What 158 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven or started any time before or after it actually caught on fire, it was only taken care of quickly as the tow truck driver had a fire extiguisher, we do not carry one in the car. The car had the recall work done in 2021 in Tyson's Corner VA. The dealer refuses speak to us and states that the recall was done and therefore not their issue. The issue was confirmed with the new mechanic. There was one EFC light on the night it started leaking fuel.

NHTSA ODI 11702692

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel rail bolts. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired by the previous owner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was later informed that the vehicle was already repaired in 2022. The failure mileage was 49,000.

NHTSA ODI 11673325

My Volkswagen Jetta shut off driving down interstate 99 due to major fuel leak (fuel rail bolt broke) I saw Volkswagen had a recall for fuel rail bolt coming loose after time. I called Volkswagen states recall was completed in May 2021 I bought the car May 2025. I asked Volkswagen rep if they would repair it as this is the same issue as the recall obviously it isn’t corrected. This could have been very bad with fuel leaking along a major highway one thing ignited and car would have went in flames. My son could have been seriously injured or even killed! EPC light came on as this was happening. The car is at my local mechanic who advised me to call Volkswagen due to an open recall for this issue. Volkswagen rep states I could take it to Volkswagen dealer to have it looked at but advised it would be at my expense. The only way anything would be done or reviewed if the car caught on fire or someone died. I would like this looked into as I believe vw should pay for my car to be fixed. Since the known problem was not fixed. I don’t have any documentation as my car is still in the process of getting fixed.

NHTSA ODI 11667516

so all the sudden my air bag light came on and my whole steering wheel don't work.. none of the buttons nor the cruse control and air bag light is on . Not sure why this happened but I feel very unsafe with my children in the car due to there's been a lot of crazy ppl out that don't pay attention when driving .

NHTSA ODI 11654388

My mother owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. Recently, the car has developed a strong and constant smell of gasoline, both while driving and when parked. This is extremely concerning, as it appears to be a fuel leak, which poses a serious fire and safety hazard. Upon researching, I discovered NHTSA Recall 20V648000, which affects certain 2016–2018 Jetta vehicles due to loose fuel rail bolts that may cause fuel to leak. My mother’s car is experiencing the exact same symptoms, yet her VIN is not included in the recall, and Volkswagen has refused to help because the recall does not technically apply to her vehicle. We spoke directly with VW Customer Care, and despite clearly describing the fuel smell and matching the recall symptoms, they told us the repairs would be out-of-pocket. My mother does not speak English and relies on me for help — and she cannot afford the cost of repairs for something that is clearly a known defect. The vehicle is undrivable due to the risk of explosion or fire, and we are desperate for help. I’m submitting this complaint in hopes that NHTSA will investigate and expand the recall to include additional VINs. There is no reason a vehicle with an identical issue should be excluded simply because of a VIN batch.

NHTSA ODI 11652263

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle, entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related to the failure of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, but stated that the VIN had been removed from the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11650308

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine, and electronic power control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel rail bolt had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616215

EPC light came on and I could smell a strong odor of gas. The car immediately began to de-accelerate and I could no longer use the gas pedal. I was on a highway road with lots of curves and limited shoulder, this could have been deadly. The vehicle also could have started a fire. The same exact issue occurred with this vehicle in September of 2022 where a safety recall was issued for fuel rail bolts. It has been less than two years and the issue has occurred again.

NHTSA ODI 11612624

The fuel rail system came loose, causing fuel to spray in engine bay, as well as loss of power to propel vehicle forward. Original recall for 2016-2018 Volkswagens Jetta’s fuel rail coming loose due to bolts loosening over time was opened in April 2020. Car was taken to Brandon Tomes Volkswagen of McKinney as soon as recall was received. A few years later, the fuel rail system still came loose and the car now is at my personal mechanic shop due to Brandon Tomes saying the had seen the car for the recall. I do not trust Brandon Tomes with my vehicle at this point in time to do fix the issue, if they even actually did anything when the car was in for the recall when the recall was initiated. If they did, and the bolts still came loose, then the original recall may need to be investigated and to see if there are multiple more units affected by the recall that have been seen for the recall and put as recall completed, only to have the issue arise at a later time.

NHTSA ODI 11603938

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 15 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate and lost motive power. The driver was able to drive to the destination, after which the driver observed fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel rail. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, and the vehicle was repaired, but the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 36,000.

NHTSA ODI 11593409

Safety recall on fuel rail bolts was originally performed by dealership on 30Aug21. However, while driving to work 14May24 the car dumped a full tank of gas and had to be towed to dealership for repair. The technician found the fuel rail bolts missing.

NHTSA ODI 11590717

The EPC light and Check Engine light came on while driving, major car throttling, problems with acceleration, stronger throttling occurred with more acceleration. Car was immediately towed to nearest VW dealership service. Me and my son had to stop on the expressway far from home. Problems were confirmed at inspection by VW dealership on same day of incident. No symptoms or warnings occurred of problems before incident.

NHTSA ODI 11582508

The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough and seized. The contact stated that his daughter smelled fuel that was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the intake valves were fouled due to the vehicle sucking air and gasoline at an incorrect ratio. The mechanic replaced the intake valves, the parts to the valve, and part of the fuel line; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the intake valve was fouled, and the previous mechanic had not performed the repair properly. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer wanted the contact to undo the work the previous mechanic had performed before performing the recall repair. The contact stated had not received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ODI 11581213

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that fuel was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11554153

Fuel rail failed causing gas leak. Part was previously recalled and fixed, failed for same issue that caused original recall.

NHTSA ODI 11533193

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, an abnormal fuel odor was detected, and the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, there was a puddle of fuel underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a fuel leak coming from the fuel injector seal, and that the fuel rail and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had previously been performed. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496043

Dealer does not have parts to fix recall. Received fuel rail recall notice in March. It is late May and have called dealer multiple times with same response. Recall is for fuel rail that may leak.

NHTSA ODI 11418227

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SHE STARTED TO SMELL A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. SHORTLY AFTER, SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V648000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER BROOKLYN VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE CENTER (599 E 56TH ST, BROOKLYN, NY 11203, (718) 484-7788) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED. THE VIN STILL SHOWED THE VEHICLE AS UNREPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,000.

NHTSA ODI 11413338

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IT TURNED OFF ON ME AND STARTED LEAKING FUEL.

NHTSA ODI 11403802

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE CODE CAME ON AS WELL AS THE EPC LIGHT. THE CAR WOULD TRY TO START BUT WOULD RUN VERY ROUGHLY. WHEN I GOT IT HOME I STARTED IT AND NOTICED FUEL POURING FROM THE FUEL RAIL

NHTSA ODI 11399727

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM LARSON AUTOMOTIVE GROUP IN MID JANUARY 2021 AND, ONLY AFTER CHECKING YOUR SITE, FOUND THE RECALL. I NOTIFIED THEM AND THEY RETURNED THE CAR AND I PURCHASED A DIFFERENT JETTA THAT I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH. MY CONCERN IS THAT THEY ARE STILL SELLING THIS VEHICLE AND AT LEAST 4 OTHER JETTA 1.4 TS ON THEIR SITE. I AM WORRIED OTHERS WILL NOT CHECK AS I DID AND BE SOLD A CAR THAT IS UNSAFE, WITH AN ACTIVE RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11391167

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V648000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF SALEM COUNTY (815 US-40, MONROEVILLE, NJ 08343) AND THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY AND HAD STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11390467

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V648000 (FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION DECEMBER OF 2017. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A KIA DEALER THAT ALSO SERVICE VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES, (OVERTURF KIA 1016 W COLUMBIA DR, KENNEWICK, WA 99336 PHONE NUMBER (590) 586-3185), THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT IF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EMITTING A FUEL ODOR THE CONTACT SHOULD NOT BE CONCERNED AND THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11389303

RECALL NUMBER: 20V648 IS NOT RESOLVED IN A TIMELY MANNER. THERE IS NOT A REPAIR AVAILABLE YET.

NHTSA ODI 11388635

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON A LEAKING FUEL PROBLEM. I HAVE TRIED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BUT THEY SAY THEY CANT REPAIR IT. I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN SOME LEAKING LIQUID.

NHTSA ODI 11388197