1997 Volkswagen Jetta Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,721miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta, 9% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,721 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.
“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 miles“While driving there was a whining noise that came from the front of the vehicle. Dealer checked drive train and wheels and found cupping of the left front tire. All four tires were replaced, balanced and aligned. Noise after tire change. Dealer replaced front and rear factory installed wheel bearings. , ak”
NHTSA complaint #10003874, filed 2003-01, 34,875 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10064584, filed 2004-04, 67,000 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…”
NHTSA complaint #10555379, filed 2013-12, 180,000 miles“While driving consumer heard a noise. Rear passenger side wheel came off, and the brake drum split in half. Consumer was notified that wheel bearing failed, and right side wheel bearing was very weak.”
NHTSA complaint #10080190, filed 2004-06, 12,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2019 | 17 | 3% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 14 | 7% |
| 2014 | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 | 14 | 3% |
| 2012 | 10 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 13 | 2% |
| 2009 | 6 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 1% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 10 | 1% |
| 2001 | 10 | 2% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 12 | 3% |
| 1998 | 9 | 5% |
| 1997 | 5 | 9% |
| 1995 | 11 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
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 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 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