Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Electrical System (13.9% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 32 · 13.9% | No official action | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 18 · 7.8% | Recalled | Recall 14E007000 |
| Power Train:clutch Assembly | 16 · 6.9% | No official action | — |
| Seats | 14 · 6.1% | No official action | — |
| Air Bags | 12 · 5.2% | No official action | — |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 12 · 5.2% | Recalled | Recall 04V586000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 231 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 20E064000 · 2020 · reported 09/23/2020
If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 14E007000 · 2014 · reported 03/07/2014
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 07V063000 · 2007 · reported 02/20/2007
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 04V586000 · 2004 · reported 12/15/2004
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 07E023000 · 2007 · reported 03/29/2007
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“THE LATEST INCIDENT WITH THIS 2004 VW JETTA IS ONE IN WHICH EVERYTHING ELECTRIC STOPS WORKING. NO A/C, NOT LIGHTS, NO BLINKERS, NO WINDOWS, NO…”NHTSA complaint 10242435 — filed 09/16/2008 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“OUR 2004 VW JETTA 1.8T HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS FROM A CLICKING/POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END AT APPROXMIATELY 10,000 MILES, TO THE TRANSMISSION LOCKING…”NHTSA complaint 10141704 — filed 11/03/2005 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
“DT: THE CALLER HAD THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPLACED 5 TIMES. THE WINDOWS/THE ALARM SYSTEM/THE LIGHTS/THE GAUGES, AND THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FAILED. AS THE CALLER…”NHTSA complaint 10136369 — filed 09/13/2005 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Electrical system issues are the most-reported category, cited in 32 of 231 NHTSA complaints (13.9%), followed by engine and engine cooling (18), power train:clutch assembly (16), seats (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
231 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 15 involved a crash, 20 involved a fire, and 15 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20E064000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
