2026 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
1 recalls, 8 complaints - 5/5 safety rating
26V138000 Mar 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Defect Description
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Jetta vehicles. The transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, causing an open electrical circuit.
Consequence
An open circuit may draw a higher current and increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair transmission ground wire as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 97TC. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved ... Read more
Complaint Statistics
8 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
ENGINE
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
The vehicle says it’s overheating and will go into limp mode it has also been reported that other 2026 Jettas have had the same issue
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
The vehicle says it’s overheating and will go into limp mode it has also been reported that other 2026 Jettas have had the same issue
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Aug 3, 2026
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle brakes engaged independently causing the RPM to decrease and after a couple of seconds the vehicle began to work as intended. No warnings light illuminated A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 27, 2026
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
When I was parking in a CVS parking lot, the brakes failed and the car kept rolling and the brakes wouldn’t work. My car was rolling into traffic so I turned and accelerated to swerve from traffic. In doing that, the passenger side scrapped against a tree and I the brakes finally worked and I wa... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 13, 2026
Incident date: May 13, 2026
While driving on the highway, the sunroof suddenly shattered outward. There were no other vehicles around us at the time.
ENGINE
Jan 15, 2026
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Check engine light on Car smoking when driven and smells like burning oil
SUSPENSION
Jan 15, 2026
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
CV joints clicking when turning Service eCall keeps coming on Warning light on next to battery range with an exclamation point over the car. The manual indicates its a system malfunction that can be related to vehicle stability assist (VSA) electric power steering (EPS). My safety has not been put a... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 15, 2026
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
CV joints clicking when turning Service eCall keeps coming on Warning light on next to battery range with an exclamation point over the car. The manual indicates its a system malfunction that can be related to vehicle stability assist (VSA) electric power steering (EPS). My safety has not been put a... Read more
NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2026 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2026 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 4 DR N/A FWD
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 5 / 5 ★★★★★ |
| Frontal Crash | 4 / 5 ★★★★☆ |
| Frontal Crash, Driver | 4 / 5 ★★★★☆ |
| Frontal Crash, Passenger | 4 / 5 ★★★★☆ |
| Side Crash | 5 / 5 ★★★★★ |
| Side Crash, Driver | 5 / 5 ★★★★★ |
| Side Crash, Passenger | 5 / 5 ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★★★★☆ |
| Rollover Risk | 13.0% |
Safety Technology
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Electronic Stability Control | Standard |
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
EPA Fuel Economy, 2026 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S8) (Front-Wheel Drive) | 29.0 | 40.0 | 34.0 | Regular | $1,800 |
CO2 Emissions: 265.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA04010
Opened: Mar 30, 2004 , Closed: Oct 21, 2004
DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT OVERHEATS
THIS INVESTIGATION CONCERNS THE ELECTRIC SEAT HEATER INSTALLED IN SOME MY 2002-2003 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) JETTA VEHICLES.CONSUMERS ALLEGE THAT THE SEAT HEATER MAY OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN BURN DAMAGE TO THE SEAT COVER AND TO THE DRIVER'S CLOTHING AND/OR SKIN.THIS EA ADDRESSES WHETHER SUCH FAILURES MAY POSE ... Read more
RQ03010
Opened: Dec 17, 2003 , Closed: Mar 1, 2004
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
THE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND MANUFACTURER FAILURE REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING AND OR INACCURATE INFORMATION.THE INJURY NOTED ABOVE WAS MINOR.ON FEBRUARY 26, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) SUBMITTED A DEFECT NOTIFICATION (PER 49CFR573) TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFF... Read more
PE03052
Opened: Nov 19, 2003 , Closed: Mar 30, 2004
DRIVER SEAT OVERHEATS/BURNS
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ELECTRICALLY HEATED DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS.INFORMATION RECEIVED DURING PE03-052 DISCLOSED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF INCIDENTS OF MALFUNCTIONING/OVERHEATING OF THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS MAY OCCUR DURING ... Read more
EA00028
Opened: Dec 28, 2000 , Closed: Jan 29, 2002
FUEL TANK PUNCTURE
EA00020
Opened: Aug 10, 2000 , Closed: Oct 9, 2002
LIGHT AND /WINDSHIELD WIPERS
There is no summary currently available
PE00006
Opened: Feb 2, 2000 , Closed: Aug 10, 2000
LIGHTS AND/OR WINDSHIELD WIPER OBSCURED
There is no summary currently available
PE99007
Opened: Jan 29, 1999 , Closed: Feb 8, 1999
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE
IN ITS LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 4, 1999, VOLKSWAGEN STATED THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 23,600 REDESIGNED 1999 JETTA AND GOLF 4-DOOR VEHICLES, OF WHICH APPROXIMATELY 11,000 HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CUSTOMERS, TO CORRECT A DEFECT THATMAY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE PASSENGEER COMPARTMENT AFTER A VEHICLE COLLISION... Read more
PE94068
Opened: Sep 14, 1994 , Closed: Dec 30, 1994
REAR WHEEL SEPARATION
There is no summary currently available
DP92003
Opened: Mar 3, 1992 , Closed: Mar 23, 1992
DEFECTIVE HEATER CORES
DEFECTIVE HEATER CORES
PE91114
Opened: Aug 26, 1991 , Closed: Dec 9, 1991
HEATER CORE FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE91030
Opened: Jan 14, 1991 , Closed: May 31, 1991
UNSTABLE HIGH ENGINE IDLE
There is no summary currently available
PE91031
Opened: Jan 14, 1991 , Closed: Apr 29, 1991
ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN JETTA across all model years (1980, 2026).
229
Total Recalls
14,194
Total Complaints
12
Investigations
718
Reported Crashes
400
Reported Fires
18
Reported Deaths
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (current) | 1 | 8 | |
| 2025 | 2 | 29 | View |
| 2024 | 0 | 59 | View |
| 2023 | 0 | 65 | View |
| 2022 | 1 | 72 | View |
| 2021 | 4 | 99 | View |
| 2020 | 6 | 78 | View |
| 2019 | 11 | 793 | View |
| 2018 | 3 | 38 | View |
| 2017 | 7 | 249 | View |
| 2016 | 5 | 249 | View |
| 2015 | 8 | 284 | View |
| 2014 | 5 | 552 | View |
| 2013 | 6 | 739 | View |
| 2012 | 8 | 692 | View |
| 2011 | 10 | 880 | View |
| 2010 | 5 | 1,184 | View |
| 2009 | 7 | 1,275 | View |
| 2008 | 6 | 251 | View |
| 2007 | 6 | 280 | View |
| 2006 | 6 | 792 | View |
| 2005 | 7 | 354 | View |
| 2004 | 5 | 295 | View |
| 2003 | 4 | 553 | View |
| 2002 | 7 | 885 | View |
| 2001 | 7 | 862 | View |
| 2000 | 5 | 633 | View |
| 1999 | 7 | 488 | View |
| 1998 | 3 | 253 | View |
| 1997 | 2 | 213 | View |
| 1996 | 2 | 245 | View |
| 1995 | 6 | 338 | View |
| 1994 | 7 | 167 | View |
| 1993 | 6 | 22 | View |
| 1992 | 4 | 33 | View |
| 1991 | 7 | 38 | View |
| 1990 | 7 | 29 | View |
| 1989 | 5 | 28 | View |
| 1988 | 8 | 23 | View |
| 1987 | 4 | 21 | View |
| 1986 | 3 | 18 | View |
| 1985 | 4 | 18 | View |
| 1984 | 2 | 1 | View |
| 1983 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1982 | 2 | 0 | View |
| 1981 | 4 | 0 | View |
| 1980 | 2 | 0 | View |