2017 Volkswagen Jetta Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.2

Ranked #8 in 

Compact Sedan
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$17,895 - $28,995
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

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Disliked by Users

  • BR

    Brad Rozzano

    29/01/2021

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    How come there are no mentions of the engine block casting defects that can cause seizing and loss of control

    Source: edmunds

  • CC

    Clay Carpen

    23/05/2019

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    this vehicle be making sound every time I break from the back and then dealership say that it doesn't need any breaks eye contact headquarters doing that buy it back from me I will not be by the next to Volkswagen again Volkswagen headquarters say they can't buy it. Read More

    Source: edmunds

  • C

    costine1985@gmail.com

    18/08/2017

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... oil change coupons instead (here in D.C. it's $46 - same you will spend at Walmart plus your time). Dealer has good oil. Good oil is important for these engines because VW has plastic parts inside such as chain tensioner. How long will this part last?Read More

    Source: edmunds

2017 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

7

Recalls

0

Investigations

154

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 28, 2024

The Volkswagen Jetta is an averagely-ranked sedan that performs as expected. The Jetta is a compact car but the interior spacing is still big enough for people of 5, and the cargo space also has space for large luggage, both the interior and cargo space are big compared to bigger midsized rivals, and an intuitive infotainment touchscreen system. The Volkswagen Jetta 2017 model has had over 7 recalls, 0 investigations, and 101 complaints according to official reports. Most of the complaints revolved around the fuel system and the service brake failures.

The Competitors for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta are the Ford Focus, the Honda Civic, and the Toyota Corolla. The 2017 Jetta reliability rating of 83/100 is amongst the best behind the Toyota and Chevrolet Cruze. The Youtube video by "1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets only Mechanics know" lists out all the major issues and problems in this 6th generation Jetta. Check out the video below and read ahead to find out if the 2017 Jetta is the one for you. 

2017 Volkswagen Jetta User problems and complaints

Mechanical problems 

  • Engine Problems like fuel leaking and stalling: Multiple users have issues where the fuel rail would leak fuel most of the time and when the recall was made for this problem, it would get delayed for a long time or the manufacturer does not have the equipment yet to fix the problems. Other users had issues with the engine stalling, shutting down in the middle of the road, small metals in the fuel rail which need replacements, and EPC indicator illumination which needed immediate attention to the engine. For some, the dealership helped them out but for others was problematic. Volkswagen is aware of this situation and has initiated multiple recalls on the matters, you can refer to NHTSA ID: 17V070000 for the engine stalling and NHTSA ID: 20V648000 for more information about the fuel leakage.
  • Fuel/Propulsion system recalls are getting annoyed: Many users have had this problem where the car would issue warning lights or the car would come to a stop and would notice fuel leaks from the fuel rail. Many users then follow to give it to the dealership due to the recalls but are displeased by the manufacturers because the recalls have been made, but the users still keep getting delayed to fix the problem. Co-related to the Volkswagen recalls; NHTSA ID: 20V648000.
  • Powertrain making it rough for the drivers: Many users had issues with the gear not shifting properly, the car would sometimes jerk or jolt when shifting gears, and sometimes when taking a reverse the gear would automatically shift to neutral causing a sudden movement of the car to go front or back. while driving, certain users noticed that the gear would not shift to other gears causing a sudden stop.
  • Suspension Issue: 1 user noticed while driving that the car was making a rattling noise and experienced difficulty with the steering of the vehicle and no warning lights were illuminated. Upon further inspection, the noise came from the front driver-side spring. The Manufacturer and the dealership have not been notified of the issue.
  • Brake failure, far too many: This was a common problem where multiple users had experience failure of brakes. The Vehicle would be moving or turning and when the brakes were applied the car would not come to a stop causing 2 user accidents and injuries. 1 user faced an issue when the car was stopped and put on any other gear other than park and when the key is removed, the car would roll away and the brakes would not deploy. Another user noticed that the vehicle would go forward when the brake was applied. Volkswagen is aware of this issue and has initiated multiple recalls related to the brakes failures. Reefer to NHTSA ID: 19V615000 and 20E064000 for more information.
  • Steering failure: User complaints about the steering were, When the car shuts downs the steering would lock up, and some noticed that the steering would become hard to turn over time. 

Electrical problems 

  • Electrical system disfunction: The electrical department received the most complaints and they are broken down into factors like power failure, the horn being inoperable, battery dying before the given date, illuminated warning lights when there were no issues, failure of airbag sensor indicators, automatic acceleration, and automatic activation of windshield wipers without any manual power involved. 
  • Electronic stability control issues: Most of the complaints are regarded to the front assist not working or disabled, the rest of the complaints are about the vehicle and the EPC lights shaking, and no option for override of traction control. 

Safety problems 

  • Airbags are faulty: Issues noticed were, airbag deployment failure, airbag indicators going off for no reason, and replacements for the airbag sensors when the car dies and powers on. 

Exterior problems

  • Wheel issues: 2 Users had problems with the tire making noises and the other problem was there was a bulge in the sidewall, the tire is original. 1 user complaint was regarded to the tires not having enough traction to control wet and snowy weather.

Recalls for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

S.No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues noticed 

Additional remarks 

Remedy 

1

October 21, 2020

20V648000

Fuel may leak from the fuel rail due to a loss in the bolts.

A Fuel leak from the fuel rail may result in a fire 

Volkswagen will notify owners about the issue and the dealers will replace the bolts and as necessary the fuel rails.

2

September 23, 2020

20E064000

Master cylinder may have insufficient fluid seal crimp

If there is a leak from the brake fluid, it reduces the braking ability causing the risk of an accident 

Distributors will notify the end-users and the affected master cylinder will be replaced for a new one, free of charge 

3

August 22, 2019

19V615000

Removing the key when not in park.

When the key is removed when the vehicle is not in park, may cause the vehicle to roll away and cause an impact.

Volkswagen will notify owners, and the dealers will add an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge

4

May 31, 2017 

17V352000

Mismatched Vehicle identification number/FMVSS 567

Mismatched VINS makes the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements

The owners will be notified and will get a replacement for the vehicles, free of charge

5

March 2, 2017 

17V137000

Incorrect tire information label/ FMVSS 110

Overloading the car may affect the handling of the vehicle or cause tire damage.

Owners will be notified and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge 

6

March 2, 2017

17V136000

Incorrect tire information label/ FMVSS 110

Overloading the car may affect the handling of the vehicle or cause tire damage.

Owners will be notified and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge 

7

February 3, 2017 

17V070000

Engine may stall or seize 

Engine seizing may cause the wheel of the vehicle to lock up, causing loss of control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash

Volkswagen will either buy back the vehicle or replace the engine block, free of charge

Should you buy the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta 

The 2017 Jetta has received 5 stars in overall safety ratings and the IIHS gives the Jetta the top safety pick award. So if you ask me the Vehicle is worth considering buying since the car has only minor drawbacks like a hard plastic interior and average handling and performance. The vehicle is safe to drive anywhere, comfortable, spacious, and has good fuel economy. Although, ensure that your vehicle has no recall-related problems, and especially ensure that your brakes and fuel system are intact. However, another alternative would be the 2017 Toyota Corolla, it has lesser recalls registered against it officially.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

September 19, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11688547

Components: 162000 STRUCTURE

NHTSA ID Number:
11688547

Incident Date:
September 19, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3VWD17AJ9HM

Consumer Location:
ROCHESTER, NY

Summary
Door lock actuator for all passenger doors, the only one that hasn't failed is the driver's door.

September 19, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11688548

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11688548

Incident Date:
September 19, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3VWD17AJ9HM

Consumer Location:
ROCHESTER, NY

Summary
Horn no longer working, can't signal an impending accident to other drivers. That along with infotainment...

September 12, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11686881

Components: 140000 AIR BAGS

NHTSA ID Number:
11686881

Incident Date:
September 12, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3VW2B7AJ8HM

Consumer Location:
ELIZABETHTOWN, NC

Summary
Please copy the link. It is not a spam nor malware. It is the diagnostic report ran 9/12/2025. Please loo...

July 29, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11677080

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11677080

Incident Date:
July 29, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3VWL17AJ2HM

Consumer Location:
STOCKTON, CA

Summary
July 2024 my 2017 VW JETTA SEL PREMIUM [XXX] at 153,253 miles without notice had TRANSMISSION FAILURE whe...

July 22, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11675497

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11675497

Incident Date:
July 22, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3VWDB7AJ1HM

Consumer Location:
STOCKTON, CA

Summary
I purchased my car used. In the past 3 years I have had problems my headlights became increasingly dim ...

86/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

85/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

74/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

0/100Worst

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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