2014 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 386 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 20 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 18 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
Electrical system, ignition, anti-theft, control moduleAug 22, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Campaign 19V615000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalAug 4, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 15V483000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection system, fuel railJan 23, 2015
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Campaign 15V028000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, cooling unit and linesApr 15, 2014
Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, and Passat vehicles equipped with a 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
The leaking transmission fluid could contact a hot surface and result in a vehicle fire.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 38B9/9V.
Campaign 14V182000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
94 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2026
I am experiencing multiple safety-related issues with the driver's side door latch/lock assembly on my Volkswagen vehicle. These problems are isolated to the driver's door and appear linked to a known defect involving water intrusion and freezing. Symptoms include: In cold mornings (around 7:30 AM), the driver's door latch frequently freezes shut, likely due to moisture ingress that freezes in sub-freezing conditions—preventing opening from the exterior and sometimes the interior handle. This aligns with Volkswagen TSB 57-18-01, which addresses moisture-related freezing of front door latches. I must enter through the passenger door. While driving, the vehicle triggers "door open" chimes and warnings. The door is latched, but the door is not locked while driving. Which causes wind to catch on the door. If I am able to get the door open from the interior handle, the door will not latch closed. The driver's door fails to lock securely while using the hand exterior sensor or the lock button on the car keys. The other doors lock, but leaves the driver's door unlocked, with no audible unlock confirmation. The selective unlock feature is also inoperative, as the interior unlock button on the driver's panel does not function. After shifting into Drive or Reverse, the door fails to relatch properly if opened and closed. These issues create serious safety risks: Potential for the door to open unexpectedly while driving, risking loss of vehicle control or occupant ejection. Delayed emergency egress in accidents or fires if the latch remains stuck. Driver distraction from persistent false door-ajar alerts, which could mask critical warnings. Compromised vehicle security due to unreliable locking. Given the documented nature of this problem in TSB 57-18-01, this should be a recalled issue as it's a direct impact on door security and vehicle safety.
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2026, fire
the auxiliary heater had burned through the heat shield and melted into the cabin causing a small fire and now some smoke to enter the cabin
Electrical system, Nov 5, 2025, fire
Auxiliary Heater, Part# 1KO 963 235 H, Melted at the grounding post, potentially damaging wiring harness. Fire started in driver side footwell on 11/5/2025. Included is a photo of where the fire originated from. Medium burning to hands, and smoke inhalation from my passenger.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Dec 10, 2024
During this summer (2024), I got a warning with three beeps then warning lights came on, went off for a several months, and now have come on and stayed on (ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, BRAKE, AIRBAG, Tire Pressure). This has to be an issue with VW. There was close to 63,000 miles on the car at the time. Now there's only 64,000 miles on the car. The dealer service center couldn't really determine the cause but still quoted a repair of nearly $4,000.
Electrical system, Dec 2, 2024
PTC Heater - Driver side footwell short / overheating Burning smell Climatronic temp set to warm Fan speed on or off Outside air temperature below 35deg fahrenheit Burning plastic and vapor starts filling the cabin within 10 seconds Fear of vehicular fire or related health effects from exposure. No warning codes or lights to indicate an issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 19, 2022
First owner, brought brand new, serviced the car every 5k, current 61000 mileage, no prior repair or accident. Nov 16, 2022 Jetta’s engine light went on suddenly, next day engine light off, then it went on and off for a couple of days. Drove to the dealership Nov 21, was refused to check as they're too busy; drove to AutoZone Nov 22, did a diagnostic check, trouble code P0131 (power train system) and 02214-002(Anti-lock Brake System), suggested replacement of an Oxygen sensor. Four days later on Nov 26, drove at the parking lot at low speed between 10-15 mph, the car suddenly stalled for the first time. Was able to drive 1.6 miles back home at very low speed. Nov 28, 2022 Dealership was fully booked; was able to drive the car to a close-by shop who said could fix it. The independent shop replaced two oxygen sensors, spark plugs, spark plug wire set, fuel system treatment and coil ignition. Pick car, stall persisted. Drove back, at second attempt, the shop claimed they replaced one faulty oxygen sensor, still was unable to fix the issue and towed the car to the dealership, dealership test drove multiple times and found nothing wrong. Dec 4, picked up the car, stall persisted within an hour. Called the shop, they didn't know what to do and suggested taking the car to the dealership. Dec 5, drove the car with no problem to the dealership. Described the issue, asked for a 60,000 miles maintenance and check crankshaft sensor, both refused by the service consultant. Asked to check all the parts been replaced. Dec 7, dealership called, claimed three mechanics were working on it and could not pinpoint the problem, best guess is ECM but no guarantee. Dec 9, picked up the car, car stalled three times within two minutes leaving the dealership; unable to hit 30 mph on highway, dangerous to drive in daytime traffic; found a parking lot and had the car towed back home. Today Dec 19, car stalls within a minute of starting. Not safe to drive. VW America declined buy back.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 18, 2022
Hello, Recently error codes P309D and 01314-013 were detected via a code reader. Translation of codes indicate Powertrain System and/or ABS ECM. The vehicle will lose power upon downshifting which requires the engine turned off and back on. Once the car reaches normal operating temperature, the issue does not occur. In addition, the Hybrid System is not available. The monitor indicates the battery is being charged. The battery will discharge power, but not to the engine. Not sure where it goes. Finally, the loss of the Hybrid System has resulted in a lower miles per gallon from 45mpg down to 29mpg. Vehicle is available to inspect. Loss of power puts me at risk. The issue has not been confirmed by an Independant source including dealer, police and insurance company. The vehicle has had transmission problems in the past. Loss of power and certain gears, specifically even gears and reverse.
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2022
Last Thursday, we were driving at night when both low-beam headlight went out at exactly the same time causing us to be driving blindly for a moment. Luckily, the high beams still worked, but this issue seems to be some sort of short, and is dangerous. After looking online, it seems this has happened to lots of people with VW Jettas
Electrical system, Jul 5, 2022
key gets stuck in ignition and CANNOT turn car off
Electrical system, Jun 30, 2022
The key gets stuck in the ignition and won't turn. This can make it so the car can't be turned off. The key won't turn regardless of how the steering wheel is manipulated to make sure it isn't locking the key in place. No warning signs or messages were associated with the incident.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 16, 2022
Motor was replaced at 104,714 miles due to knock in engine. Got car after motor replacement and car is doing same exact thing with less than 5000 miles on new motor. Codes that are appearing are oil pressure switch and power train computer issues.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle prior to the vehicle losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain and alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2021
EVERY SINGLE LIGHT ON THE DASH IS TURNED ON EVEN THOUGH THERE'S NO PROBLEM, AND THE SPEEDOMETER METER DOESN'T MOVE. I GOT THE ISSUE FIXED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SAID THE COMPUTER ONLY NEEDED TO BE RESET, BUT THE VW DEALERSHIP INSISTS THAT I STILL HAVE A BIG ISSUE THAT CAN EFFECT THE USAGE OF MY BRAKES, AIRBAGS, EVERYTHING, AND WANTS TO CHARGE ME $3500 FOR A NON-PROBLEM. SINCE THE SENSORS ARE ALL ON, I DON'T KNOW WHEN TO FILL UP OIL OR GAS, AND I WON'T BE ALERTED IF I HAVE A FLAT TIRE OR THERE'S AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE. THEY ALSO MENTIONED THAT SINCE THE SENSORS ARE DEAD IT MAY NOT DEPLOY MY AIRBAG SYSTEM. I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S NOT WORTH FIXING, MY CAR ONLY HAS 49,537 MILES AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION; THIS IS ABSURD.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2021
I HAD 38C4 RECALL FIXED ON MY CAR ON 1/14/20. PRIOR TO THAT I DID SOME ELECTRONIC ISSUES FIXED. RECENTLY I PARKED MY CAR AND IT WOULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. I GOT OUT OF PARKING SPOT AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE FWD. I WAS ON MY WAY BACK TO WORK WITH MY COWORKERS AND MY CAR JUST SUDDENLY DIED. I RESTARTED IT AND IT WENT A SMALL WAY FURTHER AND DIED AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED TO GALPIN VW, IN WEST HILLS, CA. THEY SAID THE COMPUTER READ THAT IT NEEDS A NEW GEARBOX. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN PART OF A COUPLE RECALLS BUT HASN'T BEEN FLAGGED. ONE OF THE RECALLS ENDED WITH PRODUCTION DATE 10/2013 AND MINE WAS MANUFACTURED 11/2013. THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN 34F6/4V. NOT SURE. MY CAR DIED BEFORE THE FIX FOR 38C4 ALSO. I WAS ON A BUSY STREET AND COULD HAVE GOT MYSELF AND MY COWORKERS KILLED. I TRIED TO SPEAK WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE, WITH JENNIFER WHO SAID AFTER SPEAKING WITH SUPERIORS THERE WAS NOTHING SHE COULD DO. MY CAR ONLY HAS ABOUT 62,000 MILES. I NEED HELP WITH THIS.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2020
WHEN THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS TO LOWER GEARS THE ENGINE STUTTERS AND EVENTUALLY STALLS OUT
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 13, 2020
CRANK CAR CUT OFF LIKE IM OUT OF GAS... WIRING IS BAD POWERTRAIN AS WELL DUE TO CODE P0341 SENSOR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 6, 2020
IN THE FOLLOWING, LB/HB IS LOW BEAM, HIGH BEAM: ' THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR FOR HB IS ALWAYS ON, EVEN WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN LEVER IS ON LB AND LIGHTS ARE REALLY LB. ' THE TURN SIGNAL DASHBOARD LIGHT BLINKS FAST -- LIKE THERE IS A BURNT-OUT BULB -- BUT THEY ACTUALLY FLASH FINE. ' WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN LEVER IS SET TO HB, ALL LIGHTS ON THE DRIVER SIDE ARE DEAD; OR, THE HB BULB DOESN'T LIGHT AT ALL AND THE LB BULB GOES FAINT. ' WHEN I TURN THE LIGHTS OFF WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THEY STAY ON ' SAY I'M DRIVING AT NIGHT ALL EVERYTHING IS FINE. I TURN THE CAR OFF; WHEN I START IT UP AGAIN SECONDS LATER, THE LIGHTS ARE MESSED UP FINALLY, THE LIGHTS USUALLY STAY EITHER WORKING OR ARE MESSED UP WHILE DRIVING, BUT ONCE IN A WHILE, THEY WILL GO FROM WORKING TO MESSED UP OR VICE VERSA WHILE DRIVING. BUT I WORK AT NIGHT AND LIVE ONLY ONE MILE FROM MY JOB, SO I HAVE NOT HAD THIS CAR ON THE ROAD AT NIGHT FOR ANY SIGNIFICANT LENGTH OF TIME. THE MOST COMMON SCENARIO IS THAT THE CAR HAS SAT FOR HOURS; I START IT, AND THE LIGHTS ARE EITHER MESSED UP OR WORKING FINE, AND THEY STAY THAT WAY UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND STARTED AGAIN.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 3, 2020
EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SUDDENLY; VEHICLE THROTTLED DOWN AND CONTINUED TO BUCK AND STALL OUT; LOSS OF POWER AND SPEED. VERY DANGEROUS WHILE IN TRAFFIC. NO SPECIFIC DIAGNOSTIC CODE(S) WERE SAVED OR TRIGGERED. THIS CAUSES COSTLY AND UNNEEDED DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2020
MY CAR IS NOT REGISTERING A KEY AND VW DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Apr 30, 2020
I BEEN TRYING TO GET MY STICKER SINCE LAST YEAR ....I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO CAUSE OF THE RE CALL. I BEEN DRIVING EXPIRES TAGS....AM ANNOY ALREADY WITH THIS RECALL T THE DEALER SHOULD HAD TOLD ME SINCE THA BEGGING...MY CAR KEEPING LOSING OIL AND AND. CAN I JUST GET A REFUND
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 16, 2020
APRIL 13TH,2020 I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. ROAD TESTING PRODUCED NOTHING, BUT P1732 AND P173D CODES WERE FOUND. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED THE VW TECH LINE AND VW INDICATED THAT A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS THE ONLY OPTION. MY COST WOULD BE $9236.14. AFTERWARDS, I STOPPED AT THE LOCAL INDEPENDENT GERMAN AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE MY PAPERWORK LOOKED AT. THIS SHOP INDICATED THAT THIS WAS A NEW TRANSMISSION DESIGN, INTENDED FOR THE HYBRID, AND THAT IT WAS FULL OF BUGS. I WAS INFORMED THAT VW KNEW ABOUT THE ISSUE AND CREATED A SOFTWARE BANDAGE TO FIX IT. THE FIX WAS NOT A PERMANENT SOLUTION, RATHER TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THE CAR INSTEAD OF VW FIXING THE ISSUE UNDER WARRANTY. THIS SHOP ALSO INDICATED THAT NORMAL SERVICE DONE TO CARS WOULD SHOW A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, BUT VW INDICATED TO CLEAR THE CODE AND NOT TELL CUSTOMERS. TRANSMISSION I AM NOT SURE THE EXACT DATE THAT THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES BEGAN, BUT I DO KNOW THAT IT WAS AFTER MARCH 27TH, 2020. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I WORKED ALL DAY FOR NEWS AMERICA MARKETING AND THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR. ON THE DAY THAT THE ISSUE BEGAN, I HAD BEEN USING E-MODE FREQUENTLY AND I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS RUNNING HOTTER THAN NORMAL. I STOPPED USING E- MODE. CURRENTLY THE CAR IS DRIVABLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON REGULARLY. WHEN THERE IS A PROBLEM, ONLY ODD GEARS ARE AVAILABLE. GEARS 2,4,6, AND REVERSE ARE NOT AVAILABLE. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, THE CAR WILL IMMEDIATELY DOWNSHIFT TO AN ODD GEAR. FOR EXAMPLE, 4TH GEAR TO 3RD. THIS RESULTS IN THE CAR SLOWING DOWN QUICKLY DUE TO THE HIGH RPM. IF THE CAR IS IN 2ND, SHIFTING TO 1ST CAUSES THE CAR TO COME TO A STOP OVER A SHORT DISTANCE.
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2020
HI I BOUGHT MY CAR 2017 I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL UNTIL OCTOBER.... ITS SAYS IT'S ON FIXABLE SO I CANT GET MY REGISTRATION OR STICKER I WANT A REFUND OR A NEW CAR R IF I COULD GET A RESPONSE RIGHT AWAY CAUSE MYTAGS OR EXPIERD
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 7, 2020
MY JETTA BEGAN HAVING ISSUES STARTING ONCE DRIVEN. IT PROGRESSED TO STALLING WHILE IDLING AND AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. IT FURTHER PROGRESSED TO STALLING WHILE DRIVING, SLOWING FOR TURNS ECT. THE EMC RELAY WAS REPLACED BY MECHANIC. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY VOLKSWAGEN
Electrical system, Jan 20, 2020
CAR IGNITION STOPPED WORKING WELL AFTER SOME MONTHS OF PURCHASED. NOW, CAR IGNITION IS HARD AND TAKES SEVERAL TIMES FOR STARTING THE CAR. IT'S IS DANGEROUS IN AN EMERGENCY OCCASION THAT I DON'T HAVE MY CAR READY.
Electrical system, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON THE OVERPASS THE CAR CUTOFF ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND BY A DUMP TRUCK WOULD NOT CRANK BACK UP FOR 7 MINUTES. AIRBAG LIGHT ON SHOW MALFUNCTION OF AIRBAG