Total Complaints
792 filings
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA · model year
792 NHTSA complaints, 21 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2006VOLKSWAGENJETTA carries 792 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 21 crashes, 10 fires, 28 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 JETTA is electrical system with 102 filings, followed by power train (92) and power train:automatic transmission (76). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2006 JETTA, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
792 filings
Crashes Reported
21 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 102 |
| POWER TRAIN | 92 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 76 |
| AIR BAGS | 60 |
| POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | 39 |
| ENGINE | 39 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 36 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 28 |
| SEATS | 24 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 18 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 17 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 16 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 12 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 11 |
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L GASOLINE ENGINES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST THE UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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 THA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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 flu
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 25,594 MY 2006-2009 JETTA 5TH GENERATION EQUIPPED WITH 2.01 ENGINE. THE FASTENING SCREW CONTACT SURFACES ON THE DRIVESHAFT COVER PLATE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. SOME SCREWS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LOOSEN O
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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/s
So it appears to be fine until about 30/45 mins drive time Then it starts shifting/slamming real hard and hesitates to shift in the next gear To the point where stopping and going isnât an option or it slips After about 45 mins all the prnds lights turned on and did the same in manual mode.. I read someone itâs a valve body that leads to a faulty Tranny Iâve read almost 150 of the same exact accounts on here and Reddit With the same 2006 Vw Jetta 2.5 Itâs too common of an issue Most of them were under 100k miles and never dealt with by the manufacturer Myself my car has roughly 168k miles and Iâve been working to fix it up I just got it a month or so ago And now I have to deal with this Honestly is sad that VW hasnât been held accountable for an issue that is WAY TOO COMMON to not be their fault. I understand the car is almost 20 years old but a bunch of these accounts i were reading dated as far back as 2009 with 86k miles itâs a shame..
So it appears to be fine until about 30/45 mins drive time Then it starts shifting/slamming real hard and hesitates to shift in the next gear To the point where stopping and going isnât an option or it slips After about 45 mins all the prnds lights turned on and did the same in manual mode.. I read someone itâs a valve body that leads to a faulty Tranny Iâve read almost 150 of the same exact accounts on here and Reddit With the same 2006 Vw Jetta 2.5 Itâs too common of an issue Most of them were under 100k miles and never dealt with by the manufacturer Myself my car has roughly 168k miles and Iâve been working to fix it up I just got it a month or so ago And now I have to deal with this Honestly is sad that VW hasnât been held accountable for an issue that is WAY TOO COMMON to not be their fault. I understand the car is almost 20 years old but a bunch of these accounts i were reading dated as far back as 2009 with 86k miles itâs a shame..
So it appears to be fine until about 30/45 mins drive time Then it starts shifting/slamming real hard and hesitates to shift in the next gear To the point where stopping and going isnât an option or it slips After about 45 mins all the prnds lights turned on and did the same in manual mode.. I read someone itâs a valve body that leads to a faulty Tranny Iâve read almost 150 of the same exact accounts on here and Reddit With the same 2006 Vw Jetta 2.5 Itâs too common of an issue Most of them were under 100k miles and never dealt with by the manufacturer Myself my car has roughly 168k miles and Iâve been working to fix it up I just got it a month or so ago And now I have to deal with this Honestly is sad that VW hasnât been held accountable for an issue that is WAY TOO COMMON to not be their fault. I understand the car is almost 20 years old but a bunch of these accounts i were reading dated as far back as 2009 with 86k miles itâs a shame..
The windshield wiper broke the window, brakes need replaced to soon, fuel system car has trouble fueling and after fueling and engine over heating due to engine cooling malfunction. None of these have been repaired yet it shows 0 unprepared recalls.
The windshield wiper broke the window, brakes need replaced to soon, fuel system car has trouble fueling and after fueling and engine over heating due to engine cooling malfunction. None of these have been repaired yet it shows 0 unprepared recalls.
The windshield wiper broke the window, brakes need replaced to soon, fuel system car has trouble fueling and after fueling and engine over heating due to engine cooling malfunction. None of these have been repaired yet it shows 0 unprepared recalls.
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that brake fluid had leaked from her vehicle as the check engine light illuminated the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. Soon after repair, the failure returned. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E064000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which she linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Mileage: 110,000
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission shuddered without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
Mileage: 156,000
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ON INDICATING REPAIR IS NEEDED.
Mileage: 109,000
THERE IS VACUUM PUMP DEFECT, MECHANICAL ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKETS, BREAKS, HOSES/PUMPS, WINDSHIELD FLUID MOUNTED HOUSES NEAR WINDSHIELD (FLUID SPRAYS THROUGH THESE HOUSES ON TO THE WINDSHIELD) AND KEY IGNITION INTERLOCK. PLEASE CALL AUDI FOR THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF DEFECTIVE PARTS AND REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. WAS DRIVING VEHICLE HEARD A LOUD POP OR BREAKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE STIFFENING THE STEERING WHEEL. AUTO WAS STOLEN AND CAME BACK WITH LOUD SCREECHING NOISE. UNKNOWN.
THERE IS VACUUM PUMP DEFECT, MECHANICAL ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKETS, BREAKS, HOSES/PUMPS, WINDSHIELD FLUID MOUNTED HOUSES NEAR WINDSHIELD (FLUID SPRAYS THROUGH THESE HOUSES ON TO THE WINDSHIELD) AND KEY IGNITION INTERLOCK. PLEASE CALL AUDI FOR THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF DEFECTIVE PARTS AND REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. WAS DRIVING VEHICLE HEARD A LOUD POP OR BREAKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE STIFFENING THE STEERING WHEEL. AUTO WAS STOLEN AND CAME BACK WITH LOUD SCREECHING NOISE. UNKNOWN.
THERE IS VACUUM PUMP DEFECT, MECHANICAL ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKETS, BREAKS, HOSES/PUMPS, WINDSHIELD FLUID MOUNTED HOUSES NEAR WINDSHIELD (FLUID SPRAYS THROUGH THESE HOUSES ON TO THE WINDSHIELD) AND KEY IGNITION INTERLOCK. PLEASE CALL AUDI FOR THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF DEFECTIVE PARTS AND REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. WAS DRIVING VEHICLE HEARD A LOUD POP OR BREAKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE STIFFENING THE STEERING WHEEL. AUTO WAS STOLEN AND CAME BACK WITH LOUD SCREECHING NOISE. UNKNOWN.
THERE ARE SOME MOUNTING BRACKETS, SUSPENSION BRACKETS, NUTS AND BOLTS ASSOCIATED TO THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE THAT HAVE BROKE MORE THAN ONCE PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL GIVE U FURTHER DETAIL.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).. *TR
Mileage: 150,000
THERE ARE SOME MOUNTING BRACKETS, SUSPENSION BRACKETS, NUTS AND BOLTS ASSOCIATED TO THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE THAT HAVE BROKE MORE THAN ONCE PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL GIVE U FURTHER DETAIL.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).. *TR
Mileage: 150,000
THERE ARE SOME MOUNTING BRACKETS, SUSPENSION BRACKETS, NUTS AND BOLTS ASSOCIATED TO THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE THAT HAVE BROKE MORE THAN ONCE PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL GIVE U FURTHER DETAIL.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).. *TR
Mileage: 150,000
THERE HAS BEEN TAMPERING DONE TO MY VEHICLE HOW DO I ASSURE SAFETY AND HAVE IT INVESTIGATED AND HAVE A REPAIR MAN LOOK OVER THE VEHICLE AFTER THE THEFT?
THERE HAS BEEN TAMPERING DONE TO MY VEHICLE HOW DO I ASSURE SAFETY AND HAVE IT INVESTIGATED AND HAVE A REPAIR MAN LOOK OVER THE VEHICLE AFTER THE THEFT?
THERE HAS BEEN TAMPERING DONE TO MY VEHICLE HOW DO I ASSURE SAFETY AND HAVE IT INVESTIGATED AND HAVE A REPAIR MAN LOOK OVER THE VEHICLE AFTER THE THEFT?
THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED BACK TO A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS IN THE DOOR HINGE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON VW ISSUE, AND MANY OTHER ONLINE COMPLAINTS REFERENCE A WIRE HARNESS THAT IS TOO SHORT. I REPAIRED THE SEVERED WIRES WITH BUTT CONNECTORS. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I INSPECTED THE WHOLE AIRBAG SYSTEM (CONNECTORS, WIRING, FUSES, ETC.) TO NO AVAIL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. AGAIN, OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS SAME ISSUE WHEN FIXING A VW'S WINDOW (I.E., FIX THE WINDOW AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES). THE TWO ISSUES SHOULD NOT BE CONNECTED, AND THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME.
Mileage: 115,000
THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. THE PROBLEM WAS TRACED BACK TO A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS IN THE DOOR HINGE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON VW ISSUE, AND MANY OTHER ONLINE COMPLAINTS REFERENCE A WIRE HARNESS THAT IS TOO SHORT. I REPAIRED THE SEVERED WIRES WITH BUTT CONNECTORS. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I INSPECTED THE WHOLE AIRBAG SYSTEM (CONNECTORS, WIRING, FUSES, ETC.) TO NO AVAIL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. AGAIN, OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS SAME ISSUE WHEN FIXING A VW'S WINDOW (I.E., FIX THE WINDOW AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES). THE TWO ISSUES SHOULD NOT BE CONNECTED, AND THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME.
Mileage: 115,000
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Inadvertent Door Opening
Fuel Leak due to Suction Jet Pump Failure within Fuel Tank (Remedy Effectiveness of Recall 16V647)
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
LGES High Voltage Battery Failures
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.