Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Visibility13
- Electrical system4
- Latches/locks/linkages3
- Steering3
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Wheels2
- Power train2
- Structure1
- Service brakes, air1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 5 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 7.6–12.6 L/100 km (about 19–31 mpg US), CO₂ 205–290 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jetta GL Diesel · Compact · Diesel | 8.4 | 6.6 | 7.6 |
| Jetta GL · Compact · Regular gasoline | 11.2 | 8.1 | 9.8 |
| Jetta GL · Compact · Regular gasoline | 11.8 | 8.7 | 10.4 |
| Jetta GLX · Compact · Regular gasoline | 13.9 | 10.1 | 12.2 |
| Jetta GLX · Compact · Regular gasoline | 14.5 | 10.4 | 12.6 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta.
| 1998158 20 Aug 1998 | Structure THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH MAY LOSE THEIR SPECIFIED FASTENING TORQUE OVER TIME. SHOULD THIS HAPPEN, THE LATCH COULD MOVE OUT OF ITS DESIGN POSITION… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BOLTS SECURING THE FRONT HOOD LATCH CAN LOOSEN OVER TIME. THE LATCH WOULD MOVE CAUSING DISENGAGEMENT OF THE HOOD STRIKER FROM THE LATCH.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Volkswagen told its dealers about the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 621613 | SUBJECT REGARDING LATCH SYSTEM LOWER ANCHORS AND TETHERS FOR CHILDREN, INSTALLING / RETROFITTING. *TT |
| 601876 | INFORMATION ON MAINTENANCE INTERVALS. *YC |
| 600981 | DIFFICULTIES IN CLOSING REAR LID. *YC |
| 53644 | CONDITIONS REGARDING EXTERIOR DOOR LOCKS CANNOT BE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED WITH KEY WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING. *YC |
| 53643 | PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING DOOR LOCK KEY CODE IF A NEW KEY MUST BE CUT. *AK |
| 53636 | CONCERNS WITH CASSETTE TAPE PLAYER, SOUND OUTPUT LOW OR DISTORTED, TAPES MAY BE DESTROYED. *YC |
| 53633 | CHART IDENTIFIES WHICH TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULES (TMC) ARE AVAILABLE FOR VARIOUS STATES. *AK |
| 53616 | TOOTHED BELT RUNS TOWARDS OUTSIDE, WEARS OUT/ JUMPS OFF, AND CRACKS. *AK |
| 53608 | SUBJECT ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE CAN ADDITIONALLY RECOGNIZE TWO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) NOT CURRENTLY SHOWN IN THE REPAIR MANUAL. *YC |
| 53606 | DIFFICULTIES WITH SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE GEAR. *YC |
| 53605 | TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR/SHIFTER FEELS LIKE IT HAS A DOUBLE DETENT WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR, AND WILL NOT MAINTAIN SHIFT ADJUSTMENT. *AK |
| 53603 | ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT START, POSSIBLEDTC'S STORED IN TCM DTC MEMORY |
| 10241266 | Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials |
| 10241265 | Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults |
| 10240922 | Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections |
| 10239789 | To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117. |
| 10239592 | Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation |
| 10239591 | Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation |
| 10239590 | Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation |
| 10213843 | Jetta Bluetooth manual coding procedure. |
| 10213836 | Airbag Issues. |
| 10174476 | Updated to include additional models and model year applicability. |
| 10159010 | The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided. |
| 10158533 | Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability. |
| 10157383 | VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
FUEL TANK PUNCTURE
LIGHT AND /WINDSHIELD WIPERS
FUEL TANK PUNCTURE
LIGHTS AND/OR WINDSHIELD WIPER OBSCURED
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation