Windshield Wiper/washer Problems of Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen Jetta owners have reported 23 problems related to windshield wiper/washer (under the visibility category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Volkswagen Jetta based on all problems reported for the Jetta.

1 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 08/08/2014

The contact owns a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving approximately 35 mph, the low beam headlights suddenly shut off and failed to illuminate again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the light bulbs in order to remedy the failure. In addition, while driving at an unknown speed during inclement weather, the windshield wipers failed to activate. The dealer stated that the bcm module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 45,000.

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2 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 12/23/2006

While the car is in motion and you activate the windshield cleaning system, the wipers will wipe three to four times and then wait about 15 seconds and then wipe one final time. During the summer months this is not an issue as the splash back is minimal. However, during the winter months where there is an increased amount of water and chemicals on the road, the tiny amounts of splash back that gets onto the windshield are smeared when the final swipe occurs and obstructs your view. I took the vehicle into the dealer to have checked and stopped, but was told it was a "feature" of the vw vehicles and could not be turned off. This is a safety issue.

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3 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 11/01/2006

Replaced ignition coil for the third time in as many years!! electric water pump replaced. Eater core exploded a couple months later while I was on the highway at 65 mph with my child in the car! couldn't see anything as car filled with antifreeze cloud. Belt driven water pump went a week later. Entire power steering rack needed to be replaced. Window regulator needed to be replaced twice. Door handle broke twice!.

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4 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 11/14/2005

The contact stated while driving at night there was a loss of exterior and interior lighting. Also, the windshield wipers were disabled. There was no prior warning. The lights will shut off, but intermittently come back on. The contact inspected the battery, fuses, and the alternator. The vehicle has not been to a dealer , and no repairs have been made due to the expense. Updated 02/07/06.

5 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 05/07/2005

2002 Volkswagen Jetta leaks during the rain, console vent broke, center ac vent broken, sunroof cover jammed, and the windshield wipers are out of alignment. The leak has caused the carpert to become molded. The dealer refuse to provide any further assistance because they were unable to locate toe origin of the leak. The consumer contacted the manufacturer about replacing the vehice but the refused.

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6 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 12/23/2004

Smoke from the steering column. After the vehicle was started, a puff of smoke arose from the steering column and I lost use of my windshield wipers. I have been online and have seen numerous similar complaints to the same affect. Shouldn't this be a recall item ? Ave had quite a few others problems in the 6 months since we have owned our 1996 Jetta.

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7 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 10/02/2003

While driving in the rain windshield wipers failed, causing driver to have poor visibility. It was an intermittent problem. Will be taking vehicle to dealership to have mechanic check it out.

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8 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 04/03/2003

Whenever you use the windshield washer, some of the fluid gets into the vent and you can smell it in the cabin and even sometimes taste it as you are driving. I believe windshield washer fluid is toxic. I have two late model Volkswagens, they both do this everytime. I've never experienced this with any other car I've driven before.

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9 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 10/01/2001

The windshield cracked although there was no apparent cause- dealer replaced. Fuel filler door would not operate- dealer charged $13 to open the door so that it could be fueled and provided an estinate of repair for $100+. Transmission does not engauge properly. Especially from stop signs when the car is cold. The delay causes the engine to rev and the car to start with a jerk after several seconds. There is also a similar problem when the car shifts from 1st to 2nd. This problem is intermittent which adds to the frustration and danger that this problem is causing. The dealer has offered to check the problem for a fee of $69 although the car is well within the power train coverage that vw promised when they sold the car.

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10 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 09/01/2001

While driving windshield wipers quit. Also, abs light illuminated. Took vehicle to dealer, and they couldn't duplicate problem. Please provide any further information.

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11 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 07/01/2001

This car has literally come unscrewed since I purchased it 2. 5 years ago-parts inside and out! most recently the axle "came unscrewed" for no reason and the bolts snapped. The windows have malfunctioned and the rear suspension had to be screwed back together shortly after I bought it. The plastic covering underneath also fell off for no reason-also while I was driving. The windshield wipers have come unscrewed twice and ceased to function once on the highway at high speed during a rain storm. The glove compartment and cup holders have all fallen out. I bought this car new 2 1/2 years ago and I know fear for my life every time I get into it. I have reported this to both the dealer and to Volkswagen. Neither have expressed any concern whatsoever. Dt.

12 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 01/22/2001

Vehicle runs out of oil every 1500 miles, and the transmission is very jerky. Windshield wipers were streaking because wipers were separating. Instrument panel cup holder loose on tight side. The stick shift vibrates in 3rd gear due to selector shaft failure.

13 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 09/23/2000

Windshield wipers failed while driving in the rain. I consider this to be a serious safety problem.

14 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 07/01/1999

Ignition was sticking. Driving at 55 going to turn headlights on,there are none. Pull over turn car off and keep restarting. Wipers the same. Brought in for repair. Told ignition sticking. Replace at my cost. Never tried while driving but experimented at a stop. If car is running and you lightly touched ignition. . . Car would shut off. This I assume would also happen when driving. I was quite a few customers were bringing in their car with this problem.

15 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 03/03/1999

Cigarette lighter when glowing how pops out of its holder, windshield fluid odor is carried into car by vent system.

16 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 11/01/1998

Windshield washer.

17 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 07/09/1998

Windshield wipers and headlight do not work.

18 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 11/11/1997

Windshield wiper makes noise while in use.

19 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

Failure Date: 10/21/1996

Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. When driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. This problem is intermittent. At times, will not function at all. Consumer has contacted the dealer . Also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. In addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. Engine check light comes on/off.

20 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta

Windsheild wipers intermittently become inoperable in rainy weather conditions cause unknown. Please give any further details.

21 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta

No summary.

22 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta

The windshield wipers were intermittent. The dealer stated the wipers were incompatible. The wipers did not work in cold weather and did not have the proper speed in warm weather. The driver side window had fallen down into the door, the locking mechanism had malfunctioned and was replaced, the metal triangle pieces on the doors had been replaced, the cruise control never worked from purchase, and the front brakes had to be replaced. The consumer would like to know if there was a recall on the wipers. (no recall for wipers) mr scc.

23 Windshield Wiper/washer problem of the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta

Intermittent brake failure. In addition, front end vibrates and vehicle pulls to the right/passenger's seat came off the track/ steeering wheel bolt cracked twice, causing steering wheel to come loose while driving/windshield wipers failed twice in freezing temperatures and rear brake light bulbs need to be replaced every other month due to premature failure.


Other Common Visibility related problems of Volkswagen Jetta


Safety Ratings of Jetta Cars
Fuel Economy of Jetta Vehicles
Jetta Service Bulletins
Jetta Safety Recalls
Jetta Defect Investigations