Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 174 of 220 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
53 complaint records11 fire reports1 crash report
"ELECTRICAL SHORT, CAUSING A FUSE TO BLOW OUT, RESULTING IN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONING OF THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Latches & locks
39 complaint records1 crash report
"RECALL 98V160000. DEALER IS NOT TAKING PROPER CARE OF THE RECALL. THERE IS NOW A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BRAKE WIRING. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse latches & locks parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
31 complaint records
"ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FAN RECALL, COMPANY STATES MY CAR ISNT AFFECTED. HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FAN BEING NOISYAND OVERHEATING. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA00028 opened Dec 2000 | closed Jan 2002 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TANK PUNCTURE - led to recall 02V026000 |
| PE00033 opened Aug 2000 | closed Dec 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TANK PUNCTURE THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY... |
| PE98037 opened Jul 1998 | closed Jul 1998 | Structure | HOOD LATCH FAILURE - led to recall 98V160000 ODI HAS RECEIVED THREE REPORTS, INCLUDING THE PETITIONERS, REGARDING ALLEGED HOOD LATCH FAILURES.ALL OF THE ODI REPORTS INDICATE THE HOOD FLEW UP WHILE DRIVING.FOLLOWING A TELEPHONE INQUIRY, VOLKSWAGEN PROVIDED ODI WITH SOME LIMITED INFORMATION REGARDING SIX... |
| DP98006 opened Jun 1998 | closed Jul 1998 | Structure | HOOD FLY-UP There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98V195000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK. THE LINE COULD BE DAMAGED BY CHAFING AGAINST THE FUEL TANK. | Normally free |
| 98V160000 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH CAN LOOSEN OVER TIME. THE LATCH WOULD MOVE CAUSING DISENGAGEMENT OF THE HOOD STRIKER FROM THE LATCH. | Normally free |
| 95V178000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IMPROPER MATERIAL WAS USED IN MANUFACTURING THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR SHAFT CAUSING THE SHAFT TO WEAR AND BECOME NOISY. | Normally free |
| 95V054000 | Equipment | THE JACKS SUPPLIED WITH THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MACHINED SPINDLE, SO THAT A SHARP RIDGE ON THE EDGE OF SPINDLE'S THREAD WOULD HAVE REMAINED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998192 1998-09-28 | Brakes | 49,864 | On certain vehicles, the rear brake line on the passenger side could be routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. An improperly routed brake line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank during extreme axle movement. |
| 1998158 1998-08-20 | Structure | 64,460 | THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH MAY LOSE THEIR SPECIFIED FASTENING TORQUE OVER TIME. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN, THE LATCH COULD MOVE OUT OF ITS DESIGN POSITION AND CAUSE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE HOOD STRIKER FROM THE LATCH. |
| 1995221 1995-12-11 | Engine | 19,932 | NOTE: INCLUDES PASSAT, GOLF AND JETTA TURBO DIESEL. ON 1993-94 MODELS, THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR SHAFT COULD SEIZE AND RENDER THE FAN MOTOR INOPERATIVE. |
| 1995048 1995-03-15 | Other | 35,589 | A SHARP RIDGE ON THE JACK SPINDLE COULD DAMAGE THE INSIDE THREAD OF THE SCISSOR SHOE WHEN THE JACK IS USED TO LIFT THE VEHICLE. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM 33-2019 Mar 2019 | Equipment | The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| SM 44-2017 EN Jun 2017 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward. | |
| VHW-17-11 Jun 2017 | Equipment | VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide | |
| 1-2017 Update Feb 2017 | Equipment | This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests. | |
| V691601 2010479 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2017. |
Show 37 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Jan 2016 | Air Bags | Airbag Issues. | |
| Elsa 6-29-15 Jun 2015 | Equipment | This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions. | |
| Elsa 6-22-15 Jun 2015 | Equipment | This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and... | |
| TT 64-14-02 May 2015 | Electrical System | Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. | |
| V001404 2010380 Apr 2014 | Equipment | Technical Bulletin (Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials): This doucment contains a list of components and applications developed to repair concerns of squeaks, rattles, noise and trim fit conditions. | |
| TB001404 Apr 2014 | Equipment | Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials | |
| Bluetooth Mar 2014 | Equipment | Jetta Bluetooth manual coding procedure. | |
| TB001403 Jan 2014 | Fuel System | Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults | |
| TT 64-14-02 Jan 2014 | Visibility | Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. This document informs of how to diagnose the issue and tips on servicing the issue | |
| TT641402 Jan 2014 | Electrical System | To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. | |
| PDITECHCHECKi Oct 2013 | Equipment | Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections | |
| PDI - JETTA JSW Jul 2013 | Equipment | JETTA-JSW Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purchased | |
| PDI - JETTA TECH Jul 2013 | Equipment | JETTA Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purchased | |
| PDI - JETTA TECH Jun 2013 | Equipment | Jetta Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purchased | |
| 2015831 Aug 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VOLKSWAGEN: EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD, REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES. HEAT SHIELDS ARE TO BE INSPECTED AFTER COMPLETION O ANY TYPE OF REPAIR TO THE UNDERBODY (EXHAUST SYSTEM TRANSMISSION, ETC.), AND IF DAMAGED, REPLACED. *PE | |
| 0302 Feb 2003 | Vehicle Speed Control | INSTALLING NEW STYLE SWITCH FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. *TT | |
| 0101 Jun 2001 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING LATCH SYSTEM LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN, INSTALLING / RETROFITTING. *TT | |
| 9802 Oct 1998 | Vehicle Speed Control | INFORMATION ON CRUISE CONTROL, TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION, CORRECTION. *YC | |
| 9805 Jun 1998 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *YC | |
| 980223980130 Jun 1998 | Power Train | CLUTCH PEDAL DOES NOT FULLY RETURN, CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT FUNCTION. *YC | |
| 9801 Mar 1998 | Structure | DIFFICULTIES IN CLOSING REAR LID. *YC | |
| 9801 Feb 1998 | Structure | CONDITION WITH THE ABS PUMP ACTIVATION IS HEARD WHEN VEHICLE REACHES APPROXIMATELY 13 MPH. *YC | |
| 30 9702 Oct 1997 | Power Train | CLUTCH PEDAL DOES NOT FULLY RETURN TO STOP, CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT FUNCTION. *YC | |
| 00 9706 Jul 1997 | Power Train | CHART IDENTIFIES WHICH TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULES (TMC) ARE AVAILABLE FOR VARIOUS STATES. *AK | |
| 90 9702 Jul 1997 | Electrical System | VEHICLES WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS CAN EXPERIENCE LOSS OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ILLUMINATION IF DRIVEN FOE EXTENDED DURATIONS/REPLACE ORIGINAL INSTRUMENTCLUSTER HOUSING WITH 1996 VERSION. *AK | |
| 15 9701 Jun 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TOOTHED BELT RUNS TOWARDS OUTSIDE, WEARS OUT/ JUMPS OFF, AND CRACKS. *AK | |
| 01 9706 Apr 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT START, POSSIBLEDTC'S STORED IN TCM DTC MEMORY | |
| 9701219701D Jan 1997 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | CONDITIONS REGARDING EXTERIOR DOOR LOCKS CANNOT BE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED WITH KEY WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING. *YC | |
| GRP55/9501 Aug 1995 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | HOOD LOCK FASTENER, TORQUE REVISION. *TW | |
| GRP28/9504 Jul 1995 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTICS FOR COMPLAUINTS OF ENGINE MISS/POOR PERFORMANCE. *TW | |
| GRP90/9506 Jun 1995 | Fuel System | FUEL GAUGE READS INACCURATELY. *TW | |
| GRP97/9504 Jun 1995 | Electrical System | DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS, RESISTOR WIRE INSTALLATION. *TW | |
| GRP90/9504 May 1995 | Fuel System | FUEL GAUGE READS INACCURATELY. *TW | |
| GRP40/9502 Apr 1995 | Power Train | UNKNOWN | |
| GRP24/9503 Apr 1995 | Fuel System | OIL ACCUMULATION IN THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM. *TW | |
| VW57/9504 Feb 1995 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | EXTERIOR DOOR LOCKS FREEZING. *TW | |
| VW24/9501 Feb 1995 | Fuel System | INTAKE AIR SUPPLY SYSTEM, OIL ACCUMULATION. *TW |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Close every door, hood, and tailgate gently, once.A door that needs a slam or springs back is the latch complaint on this vehicle. It is the kind of fault a seller has learned to hide by slamming.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Jetta →