1997 Volkswagen Jetta Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,671miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,671 miles.
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“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“Front driver and passenger doors will not open from inside or outside when it is too cold outside. Dealer says that the vaccuum actuators (whatever those are) are the problem and need to be replaced, at significant cost. Lso, driver's door lock came out completely with the key. Dealer replaced the lock. Also, coolant light flashes red when car is first started in cold weather. Coolant levels and fuse are ok. Also, side trim on front passenger door is coming loose from the door.”
NHTSA complaint #10050724, filed 2003-12, 78,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 14 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 14 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 6 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 7% |
| 1996 | 3 | 10% |
| 1995 | 37 | 17% |
| 1994 | 9 | 8% |
| 1993 | 5 | 29% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 11% |
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 complaintsFuel system
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