a hard braking situation, the ABS, Traction Control, and Brake warning lights activated. A computer scan by the dealer indicated the ABS system failed and needs replacement (computer printout and repair estimate attached). There is a recall (16V-913) for the identical issue for the same year/make/model of my vehicle; however, the date of production is different.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 4, 2022
Received an ABS Break light flashing on my dash board. Went to the Valley Volkswagen dealer in Staunton, VA and confirmed the ABS Module needs to be replaced. This is the same part that was on Volkswagen recall 45F2/45F5 ABS and stability control becomes inoperative. With a warning A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash. This is a safety issue and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. I'm driving an vehicle that is unsafe to drive. Please include my VIN # in this recall. Thanks
Electrical system, Visibility, Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle, due to a battery shortage. The contact stated that the warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery to be replaced. The battery had been replaced three-time. The contact also stated that the rear lights failed to operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Additionally, while driving 75 MPH, the sunroof detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no injury. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Electrical system, Feb 27, 2022, fire
Car spontaneously caught fire while driving
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Nov 15, 2021
Abs and stability control became inoperative at around 50mph. It's a 55mph road thats heavily trafficked since its near a port. I had to stop the car on the side of the road since we almost crashed into an 18 wheeler. Fortunately we were close to home I drove the car at a reasonable speed just to get home. After that incident we have stopped using this vehicle since it gets even more dangerous every time, especially when it rains. Since then brake light has come on and hydraulic and suspension has been bad. This happened last year when pandemic was still full force and without a vehicle. Had to save and buy a more reliable vehicle for our own safety. I know this is a really good car but i really hope y’all can help me fix this since it’s really not the consumer’s fault. I’ve checked there is a recall for this but my “Jetta” is not in those vehicles that were recalled. I really cant drive the vehicle therefore i have no use for it. Please let me know if something could be done since i wouldn’t like to pay out of pocket for something that could be done by the manufacturer and even save our and others life’s in the future when more vehicle owners come forward. Thank you for your time.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with ABS module failure. The contact was informed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control). The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.