10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,287 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #6

Nov 072013

Jetta

  • 180,000 miles
A 1997 Volkswagen Jetta GT, equipped with frontal airbags was in a collision due to the use of aftermarket parts, which included after market ball joints not supplied from the dealer, this part failed after 12.7km on the highway traveling at 110km/H 65mph, the car steering was very shaky when entering a slight turn on the highway, the front right ball joint had fractured in the hub knuckle and had caused the wheel to collapse, the steering was no longer working because the tires where not on the ground, the car was resting on the rad support and front axle of the car, braking also failed due to the majority of the braking force being on the front wheels that were not making contact with the ground. The car then struck a guard rail 3 times before coming to a complete rest, airbags did not deploy as there was no need due to the angle in which the car struck the rail. Safety belts worked and cars mechanical operation (besides front suspension, and body damage) was still fine. Wheel bearings, brake pads and rotors were all replaced a week previous to crash. Beware non-Volkswagen parts.

- Canda, CA, USA

problem #5

Jul 102003

(reported on)

Jetta

  • 36,721 miles
Problems with ignition switch and tire equipment. The dealer replaced the ignition switch and starter assembly. On another occasion, while the consumer was driving, the rear tire fell off the vehicle, themechanic informed the consumer it was due to ball bearing seizing which caused a tremendous amount of heat.

- Niles, MI, USA

problem #4

Mar 012003

Jetta 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 67,000 miles
Past year: Auto door locks failed, could not open either front door; transmission failed, exhaust system rusted out, headlights out, signals out, wheel bearings need replaced, air bag light stays on, have not been able to drive car in nearly 1 year, required nearly $5000 worth of damage.

- Oakton, VA, USA

problem #3

May 042001

Jetta

  • miles
While driving 35 mph consumer swerved to avoid a dog, when he drove back onto pavement vehicle hit sharp edge of pavement. Vehicle then went into a uncontrolable spin, skidded and slid down a 4 foot embankment. Vehicle was totalled. Consumer states he used all proper anti skid steering procedures, however vehicle was uncontrollable

- Angwin, CA, USA

problem #2

Jan 151997

Jetta

  • miles
Consumer experiencing an ongoing problem with vehicle vibrating while driving. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop and informed that consumer needs to replace tires. Consumer complied, and condition still occurs. Dealer still insists that the problem is still in consumer tires. Dealer now says that brake pads and rotors need to be replaced.

- Clearwater, FL, USA

problem #1

Jul 181998

Jetta

  • miles
While driving at 30mph consumer hit a piece of rubber on the road and the suspension did not hold, and caused the vehicle to spin out of control. Consumer has not contacted the dealer.

- Dearborn, MI, USA