Electrical System Problems of Volkswagen Jetta - part 1

I purchased a brand-new 2025 Volkswagen Jetta from lafontaine Volkswagen of dearborn, mi on October 2, 2025. Within 24 hours, the check-engine light illuminated, and the fuel gauge cluster froze, showing an incorrect fuel level. On October 3, 2025, I contacted the dealership and was told to bring it in for service. The service department confirmed a faulty transmission control module (tcm) and opened a repair order. Before the repair could be completed, the vehicle became inoperable and would not engage drive, leaving me stranded in my driveway. The car had less than 350 miles on it at the time of failure. This incident is extremely concerning for a brand-new vehicle and raises questions about potential safety and manufacturing defects in the 2025 Jetta model line. A new car’s transmission should not fail within days of delivery. I have filed related complaints with the michigan attorney general and better business bureau regarding the dealership’s handling of the issue and lack of transparency. Please investigate potential defects in the transmission control system and electrical fuel cluster of 2025 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles to prevent similar failures from occurring with other consumers.

Subject: request for recall consideration – ignition switch failure in Volkswagen Jetta I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue I experienced with my vehicle and to request that it be considered for inclusion in the existing recall related to ignition switch failures. On [xxx] while driving my Volkswagen Jetta, the vehicle suddenly experienced an ignition switch failure. This caused the engine to shut down abruptly, along with the loss of all dashboard power and controls, while the vehicle was in motion. An error message clearly indicated "ignition switch failed. " I immediately contacted camelback Volkswagen and reported the incident. I was advised to bring the vehicle in for inspection. I brought the car to the dealership on September 8, 2025, and after inspection, they confirmed that the ignition switch was malfunctioning. The faulty part was subsequently replaced, and I paid for the repair out of pocket. During my visit, I mentioned the known recall for ignition switch failures affecting the same model vehicles. However, I was informed that my vehicle identification number (VIN) is not currently included in the recall. Despite this, the issue I experienced matches the recall description both in nature and severity. Given the serious safety implications of an ignition switch failure while the vehicle is in motion, I respectfully request the following: re-evaluate the recall scope to include vehicles like mine. Investigate whether other vehicles with the same ignition switch part number or serial are affected. Consider reimbursing the amount paid toward the repair charges, as this issue aligns with an existing known recall. I believe this is a legitimate safety concern that warrants immediate attention and formal investigation. Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached the service report along with the paid receipt for your review and records. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

I was driving my car on a 100 degree day and and after about a block, a warning popped up on the little screen behind the steering wheel that said "ignition switch off, safely stop the vehicle". I feel like the engine may have shut off, but I'm not sure as I just rolled to the side of the road and turned off my car as fast as a could. I waited a few minutes and turned it on, drove about a block, and it said, "starter system faulty, please service vehicle". I once again turned it off, waited a few minutes. I googled on my phone instances of this and people saying they were still able to drive that car, so I turned it back on and started to drive it the two blocks back to my house, the "starter system faulty" message popped up again and suddenly all of the electrical in the car shut off (the engine was still running). My radio, speedometer, everything was just off. I made it home, got on my computer and found an article about a recall that match my car's make, model, year, and key rather than button ignition. It described my exact experience. I looked up my car to see if it had a recall and it didn't. I called the dealership and they were no help, so I called the Volkswagen of America customer care line. They told me my VIN didn't qualify "probably" because it wasn't within the "manufacturing dates". I'm having a hard time understanding that since everything else lines up. Additionally, I just purchased this vehicle used from a vw dealership less than two months ago. The dealer plates are still on the car. According to them, the car was in great condition. . .

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that for the past eight months, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. Several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that to start the vehicle, the contact had to plug in the two fuse boxes and connect the battery cable. The contact feared the vehicle might catch on fire. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v615000 (electrical system, steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that pre-existing repairs needed to be performed before the recall repair could be performed. The contact stated that the dealer had not provided an official repair estimate, however the total repair cost was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer confirmed that the pre-existing repairs needed to be performed prior to the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 131,260. Parts distribution disconnect.

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The sos module has failed three times over 24 months of ownership. Each time, the dealer replaced the module and the faults comes back. This failure means I cannot contact vw for help in case of accident or breakdown. Part number: swa-035-283-d.

See all problems of the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

Shifting vehicle into reverse, turns of back up camera, then shifting into drive camera remains on for a set period of time, if shifted back into reverse as camera turns off, camera will not come back on. Android auto was being used.

See all problems of the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

I was driving my car when all of a sudden a message came up my dashboard saying “starter system faulty please service vehicle followed by ignition switch off safely stop vehicle “message . My screen , ac and everything turned black and had to merge to the curb and a car almost hit me. This has happened more than three times and it is not okay. There is currently a recall on the 2019 Jettas with this specific problem but my VIN doesn’t fall in that even though it’s giving me the same exact problem. My safety is in danger and my car is showing exactly the same problem and message as the recall going on so it needs to be recalled so Volkswagen can fix the issue that is going on with my car.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in extremely hot weather, the message "starter system fault - please service vehicle" and another message “pull over and exit vehicle” were displayed. The contact was able to continue driving to the residence nearby; however, the electrical system became inoperable. The failure recurred and progressively became worse. While attempting to make a turn from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart within two minutes. The message "starter system fault - please service vehicle" was displayed. The weather was hot and the contact's [xxx] son was also occupying the vehicle at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the a/c was inoperable, and the doors were locked. The failure was a recurring failure while the weather was extremely hot. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Open recall under NHTSA campaign id 23v604000. When the interior of the car is too hot the ignition switch will fail causing the electrical system to shut down. My vehicle does not fall in the recall manufacturer range but it has the exact same issues.

Car shuts off after a few miles in the middle of the road. I live in arizona. Mechanic stated the ignition switch is failing. Warning sign pops up- “starter system faulty please shut down vehicle” - electronics die immediately.

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.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 mph, several unknown warning lights on the instrument cluster started blinking. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the brake pedal was difficult to depress, and the steering wheel was also difficult to turn. The contact stated that the sheriff's department towed the vehicle to an impound lot. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v604000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the recall was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

As reported by many other drivers on this website and all over the internet that 2019 having ignition switch problem in 2019 Volkswagen Jettas. I started having the same problem aswell. This has happened several time already and now I am scared to drive this car on the highways. It is clearly mentioned that 2019 and 2020 ignition systems are faulty than why vw is not helping people who have those year cars. This is the big safety concern and I believe it should not be overlooked. I tried searching with my plates and VIN but it’s says 0 recalls. Every thing shuts off inside (ac, infotainment screen, all the dash lights, wiper blades, speedometer, rpm meter, everything) I hope NHTSA will take this problem seriously as not hundreds but thousands of vehicles are affected with this problem so far. Thank you.

This is my 4th Volkswagen Jetta 2. 5l I've own that has had the same issue with the charging system the car would just shut off while driving due to dead battery almost causing an accident this needs to be addressed 2011 to 2018.

Had the steering wheel replaced once for a sensor at around 38,000 miles and the issue now popped up again around 80,000 and now it’s 90,000 still there.

See all problems of the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

The car has turned off at idle and at low speeds, almost causing accidents and to be rear ended in busy streets and during stop and go traffic on the highway. After numerous mechanic diagnostics at both Volkswagen dealership service departments and third party mechanic shops, no one seems to be able to give me an answer or condition to what is causing the problem. With no error codes being brought up nor any other underlying issues that could be causing this issue, with a car having minor wear. This is a problem that has been reported by many other Volkswagen Jetta owners on online forums and no one seems to have a specific answer as to what is causing this accident prone issue!.

See all problems of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

I’ve been experiencing intermittent start failures with my 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. The issue typically occurs after driving short distances, turning off the engine, and attempting to restart the vehicle within 15–45 minutes. The dashboard lights stay on, but the engine fails to crank. After extended wait times (1–3 hours or more), it will sometimes start again. A diagnostic scanner showed dtc im 00, indicating an immobilizer system malfunction, meaning the car isn’t recognizing the key properly. I’ve tested both keys and various conditions (locked/unlocked, sun/shade, full/low gas tank), and the issue continues to be unpredictable. When the car was towed to the dealership, they were unable to replicate the problem since it started by the time they checked it, and they were unwilling to investigate the immobilizer issue without charging me for a wide range of unrelated tests. This is becoming a safety issue, especially if the vehicle stalls or won’t restart in isolated areas or during hot conditions. It is not acceptable for a known electronic security feature to randomly disable the vehicle from functioning.

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It was a hot day and I went to start my 2019 Jetta, it sent me a warning code to safely stop the vehicle and then all electrical shut off but the engine then proceeded to stall in place and not want to start back up. I got it to restart and the parking break locked up. I turned it off again and restarted it and managed to get the parking break off after several attempts. I had to have it towed as it was clearly not safe to drive. As soon as the temperature dropped the car was completely fine no electrical errors making me think this is similar to other Volkswagen vehicle issues. There is no recall in place but this is extremely unsafe for me to drive and I just purchased the vehicle.

The ignition switch failed. Although vw had a recall for 2019 and 2020 Jettas for just this reason, the car was not included in the recall. When driving, the car warns starter system faulty and to pull over as the car will shut off. This happened on two separate occasions but was not diagnosed when first taken to the dealership 6 months ago. This time it was diagnosed but not covered by vw. I cannot get any information on how many other 2019 Jettas that were not recalled have had this problem. Any data regarding this would be appreciated. Thank you.

Without any warning whatsoever the entire electrical system goes completely off while driving the vehicle after 5 mins of it being on. This means that the lights including blinker and brake lights go off, air conditioning stops, and the entire dashboard goes off. The engine is still able to run. I am able to use the gas and breaks but I do not know what my speed is or any other information that is typically available via the dashboard. I have tried to do a reset when the problem occurs but that does not help the situation. The safety of myself and others is definitely at risk when this happens since the break lights and turning signal will no longer function at all. I can only use the hazard lights to indicate the hazard this presents. I’ve brought this issue up to multiple Volkswagen dealerships having paid the $200 diagnostics fee every time and they inform me that they are not recognizing the issue. I ask if this has anything to do with a recall that had happened to this car and been “fixed” in 2021 and they do not answer the question. I ask if it is possible that the recall was not fixed correctly and that is why I am having issues and they do not answer the question. I have also emailed customer support at Volkswagen worldwide and they state that my car never had any recalls done which is so incredibly false. I have the paperwork to confirm that it had a total of 6 different recalls done in 2021. I believe one of the recalls was never fixed properly and has only deteriorated worse since 2021. Volkswagen dealership of san bernardino does not give any codes or anything that is more specific than possible alert to car battery/terminals/cables/clamps issues. Their recommendation was to change the car battery but that was already replaced in Aug 2024. They also recommended to change my oil filter but I had an oil change less than 5 days before at a different location. The pep boys diagnostic revealed code p253200 which indicates a problem with the ignition switch.

Driver door lock actuator motier lock sticking not opening from outside have to open from inside handle after unlocking with the remote.

When I start the car multiple times the car will throw over half of all the error code and could not start the vehicle. Driving in the highway doing 65mph with the cruise control on the car completely shut off and I had to limp it to the shoulder and was unable to start the car. Each time I cleared the fault codes then was able to start the car. If I didn’t have my scanner I would have had to get towed each time to the dealer. I see there is an ignition switch recall on the 2019 and the 2020 cars but for some reason I don’t see my 2020 included in that. Now the proximity sensor is at fault and I have to take it to the dealer again. Please let me know what I should do.

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My car began flashing a bunch of warning lights, including the passenger air bag and the blind spot warning and locks working on the inside. I took my car to the dealer and had them diagnose it. Turns out it needs to parts that are connected; one part they have, another they have tried to order from corporate. This part has been on back order for 8 months.

Nothing has happened as far as a crash goes yet but my air bag lights are on. Indicating that they need repair of some sort. There are also electrical issues that include doors locking while in the vehicle and various lights. I have called different Volkswagen dealers and I was told that there are no current recalls on my vehicle. As a result I was told I would have to pay for these issues on my own. This is not a possible scenario, I receive social security as my total income. My family is in danger at this point due to these issues. Volkswagen also requires an upfront amount of 200 "just in case" something else is wrong that is not covered. I could be wrong but I think this is a form of extortion that takes my choices away. Anyway at this point I don't quite know what to do to take care of these issues before one of us dies that drive the car?? I never even wanted this car but the dealer told me I could only get and afford this vehicle, a 17,000 dollar vehicle??? I thought it must be what he wanted to get rid of but I needed a car, so??? help us?? phone # [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The ignition switch gets stuck sometimes and I can't crank my car nor turn it off I'm just dating that because that's what's going on on my end. Therefore, I've had times where I can't crank my car or I can't turn it off when I need to. So you may tell me if there was a recall on ignition switch or whatever.

See all problems of the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the compliance recall campaign number: 3m02 was completed. The contact stated that while attempting to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was in drive(d), the key came out smoothly. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle and entering the key in the ignition switch, the electronic power control (epc) and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the recall failed to fix the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

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.

See all problems of the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

Backup camera has been having problems with blacking out or not working upon activation. I informed the service advisor who did not investigate the problem and said "vw should be coming out with something about it because there has been a lot of issues with them. " I have no received anything regarding this officially from vw.

Obd-ii port is not connected properly meaning that when a checked engine light came on I am unable to diagnose the issue.

Rear brakes replaced twice on warranty. The car only has 24,000. Car remains with loud chattering brakes on all 4 brakes especially when brakes are cold. Especially loud chattering and squealing brakes still exist especially on rear brakes. Issue with a fuel valve needing to be replaced on warranty. Eps engine light on dash. Driver's door widow regulator malfunction for door not going down with one touch. Replaced under warranty. Dealer for vw stated that they would no longer do any brake repairs. Obviously, the material being used for brake materials is cheap and doesn't last. Have had situation with the main radio information screen going blank on 2 occasions and having to do a hard reboot to get it to work. Cause unknown for screen totally going blank.

My manual transmission clutch went to the floor without warning and the car suddenly was inoperable. Bay vw in great neck, NY performed a $4,000 repair. . I picked uo the car today and within five miles drive the clutch failed again and the car was inoperable. In December 2022 the same thing happened while driving on [xxx] . I was in the passing lane and lost complete control of the car except for steering. I had an elderly passenger with dementia and it was providential that we weren't in an accident. It's now three breakdowns of the same kind. Obviously, another part is defective causing these operational failures. It's a safety risk and the three two vw repair shops, on three occasions, have not been able to detect it. I am afraid for my safety and that of my passengers. I can provide the repair invoices. Please look into this. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph she observed that the triangle symbol with an "exclamation" mark illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to her residence. The contact stated as she was pulling into her driveway the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the failure she had recently had NHTSA campaign number: 23v604000 (electrical system) completed. The contact related the failure to the recall and the work completed by a local dealer. The contact was not able to have the vehicle towed to the dealer because she was unable to shift the vehicle into neutral (n). The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving with the front driver’s side seat heater activated, the seat became extremely hot. The contact started smelling a burning odor coming from the seat. The contact felt a hole in the seat, which burned the contact's middle finger. The contact immediately pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact’s back started burning due to the extreme heat of the seat back. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a hole in his jacket and approximately four holes that had formed in the front driver seat due to the seat heater failure. The contact was not treated for the burns to his back. The contact stated that two dealers were notified of the failure but neither provided immediate assistance. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 489,000.

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