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Electronic stability controlPart report

2006 Volkswagen Jetta Electronic stability control Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
1%of 580 total for the year
Median mileage
110,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, 1% of the 580 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 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.

“Takata recall. I was driving on a speed limit of 35mph when my vehicle shifted down to first gear and my prnds indicators started blinking, it would shift to second gear after that. Later on called my friend and he dose not know the exact problem but he said it is a limp mode car, what ever that means. Good thing I just got off a highway and couple mins it happened. Thank you jesus! The car is 2006 Volkswagen Jetta tdi 1.9l.”

NHTSA complaint #10958685, filed 2017-03, 179,545 miles

“My vw Jetta has had issues losing electronic power steering on and off, typically when it rains or the roads have been salted and it is slushy or snowing. This last week I was driving and I lost traction control, cruise control, tachometer, ABS brakes and oil pressure. The car would not idle. Researching the issue, I found there may be an issue with the wiring harness. I inspected the harness and discovered that several wires have been chafed by the plastic loom and worn through the insulation, exposing the wires. …”

NHTSA complaint #10816855, filed 2015-12, 249,000 miles

“Originally, the turbo would lose boost and the engine would lose power. After some time, particularly during wet weather, the car will suddenly vibrate, jolt, and then the engine warning chime sounds. The tachometer drops to zero, the oil pressure light comes on, the stability control shuts off, the glow plug lights flash, rear window defroster will not work, cruise control wont work, and if the car is shut off it will not restart. This is particularly dangerous during snow or rain, as the car loses traction control during weather in which it is most important to have. …”

NHTSA complaint #10865770, filed 2016-05, 100,000 miles

“While traveling in rain at 70 MPH with cruise control engaged the speedometer dropped to zero, the brake and ABS/esp warning light came on and there where three chimes. A second later all went back to normal. This happened 6 times that day, and has happened at irregular intervals since at least 7 times. There is no correlation anymore between wet and dry conditions, cruise control does not have to be engaged, I do not have to be traveling at a constant speed. There are no trouble codes stored in the vehicles computer, and the local dealership is unable to help.”

NHTSA complaint #10443991, filed 2012-01, 110,000 miles

“Brakes/steering/esp-vehicle pulls to the right after making left hand turns or u-turns. Sometimes so aggressively that it has caused injury to the drivers and damage to the car's rim and tire. Vehicle moves after put in park and the ignition has been turned off. Sometimes, it moves after getting out and walking away. Have been told by two dealerships that this is normal. I don't feel that moving 6 inches or more is safe, especially around children and small pets. Seat memory-seat started moving on its own while driving. …”

NHTSA complaint #10219874, filed 2008-03, 19 miles

Related service bulletins

Electronic stability control: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202012%
201951%
201753%
201642%
201511%
2014103%
201371%
2012102%
2011152%
2010212%
20099310%
200832%
200711%
200661%
200531%
200431%
200310%
200130%
199910%

Other parts of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta

Transmission and drivetrain
245 complaints
Electrical system
112 complaints
Air bags
65 complaints
Engine cooling
54 complaints
Engine
39 complaints
Exterior lighting
32 complaints
Brakes
30 complaints
Seats
25 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaints
Fuel system
23 complaints
Body and structure
23 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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