Verdict
2017 Volkswagen Jetta: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most sedan.
Owners filed 158 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 78% of 2017 sedans. Electrical System leads the reports (15%). 7 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2017 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
158
Reports to NHTSA, 2017
Safety recalls
7
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
29
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 78% of 2017 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2017 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (15% of 158 reports), followed by engine (11%).
+ 13 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 158 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11268422, ODI 11094153, ODI 11064703, ODI 11722751, ODI 11698262.
Recalls(7)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Engine And Engine CoolingMar 2017 · 17V070000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
EquipmentFeb 2017 · 17V136000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
EquipmentFeb 2017 · 17V137000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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
Equipment · 17V352000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System · 19V615000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
Service Brakes · 20E064000Details +Close −
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.
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.
Fuel System · 20V648000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2017 Volkswagen Jetta 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta | 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 28 | 40 | 33 |
| Jetta | 1.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 28 | 38 | 32 |
| Jetta | 1.8L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 35 | 29 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 23 | 33 | 27 |
| Jetta | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S6) | 24 | 33 | 27 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2017 Volkswagen Jetta: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
Owners filed 158 NHTSA complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta — more complaints than 78% of comparable 2017 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (15% of complaints) and engine (11%).
How many recalls does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta have?
7 recalls have been issued that affect the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta, covering components such as engine and engine cooling. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta between 27 and 33 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.