2017 Volkswagen Jetta: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta: 6 recalls, 159 owner complaints and up to 33 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V070000 · 2017 · 2 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 jetta vehicles equipped with a 1.4l engine. These vehicles have an engine that May seize due to an improper casting of the block.
Why it matters: If the engine seizes, the wheels May suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will either buy back the vehicle or replace the engine block, free of charge. The recall began February 2017.
Equipment Vehicle recall #17V137000 · 2017 · 4,875 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 110, "tire selection and rims."
Why it matters: Overloading the vehicle May affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017.
Equipment Vehicle recall #17V136000 · 2017 · 797 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 beetle and jetta gli vehicles. The affected vehicles have incorrect information on the tire information label, possibly causing the operator to overload the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 110, "tire selection and rims."
Why it matters: Overloading the vehicle May affect vehicle handling or result in tire damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2017.
Equipment Vehicle recall #17V352000 · 2017 · 2 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 jetta vehicles. The affected vehicles have vehicle identification number (VIN) markings on the body that do not match the VIN plate near the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 cfr part 567, "certification."
Why it matters: The mismatched vins make the vehicle noncompliant with regulatory requirements.
The fix: Volkswagen has notified owners and has replaced the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2017.
Electrical, Steering Vehicle recall #19V615000 · 2019 · 679,027 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 gti, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 golf, 2012-2019 beetle and beetle convertible, 2017-2019 golf sportwagen and 2011-2018 jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts May enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the…
Why it matters: Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that May result in personal injury or a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #20V648000 · 2020 · 218,192 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts May become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
Why it matters: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #20E064000 · 2020 · 38 vehicles
What's wrong: The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder May be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Why it matters: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Beck/arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (33): the most common themes are electrical failure (11), warning light on (10), stalls / loses power (9).
- Engine (32): the most common themes are warning light on (13), stalls / loses power (10), leaks (6).
- Fuel & propulsion (29): the most common themes are leaks (11), warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (5).
- Other / unknown (25): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), warning light on (3).
The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has 159 owner complaints, ranking #23 of 37 Jetta model years for complaints (well below the 274 average). Complaints peaked in 2019 (25 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 36,950 miles. Neighboring years: 2016 (161 complaints, 4 recalls), 2018 (31 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 40 | 33 | Regular |
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 35 | 29 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta.
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FAQ
Does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2017 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
Owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (33), engine (32), fuel & propulsion (29).
What gas mileage does the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA ratings run up to 33 mpg combined (1.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.