1997 Volkswagen Jetta Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the equipment of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
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“I feel like my Jetta is a deathtrap. In the four years that I have owned it, I have had four of the power window mechanisms malfunction. Currently, the front passenger window is stuck shut, and the driver's side back window is stuck open! This is especially concerning because throughout the cold season, at least one, if not all of the doors will not open. People think my boyfriend is being a gentleman, but really, he has to walk around and let me out. This is not the frozen lock phenomenon common to many vehicles- the actual latch mechanism malfunctions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10129842, filed 2005-07, 50,000 miles“The consumer's 1997 Volkswagen Jetta gls had multiple component failures. **nar** there was an engine coolant leak, the A/C did not function properly, the windshield was broken, the body had rust damage, the drivers side power window made noise, there was excessive rust to the muffler, excessive worn tires, engine and transmission sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #10115572, filed 2005-03Related service bulletins
- 10174476Apr 21, 2020Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159010Mar 27, 2019The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10157302Sep 14, 2017Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10125661Aug 18, 2017Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
- 10155644Jun 28, 2017This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10157383Jun 22, 2017VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
- 10128055Feb 1, 2017This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.
- 10126785Oct 31, 2016Update model year applicability to include 2017.
- 10127969Sep 23, 2016Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 23 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 0% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 2% |
| 2001 | 19 | 3% |
| 2000 | 22 | 5% |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 12 | 6% |
| 1997 | 4 | 7% |
| 1995 | 18 | 8% |
| 1994 | 26 | 22% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsSuspension
5 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 31, 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