2017 Volkswagen Jetta Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 9%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,750miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta, 9% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,750 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Upon placing in reverse, the engine bogs down, lowering the front end of the vehicle and causes a bad vibration. Shifting into any other gear from reverse causes a hard jerking motion as if it has trouble releasing from reverse gear. This is worse upon just starting the vehicle, or starting and stopping for several trips in one day.”
NHTSA complaint #11149807, filed 2018-11, 18,700 miles“N80 emission failure, owned car three months purchased extended warranty and still under 60k yet dealer refuses the no emissions federal standard for this model and won't fix this issue. This model is covered 150,000k says federal regulation vw refuses this fix.”
NHTSA complaint #11325638, filed 2020-05, 58,950 miles“Brand new Jetta with about 8000 miles. After about 20-25 minutes highway driving rattles and stalls on surface street. Had two just missed accidents trying to make left turn the last couple of weeks. Have taken it to dealer twice. They tell me can't find anything wrong with it.”
NHTSA complaint #11021129, filed 2017-09, 8,000 miles“Headed east on highway 50 in carson city, nv after having stopped at traffic light. Would not shift from 4th to 5th gear. Found clutch not working. Had to stop, turn engine off and move gear to 3rd. Started engine & drove home, having to turn ignition off and on at stops. Towed to volks dealership, reno, nv on12 nov and picked up dec 12 after paying $2,700.29 repair bill. Damage to clutch, flywheel, pressure plate, bearing - with replacement of parts.”
NHTSA complaint #11161345, filed 2018-12, 36,800 miles“Engine light came on 11/05/2020 got it checked and a oil change because it would be due within 500 more miles, these codes came up mb2, br80, ma28, p068a. Car is running fine but my engine light is still on.”
NHTSA complaint #11373574, filed 2020-11, 69,120 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11025440Oct 14, 2025Cautions about using aftermarket transmission flush machines and aftermarket transmission fluids.
- 11025439Oct 9, 2025Diagnosing Manual Transmission Noise
- 11008861Sep 17, 2024Fluid requirements
- 11008851Sep 17, 2024Engine Misfire Diagnostic Aid
- 11008860Sep 11, 2024Manual transmission noise diagnosing
- 10238310Jun 21, 2023Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
- 10238309Jun 15, 2023Noise Diagnostic for Manual Transmission vehicles.
- 10218953Aug 25, 2022Manual transmission noise diagnostic assistance
- 10214473Jun 14, 2022Auto Trans fluid requirements.
- 10197674Jun 11, 2021Reverse gear function note.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 25% |
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 | 7 | 13% |
| 2019 | 163 | 30% |
| 2018 | 5 | 16% |
| 2017 | 15 | 9% |
| 2016 | 22 | 14% |
| 2015 | 23 | 12% |
| 2014 | 74 | 19% |
| 2013 | 141 | 27% |
| 2012 | 46 | 9% |
| 2011 | 54 | 9% |
| 2010 | 111 | 13% |
| 2009 | 141 | 16% |
| 2008 | 53 | 28% |
| 2007 | 33 | 16% |
| 2006 | 245 | 42% |
| 2005 | 84 | 34% |
| 2004 | 35 | 15% |
| 2003 | 54 | 12% |
| 2002 | 103 | 15% |
| 2001 | 62 | 9% |
| 2000 | 37 | 8% |
| 1999 | 30 | 9% |
| 1998 | 14 | 7% |
| 1997 | 8 | 15% |
| 1996 | 2 | 6% |
| 1995 | 22 | 10% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
| 1985 | 4 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
42 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 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