1995 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 1995
These records cover every 1995 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the rear brake line on the passenger side was routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. the line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Repeated chafing could eventually result in a leaking brake line causing diminished braking in one brake circuit increasing the vehicle's stopping distance.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace any damaged lines.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the bolts securing the front hood latch can loosen over time. the latch would move causing disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unexpected opening of the hood could occur obstructing the driver's view of the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.
Improper material was used in manufacturing the radiator fan motor shaft causing the shaft to wear and become noisy.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A worn and noisy fan motor shaft can seize renderingthe fan motor inoperative, eventually causing the engine to overheat and stall. a stalled vehicle in traffic can increase the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the complete cooling fan assembly on vehicle having the potential shaft material problem. Dealers will install a new fan blade including a new lock nut on vehicle with loose fan blade lock nuts.
When installed in the vehicles, a tie wrap IS used to guide the cruise control cable in the engine compartment. some tie wraps have been installed with a large loop opening improperly guiding the cable which could prevent the throttle from returning to its full idle position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The engine speed may not return to idle increasing thepotential for a vehicle collision.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the cruise control tie wrap and install a newly designed guide.
The jacks supplied with these vehicles were assembled with an improperly machined spindle, so that a sharp ridge on the edge of spindle's thread would have remained.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This ridge can damage the inside thread of the jack's scissor shoe when the jack IS used to lift the vehicle. The jack could collapse with the possibility that a person standing close to the vehicle could be injured.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with a new jack.
Owner complaints
220 complaints21 involved a crash11 involved a fire52 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts › Rear/other
TL* the contact owns a 1995 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the rear seat belt retractors failed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The failure and the current mileage was 69,040. updated 03/14/12*lj
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving vehicle would stall without any warning when coming up to a stop. Problem IS intermittent. Car restarts approx 1 to 2 hours later with no issues, but fails again several days later. Taken vehicle to mechanic numerous times for problem which could not be resolved. *Tr
- Steering
Smoke coming from steering wheel in hot weather. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Driving down the highway burning coolant started spewing on my legs, I nearly lost control, when I pulled over I noticed that the carpet was soaked in anti-freeze. Heater core blew. I called VW after hearing they would replace free of charge and was blown off. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Heater core VW jetta 1995. VW IS aware that heater cores on all jetta's from 1990-1998 have a poorly manufacured heater core. In 1990 they issued a recall for the 1990 passat. They still have not corrected this fault and went on to install the same part on all 1990-1998 jetta iii's. last week when…
Heater core VW jetta 1995. VW IS aware that heater cores on all jetta's from 1990-1998 have a poorly manufacured heater core. In 1990 they issued a recall for the 1990 passat. They still have not corrected this fault and went on to install the same part on all 1990-1998 jetta iii's. last week when I was driving my jetta filled up with coolant smoke in the cabin. I veered off the road. I ran into a fence. VW while it has offered good faith repairs in the past now refused to cover this systemic failure and the cost to repair this item IS $500- $800. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module · Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Fuel system, other › Delivery › Fuel pump · Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber
Well, I' had some serious problems with the 1995 VW jetta III. First, I had to put 2 new struts plus a whole new exhaust system. Next, the instrument cluster failed to work. It was taxing on the entire transmission, and it costs over $450 usd to repair. On my way home from a 2 1/2 hour tri the…
Well, I' had some serious problems with the 1995 VW jetta III. First, I had to put 2 new struts plus a whole new exhaust system. Next, the instrument cluster failed to work. It was taxing on the entire transmission, and it costs over $450 usd to repair. On my way home from a 2 1/2 hour tri the car stalled for no apparent reason. I had to push the car off the road, and when I checked the oil I was shocked to discover I barely had half a quart in it , after having an oil change less than 1200 miles ago. I got the car home, and they told me that I had a blown head gasket that cost me $900 usd. I got the car fixed, and it was running fine for a while, and then all of a sudden it started stalling at random moments. One time, I was on a nasty mountain road, with no place to stop, I almost hit a rock wall, I was barely able to control the vehicle. I had it towed to my mechanic, and they were unable to fined the cause of the problem. It took them 3 times to find out that it was a clogged fuel pump. I also have a dummy air bag light that no one can figure out, and no matter how many times I asked my mechanic could not figure out why the battery light kept coming on. another problem was the windshield cowl that protected the car and engine from debris. It was completely dry rotted, causing water to leak into the driver's side foot wells. my most recent problem has been been the front passenger side window regulator. My back driver's side window has been broken since I got the car, but this wa sa new problem. Apparently, you could not buy just the window regulator, and you have to buy the motor as well. I'm tired of the car, and it was unfortunate because I love driving it. It was a nice looking car. All of these problems happene dthe last year, and it cost me over $3,500 usd to have them fixed.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Hood opened while driving rear brake line fail
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core on 95 jetta GL III broken. seems to be a faulty part with many, many verified complaints. vwoa should issue a recall and replace this part for free. *nm
- Tires
I had a complete blowout where the whole tire ripped away from the tire wall. the tire had been installed less than 24 hours. At the time I had slowed down and begun to exit the highway after noticing that my car was shaking slightly. As I reduced my speed from 75 mph to 30 mph, the tire broke loose and I was driving on the rim. Had I not pulled over when I did, I hate to think what might have happened. *Jb
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Each time someone uses the rear seat safety belt, the belts do not retract properly. The belts remain loose and cannot be used. I have taken them to be repaired and have had to pay each time out of my own money. this has been happening since I have had the car. *Nm
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
1) there was no warning leading up to the failure. I was returning home from work during rush hour traffic and had just come to a stop at a traffic light after exiting the highway 2) the heater core failed depositing engine temperature coolant (>200 degree) into the foot wells and releasing…
1) there was no warning leading up to the failure. I was returning home from work during rush hour traffic and had just come to a stop at a traffic light after exiting the highway 2) the heater core failed depositing engine temperature coolant (>200 degree) into the foot wells and releasing coolant vapors into the cabin. The windows were instantly obscured and I was forced to lean out the window to reach the side of the road. Had I been still on the highway when this occurred during rush hour traffic, I would have very likely been in an accident as my vision was immediately impaired and the hot coolant made manipulating the pedals almost impossible. 3) the heater has been temporarily bypassed in the engine bay pending the resolution of my case with VW of america to determine if they will cover the repair costs. *jb
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
(1) I was operating the window normally and the window regulator failed. the window dropped into the door and I was unable to put it back up. (2) this happened in sever thunderstorms and I was unable to drive my vehicle. I had to pull over to the side of the interstate and sit on a narrow…
(1) I was operating the window normally and the window regulator failed. the window dropped into the door and I was unable to put it back up. (2) this happened in sever thunderstorms and I was unable to drive my vehicle. I had to pull over to the side of the interstate and sit on a narrow shoulder until the storm passed. my rear window IS also having the same problem with a window regulator, and IS unable to go up and down. (3) I have to buy a replacement window regulator and install it. the old part IS available. I have owned several earlier model volkswagens, year 1995-1997 and have had the exact same problem on all of them. volkswagen charges and outrageous price to fix a problem that IS way too common. I never realized how much of a safety hazard it was until it happened to me in a thunderstorm and I had to pull to the shoulder of I-95 during a storm with terrible visibility. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
I was on my way back to galveston from houston (on I-45) with my spouse and a ten month old son in our 95 volkwagen jetta glx VR6. After crossing the land bridge, I suddenly found a dense white smoke coming from my ventilation ports and a different smell started coming. I could hardly see the road.…
I was on my way back to galveston from houston (on I-45) with my spouse and a ten month old son in our 95 volkwagen jetta glx VR6. After crossing the land bridge, I suddenly found a dense white smoke coming from my ventilation ports and a different smell started coming. I could hardly see the road. Initially, I thought it must be the heavy dew (humidity) adsorbed on the windshield. Therefore, I slightly increased the temperature range of the heater but the situation became worst. The car was with a speed 55 mph. I sensed the danger in continuing to drive and I pulled over, otherwise I could have crashed. I was too scared as my family was with me. I couldn't understand what was happening. I also saw that the coolant temperature indicator was flashing. Then I realized that there IS something else that must have gone wrong. I cleaned the windshield and slowly reached home as I was very close to galveston. It was a nightmare for me. I thank god that nothing wrong happened. The next day, I contacted the auto mechanics to ask what the problem was and to estimate the cost to fix it. He told the heater core broke and repair IS very costly. I was shocked to hear the price. He advised to by pass the heater. So I did. Now, my car IS without heater. In these cold days I can''t take my family out anywhere. I hope my experience will help the other drivers in the states specifically those who are driving similar car as mine. I also hope that the part which failed on my car will be recalled and get fixed. I pray nobody should get in this kind of situation and mental stresses I went through. *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
I was driving a 1995 VW jetta about 40 mph. In an instant, the front windshield was covered with steam and I could not see the road. There was also steam coming out of the dashboard vents which was very distracting. I had to brake very quickly and hope that I did not crash or run off of the…
I was driving a 1995 VW jetta about 40 mph. In an instant, the front windshield was covered with steam and I could not see the road. There was also steam coming out of the dashboard vents which was very distracting. I had to brake very quickly and hope that I did not crash or run off of the roadway. I got the car to the dealership. They did a diagnosis and said that the heater core had ruptured. The car IS not driveable since the engine cannot be cooled because the coolant will not stay in the system, i.e. It leaks out very fast. I did not authorize repair as of 12/16/2005. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Engine and engine cooling · Latches/locks/linkages · Structure · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Visibility
I bought my jetta III GLS in 1995 brand new. within a year the molding on the doors started peeling off and eventually falling off. the dealer sent it to a body shop to have it glued and it never stuck. I've been driving for years with one molding missing. I have replaced multiple power window…
I bought my jetta III GLS in 1995 brand new. within a year the molding on the doors started peeling off and eventually falling off. the dealer sent it to a body shop to have it glued and it never stuck. I've been driving for years with one molding missing. I have replaced multiple power window motors and parts. failure of these power windows are consistantly failing one after the another. I had smoke and an electrical burning smell coming from the steering column and failing blinkers which were both related. I replaced the blinker system and problem was solved. the lock freeze easily in cold weather and I have had the driver side lock completely fall apart while unlocking the car. the seal on front windshield IS wearing away causing leaking of rain and this will be fixed with $100 resealing of windshield. rusting IS occurring under car and on underside of doors, VW said it must be rusting from the inside out to be covered (wouldn't that be bigger problem if it occurred from the inside??). the oil seal IS leaking. the oxygen sensor has been replaced and needs replaced again. the middle console was permanently locked and dealer took it lock out saying it was broken. the windshield washer fluid container has broken twice. this IS all with 85,000 miles. these are common problems with jetta but window motors and molding are by far two main problems that should be covered with a recall, ask any jetta owner. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
Driving east on I-70 about 15 miles east of frisco, co, there was suddenly thick white steam coming out of my vents, followed by boiling hot coolant pouring onto my feet. It was hard to see, and hard to brake because of the hot fluid. I was eventually able to pull onto the shoulder. I immediatly…
Driving east on I-70 about 15 miles east of frisco, co, there was suddenly thick white steam coming out of my vents, followed by boiling hot coolant pouring onto my feet. It was hard to see, and hard to brake because of the hot fluid. I was eventually able to pull onto the shoulder. I immediatly called VW of america, because I had heard of this happening. My feet were covered in coolant, and burned. I can still taste the coolant in my nose. the heater core went out, and caused the cooland to enter the heater ducts. The car IS at the local dealership today, and VW has said that they will pay for the repair. It amazes me that they have not issued a recall for this part, even though they issued recalls for the older cars with similiar problems. I just want to do something that will prevent people from getting into trouble because of this defective part in the future.
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Well lets start with the window motors, I have had my car since 1998 and I have had to replace my window motors for each window at least 2 or 3 times. I which I have had to pay $300 or more. Also the side striping which melts off in the sun has been replaced also 3 or 4 times costing $100 each…
Well lets start with the window motors, I have had my car since 1998 and I have had to replace my window motors for each window at least 2 or 3 times. I which I have had to pay $300 or more. Also the side striping which melts off in the sun has been replaced also 3 or 4 times costing $100 each round. Why IS it that these items have not been recalled or replaced for free when it IS not the users fault for these items going bad or falling off!!!!!*jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Intermittently vehicle lost power at a cold start. Several dealership serviced the vehicle, but could not identify what was causing the problem. The consumer was afraid that loss of power will occur while driving or pulling into oncoming traffic.*ak the vehicle would loose power when the brake was pressed to put the vehicle into drive. *nm
- Electrical system
While driving 25 mph, a fire started within the electrical system causing smoke to come out from the a/c vents. The consumer was able to drove to their location. Please provide more information. 8JB
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
1995 volkswagen jetta caught on fire while parked.*mr the fire started under the driver's side dash area. the car was totaled. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring
Smoke coming from the steering column on several occasions
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
A pedestrian informed consumer that vehicle was on fire. vehicle was pushed from under a car port onto the street, and the fire department extinguished the fire. fire started from within the engine compartment and beneath the dash. the first owner of the vehicle claimed that the vehicle had many electrical problems. the dealer was aware of the problem, but the manufacturer was not.*ak
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Steering wheel blocks entering the curve when roads are wet. *la
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Locks broken on both sides. *la
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body · Suspension
Where to start? Problem with the lock cylinders, which broke and had to be replaced, instrument cluster lights blown out, replaced the bulbs and 1 month later they are blown out again, window regulators failed, the steel cable snapped inside the housing faulty designed wheel and motors blown, can…
Where to start? Problem with the lock cylinders, which broke and had to be replaced, instrument cluster lights blown out, replaced the bulbs and 1 month later they are blown out again, window regulators failed, the steel cable snapped inside the housing faulty designed wheel and motors blown, can not buy motors separately need to buy the whole regulator which costs over $200, paint peeled and cracked, side molding fell off had to re-glue, and that IS all I can think of off hand I am not including the numerous suspension and exhaust problems.*jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank puncture
- Fuel tank puncture
The office of defects investigation opened this investigation on august 10, 2000 based on 9 reports regarding punctured fuel tanks involving the jetta, passat, and cabrio models.the reports indicate additional reports in its response to the preliminary evaluation.this investigation has been upgraded for further study.
- Hood latch failure
Odi has received three reports, including the petitioners, regarding alleged hood latch failures.all of the odi reports indicate the hood flew up while driving.following a telephone inquiry, volkswagen provided odi with some limited information regarding six additional reports of hood fly-up for model years 1995 and…
Odi has received three reports, including the petitioners, regarding alleged hood latch failures.all of the odi reports indicate the hood flew up while driving.following a telephone inquiry, volkswagen provided odi with some limited information regarding six additional reports of hood fly-up for model years 1995 and 1996.this investigation was opened to further study this issue.defect description:it IS possible that on some of the affected vehicles the bolts securing the front hood latch may lose their specified fastening torque over time.should this happen, the latch could move out of its design position and cause disengagement of the hood striker from the latch.in some vehicles the latch may not have been properly aligned during production.repeated opening and closing of the hood with an improperly aligned latch could result in damage to the latch.either condition could result in unexpected opening of the hood and could obstruct a portion of the driver's view of the road while driving, and result in an accident.remedy: volkswagen of america, inc. Will initiate a voluntary safety recall instructing its authorized dealers to check the hood latch and securing bolts and replace them if necessary.
- Hood fly-up
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10240922Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10213843Jetta Bluetooth manual coding procedure.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10159010The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10128105This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
- 10128104This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.
- 10128055This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
- 10126785Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- 10125849Jetta Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purchased
- 10125764JETTA-JSW Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purchased
- 10125763JETTA Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections: A checklist to insure a customer receives a wonderful delivery of a vehicle that looks, feels, and meets the expectations of a new vehicle that he/she has purchased
- 10124348Technical Bulletin (Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials): This doucment contains a list of components and applications developed to repair concerns of squeaks, rattles, noise and trim fit conditions.
- 10122956Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage.
- 10122240Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. This document informs of how to diagnose the issue and tips on servicing the issue
- 10026848Volkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines. Heat shields are to be inspected after completion o any type of repair to the underbody (exhaust system transmission, etc.), and if damaged, replaced.
- 10001091Installing new style switch for the throttle position sensor.
- 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
- 603136Information on cruise control, troubleshooting information, correction.
- 601876Information on maintenance intervals.
- 600981Difficulties in closing rear lid.
- 600823Condition with the ABS pump activation IS heard when vehicle reaches approximately 13 mph.
- 600822Clutch pedal does not fully return, cruise control will not function.
- 54053Clutch pedal does not fully return to stop, cruise control will not function.
- 53644Conditions regarding exterior door locks cannot be locked or unlocked with key when ambient temperature IS below freezing.
- 53633Chart identifies which transmission control modules (tmc) are available for various states.
- 53616Toothed belt runs towards outside, wears out/ jumps off, and cracks.
- 53603Engine intermittently will not start, possibledtc's stored in tcm dtc memory
- 53600Vehicles with daytime running lights can experience loss of instrument cluster illumination if driven foe extended durations/replace original instrumentcluster housing with 1996 version.
- 45674Diagnostics for complauints of engine miss/poor performance.
- 45673Hood lock fastener, torque revision.
- 45017Oil accumulation in the air intake system.
- 45016Fuel gauge reads inaccurately.
- 45015Daytime running lights, resistor wire installation.
- 45014Fuel gauge reads inaccurately.
- 44003Unknown
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