VehicleVerdict

2025 Volkswagen Jetta problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

27

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2025 compare to other Jetta years?

Jetta NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted1,275 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 18 complaints1986: 18 complaints1987: 21 complaints1988: 23 complaints1989: 28 complaints1990: 29 complaints1991: 38 complaints1992: 33 complaints1993: 22 complaints1994: 167 complaints1995: 338 complaints1996: 245 complaints1997: 213 complaints1998: 253 complaints1999: 488 complaints2000: 633 complaints2001: 862 complaints2002: 885 complaints2003: 553 complaints2004: 295 complaints2005: 354 complaints2006: 792 complaints2007: 280 complaints2008: 250 complaints2009: 1,275 complaints2010: 1,184 complaints2011: 880 complaints2012: 692 complaints2013: 737 complaints2014: 552 complaints2015: 284 complaints2016: 249 complaints2017: 247 complaints2018: 37 complaints2019: 782 complaints2020: 78 complaints2021: 93 complaints2022: 68 complaints2023: 64 complaints2024: 53 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Jetta NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Jetta years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Volkswagen Jetta problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission622%
Other415%
Fuel System415%
Electrical System311%
Driver Assistance311%
Steering14%
Body & Structure14%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Engine14%
Lighting14%
Seat Belts14%
Speed Control14%

Does the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V185000Electrical SystemMarch 25, 2026 · 75,323 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 Jetta and Taos vehicles. The instrument panel may fail to display warning lights or gauges. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

Consequence

An instrument panel that does not display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the instrument panel software and replace the instrument panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 90Z5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 22, 2026.

26V138000Electrical SystemMarch 11, 2026 · 48,165 units

Defect

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 in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 13, 2026.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 6, 2026

“The steering wheel is the principal reason for this incident. Because when I'm driving on the highway almost to get an exit to the right going at the speed limit of 70 MPH the right tire passes through a high/low on the street, then my steering wheel locked lightly and started to pull to the right…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 23, 2025 · crash

“Two safety defect incidents involving unintended acceleration. This defect has resulted in two loss of control incidents causing property damage. First incident: While attempting to move vehicle inside garage, I started engine with foot firmly on the brake, shifted the transmission into drive, and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 5, 2025 · crash

“"My 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is subject to Safety Recall 26V185 (90Z5). The vehicle's instrument cluster fails to display speed, RPM, and safety warnings upon startup, creating a severe safety hazard. I visited Heritage Volkswagen Catonsville on 04/07/26, and they officially documented that the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 7, 2026

“After only 312 miles new and only driven vehicle for 5 days. I received a warning about my forward collision warning system was a problem. Weather has been good. Not wet, temp was 72 degrees. I just started my car and had not driven yet. Chicago area. I set up a maintenance service to see the cause…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 28, 2025

2025 Volkswagen Jetta — common questions

Is the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2025 Jetta problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volkswagen Jetta years should you avoid?

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.

How safe is the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.