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2017 Volkswagen Jetta problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 7safety recalls
- 160owner complaints
- 18crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 25%fail the UK MOT
160 complaints, against an average of 197 for the other 14 Volkswagen Jetta model years.
Every Volkswagen Jetta model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
The components named most often in the 160 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 Volkswagen Jetta owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 160 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta smell of fuel or gas?16 owners · 10%
- Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta stall, lose power or shut off while driving?15 owners · 9.4%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?10 owners · 6.3%
- Why is the airbag light on in my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?10 owners · 6.3%
- Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta idle rough, misfire or hesitate?5 owners · 3.1%
- Have any 2017 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles caught fire?5 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta been recalled?
7 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Fuel Injection System: Fuel Rail Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
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 fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System: Ignition: Anti-Theft: Control Module Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Risk: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Equipment: Other: Labels Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Risk: The mismatched VINs make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.
Fix: Volkswagen has notified owners and has replaced the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 06A8.
Equipment: Other: Labels Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Beetle and Jetta GLI vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B9.
Equipment: Other: Labels Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: Overloading the vehicle may affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 01B8
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine. These vehicles have an engine that may seize due to an improper casting of the block.
Risk: If the engine seizes, the wheels may suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will either buy back the vehicle or replace the engine block, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F4.
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
EU Safety GateDefective material may be used in the rear suspension helical springs.As a result, the springs could break, impairing the driving stability and increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 13/05/2019
EU Safety GateCars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general…Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2017, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2017 Volkswagen Jetta owners report?
12 of the 160 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I was driving on Monday XXX when my car started to smoke and smell of fumes. The EPC light came on and my car was stuttering, so I immediately pulled over and turned off the car. When I got out I noticed a large pool of gas under the front of the car. I called a tow truck who brought it to Crew VW in [XXX] who diagnosed to car with broken fuel rail bolts which caused the fuel injectors to pop and fuel to leak. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE! Put lever into park: turned off car and turned back on : put thr stick BACK INTO DRIVE - NOTHING HAPPENED I GUNNED it BY pushing my foot on the gas VW Jetta ALMOST REDLINED but didnt: was able to get across the interaction as I turned Left . Car sputtered: Car died: CAR CAUGHT FIRE! put fire out with towel: transmission fluid expelled: Car SEIZED ALL…
I have severe painful burns on my gluteus from the seat heater. I had the heater on intermittently on a drive of about 75 miles. I put the heater on for about 10-15 minutes a few times but did not have it on the entire trip. After getting to my destination I started feeling painful burning sensation so looked at my bum in the mirror and was shocked to see an open wound about the size of a silver dollar with peeling skin and many other burns all around. It’s very painful.
The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven or started any time before or after it actually caught on fire, it was only taken care of quickly as the tow truck driver had a fire extiguisher, we do not carry one in the car. The car had the recall work done in 2021 in Tyson's Corner VA. The dealer refuses speak to us and states that the recall…
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the infotainment system touch screen failed to operate as an intended. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted, and the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle could be repaired, and that the failure was common. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was not a known failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Please copy the link. It is not a spam nor malware. It is the diagnostic report ran 9/12/2025. Please look under “airbag” tab and you will see the code related to brake system. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ABS UNIT COMPLETE was malfunctioning per volkswagen's inspection. When this malfunctions it can lead to a loss of its anti-lock braking function, potentially causing wheel lock-up during braking, longer stopping distances, and reduced vehicle control, especially on slippery surfaces. Additionally, other driver assistance features relying on the ABS module, like traction control and automatic braking, may also be affected. Other 2017 models had a recall on this part but I was told my VIN did not. There were warning lights on dash when this occurred. This was confirmed by VW.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel rail bolts. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired by the previous owner. The…
My Volkswagen Jetta shut off driving down interstate 99 due to major fuel leak (fuel rail bolt broke) I saw Volkswagen had a recall for fuel rail bolt coming loose after time. I called Volkswagen states recall was completed in May 2021 I bought the car May 2025. I asked Volkswagen rep if they would repair it as this is the same issue as the recall obviously it isn’t corrected. This could have been very bad with fuel leaking along a major highway one thing ignited and car would have went in flames. My son could have been seriously injured or even killed! EPC light came on as this was happening…
so all the sudden my air bag light came on and my whole steering wheel don't work.. none of the buttons nor the cruse control and air bag light is on . Not sure why this happened but I feel very unsafe with my children in the car due to there's been a lot of crazy ppl out that don't pay attention when driving .
My daughter was rear-ended in her 2017 Jetta while stopped. The other driver was going approximately 45 mph, forcing my daughter into the car in front of her as well, causing significant front impact and damage to the vehicle. The air bag did not deploy. The amount of impact seems as though the airbag should have deployed. She suffered a mild concussion and whiplash from the impact.
Clockspring in steering wheel has failed, rendering driver airbag non-operational. Should vehicle be involved in a collision, driver airbag will not engage. Horn and steering wheel buttons are also non-operational
Volkswagen guides on CarHooq
2017 Volkswagen Jetta: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 160 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta; the most common categories were electrical system (33, 20.6%), engine (33, 20.6%), fuel/propulsion system (30, 18.8%). There are 7 safety recalls. 18 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 9 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
Across 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (20.6% of complaints), engine (20.6% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (18.8% of complaints), air bags (13.1% of complaints), power train (9.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta; the most recent (campaign 20V648000, 2020-10-21) concerns Fuel System, Gasoline: Fuel Injection System: Fuel Rail. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta smell of fuel or gas?
16 of the 160 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta (10%) describe a fuel or gasoline smell, or a fuel leak. One owner wrote: "Fuel rail failed causing gas leak. Part was previously recalled and fixed, failed for same issue that caused original recall." (NHTSA complaint 11533193, July 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
15 of the 160 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta (9.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Vehicle has only 10,000 miles. Developed unidentified leak. Shortly after the car was on the freeway in 6th gear and started smoking and revving the engine. Car would not shift into gear and the car stalled." (NHTSA complaint 11490399, October 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
10 of the 160 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta (6.3%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The EPC light and Check Engine light came on while driving, major car throttling, problems with acceleration, stronger throttling occurred with more acceleration. Car was immediately towed to nearest VW dealership service." (NHTSA complaint 11582508, April 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
10 of the 160 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta (6.3%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. One owner wrote: "so all the sudden my air bag light came on and my whole steering wheel don't work.. none of the buttons nor the cruse control and air bag light is on ." (NHTSA complaint 11654388, April 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2017 Volkswagen Jetta idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
5 of the 160 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta (3.1%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE!" (NHTSA complaint 11753433, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Have any 2017 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles caught fire?
5 of the 160 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta (3.1%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE!" (NHTSA complaint 11753433, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Jetta
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2017 only.