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: electrical system
236 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
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.
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.
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 5, 2021
the vehicle ABS module failed back in Nov2020 and was brought to local VW Dealer and diagnosed as bad module. fast forward to Aug 2021 and ABS module failed again and bad wiring was found which is why the first module failed to begin with in my belief. both times when the module failed was after my wife slammed on brakes hard activating the ABS system which in turn caused the warning lights to come on and car go into limp mode. I tried limping the car to the dealership for repair and was almost hit by a large truck coming from behind as I had no response from the accelerator pedal. I am not sure why this particular VIN was never added to the recall list as it fits the criteria as all other vehicles experiencing this issue. we paid $2600 the first time for the repair and are now out more money to have this known problem fixed again !
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 2, 2021
Im thinking electrical problems lights windshield wipers air locks windows locks dont work when you turn the car off lights dont go out! there is 6 recalls on this car i need to find out if they have been fixed. It was bought for my daughter and can not give it to her like this
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2021
When I try to start the car it was giving me a hard time to turn the key in the ignition then when I got it to start I was coming home and I park the car try to stop the car and take the key out the ignition it won't cut off and the key stuck in the ignition while the car still on it wouldn't let me stop or cut off the car and the key wouldn't come out of the ignition
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 10, 2021, fire
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD WHEN I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER MY HOOD OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER ONTO A SIDE STREET AND POPPED THE HOOD. THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I THEN PULLED MY PANICKED 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OUT OF HER CAR SEAT AND TOOK HER ACROSS THE STREET. WE THEN CALLED 9-11 AND THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE HE SAYS THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FUEL LINE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL FOR MY CAR BUT IT IS NOT FOR MY VIN# EVEN THOUGH IT'S THE SAME CAUSE AS MY CAR'S FIRE!
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2021
ONGOING OCCURRENCE: WHEN I START MY CAR THE SUNROOF TILTS OPEN. I START TO DRIVE AND THE SUNROOF WOULD START RANDOMLY OPEN AND CLOSE WITHOUT ME TOUCHING KNOB TO OPEN SUNROOF. I COULD PUSH ON KNOB AND SUNROOF CLOSES FROM TILT POSITION AND AT TIMES IT WOULD JUST OPEN RIGHT BACK UP. THIS OCCURS DURING DRIVING AND WITHOUT DRIVING WITH CAR IGNITION ON. SEEMS LIKE ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITHIN THE SUNROOF CONTROLLER.
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2021
KEY WONT TURN, AS IF THERE IS A LOCKED STEERING WHEEL (EVEN THOUGH THERE ISN'T). AFTER ABOUT 30 MINUTES, WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR STARTED, BUT COULDN'T TURN THE CAR BACK OFF WITHOUT APPLYING AN OVERLY STRONG INWARD PRESSURE TO TURN OFF THE CAR. THE IGNITION SWITCH IS STIFF AND LOCKS UP.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 1, 2021
CONTROL PANEL FAN STOPPED WORKING AND BACK PASSENGER FLOOR IS WET.
Electrical system, Nov 30, 2020
REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM HAS FAILED, IN THE UNLOCKED POSITION, RENDERING SECURING THE VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE. THERE IS NO SECONDARY METHOD OF LOCKING THE DOOR, SINCE THE ACTUATOR IS SOLELY ELECTRICALLY OPERATED. THERE ARE ALSO INDICATIONS THAT THIS CONDITION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DRAINING THE CAR'S BATTERY WHEN LEFT FOR MORE THAN 5 DAYS WITHOUT STARTING.
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2020
IGNITION SWITCH STOPPED WORKING AND CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON. COST $800 DOLLARS TO REPLACE.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 14, 2020
MY VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AND I SEE CERTAIN LIGHTS SHOW UP WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE I LOSE THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT POWERS BACK ON. I'VE ALREADY RULED OUT THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR IN THE VEHICLE. I LOOKED UP RECALLS AND THOUGH THERE IS NOT ONE ASSOCIATED WITH MY VIN THERE ARE RECALLS THAT ARE VERY SIMILAR TO MY ISSUE THAT I HAVE FROM DECEMBER 15, 2016. WHEN THE VEHICLES ELECTRONICS SHUT OF THE WHEEL LOCKS MAKING ME UNABLE TO TURN. WHEN THE ELECTRONICS COME BACK ON I REGAIN FULL MOBILITY. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2019
ABS MODULE HAS FAILED. FUEL PUMP HAS FAILED. 3 DOOR LOCK MODULES HAVE FAILED. RADIO HAS FAILED. FUEL PUMP ISSUES CAUSED BATTERY DRAIN ISSUES.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2019
MY 2010 JETTA WOLFSBURG'S LOCKS DO NOT WORK WHENEVER IT RAINS - DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS LOCKED WHEN UNLOCK CAR, BUT OTHER DOORS ARE UNLOCKED. HAVE TO USE KEY TO OPEN DOOR. FURTHERMORE, THE PASSENGER DOOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT LOCK AT ALL SO CAN BE OPENED WHEN PARKED AT A LIGHT, ETC. THE CAR HAS A SUNROOF AND WHEN RAINS CONDENSATION BUILDS UP AROUND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE (HAVE SEEN MILDEW AND MOLD GROWING SO CLEAN AFTER EVER RAIN). RADIO WAS WORKING AND DIED DURING RAIN. FUSES ARE OK. DEALER SAYS RADIO IS DEAD AND $900 TO REPLACE WITH A FACTORY ONE. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SIDE AIRBAGS WORKING ALONG WITH BEING ABLE TO OPEN A DOOR THAT SHOULD BE LOCKED.
Electrical system, Aug 16, 2019
KEY GETS STUCK IN IGNITION WHEN TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.
Electrical system, Jan 13, 2019
THE DOOR LOCKS/LATCHES FOR VW JETTA WOLFSBURG EDITION 2010 ARE NOT WORKING (CURRENTLY, THREE OUT OF FOUR DOORS/LATCHES ARE NOT WORKING). THE ESTIMATED COST FOR REPLACEMENT IS $595 PER DOOR LATCH (TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $1,785). WHILE IT MAY POSE A SAFETY RISK, IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT THE SIDE AIRBAGS MAY OR MAY NOT WORK WHEN THERE ARE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE DOOR LOCKS/LATCHES. THERE IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY FOR THEFT WHEN THE DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING. ALSO, TURN SIGNALS ON BOTH SIDE-VIEW MIRRORS ARE NOT WORKING. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR REPLACEMENT OF TURN SIGNAL ON EACH SIDE IS $437 (TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $874). FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE DOOR LOCKS/LATCHES (3 OUT OF 4 DOORS) AND TURN SIGNALS ON SIDE-VIEW MIRRORS (BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE), THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST WILL BE $2,659. ANOTHER IMPORTANT POINT: BETWEEN DECEMBER 2017 AND DECEMBER 2018, THERE WERE SEVERAL PROBLEMS IN THIS CAR (VW JETTA WOLFSBURG EDITION 2010). EXAMPLES OF THESE PROBLEMS WERE CLOCK-SPRING/AIRBAG/ENGINE-LIGHT-ON, BUILD-UP OF CARBON IN ENGINE VALVES, COOLANT AND WATER PUMP LEAKAGE, AND TIMING CHAIN/TENSIONER. DURING THIS ONE-YEAR PERIOD WITH 3 VISITS TO VW DEALERSHIP/SERVICE DEPARTMENT, AN AMOUNT OF OVER $5,000 HAS ALREADY BEEN SPENT. THUS, THERE IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH VW JETTA WOLFSBURG EDITION 2010.
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2018
SAME ... I COULDN'T TURN OFF MY CAR OR TAKE THE KEYS OUT, THE CAR WAS ON FOR MORE THAT 3 HRS, TOOK THE CAR TO VW AND THEY ARE CHARGING ME $800+ FOR FIXING IT, I LET MY CAR THERE AND IT WAS STILL ON. THIS IS A VW PROBLEM, AND THEY SHOULD DO A RECALL AND/OR AT LEAST RECOGNIZE PART OF THE FIXING ON THESE MODELS, WHERE IS THE CONSUMER PRODUCT HELP? WE NEED A RECALL ON THIS IGNITION BOX PROBLEMS, THIS IS DANGEROUS . ALSO THEY SHOULD REIMBURSE ALL OF US
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 27, 2018
RANDOM MISFIRE PERMANENT CYLINDER V AND AFTER THE START OF EFFECTS ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HEARD TUBA AND SOME OF THE DEVELOPMENT
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE RUN POSITION IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STRUCK THE IGNITION WITH A HAMMER LIGHTLY AND THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CIOCCA VOLKSWAGEN (1346 LEHIGH ST, ALLENTOWN, PA 18103, (610) 797-6330) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.