2017 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 159 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 18 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 9 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, fuel injection system, fuel railOct 21, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
Campaign 20V648000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Equipment, other, labelsMay 31, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
The mismatched VINs make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.
Volkswagen has notified owners and has replaced the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 06A8.
Campaign 17V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsMar 2, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B8
Campaign 17V137000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsMar 2, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.
Campaign 17V136000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineFeb 3, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine. These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.
If the engine seizes, the wheels may suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Volkswagen will either buy back the vehicle or replace the engine block, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F4.
Campaign 17V070000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
159 reports, newest first.
Power train, Engine, Jul 29, 2026
Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE! Put lever into park: turned off car and turned back on : put thr stick BACK INTO DRIVE - NOTHING HAPPENED I GUNNED it BY pushing my foot on the gas VW Jetta ALMOST REDLINED but didnt: was able to get across the interaction as I turned Left . Car sputtered: Car died: CAR CAUGHT FIRE! put fire out with towel: transmission fluid expelled: Car SEIZED ALL MOVEMENT Car would turned on with push start: could put in ALL GEARS BUT WOULD NOT MOVE
Electrical system, Seats, Mar 7, 2026
I have severe painful burns on my gluteus from the seat heater. I had the heater on intermittently on a drive of about 75 miles. I put the heater on for about 10-15 minutes a few times but did not have it on the entire trip. After getting to my destination I started feeling painful burning sensation so looked at my bum in the mirror and was shocked to see an open wound about the size of a silver dollar with peeling skin and many other burns all around. It’s very painful.
Suspension, Feb 25, 2026
On 8/14/24 I had the rear springs replaced due to a broken spring. Now today 2/25/26 I was inform that I have a broken front spring. This vehicle is only 9 years old and we have had spring break in the front and back. This seems like a premature failure of a critical suspension component. Though fortunately nothing happened in the way a bodily injury the failure could very well lead to an inability to properly control the vehicle if the broken spring were to slip and crash is possible. For example a tire could be punctured at a high rate of speed. I may not be able to maintain control with the broken suspension component. The vehicle springs should last more than 7 years before failure. I have owned many vehicles over the years a lot older than this one and with more miles and have never experience spring failure.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2025, fire
The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven or started any time before or after it actually caught on fire, it was only taken care of quickly as the tow truck driver had a fire extiguisher, we do not carry one in the car. The car had the recall work done in 2021 in Tyson's Corner VA. The dealer refuses speak to us and states that the recall was done and therefore not their issue. The issue was confirmed with the new mechanic. There was one EFC light on the night it started leaking fuel.
Electrical system, Equipment, Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the infotainment system touch screen failed to operate as an intended. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle could be repaired, and that the failure was common. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was not a known failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2025
Horn no longer working, can't signal an impending accident to other drivers. That along with infotainment touch screen, kind of hard to use hands free when I cant select yes on the touchscreen
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2025
Door lock actuator for all passenger doors, the only one that hasn't failed is the driver's door.
Air bags, Service brakes, Sep 12, 2025
Please copy the link. It is not a spam nor malware. It is the diagnostic report ran 9/12/2025. Please look under “airbag” tab and you will see the code related to brake system. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jul 29, 2025
July 2024 my 2017 VW JETTA SEL PREMIUM [XXX] at 153,253 miles without notice had TRANSMISSION FAILURE where a major oil and transmission fluid leak occurred. I was sitting at a red light, the light turned green I tried to go and ended up flooding the engine thus preventing the car to ever move again. I experienced a total loss on a vehicle who’s PZEV WARRANTY just expired and VW OF AMERICA REFUSED TO ASSIST ME. I lost my employment as I couldn’t get to work and was left high and dry forced to sell my lemon for pennies of the cars net worth INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 22, 2025
I purchased my car used. In the past 3 years I have had problems my headlights became increasingly dim I checked my fuses and it had blown so I replaced it. Upon doing so my windshield wipers that had just been working no longer moved. But my headlights worked. Then my passenger window would not work with the drivers door controls. I can put it up but not down. I have never had the front collision warning work. Nor the lane departure the tire info used to work. Now it doesn’t. I toook my car into be caked and I was told that everything except the windows and wipers was fine. The wipers had a blown motor. Replaced it and they are good the window motors are dying? And need to be replaced. Also when in cruise control it will accelerate for just a second before slowing to the speed set at. Love the Volkswagens family has had four others and never had smyproblems
Service brakes, Jul 17, 2025
ABS UNIT COMPLETE was malfunctioning per volkswagen's inspection. When this malfunctions it can lead to a loss of its anti-lock braking function, potentially causing wheel lock-up during braking, longer stopping distances, and reduced vehicle control, especially on slippery surfaces. Additionally, other driver assistance features relying on the ABS module, like traction control and automatic braking, may also be affected. Other 2017 models had a recall on this part but I was told my VIN did not. There were warning lights on dash when this occurred. This was confirmed by VW.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel rail bolts. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired by the previous owner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was later informed that the vehicle was already repaired in 2022. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2025
My Volkswagen Jetta shut off driving down interstate 99 due to major fuel leak (fuel rail bolt broke) I saw Volkswagen had a recall for fuel rail bolt coming loose after time. I called Volkswagen states recall was completed in May 2021 I bought the car May 2025. I asked Volkswagen rep if they would repair it as this is the same issue as the recall obviously it isn’t corrected. This could have been very bad with fuel leaking along a major highway one thing ignited and car would have went in flames. My son could have been seriously injured or even killed! EPC light came on as this was happening. The car is at my local mechanic who advised me to call Volkswagen due to an open recall for this issue. Volkswagen rep states I could take it to Volkswagen dealer to have it looked at but advised it would be at my expense. The only way anything would be done or reviewed if the car caught on fire or someone died. I would like this looked into as I believe vw should pay for my car to be fixed. Since the known problem was not fixed. I don’t have any documentation as my car is still in the process of getting fixed.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 27, 2025
I drove my vehicle to Wawa to get gas before work. As I was driving up to the pump my car shut off and would not start. I have low mileage and have kept up all routine maintenance. This could have been worse as I could have been driving on a main road or highway and the vehicle shut off completely and would not start again.
Power train, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 14, 2025
so all the sudden my air bag light came on and my whole steering wheel don't work.. none of the buttons nor the cruse control and air bag light is on . Not sure why this happened but I feel very unsafe with my children in the car due to there's been a lot of crazy ppl out that don't pay attention when driving .
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 2, 2025
My mother owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. Recently, the car has developed a strong and constant smell of gasoline, both while driving and when parked. This is extremely concerning, as it appears to be a fuel leak, which poses a serious fire and safety hazard. Upon researching, I discovered NHTSA Recall 20V648000, which affects certain 2016–2018 Jetta vehicles due to loose fuel rail bolts that may cause fuel to leak. My mother’s car is experiencing the exact same symptoms, yet her VIN is not included in the recall, and Volkswagen has refused to help because the recall does not technically apply to her vehicle. We spoke directly with VW Customer Care, and despite clearly describing the fuel smell and matching the recall symptoms, they told us the repairs would be out-of-pocket. My mother does not speak English and relies on me for help — and she cannot afford the cost of repairs for something that is clearly a known defect. The vehicle is undrivable due to the risk of explosion or fire, and we are desperate for help. I’m submitting this complaint in hopes that NHTSA will investigate and expand the recall to include additional VINs. There is no reason a vehicle with an identical issue should be excluded simply because of a VIN batch.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced rough driving before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V070000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle, entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related to the failure of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, but stated that the VIN had been removed from the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2025, fire
AT AROUND 5AM ON FEBRUAURY 7, 2025 I WAS AWOKE BY MY ROOMMATE SCREAMING MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE I SEEN MY NEIGHBOR AND ROOMMATE ATTEMPTING TO PUT OUT A FIRE IN THE ENGINE OF MY CAR. MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR AT LEAST 5 HOURS AND WAS NOT RUNNING. MY NEIGHBOR STATED THAT HE LOOKED OUT HIS WINDOW AND SAW FLAMES AND RAN ACROSS THE STREET WHERE HE STARTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH MY WATER HOSE UNTIL FIRE AND POLICE ASSISTANCE ARRIVED. THERE WAS NO ONE IN THE CAR, OR AROUND THE CAR, THE FIRE SPONTANEOUSLY STARTED. I HAD NO PRIOR WARNINGS THAT WOULD BE CAUSE FOR CONCERN OF AN ENGINE FIRE. THE CAR BURNT TO TOTAL DESTRUCTION. IT IS LOCATED AT MY ADDRESS. IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION ON REQUEST. I AM FINANCING THE CAR FROM SHAWS AUTO SINCE 08/23/2024. SHAWS AUTO HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FIREMEN STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I AM UPLOADING PICTURES OF MY CAR. I AM STILL ACQUIRING OFFICIAL INCIDENT REPORTS. ATTEMPTED TO UPLOAD PHOTOS OF VEHICLE POST FIRE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THIS INCIDENT HAS TAKEN A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND SPIRITUAL ENERGY IN ORDER FOR ME TO STAY INTACT. THIS IS MY FIRST OPPORTUNITY AT BUYING A NEWER CAR THAT I WAS UNDER THE EXPECTATION THAT I WOULDNT BE UNDER CONSTANT WORRY THAT SOMETHING WAS GOING TO GO WRONG WITH MY CAR COSTING ME MONEY I DONT HAVE. I NEWER CAR SHOULDVE BROUGHT ME AT LEAST A FEW YEARS USE BEFORE CONCERN FOR ANY KIND OF WEAR AND TEAR ISSUES ARISE. THIS ENGINE FIRE WAS NOT MY FAULT OR CAUSE THEREFORE I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED WITH A CAR OF WHICH ICAN RELY ON. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS ON MY CAR AND WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY UNTIL AFTER THE FIRE. HAD I KNOWN THERE WAS AN URGENT RECALL I WOULD HAVE CORRECTED IT.
Air bags, Jan 1, 2025, crash
My daughter was rear-ended in her 2017 Jetta while stopped. The other driver was going approximately 45 mph, forcing my daughter into the car in front of her as well, causing significant front impact and damage to the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy. The amount of impact seems as though the airbag should have deployed. She suffered a mild concussion and whiplash from the impact.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled down to the floorboard; however, the vehicle responded as needed. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Mavis Tire and Brakes, where it was determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced due to brake fluid leaking. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E064000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Additionally, the mechanic flushed the brake fluid and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The contact contacted the part manufacturer, Tenneco Automotive, and left a voicemail. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Air bags, Oct 31, 2024, crash
The contact owned a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle struck a deer. The contact's daughter lost control of the vehicle, crashing head-on into a tree. No warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's daughter was shaken up, but she had no visible injuries and did not receive medical treatment immediately following the crash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the tow yard and was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that a few weeks after the crash, her daughter had approximately 80-90 seizures and was receiving medical treatment at the hospital. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle operated properly by not deploying the air bags because the rate of deceleration criteria were not met during frontal impact. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine, Oct 31, 2024
The catalytic converter malfunctioned and is defective. My vehicle is within 8 years and under 80,000 miles and Volkswagen of Toms River will not replace or address the safety concern as they are required by law to replace it. The vehicle will hit 8 year on January 1st and they are trying to stallmate me until it is out of warranty
Equipment, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started, the infotainment touch screen occasionally went black and did not respond to touch commands. Additionally, the side buttons of the infotainment screen did not respond when depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the infotainment screen was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine, and electronic power control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel rail bolt had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.