1997 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 1997
These records cover every 1997 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 1997 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.
On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle IS driven until the tire disintegrates.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. owner notification began june 13, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
54 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Service brakes · Steering · Suspension
A 1997 volkswagen jetta GT, equipped with frontal airbags was in a collision due to the use of aftermarket parts, which included after market ball joints not supplied from the dealer, this part failed after 12.7km on the highway traveling at 110km/h 65mph, the car steering was very shaky when…
A 1997 volkswagen jetta GT, equipped with frontal airbags was in a collision due to the use of aftermarket parts, which included after market ball joints not supplied from the dealer, this part failed after 12.7km on the highway traveling at 110km/h 65mph, the car steering was very shaky when entering a slight turn on the highway, the front right ball joint had fractured in the hub knuckle and had caused the wheel to collapse, the steering was no longer working because the tires where not on the ground, the car was resting on the rad support and front axle of the car, braking also failed due to the majority of the braking force being on the front wheels that were not making contact with the ground. The car then struck a guard rail 3 times before coming to a complete rest, airbags did not deploy as there was no need due to the angle in which the car struck the rail. Safety belts worked and cars mechanical operation (besides front suspension, and body damage) was still fine. Wheel bearings, brake pads and rotors were all replaced a week previous to crash. Beware non-volkswagen parts. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Visibility
It was at night rainy and cold. I turned on the heater and defroster because my car windows and whole inside of cabin were obscures by a fog. My defroster cleared the back window but all others not so I rolled down the windows and shut down the heater. I waited a while and used clothing to wipe…
It was at night rainy and cold. I turned on the heater and defroster because my car windows and whole inside of cabin were obscures by a fog. My defroster cleared the back window but all others not so I rolled down the windows and shut down the heater. I waited a while and used clothing to wipe the window. this was the third time in 6 weeks appx. I did turn on the fan alone to push brown fog out of the car. today I checked my fluids the coolant was half gone in the reservoir so I topped it up. I saw on line vwof america has helped people in the past with a good will heater core but they told me 4-152004 that they would not help me. that IS where I'm at no $ and I need my car for work. thank you *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The speedometer in any occasions does not mark the speed but if it marks the miles that are covered and it doest turn on the light of check engine to be able to know that it IS trumping the speedometer, sometimes meanwhile the car lighting and in movement it stops working it IS not the first car…
The speedometer in any occasions does not mark the speed but if it marks the miles that are covered and it doest turn on the light of check engine to be able to know that it IS trumping the speedometer, sometimes meanwhile the car lighting and in movement it stops working it IS not the first car that I see that the same problem has this I meet more than 7 persons who have the same problem and who when we take it to the agency say to us that it does not have any shortcoming or perhaps it IS some sensor that does not work but the car does not light the light of check engine to warn that a sensor has to be replaced I suppose myself that it IS already a shortcoming of the speedometer. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Accelerator sticks when in high rpm, if you hit the brake it slows the car down a little but the car continues to accelerate. this has happened 2 times when I'm going around 60pmh and have dropped into 4TH gear to pass someone. I had to shut the car off to stop it from accelerating. then when…
Accelerator sticks when in high rpm, if you hit the brake it slows the car down a little but the car continues to accelerate. this has happened 2 times when I'm going around 60pmh and have dropped into 4TH gear to pass someone. I had to shut the car off to stop it from accelerating. then when the car was shut off and in park and the emergency brake was up, I tried turning the car on and as soon as I turned it on it revved up really high. it finally turned on normally after in turned it on and off a couple times. the accelerator has also stuck when I was going around 70-75 and hit the accelerator to pass someone to get into a different lane, I did not drop into 4TH gear, I was in 5TH gear the whole time. this time I was in the middle of 5 lanes of traffic and didn't have the option to shut it off, I put the car in neutral and then shifted it back into 5TH gear and that fixed it that time. *Tr
- Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
The hood became undone while at freeway speed and smashed into the windshield causing a large obstruction of vision increasing the possibility of an accident. the hood latch became loose to where it did not latch properly. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 volkswagen jetta. the contact stated that the metal shield failed that protects the fuel tank filler neck. the dealer stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number 02v026000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 volkswagen jetta. the contact stated that the metal shield failed that protects the fuel tank filler neck. the dealer stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number 02v026000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap) and refused to perform the repair. the vin was invalid. the failure mileage was 105,000 and current mileage was 126,000.
- Electrical system › Wiring · Fuel system, gasoline
While driving on highway the vehicle started bucking until no longer running. the car was towed to a service station, where they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. the vehicle started a couple of hours later that day. the mechanic stated that it might be an electrical problem or the fuel.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module · Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Water heater · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Steering › Rack and pinion › Rack · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Replaced ignition coil for the third time in as many years!! electric water pump replaced. eater core exploded a couple months later while I was on the highway at 65 mph with my child in the car! Couldn't see anything as car filled with antifreeze cloud. belt driven water pump went a week…
Replaced ignition coil for the third time in as many years!! electric water pump replaced. eater core exploded a couple months later while I was on the highway at 65 mph with my child in the car! Couldn't see anything as car filled with antifreeze cloud. belt driven water pump went a week later. entire power steering rack needed to be replaced. window regulator needed to be replaced twice. Door handle broke twice!. *ak
- Electrical system · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Dt: the contact stated while driving at night there was a loss of exterior and interior lighting. also, the windshield wipers were disabled. there was no prior warning. the lights will shut off, but intermittently come back on. the contact inspected the battery, fuses, and the alternator. the vehicle has not been to a dealer , and no repairs have been made due to the expense. *ak updated 02/07/06. *Jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
While parking my 1992 volkswagen corrado back in late january 2005, my heater core leak all over my passenger floor, and had steam coming out the vents and fogging up my windows. After investigating on the internet I saw that this was a common problem on water cooled volkswagens. On 7/30/05 I had…
While parking my 1992 volkswagen corrado back in late january 2005, my heater core leak all over my passenger floor, and had steam coming out the vents and fogging up my windows. After investigating on the internet I saw that this was a common problem on water cooled volkswagens. On 7/30/05 I had a similar event happen while driving my wife's 1997 volkswagen jetta. The windshield suddenly fogged up and had steam coming from the vents and a coolant smell in the car. This happened while driving on the highway. I had to wipe the windshield with my hand so that I can see out the windshield. I pulled over and checked my coolant tank, there was a drop in fluid. What IS in common between both vehicles IS they are equipped with the same engine, the 2.8L VR6. After researching again on the internet I have found out that the cars in nhtsa campaign ID number : 92v050000 and most water cooled volkswagen manufactured after that date share the same part number for the heater core. It seems that the faulty part IS the heater core. Please investigate this, luckily there was not much traffic when my windshield fogged up, and no one was hurt. Thank you for your time. *jb
- Equipment · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I feel like my jetta IS a deathtrap. in the four years that I have owned it, I have had four of the power window mechanisms malfunction. currently, the front passenger window IS stuck shut, and the driver's side back window IS stuck open! this IS especially concerning because throughout the…
I feel like my jetta IS a deathtrap. in the four years that I have owned it, I have had four of the power window mechanisms malfunction. currently, the front passenger window IS stuck shut, and the driver's side back window IS stuck open! this IS especially concerning because throughout the cold season, at least one, if not all of the doors will not open. people think my boyfriend IS being a gentleman, but really, he has to walk around and let me out. this IS not the frozen lock phenomenon common to many vehicles- the actual latch mechanism malfunctions. we have been repeatedly trapped in our car and had to climb out the window! the failures are so consistent, so expensive to repair (and the repairs do not last) that we drive around like this because cost of the repairs exceeds the value of the car. help!
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Dt: there was a recall for the wheel housing on the passenger side rear protector shield. when they installed the hook it made noise and it fell off. when it fell off it started to squeak. he called the dealership, and took vehicle to dealer, and they put in another hook . the hook fell off…
Dt: there was a recall for the wheel housing on the passenger side rear protector shield. when they installed the hook it made noise and it fell off. when it fell off it started to squeak. he called the dealership, and took vehicle to dealer, and they put in another hook . the hook fell off again, and he called the dealership, but they would not help him. he took the vehicle to another mechanic, who told him the recall work was done wrongly. there should have been a hole drilled for the hook to latch onto. the letter stated it was a safety recall, WK14. could not locate the nhtsa recall number. *ak (11/08/05) tank guard on the rear passenger side. *sc
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
This IS another of the many customer complaints regarding the power windows in volkswagen cars. Currently, my front passenger window IS stuck down and will not raise. It will require a new window regulator. My back windows are also currently stuck in the up position. I had previously brought the…
This IS another of the many customer complaints regarding the power windows in volkswagen cars. Currently, my front passenger window IS stuck down and will not raise. It will require a new window regulator. My back windows are also currently stuck in the up position. I had previously brought the car in to check the right rear window. Volkswagen informed me that it needed a regulator and that the repairs would cost $800!!! For one window!!! I still had one more window to fix at that point. The repairs would cost almost 1/3 of the total value of my car!! So needless to say, my rear windows have been stuck up for the past 3 years. Now my front window IS stuck down. This IS a safety risk. The car IS now completely vulnerable to theft and the elements. Doing some research, I have found hundreds of complaints regarding this defect. I have also found a technical bulletin regarding window regulator motors. Bulletin #9704039704f. This issue needs to be addressed by volkswagen and a recall needs to be issued. As I understand it, ive been lucky so far. Most of these defective windows simply fall into the car. This IS a safety risk for the people in the car and needs to be dealt with.
- Unknown or other
'Recall campaign' for volkswagen jetta 1997. *bf the dealer could not perform the recall on the vehicle. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Power train · Structure › Body · Tires · Visibility
The consumer's 1997 volkswagen jetta GLS had multiple component failures. **nar** *nm there was an engine coolant leak, the a/c did not function properly, the windshield was broken, the body had rust damage, the drivers side power window made noise, there was excessive rust to the muffler, excessive worn tires, engine and transmission sensors. *sc *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
'Recall campaign' for volkswagen jetta 1997 install protective shield in right rear wheelhousing. *bf the consumer was chagred for a recall regarding the window regulators. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Turn signal switch sometimes work and sometimes doesn't... Can't lock doors on driver side with my master key, can only lock and set alarm on passenger side. airbag light stays on... Vehicle cuts off randomly when slowing down or stopping... Without notice!*ak
- Vehicle speed control
While the brake was applied the vehicle suddenly accelerated. *nm the consumer attempted to put the vehicle in neutral but it kept racing forward. *tc *jb
- Electrical system
My 1997 jetta was purchased new in august 1997 in canada. in 1997, the electric moon roof and the electric window had intermittent fault of not operating and were fixed. However after the warranty period one rear electric window could not be operated locally. in oct 28, 2004 the generator was…
My 1997 jetta was purchased new in august 1997 in canada. in 1997, the electric moon roof and the electric window had intermittent fault of not operating and were fixed. However after the warranty period one rear electric window could not be operated locally. in oct 28, 2004 the generator was faulty and was replaced by a re-built unit at owner's cost. in oct 30, the ignition switch was replaced at the extended warranty. *Jb from oct 30 to 31, 2004, an intermitent fault occurred 5 times on the panel cluster, all readings in the cluster (tachometer, speedometer, temperaure and fuel gauges) drop to zero for a short period of time and resumed normal. The dealer has not yet located the cause of the intermitent fault. if the panel c;uster were found faluty, it would be a very cost repair. the electrical system on my 1997 jetta are exceeding unreliable with a high intermittent fault. It IS the responsiblity of the vwoa to pay the repair cost for such faulty electrical system.
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
After a casual sunday afternoon drive ( in my 1997 volkswagen jetta ) at moderate speeds I parked the car for about 30 minutes while I ate lunch. I then started the car, pulled out of the parking lot, and put the blinker on to make a right hand turn. I stopped at a light, and while the car was in…
After a casual sunday afternoon drive ( in my 1997 volkswagen jetta ) at moderate speeds I parked the car for about 30 minutes while I ate lunch. I then started the car, pulled out of the parking lot, and put the blinker on to make a right hand turn. I stopped at a light, and while the car was in drive and the brake was on, the car lurched forward with sudden acceleration. I thought I was imaging it, but then immediately the car began racing wildly (like it was going 80mph). Luckily I had my foot firmly on the brake which prevented me from lurching forward into the oncoming highway traffic passing in front of me. I tried to put the car in neutral, but nothing I did stopped the car from racing. Finally, in a panic, I turned off the engine with the key, and put my blinkers on while I recovered from the shock of what had just happened. When the light turned green I started up the car and with fear in my heart pulled forward. The car acted normally for the remainder of my trip home. I plan to have the car towed to my mechanic tomorrow to investigate the problem. still shaking. gregory ryan. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My complaint IS regarding the throttle body on the motor. the car ran very erratically and stalled a number of times. the check engine light came on often. the throttle body was replaced. the old part IS not available. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing · Wheels
While driving consumer heard a noise. rear passenger side wheel came off, and the brake drum split in half. Consumer was notified that wheel bearing failed, and right side wheel bearing was very weak.*ak
- Wheels
While driving on a parkway doing approx 55mph, the rear passenger wheel assembly fell completely off of the car causing mechanical and body damage. The repair station stated the wheel bearing had frozen and basicaly burned off. There was alot of grease or other material on the rim when it was recovered.
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
For several years the cruise has had intermittent engagement. (When the set button IS pressed, the cruise does not engage). We took the vehicle to the VW dealer and they said the cruise module was bad. We did not have $380 to pay for cruise, so we elected to not repair. but one time, without…
For several years the cruise has had intermittent engagement. (When the set button IS pressed, the cruise does not engage). We took the vehicle to the VW dealer and they said the cruise module was bad. We did not have $380 to pay for cruise, so we elected to not repair. but one time, without warning , the cruise engaged and pulled the gas pedal down, almost to the floor. My wife was driving the vehicle with my son in the car and she said she IS positive did not press any button on the cruise. She was driving at highway speed and the pedal just started pulling down. She shifted into neutral and the engine revved way up. When she pulled to the side and tried shutting the cruise button to off , and even shutting the car off it stayed stuck. After several minutes it unstuck. I am concerned that my car and others may engage the cruise without warning and cause an accident. *Jb
- Electrical system · Suspension · Tires
Problems with ignition switch and tire equipment.*mr the dealer replaced the ignition switch and starter assembly. On another occasion, while the consumer was driving, the rear tire fell off the vehicle, themechanic informed the consumer it was due to ball bearing seizing which caused a tremendous amount of heat. *cb *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.
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.
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 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
- 10237427Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10213843Jetta Bluetooth manual coding procedure.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10174476Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159016Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10159014Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 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.
- 10157828Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10157383VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10157302Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10150856Engine replacement tip
- 1013334417 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 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
- 10125661Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
- 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
- 10120329Technical Bulletin (Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard): This document informs of a sample list of products generally available in the North American market that meet the Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard
- 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.
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.