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: fuel/propulsion system
29 reports, newest first. Show all
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, 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.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 4, 2024
EPC light came on and I could smell a strong odor of gas. The car immediately began to de-accelerate and I could no longer use the gas pedal. I was on a highway road with lots of curves and limited shoulder, this could have been deadly. The vehicle also could have started a fire. The same exact issue occurred with this vehicle in September of 2022 where a safety recall was issued for fuel rail bolts. It has been less than two years and the issue has occurred again.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 23, 2024
The fuel rail system came loose, causing fuel to spray in engine bay, as well as loss of power to propel vehicle forward. Original recall for 2016-2018 Volkswagens Jetta’s fuel rail coming loose due to bolts loosening over time was opened in April 2020. Car was taken to Brandon Tomes Volkswagen of McKinney as soon as recall was received. A few years later, the fuel rail system still came loose and the car now is at my personal mechanic shop due to Brandon Tomes saying the had seen the car for the recall. I do not trust Brandon Tomes with my vehicle at this point in time to do fix the issue, if they even actually did anything when the car was in for the recall when the recall was initiated. If they did, and the bolts still came loose, then the original recall may need to be investigated and to see if there are multiple more units affected by the recall that have been seen for the recall and put as recall completed, only to have the issue arise at a later time.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 25, 2024
Safety recall on fuel rail bolts was originally performed by dealership on 30Aug21. However, while driving to work 14May24 the car dumped a full tank of gas and had to be towed to dealership for repair. The technician found the fuel rail bolts missing.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Visibility/wiper, Apr 12, 2024
The EPC light and Check Engine light came on while driving, major car throttling, problems with acceleration, stronger throttling occurred with more acceleration. Car was immediately towed to nearest VW dealership service. Me and my son had to stop on the expressway far from home. Problems were confirmed at inspection by VW dealership on same day of incident. No symptoms or warnings occurred of problems before incident.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 19, 2023
Fuel rail failed causing gas leak. Part was previously recalled and fixed, failed for same issue that caused original recall.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 23, 2021
Dealer does not have parts to fix recall. Received fuel rail recall notice in March. It is late May and have called dealer multiple times with same response. Recall is for fuel rail that may leak.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 19, 2021
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IT TURNED OFF ON ME AND STARTED LEAKING FUEL.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 8, 2021
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE CODE CAME ON AS WELL AS THE EPC LIGHT. THE CAR WOULD TRY TO START BUT WOULD RUN VERY ROUGHLY. WHEN I GOT IT HOME I STARTED IT AND NOTICED FUEL POURING FROM THE FUEL RAIL
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 2, 2021
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM LARSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP IN MID JANUARY 2021 AND, ONLY AFTER CHECKING YOUR SITE, FOUND THE RECALL. I NOTIFIED THEM AND THEY RETURNED THE CAR AND I PURCHASED A DIFFERENT JETTA THAT I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH. MY CONCERN IS THAT THEY ARE STILL SELLING THIS VEHICLE AND AT LEAST 4 OTHER JETTA 1.4 TS ON THEIR SITE. I AM WORRIED OTHERS WILL NOT CHECK AS I DID AND BE SOLD A CAR THAT IS UNSAFE, WITH AN ACTIVE RECALL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 21, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V648000 (FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION DECEMBER OF 2017. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A KIA DEALER THAT ALSO SERVICE VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES, (OVERTURF KIA 1016 W COLUMBIA DR, KENNEWICK, WA 99336 PHONE NUMBER (590) 586-3185), THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EMITTING A FUEL ODOR THE CONTACT SHOULD NOT BE CONCERNED AND THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 18, 2021
RECALL NUMBER: 20V648 IS NOT RESOLVED IN A TIMELY MANNER. THERE IS NOT A REPAIR AVAILABLE YET.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 14, 2021
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON A LEAKING FUEL PROBLEM. I HAVE TRIED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BUT THEY SAY THEY CANT REPAIR IT. I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN SOME LEAKING LIQUID.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 31, 2020
WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, SMELLED GAS, PULLED OVER, CAR DIED, EPC LIGHT CAME ON. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW DEALER.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2020
MY VEHICLE IS UNDER RECALL BECAUSE MY FUEL RAIL BOLTS CAN BECOME LOOSE CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND A FIRE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE ALLOWING MY DAUGHTER TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE GOING BACK AND FORTH TO COLLEGE. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN CORPORATE CONCERNING A LOANER VEHICLE UNTIL A REMEDY EXIST. THEY TOLD ME THE DEALERSHIPS HANDLE LOANERS AND A RECALL THAT DOES NOT HAVE A REMEDY DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR A LOANER CAR PER THE DEALERSHIP. I STILL HAVE TWO YEARS TO PAY ON THIS VEHICLE THAT IS DEEMED UNSAFE AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT EVIDENTLY. IS THERE A LAW FIRM HEADING UP A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR IS THE GOVERNMENT HELPING IN ANY OTHER WAY. THIS IS HOW THE BIGGEST AUTOMAKER IN THE WORLD HANDLES RECALLS. WE HAD A RECALL WITH NO REMEDY IN OUR LINCOLN AND CORPORATE LINCOLN GAVE US A LONER AT NO COST FOR 7 MONTHS UNTIL THEY FIGURED OUT HOW TO FIX IT. I AM FORCED TO KEEP PAYING FOR A VEHICLE THAT MAY KILL MY DAUGHTER. IF THEY CAN'T FIX IT THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO BUY IT BACK.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2020
VEHICLE FUEL PUMPS FAILED AND VEHICLE DISABLED. I IMMEDIATELY SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. VEHICLE TOWED TO LOCAL MECHANIC; UPON INSPECTION, NOTICED, SMELLED GAS LEAKING FROM VEHICLE RAIL BOLTS. VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA CONTACTED AND VEHICLE TOWED TO LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP (OURISMAN, WALDORF, MD). INITIALLY TOLD NO GAS LEAKING, CHARGED $229.00 WITH RECOMMENDATION TO CLEAN ENGINE AND INTERIOR COVERING UNDER THE HOOD AND NEW CABIN FILTER (I DECLINED AND VOICED MY FRUSTRATION). TOLD NO GASOLINE LEAKING AND RELEASED THE VEHICLE. A FEW DAYS PASS AND VEHICLE SITS, NOTICE A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE AND CALLED DEALERSHIP. TOLD TO TOW VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, TOLD AGAIN NO GASOLINE LEAKING. I TRAVERSED TO DEALERSHIP AND POINTED OUT THE ISSUE. THEN TOLD MY ISSUE AND NOT COVERED BY RECALL .... LOTS MORE TO TELL VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA CASE NUMBER # 04621276
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2020
THIS 2017 JETTA HAD A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE SPRAYING FROM THE FUEL RAIL WHICH WAS CAUSED BY POORLY INSTALLED FUEL RAIL BOLTS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED VW DEALERSHIP ON NOV 11TH FOR REPAIR OF THIS DOCUMENTED MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CAR REMAINS IN THE POSSESSION OF BILLING MONTANA VOLKSWAGEN WITH NO RESOLUTION TO THE OPEN SAFETY RECALL. IT IS NOW DECEMBER 28TH, 2020. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN VW HANDS FOR 46 DAYS. I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD TAKE UP TO SIX MORE MONTHS TO FIGURE OUT THE "PRESCRIBED FIX".
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 29, 2020
I NOTICED TODAY AFTER DRIVING MY CAR WHEN TURNED OFF, THE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM EXHAUST PIPE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 23, 2020
I WAS ACCELERATING FROM A 40 MPH ZONE TO A 65 MPH HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND THEN ENTER A LIMP MODE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GAS. I RAISED THE HOOD TO SEE AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF FUEL SPRAYING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST CERTIFIED MECHANIC, VALLEY MOTOR HONDA, SHERIDAN WY. THERE WAS NOT A VW SHOP WITHIN 100 MILES OF THE BREAKDOWN. UPON ORIGINAL INSPECTION, A TORQUES HEAD BOLT WAS DISCOVERED LOOSE FROM THE FUEL RAIL AND THE FUEL RAIL WAS SEPARATED FROM THE INJECTOR ON THE DISTAL CYLINDER (SEE PICTURE). SIMPLY TIGHTENING THE FUEL RAIL DID NOT SATISFY THE PROBLEM. THIS IS REPORTEDLY THE RESULT OF THE INJECTORS SHIFTING POSITION AND/OR BEING DAMAGED. AFTER LEARNING ABOUT THIS COMMON VW JETTA PROBLEM, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW DEALERSHIP IN BILLINGS MONTANA. IT APPEARS THAT THE PRESCRIBED RECALL FIX FOR THIS ISSUE MIGHT ONLY REQUIRE SOME LOCTITE AND WRENCH TURNING FOR THE CARS THAT HAVE NOT YET EXPERIENCED THIS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE FIX LOOKS TO BE MORE EXTENSIVE FOR CARS LIKE MINE THAT WERE NOT CAUGHT IN TIME. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT BILLINGS VOLKSWAGEN FOR 14 DAYS WITHOUT RESOLUTION. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT PARTS ARE INVOLVED OR WHY THE REPAIRS NOT AVAILABLE. I CAN PROVIDE A COPY OF THE REPAIR BILL FROM VALLEY MOTOR HONDA IN WHICH THE FUEL RAIL WAS IDENTIFIED AS THE SOURCE OF MECHANICAL FAILURE.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2020
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. I ASKED AFTER I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I CALLED RECENTLY AND WAS TOLD MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IT IS A DAILY DANGEROUS FAILURE ON VW'S PART. IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY AND WHEN CALLED THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I DID NOT GET ANY RECALL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ISSUE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2020
MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN RUNNING NORMALLY AND WITHOUT ISSUE UNTIL I GOT IT HOME AND WHEN I NEEDED TO LEAVE AGAIN, THE ENGINE WOULD CRANK BUT WOULD NOT START. FOUND TO HAVE A GAS LEAK POOLING UNDER MY CAR AND FUEL LEAKING OUT FROM AROUND THE FUEL ROD EVERY TIME I TURNED THE KEY. I WORK AS A HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE ON CALL AND MY CRITICALLY ILL PATIENT'S CARE WAS DELAYED BECAUSE OF MY INABILITY TO GET MY CAR RUNNING.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 23, 2020
N80 EMISSION FAILURE, OWNED CAR THREE MONTHS PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY AND STILL UNDER 60K YET DEALER REFUSES THE NO EMISSIONS FEDERAL STANDARD FOR THIS MODEL AND WON'T FIX THIS ISSUE. THIS MODEL IS COVERED 150,000K SAYS FEDERAL REGULATION VW REFUSES THIS FIX. *TR