Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta sits mid-pack among Jetta years: 247 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 213, with 7 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 11 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (41), electrical system (40), and engine (33), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
247
NHTSA complaints
7
Recalls
0
Investigations
27
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
11
Injuries
1
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 41 | 17% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 40 | 16% | — flat |
| Engine | 33 | 13% | — flat |
| Other | 25 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 21 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 15 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 14 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 14 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 8 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 7 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence
A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
Defect
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Consequence
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Consequence
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Consequence
The mismatched VINs make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.
Remedy
Volkswagen has notified owners and has replaced the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 06A8.
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence
Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B8
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence
Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.
Defect
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine. These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.
Consequence
If the engine seizes, the wheels may suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will either buy back the vehicle or replace the engine block, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F4.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being…”
“VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GAS CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING AFTER THAT. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON PARKWAY, ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ABILITY TO BRAKE AND STEER WAS GONE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DID NOT…”
“VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GAS CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING AFTER THAT. VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING ON PARKWAY, ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ABILITY TO BRAKE AND STEER WAS GONE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DID NOT…”
“CAR CAN BE TURNED OFF EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK. THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE UNBEKNOWNST TO THE DRIVER. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR ROLLING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES. A ACCIDENT DID OCCUR ON…”
“On Saturday March 25th I was in an accident in my 2017 jetta. A Tahoe last second lane changed into the front end of my jetta. The impact was at 30mph but no air bags deployed. When starting the car now after the accident there are airbag warnings all over the dash. The air bags failed to deploy…”
It is close to typical for the Jetta: 247 NHTSA complaints, 7 recalls, and no investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (41 complaints), electrical system (40 complaints), engine (33 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Jetta years to avoid are 2009, 2010, 2002, 2011, 2001, 2006, 2019, 2013, 2012, 2000, 2003, 2014, 1999, 2005, 1995. The cleanest record among Jetta years belongs to 1983.
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.