2005 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." some vehicles may not have had a required cap installed which disables the headlight horizontal aim and some vehicles may contain a cap that disables the vertical aiming screw.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Noncompliance can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment for roadway illumination, improperly aimed headlamps could cause reduced road visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the low beam horizontal aiming screw and install one if missing, and inspect for the presence of a cap in the socket of the vertical aiming screw and if present, the cap will be removed. the recall will begin on october 31, 2007. owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.
Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. the seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. the recall began during april 2007. owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. the recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not both. the remedy IS the same for each recall. volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the vin number of the vehicle. owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5L gasoline engine, a fuel supply line clamp located in the engine compartment may not be positioned properly and could cause a fuel leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the position of the engine compartment fuel supply line clamp and, if necessary, replace the clamp. the recall began on july 11, 2005. owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.
On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the diesel pump. the recall began on february 8, 2005. owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
248 complaints8 involved a crash14 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seats
The drivers seat moves by it's self while driving. And apparently while it is parked which runs the battery dead
- Engine · Suspension
The transmissions are bad on these cars and when it's shifting gears it jerks and almost takes you off the road. I've had my car completely stop as I was driving and almost cause a wreck hurting myself in the process of not trying to kill someone walking because these cars are KNOWN TO HAVE THIS…
The transmissions are bad on these cars and when it's shifting gears it jerks and almost takes you off the road. I've had my car completely stop as I was driving and almost cause a wreck hurting myself in the process of not trying to kill someone walking because these cars are KNOWN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM THERE WAS AN ENTIRE LAWSUIT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. Please help if there is a recall done I can get the car fixed and continue working as an in-home caregiver. I am currently out of work because IT IS NOT SAFE TO TRANSPORT CLIENTS IN THAT DEATH TRAP. The mechanic said the entire transmission is built to brake and it's not a new problem these cars are bad.
- Tires
The contact owns a 2005 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta equipped with Supermax Tm-1 205/55r16 Tires. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the front driver tire began to have a vibrating sensation after a month of being placed on the vehicle Within a few days the tire began to bounce becoming…
The contact owns a 2005 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta equipped with Supermax Tm-1 205/55r16 Tires. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the front driver tire began to have a vibrating sensation after a month of being placed on the vehicle Within a few days the tire began to bounce becoming unsafe to operate. The contact returned to Walmart to be advised to order online and have it shipped. The mechanic stated there was tread separation. The left front tire was replaced with a different brand tire the right front tire began to display the same issue. The vehicle was returned where the tire was replaced with another brand tire. The rear tire (unsure left or right) had since been displaying the same failure. The manufacturer for the tire was made aware of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 93,869 the tire failure mileage was approximately 4,494.
- Air bags
My daughter was in a serious accident, she hit a guard rail and lost control after spinning and hitting two more guard rails the never deployed. My daughter suffered a close head injury and facial lacerations. The car IS a total lose, why didnt her air bags go off ? IS so she may have not sustained such injuries.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
My car while parked and the engine going will stop. Also when I'm on the freeway the epc light will turn on and feel like I have a loss of power and it feels like it IS accelerating. My mechanic has no idea what IS going on with my car.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
Started having electrical problems (random dashboard lights, doors, locks, windows wouldn't work, key fob battery died, etc) then I had to replace the battery. Continued electrical issues with new battery, passenger side window/door wouldn't operate or work at all. Needed master key fob to lock…
Started having electrical problems (random dashboard lights, doors, locks, windows wouldn't work, key fob battery died, etc) then I had to replace the battery. Continued electrical issues with new battery, passenger side window/door wouldn't operate or work at all. Needed master key fob to lock driver's side door but all other doors wouldn't lock with fob. next, I am having issues with the car not starting, put another battery in it. From there random dashboard lights, dinging with drl and first few minutes of operating vehicle, and airbags lights are on. My mechanic sends me to a mechanic shop that specializes in VW. Mechanic replaces window manager and driver side door harness. Still find issues with airbags so I take my car to the dealership in st peters mo during a snow storm. Hand them all my paperwork, they go in and find that my car IS being worked on and see that their are splices, connections butted, so they "fix" the airbags and send me on my way. However, I have a toddler in the backseat and she was able to open the doors while the vehicle was in motion, the windows stopped working, etc. Dealership cannot speak to other mechanic shop's work so they did the recalls needed (airbags) and replaced the harness, apparently again. I have all the receipts from the work, all the parts are in my trunk of my car, another appointment to see what the issue IS. Car appears to be stuck in security mode but doesn't properly lock, not able to use child lock, and unable to protect vehicle safely with proper locking mechanism. I don't feel safe if there IS an intruder or if my toddler were to try this stunt again, also concerned of the fuel issues I've been having. Replaced my gas cap in hopes I wouldn't see loss of fuel, and the car has a slight oil leak that no mechanic can seem to find. Unable to attach paperwork as the dealership has it at this time.
- Air bags · Structure › Body
Front end collision on highway at approximate 45 mph, possibly slower. Airbags did not deploy. Damage primarily on driver side of vehicle. Flame ignited on front driver side of vehicle under the hood. Fire quickly spread causing total loss of vehicle. Unknown what caused fire. *tr
- Power train
Tugging occurs, but rarely. The car drives smoothly but will do a bit of a tugging. It had this problem for a while ever since it was purchased back in 2015 it was worse at those times but fixed throughout the years. I've invested major money to get the transmission, motor, and so on of what the mechanic has told me of the problems the car has had fixed. *tr
- Air bags
Was in a front end collision going 45mph. Air bags never deployed
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly. When turning on the car, the air bag default button comes on. The interior lights do not come on. While idle car rumbles and shakes…
On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly. When turning on the car, the air bag default button comes on. The interior lights do not come on. While idle car rumbles and shakes, while accelerating or decelerating car shakes (front end). My fueling system IS terrible it seems as if gas sometimes doesn't get to my car it stales very often while driving or braking and accelerating again. Terrible electrical problems. Trunk will not open front light and brake lights work when they want to. When the heater IS on it makes loud noise and tick even with the a/c on it does the same thing. While turning it stales and then take off really fast. While idle car rumbles and shakes, while accelerating or decelerating car shakes (front end). My fueling system IS terrible it seems as if gas sometimes doesn't get to my car it stales very often while driving or braking and accelerating again. Terrible electrical problems. Trunk will not open front light and brake lights work when they want to. When the heater IS on it makes loud noise and tick even with the a/c on it does the same thing. While turning it stales and then take off really fast. The vehicle suddenly caught fire, while idled in a drive thru line at a fast food restaurant. The fire started under the hood.
- Air bags · Electrical system
When turning on the car, the air bag default button comes on. The interior lights do not come on.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
While idle car rumbles and shakes, while accelerating or decelerating car shakes (front end). My fueling system IS terrible it seems as if gas sometimes doesn't get to my car it stales very often while driving or braking and accelerating again. Terrible electrical problems. Trunk will not open…
While idle car rumbles and shakes, while accelerating or decelerating car shakes (front end). My fueling system IS terrible it seems as if gas sometimes doesn't get to my car it stales very often while driving or braking and accelerating again. Terrible electrical problems. Trunk will not open front light and brake lights work when they want to. When the heater IS on it makes loud noise and tick even with the a/c on it does the same thing. While turning it stales and then take off really fast.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2005 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly caught fire, while idled in a drive thru line at a fast food restaurant. The fire started under the hood. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to a junk yard. The…
TL* the contact owned a 2005 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly caught fire, while idled in a drive thru line at a fast food restaurant. The fire started under the hood. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to a junk yard. The contact was unsure if a police report or fire report were filed. The dealer mike haggerty volkswagen (8920 s cicero ave, oak lawn, il 60453 (708) 425-8989) told the contact to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle and referred the contact to call the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
The transmission IS terribly made. There IS also an issue with the fuel injection that does not allow the car to receive the correct fuel as well as the gas tank. The car jerks because of the gas tank and the codes read ad if the cap needs to be replaced but the whole gas tank needs to be replaced.
- Engine
Engine misfires while driving or accelerating or slowing. then vehicle vibrates and stalls. Intermittent and without warning lights on dash. VW garage could not solve this problem april 11, 2019 and may 7 to 11,2019. vehicle had recall on coils approximately 2011 and coils were replaced but one…
Engine misfires while driving or accelerating or slowing. then vehicle vibrates and stalls. Intermittent and without warning lights on dash. VW garage could not solve this problem april 11, 2019 and may 7 to 11,2019. vehicle had recall on coils approximately 2011 and coils were replaced but one failed few months later and manufacturer replaced it. Mileage now IS slightly below 40,000. vehicle has stalled while driving twice and not trustworthy. policeman helped move vehicle off road once volkswagen garage advised keep driving to see if problem continues after they switched two coil wires. it has not stopped misfiring of engine.
- Seat belts
Rear seatbelt latch button failed after little use. Will not lock together when pressed in position .
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
Secondary air injection system - ongoing issue.. No reading for smog check
- Air bags · Power train
2005 vw.jetta - vin# [xxx]. The transmission shifts hard & down shift hard when the car has run for a period of time during travel. Also, the faulty air bag light comes on when the car IS first started and may show intermittently while driving. The catalytic converter & 02 sensor have been…
2005 vw.jetta - vin# [xxx]. The transmission shifts hard & down shift hard when the car has run for a period of time during travel. Also, the faulty air bag light comes on when the car IS first started and may show intermittently while driving. The catalytic converter & 02 sensor have been replaced but the codes still show when put on the machine. The ignition key gets stuck in the ignition. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).
- Power train
My car haves all the gears highlighted on the display and occasionally when I'm driving it gets stuck on a low gear when I come to a complete stop and try to start going or if im in the highway it all of a sudden decides to shift to neutral gear making me slow down all of a sudden with potential to…
My car haves all the gears highlighted on the display and occasionally when I'm driving it gets stuck on a low gear when I come to a complete stop and try to start going or if im in the highway it all of a sudden decides to shift to neutral gear making me slow down all of a sudden with potential to hit the person behind me or creating a catastrophic accident with many injuries or even death to does I might hit just because of my faulty transmission and I have look up the problem and there are many people with the same transmission trouble the nhtsa send a recall for the 2009-2010 but the previous models have also the same problems for it so please at least open an investigation about it so that way me and my fellow drivers understand the problem that keeps going on.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2005 volkswagen jetta. While driving 25 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to respond. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact veered off to the shoulder of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle approximately four…
TL* the contact owned a 2005 volkswagen jetta. While driving 25 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to respond. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact veered off to the shoulder of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle approximately four times, but noticed flames coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact received minor burns to the right arm that did not require medical attention. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. A police and a fire report were filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined to be a total loss. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.
- Air bags
I was driving along yesterday and the warning light for "air bag" came on. I researched this and according to other consumer blogs, a lot of car owners have the same problem. I don't see a jetta recall - but there should be one!!!
- Power train · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen jetta. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle did not accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle had to be turned off and restarted to remedy the failure. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen jetta. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle did not accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle had to be turned off and restarted to remedy the failure. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 279,000. The vin was not available. *Tt consumer stated incident happens when driving in the rain.*jb
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
My airbag light IS on and it never goes off when I first start it it has a warning noise and says airbag fault then the light stays on the car also when driving it sometimes gets stuck in the rpm window between the 2 and the 3 and it wont want to get unstuck you have to take your foot completely off then place back on the pedal and then it jerks away
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
I am reporting a safety concern for volkswagen jetta 2005.5. My jetta recently started having brake problems due to the master brake cylinder on 8/4/2017 I had to force my car off the road from hitting multiple vehicles due to the master brake cylinder failing. Volkswagen IS very aware of this…
I am reporting a safety concern for volkswagen jetta 2005.5. My jetta recently started having brake problems due to the master brake cylinder on 8/4/2017 I had to force my car off the road from hitting multiple vehicles due to the master brake cylinder failing. Volkswagen IS very aware of this issue I have done research in found complaints as well as recalls but was told they couldn't help me the fuel line has also failed after replacing it causing a gas smell through out the vehicle when starting after pumping gas. I recently started having problems with the valve body damaged this IS a big safety concern for my self in others who own the same vehicle the valve body damaged causes the car to slip in heavy traffic leading up to a car accident. I have done research and volkswagen IS aware of this issue with complaints they did add extended warranty to end 100,000 miles. Back in 2005 leading up to 2014 there are multiple 2005.5 jettas around nashville with the same issues. But volkswagen will not help fix the problem of the safety of there customers
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Suspension
Takata recall. My volkswagon jetta GLS engine keeps on misfiring for some reason no matter what work I put into it.
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.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253204Customer States Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear
- 10253180Antenna Diagnosis Overview
- 10253177Satellite Radio Overview
- 10252942Damage to Data Link Connector (DLC) from Aftermarket Devices (Cannot Communicate with Vehicle OBD System)
- 10252220All Vehicles with Bluetooth Phone Kit Installed ? Streaming Audio from Phone to Radio
- 10252210Clock Loses Time
- 10250697Driver?s Door Wiring Harness Limited Warranty Extension for MY 2005 or 2006 (A5) Jetta Vehicles (VIN range from 1K_5M000001 to1K_6M759703)
- 10244045Volkswagen Elsa Newsletter
- 10244044Volkswagen Elsa Newsletter
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- 10242333VW Elsa Newsletter
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.