2005 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 6%of 248 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,521miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta, 6% of the 248 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,521 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are 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.
“I purchased a 2005 new Jetta automatic transmission in july of 2010. It currently has 72,000 miles. 3 issues. One, when the car is first started up, a clanging noise occurs and lasts for approx 30 seconds, then it sounds like a vent closes and the sound goes away. Two, the right front headlight will not turn off sometimes when I pull along side a curb. I have to restart the car, back the car up, then pull the car forward to get it to turn off. The third item occurs intermittently not always and involves shifting of gears. …”
NHTSA complaint #10405449, filed 2011-06, 71,000 miles“I have a 2005 vw 2.5 Jetta. My first incident was at 32,000 miles when the back brakes went out. Following that, my brake lights became faulty. After replacing my brake lights, they went out again. I took it to the dealer who charged me $38 to change them again. They went out once again before the dealer decided to inform me there was a defect which was covered under warranty. The next problem was when I was driving on the freeway when my car lost power and the check engine light came on. I was towed to the dealer who told me my spark plugs were wet from the rain. …”
NHTSA complaint #10244593, filed 2008-10, 44,500 miles“Left turn signal, drivers door/all remote window switches, trunk/fuel door release, drivers door lock key fob locking of drivers door/drivers door internal lock are all inoperative. Occasionally, the cabin interior light remains on with a drivers door open indication on the instrument cluster even though the drivers door is closed and secure (but unable to be locked from the drivers door lock switch in the passenger cabin). …”
NHTSA complaint #10509420, filed 2013-04, 111,970 miles“Turn signal switch malfunction and fire... Right turn signal activated without switch being activated. After about 5-10 minutes in this condition, smoke came out of steering column. Fire/marking could be seen in the switch area. Eventually the turn signal went out and the smoke/fire stoppped. Vw service replaced the switch and wire harnes. The plactic on the switch and harnes was melted and charred.”
NHTSA complaint #10302565, filed 2010-01, 105,000 miles“Auto headlamps malfunction intermittently when the auto engine is started. All incidences have occurred after auto was in contact with water, such as during a rain storm or a car wash. The auto indicator light for headlamp malfunction is lit and different headlamp bulbs are out, including the day running lights and head lights. On one occasion, all headlamps malfunctioned at once. Auto was purchased on 4/26/05. First incident was reported on 5/20/05. The electronic control module was replaced by the dealer on 5/26/05, but problem continued since the replacement. …”
NHTSA complaint #10170651, filed 2006-10, 500 milesRelated recalls
- 07V442000Sep 24, 2007Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."…Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 2005–2008, GTI 2006–2008, Rabbit 2006–2008 +1 more
- 07V063000Feb 20, 2007On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed…Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 2001–2005, Golf 1999–2006, GTI 1999–2006 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10158533Feb 18, 2019Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10121257Mar 27, 2015Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document
- 10238050Dec 4, 2014Corrosion on the Rear Lid around License Plate Lights
- 10253215Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239592Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10120169Jun 4, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The…
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 26 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 24 | 6% |
| 2013 | 17 | 3% |
| 2012 | 13 | 3% |
| 2011 | 41 | 7% |
| 2010 | 19 | 2% |
| 2009 | 24 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 32 | 6% |
| 2005 | 14 | 6% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 28 | 6% |
| 2002 | 50 | 7% |
| 2001 | 80 | 12% |
| 2000 | 34 | 8% |
| 1999 | 17 | 5% |
| 1998 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
84 complaintsElectrical system
48 complaintsEngine cooling
41 complaintsEngine
27 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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