1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

100

Owner Complaints

8 Crashes 1 Fire

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

8

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

The 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has received a total of 100 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls (9 complaints), Electrical System (7 complaints), and Electrical Systemignition (5 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, potentially affecting up to 503,554 vehicles.

Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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Recall 02V026000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

| 487,284 vehicles affected

Defect: ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION....

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

100 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 9 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 7
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 5
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 4
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 3
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 3
Suspension
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Air Bags
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Equipment
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 2
Structurebody
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailerlpg Systemswater Heater
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionfloor Shift Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10555379 | AIR BAGS | | 180,000 miles Crash
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 TO THE MAJORITY OF THE BRAKING FORCE BEING ON THE FRONT WHEELS THAT WERE NOT MAKING CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. THE CAR THEN STRUCK A GUARD RAIL 3 TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE REST, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THERE WAS NO NEED DUE TO THE ANGLE IN WHICH THE CAR STRUCK THE RAIL. SAFETY BELTS WORKED AND CARS MECHANICAL OPERATION (BESIDES FRONT SUSPENSION, AND BODY DAMAGE) WAS STILL FINE. WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE ALL REPLACED A WEEK PREVIOUS TO CRASH. BEWARE NON-VOLKSWAGEN PARTS. *TR
#10555379 | SERVICE BRAKES | | 180,000 miles Crash
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 TO THE MAJORITY OF THE BRAKING FORCE BEING ON THE FRONT WHEELS THAT WERE NOT MAKING CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. THE CAR THEN STRUCK A GUARD RAIL 3 TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE REST, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THERE WAS NO NEED DUE TO THE ANGLE IN WHICH THE CAR STRUCK THE RAIL. SAFETY BELTS WORKED AND CARS MECHANICAL OPERATION (BESIDES FRONT SUSPENSION, AND BODY DAMAGE) WAS STILL FINE. WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE ALL REPLACED A WEEK PREVIOUS TO CRASH. BEWARE NON-VOLKSWAGEN PARTS. *TR
#10555379 | STEERING | | 180,000 miles Crash
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 TO THE MAJORITY OF THE BRAKING FORCE BEING ON THE FRONT WHEELS THAT WERE NOT MAKING CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. THE CAR THEN STRUCK A GUARD RAIL 3 TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE REST, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THERE WAS NO NEED DUE TO THE ANGLE IN WHICH THE CAR STRUCK THE RAIL. SAFETY BELTS WORKED AND CARS MECHANICAL OPERATION (BESIDES FRONT SUSPENSION, AND BODY DAMAGE) WAS STILL FINE. WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE ALL REPLACED A WEEK PREVIOUS TO CRASH. BEWARE NON-VOLKSWAGEN PARTS. *TR
#10555379 | SUSPENSION | | 180,000 miles Crash
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 TO THE MAJORITY OF THE BRAKING FORCE BEING ON THE FRONT WHEELS THAT WERE NOT MAKING CONTACT WITH THE GROUND. THE CAR THEN STRUCK A GUARD RAIL 3 TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE REST, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THERE WAS NO NEED DUE TO THE ANGLE IN WHICH THE CAR STRUCK THE RAIL. SAFETY BELTS WORKED AND CARS MECHANICAL OPERATION (BESIDES FRONT SUSPENSION, AND BODY DAMAGE) WAS STILL FINE. WHEEL BEARINGS, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE ALL REPLACED A WEEK PREVIOUS TO CRASH. BEWARE NON-VOLKSWAGEN PARTS. *TR
#10325882 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | | 142,940 miles
IT WAS AT NIGHT RAINY AND COLD. I TURNED ON THE HEATER AND DEFROSTER BECAUSE MY CAR WINDOWS AND WHOLE INSIDE OF CABIN WERE OBSCURES BY A FOG. MY DEFROSTER CLEARED THE BACK WINDOW BUT ALL OTHERS NOT SO I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS AND SHUT DOWN THE HEATER. I WAITED A WHILE AND USED CLOTHING TO WIPE THE WINDOW. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME IN 6 WEEKS APPX. I DID TURN ON THE FAN ALONE TO PUSH BROWN FOG OUT OF THE CAR. TODAY I CHECKED MY FLUIDS THE COOLANT WAS HALF GONE IN THE RESERVOIR SO I TOPPED IT UP. I SAW ON LINE VWOF AMERICA HAS HELPED PEOPLE IN THE PAST WITH A GOOD WILL HEATER CORE BUT THEY TOLD ME 4-152004 THAT THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME. THAT IS WHERE I'M AT NO $ AND I NEED MY CAR FOR WORK. THANK YOU *TR

View all Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

101703 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH SPECIAL WARRANTY EXTENSION QUESTION AND ANSWER SHEET TO VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS. *TT

92 9702 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

PROGRAMMABLE INTERMITTENT WINDSHIELD WIPER, FUNCTION DELETED. *AK

9706109701X — STRUCTURE:BODY

INFORMATION ON INSTALLING A LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT CARGO NET. *YC

01 9711 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION CONCERNING DTC 16725, CAMPSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR. *AK

9705159702A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

PROCEDURES APPLYING TO DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION ON UPDATED 2.0L ENGINES. *YC

9705159702A — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

PROCEDURES APPLYING TO DISTRIBUTOR INSTALLATION ON UPDATED 2.0L ENGINES. *YC

9704039704F — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE MANUAL ON ELECTRIC WINDOW REGULATOR MOTORS. *YC

27 9701 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

BATTERY CABLE CLAMP WILL NOT TIGHTEN ON BATTERY POST. *AK

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

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Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report