Power Train Problems of Volkswagen Jetta - part 1

Zero warning lights, dash clusters only allowing two options to show, oil temperature reading 200degrees fahrenheit or higher, floor board feels like the firewall is almost in the interior of the vehicle and not engine port. Upon performing a thorough investigation of my own, the manifold, intake valve and wires are visibly damaged and burnt, coil two is visibly damaged and was smoking. The battery generating system is also malfunctioning, with visibly burnt ground wires. Additionally the thermostat and temperature gauges both are not giving out any signal or alert for faulty electrical activity. However the vehicle was so hot from only driving 6 miles from my house that the arm to hold the hood up was legit bending and folding as it become unusually soft from the hot intake. Transfer case has been clicking, as well as the intake sizzling like making repeated sounds of sparking. All of which began in a matter of four days. Something is dangerously wrong with my car please help.

See all problems of the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

I was going down the highway and enable cruise control, the car fell like rpm dropped then suddenly jolted back. Also when driving it feels like the transmission isnt proper and yoy can feel it be shotty. I've asked the dealer and they said "this is normal the camera may see a bump and cause it to slow down" but this has happened without the acc and on normal cruise control mode. I think this can pose a saftey risk as this could cause further transmission and or engine damage and cause a failure in highways leading to a risk.

See all problems of the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

While driving, the vehicle suddenly shut off without warning. The engine lost power and multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then displayed a malfunction related to the transmission, with the park (“p”) indicator blinking, and the vehicle would not shift out of park. The failure appears to be related to an electrical or ignition system issue, possibly the ignition switch. This created a significant safety risk as the vehicle lost power while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash. Prior to the failure, the only warning observed was a check engine light. No other warning messages were present before the incident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent mechanic/contractor. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. This issue appears consistent with known ignition switch/electrical failures reported in similar vehicles.

See all problems of the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

My car made a loud banging noise and would not move even though engine was running. Had towed and was told car needs new transmission I brought to another mechanic for second opinion and was told the same thing code p073300.

See all problems of the 2018 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after driving and shifting into reverse(r), the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body, the wiring harness, and all fluids needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after driving 5 miles, the vehicle started jerking and the message "transmission error - please pull over safely" was displayed. The vehicle was towed back to the same dealer, where the contact was informed that the seal was installed incorrectly, and the seal and the valve needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred the same day. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle lost motive power. The message "error start/stop" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta se transmission making whining and whistling noise from 1000 to 2000 rpm when on light load or coasting. There is a high probability of transmission failing on 2025 car with 12700 miles and danger of failure on the highway while driving.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta se with 12,000. Developed transmission whine from 1200-2000 rpm. During low speed acceleration and when engine is under slight load. It is whining sound coming from transmission.

VIN: [xxx] previous report: xxx. . This a report of a continuing problem with my vehicle. The engine randomly shuts down endangering both myself and my passengers who are often my [xxx] and [xxx] grandchildren . No warning lamps. The car both stumbles and stops while driving and at stop signs and traffic lights. I repeatedly have taken it to my dealer (elgin IL vw) they have been unable to determine the fault and fix it. This has been going on since June 2026 and progressively worsened. The most recent incident was on the afternoon of 19 June 2026. The “fixes’ so far have included bith replacing the fuel taknk fuel pump and today a part of the fuel feed system. It’s still at the dealership. 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 that while driving approximately 20 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost automotive power intermittently, and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

Car was great for first 100000 miles. Then it was not. While driving in heavy traffic on a three lane highway, car lost power, ability to accelerate and went into limp mode. Epc code went on. Very dangerous. Took it to several mechanics, vw dealerships, could find nothing wrong. Issue has happened over 100x since, but I am unable to afford another vehicle and pray over car continually to keep me and others on road safe. Few times car would suddenly shudder like engine was quitting. Canceled medical trip to city when this happened 50 miles from home. Have had to cancel work as well one day when this happened. Recently bought a fixd sensor and it diagnosed issues with faulty gas cap and purge valve. Replaced both. That issue seems to have resolved. Car has been burning oil like crazy. Sometimes 1l after driving 150 miles. Fuel efficiency is terrible. Even running 91 grade fuel hasn't helped. In cold weather, around -30, sometimes driver door won't close. Literally have to drive with one hand holding steering wheel and one hand on door. Scary. Newest issue this week. While driving highway speed, low oil light flashed momentarily. Then speedometer and rpm gages quit. Then entire instrument cluster went black. Was almost at work, so prayed and got there safely. After work, instrument cluster worked, but car started and stalled immediately. Mechanic code reader pulls up nothing. My fixd reader says it's a upstream oxygen sensor. Looking at youtube videos, the issue it describes sounds like this may have been what contributed to those epc codes for last few years. Borrowing a vehicle from family - car is stranded at work. This is my first and likely last vw.

See all problems of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

According to the mechanic to whom we took the vehicle, there was a massive short in the mechatronics component of the transmission. The mechanic also informed us that there was no proactive action we could have taken prior to this incident to prevent its occurrence. The car and its components are still available for inspection. The short caused the vehicle to immediately lose power while being driven between 60 and 65 mph on an interstate highway, and the vehicle had to be pulled over immediately. No warnings were provided before the short occurred but the failure resulted in the generation of a warning message after the fact. The vehicle had been serviced recently, including a basic inspection of the vehicle's electronics and transmission. I am unaware of the problem having been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center, but having researched the issue I discovered that other owners of similar make, model, and year numbers have experienced similar issues. Neither the vehicle nor its components have been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, though, as noted previously, we did have a mechanic inspect the vehicle and faulty transmission to determine the cost of fixing/replacing the transmission. Please see declined jobs on attached invoice from aspen auto clinic.

See all problems of the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

I am submitting this complaint regarding safety recall 34j6, which is listed as incomplete for my 2013 Volkswagen Jetta hybrid. I brought my vehicle to Volkswagen of murfreesboro, tennessee to have this recall performed. The dealership refused to complete the repair, claiming it was “too old” — a statement that is factually and legally incorrect. Federal law and NHTSA regulations require manufacturers and their dealerships to repair open safety recalls at no cost, with no expiration. The dealership’s refusal is a direct violation of these requirements and represents a serious safety risk to me and potentially to other drivers. I have already contacted Volkswagen customer care, but the dealership has refused to perform the recall despite clear evidence that it remains open. Their inaction demonstrates noncompliance with federal safety regulations and unlawful denial of a mandated repair. I request that NHTSA investigate Volkswagen of murfreesboro for refusal to perform a federally required recall, ensure that my vehicle receives the required repair immediately, and take appropriate enforcement action to prevent further violations. This behavior is unacceptable and poses a significant public safety risk.

See all problems of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

While driving the vehicle at about 20mph about a week ago, the check hybrid light began flashing. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, the check engine light came on. The vehicle has been diagnosed at a Volkswagen dealership service center as leaking hydraulic fluid from the transmission mechatronics control unit and needing a new transmission and hydraulic pump. This vehicle is not included on the safety recall code: 34j6.

There is a recall for certain vw models because the key may be removed when the vehicle is not in park position. There is an issue with the micro switch mechanism, resulting in an error code. There is a wide recall for many models, except the 2019 Jetta. My dealer confirmed this is the same issue as the recall, but my car is not listed under it. The recall should be expanded for other models. Compliance recall 37l5 – shift lever micro switch what vehicles are included in compliance recall 37l5? certain 2015-2018 model year Volkswagen golf and golf sportwagen vehicles. What is the concern for compliance recall 37l5? over time, a build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts can make it possible to remove the key from the ignition switch without the shift lever being in the "p" park position. This makes the vehicle noncompliant with 49 cfr 571. 114 standard no. 114 theft protection and rollaway prevention. If the ignition key is removed without the shift lever being in the "p" park position, there is a risk that the vehicle may roll away, resulting in a crash that could injure people and damage property. What is the repair for compliance recall 37l5? when parts become available, dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board. The recall repair will be free.

I went to leave my workplace and got into my car with a message of “only exit vehicle in a p position. Please service vehicle”. I turned off my vehicle and restarted it and the message went away the next morning I got in my vehicle and the same message came back. Leaving my workplace it shut itself off again I found that this year and model has been affected by a recall for that same issue before, but my VIN was not included in that recall order.

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the abs module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

See all problems of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph up an incline, the hill assist system engaged. The contact stated that while descending the incline, the hill assist was still engaged. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle to disengage the feature. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had gradually become a recurring failure. The contact stated that the vehicle had additional failures with the transmission and the rear brakes due to the hill assist not disengaging as needed. The contact stated that the manual transmission was slipping out of gear and the rear brakes showed premature wear on the pads. The contact had taken the vehicle to several dealers. The contact stated that one dealer recommended that the transmission be replaced. The contact had taken the vehicle to another local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,600.

2 bolts came lose in engine, need timing belt replaced, caused oil leak and other problems yet to be identified. Volkswagen admitted that should never happen but will not take responsibility.

One bolt to camshaft came loose and allowed for oil to leak into the cover, covering the timing belt with oil.

I was driving down the highway at 65 miles per hour when my vehicle suddenly appeared to go into neutral and I lost power in the middle lane and almost was rear-ended. I was able to move over to the side shoulder just gliding. The vehicle starts but while driving it the transmission suddenly appears to go into neutral. The symptoms are consistent with the recall 34j6 but when I look up my VIN it does not show any pending recalls.

I recently bought vehicle seen there is a recall.

See all problems of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

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 .

See all problems of the 2017 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.

Vehicle begins to shudder and slow with no response to attempts to accelerate and eventually stop completely though engine is still on. This has happened on multiple occasions and in many driving situations including on busy streets or in the middle of turning which is a huge risk for an accident! can restart with regular acceleration after a few minutes. Service indicators will come on with codes indicating transmission related issues. Have had transmission flushed without significant change with transmission replacement as next step.

Uncontrolled acceleration as I was accelerating to enter traffic on the expressway the engine lost partial power. I reduced accelerator pressure, and then the engine seemed to recover. I then reapplied pressure to the accelerator, and it seemed normal but when I put in the clutch to shift, the engine accelerated beyond redline. I completed the shift, and car began to accelerate rapidly. I tapped the accelerator, and the acceleration stopped, and then after about 3 seconds it began to accelerate again. I attempted to reduce acceleration with brakes, but it was only partially effective. The only way to effectively reduce acceleration was to take the car out of gear. (thankfully this was a manual transmission) when I shifted into neutral, engine rpms would exceed redline. The excessive rpms ultimately destroyed the engine (big bang, lots of smoke). In hindsight I would have turned the ignition off but did not think to at the time. . The safety implications are obvious. This event occurred without warning and under normal driving conditions. I suspect an engine sensor anomaly combined with computer software failure. (maybe an rpm sensor?) specific cause is unknown, and situation cannot be recreated since the engine has failed. The diesel particulate filter warning light was on, and had been on for several weeks. It did not clear using the recommended remediation in the manual. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer or other interested parties, but is available for inspection. (this is one of the vehicles recalled for “diesel-gate” purchased from vw after reprogramming).

The dashboard has light on with error message: only exit vehicle in p position. Please service the vehicle. The light is on and off randomly during driving. Car is drivable even with the light on, but it will have the warning beep which is distractive for driver. There are multiple recalls from vw for other models/years with same error message. The gear shift sensor is malfunctioning in those recalls.

I drove over a commercial-grade water hose unraveled in the middle of the lane. It had metal couplings on it and my oil pan was damaged due to the low riding body of the vw to the road. The vehicle was drivable for 5 minutes afterward & the low engine pressure light turned on, but I was in a dangerous area with traffic during rush hour in the evening. It was congested with multiple avenues of transportation via buses, scooters, and pedestrian crosswalks. I started to lose power steering and the gas pedal would not accelerate the car, but the brakes still worked. I was able to coast the car to a stop & nearby a midas car shop. Midas replaced the damaged oil pan and did not have any other damage reported. Midas informed me that my vehicle would not start, but failed to mention that the safety of my vehicle was compromised with rolled down windows. I inspected my car on 8. 20. 24, the battery was still working & powered the lights but the window power and engine would not operate. On 8. 22. 24 I paid for the work & noticed the windows were now rolled up & midas said an employee used the power from the battery to override the window system but the car still would not start and needed to go to a dealership to access the engine codes for this hybrid vehicle. Towed the vehicle to vw, who said that midas was not accurate in their description, as there were no access codes needed for the vehicle & it should have started once the oil pan was replaced. The vw diagnostic results showed a “bad” battery and the transmission failed/ stopped engaging and needed a replacement of the transmission along with the battery which would total $11k! the vw agent recommended that I contact other car repair companies to rebuild it for a more affordable solution. Midas and vw were the only car repair companies to evaluate my car and it is currently at vw where it can be inspected if needed. The safety recall code: 34j6, of 2015 vw Jetta hybrids somehow exclude some vins until owners had issues.

See all problems of the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

I recently purchased a vehicle on July 11th, and on July 12th, I noticed a significant issue with the transmission. Specifically, the vehicle began grinding when I attempted to engage reverse gear. Concerned for safety, I promptly contacted the dealership. Initially, they advised that the proper procedure was to shift from first gear to reverse, attributing the issue to a known Volkswagen transmission characteristic. Upon further inspection at the dealership, they acknowledged the problem as a documented issue with Volkswagen transmissions, providing a "tech tip" confirming its severity. This issue poses a serious safety risk due to the delay in shifting from first to reverse, potentially impeding quick maneuvering in emergencies, thereby compromising driver and passenger safety. The problem was replicated multiple times during dealership visits, with no warning lights or indications prior to the grinding in reverse.

See all problems of the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta 🔎.

This experience was with a rental vehicle - and I sent an email to the NHTSA address with additional details. Later, I saw this form. I am pasting the information here: request #1527353 2024 vw Jetta rental vehicle - unintended acceleration / braking the vehicle was rented from fox rent-a-car in las vegas, nv for my short trip to California and back.

Unknown.

The transmission failed due to mechatronics failure without warning.

I bought a 2013 vw Jetta hybrid in 2015 from a vw dealer with ~15,000 miles on it. Question #1: in December 2017, the power train system/transmission failed and my car lost power and I was unable to drive it. Now, in may 2024, the transmission is failing again and vw had stated that it needs to be replaced for a second time, and they quoted me roughly $10,000 for the repair. Question #2: vw issued a safety recall that mentions "hairline cracks in the transmission gearbox which can cause a decrease in oil pressure" which, in turn, "can cause the clutch to fail to engage, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of crash. " (in the last month, vw has denied any recalls associated with my VIN. However, I attached a document issued from usaa that states that my VIN could be associated with 8 different safety-related recalls. The first on the list of these recalls is related to vehicles with the same year, make, and model as mine that are equipped with a dq200 7-speed dsg automatic transmission. The NHTSA id for this recall is 19v866000. ) question #3: in 2017, the first time I had a power train system issue, the car was towed to the nearest vw dealer, and I had the transmission replaced there. (documentation of repair attached. ) in 2024, I received a full diagnostic that includes the transmission needing to be replaced for a second time. Question #4: the vehicle/issue has been inspected by a certified vw dealer. Question #5: I took my car to the same dealer that replaced the transmission in 2017. In may of 2024, I took my car to vw right after 5 warning lights appeared on my dashboard all at once (steering system, airbag, traction control, abs, and tire pressure; photo attached) the service department at the vw dealer conducted a full diagnostic and said that I need to replace the transmission for a second time.

Timing chain went bad. Car only has 70k miles on it. Auto shop said there should be a recall because so many of this model car have this issue. It’s a very expensive repair. My son is still making payments on the car and now has to pay $3400 to replace the timing belt. He was told that if he kept driving it the motor would be damaged. He loves the car but this is very disappointing of vw.

Vehicle shuts down while driving. All electrical turns off, dashboard goes dark code reads starter system faulty, ignition switched off, please service vehicle.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle in a handicap parking space, the vehicle failed to stop despite the contact's foot firmly depressed on the brake pedal. As the vehicle continued to move forward with the contact's foot depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle drove over the parking barrier, knocked over the handicap post and entered onto the sidewalk. The vehicle eventually decelerated and the contact managed to shift the vehicle into reverse(r) and regain control of the vehicle. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights appeared on the instrument panel during the failure. Despite the property damage and emotional destress suffered by both the contact and the passenger, no injuries were reported and no immediate medical attention was needed. A police report was not filed and the air bags did not deploy as a result of the failure. The incident was reported to the store manager. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back home without incident. The manufacturer nor a dealer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.