NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the fuel rail may gradually loosen, potentially causing fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
This page covers 10 recalls, 158 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta.
27–33 mpg combined
7.1–8.7 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2017 Jetta cluster most heavily around the fuel and propulsion system and the engine. Owners frequently report fuel system issues, including fuel rail hardware failures that result in fuel leaking from the engine bay. Engine-related reports describe stalling, rough running, and loss of power. The electrical system draws the next-largest share of complaints, with owners commonly reporting infotainment touchscreen failures and door lock actuators failing, in several cases across multiple doors on the same vehicle. A smaller but recurring thread involves suspension complaints, specifically coil springs breaking prematurely on both the front and rear axles. A handful of owners also report the seat heater producing excessive heat, describing burns after relatively short periods of use.
158
Total Complaints
18
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has 10 recalls, the most serious being an engine defect on 1.4L models where the engine can seize while driving, causing the wheels to lock up suddenly and the driver to lose control.
A separate fuel system recall covers loose fuel rail bolts that can allow gasoline to leak, raising the risk of a fire. On the electrical side, vehicles with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake, and keyless entry can allow the key to be removed while the shifter is not in Park, which can lead to an unintended rollaway. Several recalls involve incorrect tire information labels that may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, affecting handling or damaging tires. One of those label recalls is specific to GLI trim vehicles. There is also a compliance recall where VIN markings on the body do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. A final recall covers a broad group of Volkswagen vehicles across multiple model years for unspecified regulatory noncompliance that could relate to crash, fire, or injury risk.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the fuel rail may gradually loosen, potentially causing fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, if needed, replace the fuel rail itself.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During internal evaluation, modifications were made to these vehicles that may prevent them from meeting all applicable safety and emissions regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will repurchase the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified and can contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Silicate buildup on the shift lever switch contacts can allow the key to be removed from the ignition even when the transmission is not in Park.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The VIN marking on the vehicle body does not match the VIN plate near the windshield, causing the vehicle to not meet federal certification requirements.
What the fix does
Volkswagen replaced the affected vehicles at no cost to owners.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire information label has incorrect data, which could lead drivers to load the vehicle beyond its safe weight capacity.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a corrected tire information label at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire information label shows incorrect maximum load ratings for your vehicle. Using this incorrect information could lead to overloading your vehicle, raising the risk of a crash.
What the fix does
Your dealer will replace the label with a corrected version that shows the accurate load rating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire information label shows incorrect maximum weight ratings for your vehicle. Using this incorrect information could lead to overloading your vehicle, raising the risk of a crash.
What the fix does
Your dealer will install a corrected tire information label with accurate weight ratings.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire information label lists incorrect data, which could lead owners to load the vehicle beyond its safe weight capacity.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a corrected tire information label at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block may have improper casting, which can cause the engine to seize and stop running.
What the fix does
Volkswagen replaces the engine block or buys back the vehicle at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block may be improperly cast, causing the engine to seize or lock up, which can result in loss of vehicle control and crash risk.
What the fix does
Your vehicle will be repurchased, or a replacement engine will be installed if you prefer not to sell it back.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
