1997 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 31%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta, 31% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Replaced ignition coil for the third time in as many years!! Electric water pump replaced. Eater core exploded a couple months later while I was on the highway at 65 MPH with my child in the car! Couldn't see anything as car filled with antifreeze cloud. Belt driven water pump went a week later. Entire power steering rack needed to be replaced. Window regulator needed to be replaced twice. Door handle broke twice!.”
NHTSA complaint #10185598, filed 2007-03, 100,000 miles“On several different occasions now my 1997 Volkswagen Jetta gl has failed to start.because this has happened at night and almost always away from home this has been a potentially dangerous situation. There is never any warning that this is going to happen. The car may be working fine and then the next time it is time to start it, it simply won't start. We have had to have the car towed several times now. Once out of a parking garage -at 5:00 pm during rush hour. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078300, filed 2004-06, 49,000 miles“I purchased a used 1997 vw Jetta gl in november of 1999. When I purchased the car, the dealership refused to give me a warranty. They said that they didn't offer the warranty with cars over 55,000 miles, mine had 55,500 miles. In late september of 2001 (69342 miles), my automatic transmission went out, during rush hour, in a high traffic area. About 1-2 months prior I had the transmission serviced, including a fluid change. I was forced to replace my transmission, and had several problems with it after. The shop that I had replace it said that they have seen many Jetta's with this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052677, filed 2004-01, 69,342 miles“Dt: the contact stated while driving at night there was a loss of exterior and interior lighting. Also, the windshield wipers were disabled. There was no prior warning. The lights will shut off, but intermittently come back on. The contact inspected the battery, fuses, and the alternator. The vehicle has not been to a dealer , and no repairs have been made due to the expense. Updated 02/07/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10143462, filed 2005-11, 147,000 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10029614, filed 2003-07, 36,721 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10157828Sep 14, 2017Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10122956May 8, 2015Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open…
- 10239789Jan 24, 2014To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 50% |
| 2025 | 3 | 9% |
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 9 | 21% |
| 2022 | 10 | 23% |
| 2021 | 13 | 19% |
| 2020 | 17 | 31% |
| 2019 | 154 | 28% |
| 2018 | 3 | 9% |
| 2017 | 33 | 21% |
| 2016 | 36 | 22% |
| 2015 | 49 | 25% |
| 2014 | 94 | 24% |
| 2013 | 148 | 29% |
| 2012 | 138 | 28% |
| 2011 | 186 | 31% |
| 2010 | 233 | 27% |
| 2009 | 107 | 12% |
| 2008 | 42 | 22% |
| 2007 | 45 | 22% |
| 2006 | 112 | 19% |
| 2005 | 48 | 19% |
| 2004 | 36 | 16% |
| 2003 | 97 | 21% |
| 2002 | 148 | 21% |
| 2001 | 117 | 18% |
| 2000 | 60 | 14% |
| 1999 | 44 | 13% |
| 1998 | 41 | 21% |
| 1997 | 17 | 31% |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% |
| 1995 | 45 | 20% |
| 1994 | 24 | 21% |
| 1993 | 2 | 12% |
| 1992 | 6 | 20% |
| 1991 | 4 | 13% |
| 1990 | 4 | 18% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
16 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology