1997 Volkswagen Jetta Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,001miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,001 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“The contact owns a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the metal shield failed that protects the fuel tank filler neck. The dealer stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA campaign id number 02v026000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap) and refused to perform the repair. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 105,000 and current mileage was 126,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10203446, filed 2007-09, 105,000 miles“While driving on highway the vehicle started bucking until no longer running. The car was towed to a service station, where they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle started a couple of hours later that day. The mechanic stated that it might be an electrical problem or the fuel.”
NHTSA complaint #10191518, filed 2007-05“'recall campaign' for Volkswagen Jetta 1997 install protective shield in right rear wheelhousing. The consumer was chagred for a recall regarding the window regulators.”
NHTSA complaint #10113739, filed 2005-03Related recalls
- 02V026000Jan 25, 2002On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire…Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 1997–1999, Passat 1998–2003, Cabrio 1998
Related service bulletins
- 10241265Jan 27, 2014Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 13% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 3 | 7% |
| 2022 | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 | 11 | 15% |
| 2020 | 5 | 9% |
| 2019 | 29 | 5% |
| 2018 | 9 | 28% |
| 2017 | 42 | 26% |
| 2016 | 35 | 22% |
| 2015 | 20 | 10% |
| 2014 | 42 | 11% |
| 2013 | 43 | 8% |
| 2012 | 80 | 16% |
| 2011 | 166 | 27% |
| 2010 | 303 | 36% |
| 2009 | 307 | 35% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 23 | 4% |
| 2005 | 21 | 8% |
| 2004 | 37 | 16% |
| 2003 | 17 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 3% |
| 2001 | 28 | 4% |
| 2000 | 22 | 5% |
| 1999 | 13 | 4% |
| 1998 | 10 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 7% |
| 1995 | 11 | 5% |
| 1994 | 7 | 6% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 2 | 9% |
| 1989 | 4 | 14% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1986 | 5 | 36% |
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 complaintsEquipment
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