1996 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 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 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.
Owner complaints
31 complaints2 involved a crash5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
I own a 1996 VW jetta GLS and my car smokes from my steering wheel column. I will be driving and out of no where white smoke pours out of the column. I thought it was because of my headlights being on but then noticed it doing it without them on. It even does it when the car IS off! This I feel and…
I own a 1996 VW jetta GLS and my car smokes from my steering wheel column. I will be driving and out of no where white smoke pours out of the column. I thought it was because of my headlights being on but then noticed it doing it without them on. It even does it when the car IS off! This I feel and my friend who has the same problem IS a fire hazard and could be very dangerous to drive. I called a VW dealership and spoke to the mechanic and he told me he feared for my life and it sounds like a fire hazard or it could cause my breaks and other things on my car to fail. I could be driving down a highway at 65 and my car can just die. I have brought my car to 3 different mechanics for this problem and they all said they have no clue what it could be . In my case nothing leads up to this happening it just happens randomly at anytime with or without my lights on or blinkers being on. This IS still an unknown cause but very scary, even scarier knowing its not just my car. *Tr
- Electrical system
When the vdo electronic instrument cluster "total" odometer reading crossed from 299,999 miles to 300,000 miles . . . The word "total" disappeared and mileage dropped to "0". the "trip" side of the odometer works ok. Now (05/06/2010) the jetta IS about to cross 350,000 miles, but the odometer only shows 50,000 miles. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volkswagen jetta. while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden aggressive and forceful acceleration. the contact immediately depressed the brake pedal, but there was no response and the vehicle failed to slow down. the vehicle crashed into two…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 volkswagen jetta. while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden aggressive and forceful acceleration. the contact immediately depressed the brake pedal, but there was no response and the vehicle failed to slow down. the vehicle crashed into two parked vehicles. the ambulance and police were called to the scene and a police report was filed. the driver and the occupants in the parked vehicles were transported to the hospital and sustained moderate injuries. the cause of the failure and extent of the vehicle damage have not yet been determined. the mileages were unknown.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Driving home from school (12 minute drive) at night and the air coming from the vents smelled funny, like coolant. I turned off the fans but still smelled funny. I turned the fans back on and white 'smoke' was coming out of the vents and it smelled heavily of coolant. My windshield began to fog up…
Driving home from school (12 minute drive) at night and the air coming from the vents smelled funny, like coolant. I turned off the fans but still smelled funny. I turned the fans back on and white 'smoke' was coming out of the vents and it smelled heavily of coolant. My windshield began to fog up while I was on the highway. I rolled down my windows and sunroof and tried everything I could to get the window to defog, but it only got worse. I could barely see and felt like I was in a very dangerous situation so I pulled off on the nearest county road. The car began to overheat and I still couldn't see anything so I opened the door and drove to a safe spot and turned the car off. Found out later that there was coolant all over on the floorboards and that the heater core has failed. *jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Well, its an old car yes and haven't had any severe malfunctions except on pretty much every latch mechanism on the car. Currently, the trunk does not open. The latch IS broke and will not open with key placed in it or with release button. To open it, I have to lay the back seats down and crawl…
Well, its an old car yes and haven't had any severe malfunctions except on pretty much every latch mechanism on the car. Currently, the trunk does not open. The latch IS broke and will not open with key placed in it or with release button. To open it, I have to lay the back seats down and crawl into the trunk and activate the emergency release manually. To add to the mess, both rear doors will open but under no circumstances will close again. I've had to rig a wire to pull the latch into its locked position to keep both doors closed. (Resulting in the only 4 door coupe I know of!) *tr
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Dt*:the contact stated while driving on an interstate highway at 70mph, there was stinging/burning sensation to the contact's foot. When the foot was removed from the gas pedal, a steaming liquid was observed on the foot and on the floor around the pedals. The liquid was spewing from an area…
Dt*:the contact stated while driving on an interstate highway at 70mph, there was stinging/burning sensation to the contact's foot. When the foot was removed from the gas pedal, a steaming liquid was observed on the foot and on the floor around the pedals. The liquid was spewing from an area under dashboard above the gas, break and clutch pedals. Steam/vapor also appeared to be coming out of the defroster vents on the dashboard. the accessories were immediately turned off and the vehicle was moved over and off the road. The hot liquid continued to spew and burn the contact's foot as the brakes were being applied. The vapor of the liquid filled the vehicle interferring with the contact's vision.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
In late feb 2005 purchased a 1996 volkswagen jetta (which was a certified used vehicle) and in (appox) sept 2005 while driving down a packed freeway during rush hour, in the middle lane, the hood of my vehicle flew up. I was traveling about 60-65 mph and it visually looked like a piece of…
In late feb 2005 purchased a 1996 volkswagen jetta (which was a certified used vehicle) and in (appox) sept 2005 while driving down a packed freeway during rush hour, in the middle lane, the hood of my vehicle flew up. I was traveling about 60-65 mph and it visually looked like a piece of cardboard crumpling however the impact was so great that it cracked my windshield. I consider myself and the passengers extremely lucky that we were not injured and/or did not crash. My vehicle sustained tremendous body damage to the hood and can not shut properly and as I mention previously the windshield IS cracked all the way across. I am uncertain whether or not similar vehicles to mine have had problems but I feel that this was a manufacturer defect / failure due to the fact of the safety latch malfunction. I am not 100% sure whether or not the hood was not shut completely because I did not physically check it before the incident but regardless that IS why I thought safety latches were put into use on vehicle hoods to prevent such dangerous occurrences. *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
On january 12, 2006, as I was driving my car at 65 mph on the highway an opaque white gas was quickly released from my heater vents and within seconds effectively turned the passenger compartment of my car into a gas chamber. the engine temperature increased after I was able to safely remove the…
On january 12, 2006, as I was driving my car at 65 mph on the highway an opaque white gas was quickly released from my heater vents and within seconds effectively turned the passenger compartment of my car into a gas chamber. the engine temperature increased after I was able to safely remove the vehicle of the highway. my car was sold with a permanent maintenance free pink VW antifreeze. the documentation that came with the car indicated that other than topping off the antifreeze periodically that no maintenance was necessary. it was determined that my heater core failed; the dealer says it failed because of lack of maintenance. if the system IS maintenance free then how can a component fail because of lack of maintenance? I originally thought the vehicle had been vandalized, but the dealer differed. I was unable to find any warnings of the possibility of this occurring in service bulletins or any other VW literature. if the catastrophic failure of a heater core IS possible doesn't the manufacture have a duty to warn the purchasers of its products? *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
On sept 2, 2005 and sept. 6, 2005, under two circumstances involving quick acceleration with moderate load (two adults and one kid. About 50 lb load in trunk), the engine kept high revving after the gas paddle had been fully released, thus pulling forward hard unintentionally; it kept so doing for…
On sept 2, 2005 and sept. 6, 2005, under two circumstances involving quick acceleration with moderate load (two adults and one kid. About 50 lb load in trunk), the engine kept high revving after the gas paddle had been fully released, thus pulling forward hard unintentionally; it kept so doing for seconds, even after braking was applied for the first few seconds, and pumped. it recovered back to normal responsiveness after hard braking for at least five seconds in the first incident and about three second in the second. another problem IS the cruise control never worked since the purchase in 1996.
- Wheels
Dt: the consumer owns a 1996 volkswagen jetta. She said that in 2003 her rear tire blew out causing an accident and almost taking the life of her daughter. When the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs, dealer had to replace the wheel bearings and the wheel struts. On may 15, 2005 her…
Dt: the consumer owns a 1996 volkswagen jetta. She said that in 2003 her rear tire blew out causing an accident and almost taking the life of her daughter. When the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs, dealer had to replace the wheel bearings and the wheel struts. On may 15, 2005 her husband checks the vehicle regularly to make sure it IS safe. while checking the vehicle he noticed the wheel was loose. They took the vehicle back to a tire center and they said that everything would have to be replaced again. *tt
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Heater core ruptured, causing the coolant to spill over the driver's feet. This eventually caused the windshield to fog up, making the ability to see the road difficult.*ak while consumer was driving the vehicle, he hit a bump and hot coolant fell on his feet. The steam from the hot coolant…
Heater core ruptured, causing the coolant to spill over the driver's feet. This eventually caused the windshield to fog up, making the ability to see the road difficult.*ak while consumer was driving the vehicle, he hit a bump and hot coolant fell on his feet. The steam from the hot coolant fogged up the windows and escaped through the vents. The consumer pulled over to parking lot to avoid crashing because of the steam on the window. Volkswagen agreed to repair heating core.*sb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Windshield wipers and head lights were working intermittently. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for check up, and results showed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced.*ak
- Steering › Column · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Smoke from the steering column. After the vehicle was started, a puff of smoke arose from the steering column and I lost use of my windshield wipers. I have been online and have seen numerous similar complaints to the same affect. shouldn't this be a recall item ? ave had quite a few others problems in the 6 months since we have owned our 1996 jetta. *ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Consumer complained that side windows were not going up and down at will. consumer took the vehicle to a dealer, and was told that the motor window regulator was defective. To have them repaired would cost at least $500.00 per window, which consumer did not have.*ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The rear side windows of my jetta have fallen into the door. *jb
- Steering › Linkages › Drag › Power assist system
The steering in this 1996 jetta IS just horrible, no mechanic has been able to repair it. Im told there IS something on the wheel base torn (rear) and its going to cost me 800 to fix. Yet, the steering has been this way since ive had the car and I hardly noticed until I rented a car (because the…
The steering in this 1996 jetta IS just horrible, no mechanic has been able to repair it. Im told there IS something on the wheel base torn (rear) and its going to cost me 800 to fix. Yet, the steering has been this way since ive had the car and I hardly noticed until I rented a car (because the crank shaft in the jetta broke too). This car has never been in a collision or any major trama to have anything torn, it only has 66,000 miles on it, yet ive had to replace the crank shaft, last week the entire computer, 2 years ago the entire engine fell to the ground (my land lord discovered) and now the steering. I thought vws were supposed to be well built cars. *Ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Just purchased my first VW jetta. May be my last VW period. My windows work when they feel like it. After researching the problem, I found out this IS a extremely common problem that VW takes no reponsibility for. Fixing it myself, it costs me $150 every time it happens. I should charge VW $70 an hour for labor!*ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Since I have had my 1996 VW jetta GLS, all four window regulators and all four window motors have broken. I have spoken to several people who have had the exact same problems with their jettas. *ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
All four windows in my '96 jetta have malfunctioned. problems involve the window regulators and the motors. as it IS today, my vehicle has three operating windows with defects (makes loud crunch sound when rolled all the way down) to a stuck-half-way window that won't go up or down. *jb
- Unknown or other
The front passenger side door was damaged during a collision. the door was repaired and painted. the paint fumes are very strong in the passenger cabin of the vehicle. *nm
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
1996 VW jetta - door locks would not operate when temperature IS below 0 c or 32 f. this matches technical service bulletin # 57 9702 nhtsa item number 53643. *la
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
While driving my car, 1996 volkswagen jetta GLS, from the store, I notice that the check engine light came on and then my thermostat started to go back and forward like it was out of control, then smoke came out of my vents inside of my car. I thought this was strange, that smoke(white smoke)…
While driving my car, 1996 volkswagen jetta GLS, from the store, I notice that the check engine light came on and then my thermostat started to go back and forward like it was out of control, then smoke came out of my vents inside of my car. I thought this was strange, that smoke(white smoke) came from inside my car, so I stopped the car and opened the hood, but nothing was burning from under the hood. I told my husband about this and we took it to our mechanic who diagnose that the wiring harness was gone or was burned out. I then asked him how much it would cost to get it fixed and he stated that this could be a costly job. I needed my car fixed so I took it to a european specialist auto shop and they fixed it for a cost of $800.00 plus tax!!!!! This was outrageous, but I needed to get it fixed. where can I call to get my refund??? this IS entirely a lot of money!!!!! *nlm
- Service brakes, air › Drum › Shoes/linings · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Wheel cylinders
Consumer purchased a used vehicle from dealer and vehicle needed rear wheel cylinders and brake shoes. the wheel cylinders were leaking, and the brake shoes crumbled when removed for repair done by consumer since dealer was not willing to do anything about it.*ak
- Wheels
While driving at 65 mph driver's side rear wheel fell of without warning. *Ak
- Structure › Body › Door
While driving rear passenger's side door flew open without warning. Dealer notified.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank puncture
- Light and /windshield wipers
There is no summary currently available
- 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.
- Lights and/or windshield wiper obscured
There is no summary currently available
- 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.
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.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10213843Jetta Bluetooth manual coding procedure.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10174476Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159010The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10158533Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 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.
- 10127969Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.
- 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.
- 10124287Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on their inner surfaces, depending on humidity and other climatic changes. This document discusses necessary to diagnosis, and potential remedy of the issue.
- 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
- 10121257Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document
- 10120169Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The document also informs how to service 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.
- 10004525Ignition switch special warranty extension question and answer sheet to volkswagen owners.
- 10004521Ignition switch limited warranty extension 1996-1997 vehicles.
- 10001091Installing new style switch for the throttle position sensor.
- 621613Subject regarding latch system lower anchors and tethers for children, installing / retrofitting.
- 601876Information on maintenance intervals.
- 600981Difficulties in closing rear lid.
- 53644Conditions regarding exterior door locks cannot be locked or unlocked with key when ambient temperature IS below freezing.
- 53643Procedure for obtaining door lock key code if a new key must be cut.
- 53636Concerns with cassette tape player, sound output low or distorted, tapes may be destroyed.
- 53633Chart identifies which transmission control modules (tmc) are available for various states.
- 53616Toothed belt runs towards outside, wears out/ jumps off, and cracks.
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.