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NHTSA vehicle safety data

1999 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1999 Volkswagen Jetta has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 349 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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1999 Volkswagen Jetta owner complaints

Owners have filed 349 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, describing incidents dated January 1, 1999 to May 1, 2013.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 77 complaints
  • Visibility/Wiper 77 complaints
  • Electrical System 41 complaints
  • Service Brakes 31 complaints
  • Air Bags 29 complaints
  • Power Train 28 complaints

Of the 349 complaints on file, 33 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 349 complaints, owners report 29 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10512634 · Filed

    WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS ON MY JETTA. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO 4 REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE COULD FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE PAID OVER 1200 ON OTHER REPAIRS. WHAT CAN I DO . *TR THANKS CHRISTINA

  • ODI #10505399 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT SMOKE WAS BELLOWING FROM BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMOKE DISAPPEARED AFTER SOME TIME. THE CONTACT THEN…

  • ODI #10473134 · Filed

    THE VW VEHICLE IS PROGRAMMED TO CRIPPLE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IN CASE OF AN EPC FAULT. ANY FAULT CAUSING A RICH OR LEAN CONDITION WILL CAUSE THIS "LIMP MODE". THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65-75MPH AND A 80,000 POUND TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND THEM AS ONE…

Read all 349 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Water Pump may cause Failure of Timing Belt

NHTSA #14E007000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported March 7, 2014 · The Gates Corporation

Potentially affected: 50 vehicles

Repair completion: 2% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 1, 2014

Defect description

The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

Safety consequence

A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTION

NHTSA #06V183000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported May 24, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 646,246 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign N4 · Owners notified November 27, 2006 · Vehicles built May 1, 1998 – November 30, 2001 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.

Safety consequence

THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

Notes

VW RECALL NO. N4.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

VW/BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH

NHTSA #04V096000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported February 20, 2004 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Potentially affected: 377,130 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign WX · Owners notified April 30, 2004 · Vehicles built May 1, 1998 – November 30, 2001 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.

Safety consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.

Manufacturer remedy

THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Notes

VWOA RECALL NO. WX.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VW/FMVSS 100/TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INCORRECT

NHTSA #03V156000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported April 23, 2003 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Potentially affected: 9,811 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign WP · Owners notified September 29, 2003 · Vehicles built August 1, 1997 – October 31, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).

Safety consequence

UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A RISK FOR A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

Notes

VW RECALL NO. WP.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VW/FILLER NECK/TIRE ABRASION

NHTSA #02V026000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly — Filler Pipe and Cap · NHTSA notice

Reported January 25, 2002 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Potentially affected: 487,284 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign WK · Owners notified June 13, 2003 · Vehicles built August 1, 1996 – November 30, 1998 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Manufacturer 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. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VW/FMVSS 201

NHTSA #99V251000 · Structure — Frame and Members · NHTSA notice

Reported September 17, 1999 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Potentially affected: 67,076 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign UM · Owners notified March 15, 2000 · Vehicles built January 17, 1999 – July 10, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE HEAD INJURY CRITERION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE UPPER RETAINER CLIP NEAR THE BP1 IMPACT LOCATION IS DESIGNED TO BREAK WHEN IMPACTED BY THE HEAD FORM. IN SOME CASES, THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM PART MAY BE MORE IMPACT RESISTANT AS A RESULT OF VARIATIONS IN THE MOLDING PROCESS.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE CLIP FROM BREAKING ON IMPACT AND RESULT IN LESS DEFORMATION IN THE IMPACTED AREA AND A HIGHER DECLERATION OF THE HEAD FORM, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRIM COVER FROM EACH OF THE B PILLARS AND INSTALL A NEW COVER.

Notes

VW RECALL NO. UM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

VW/B-PILLAR MAT/FIRE

NHTSA #99V022000 · Structure — Frame and Members · NHTSA notice

Reported February 5, 1999 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Potentially affected: 36,258 vehicles

Volkswagen campaign UF · Owners notified February 15, 1999 · Vehicles built September 1, 1998 – January 31, 1999 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SURFACE AND EDGES OF THE MAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IT COULD IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE EXHAUST GAS OF THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER IGNITER IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONT OR SIDE COLLISION.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MATTING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE THE B-PILLAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 15, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-877-270-4178.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Other Volkswagen Jetta model years

Check your 1999 Volkswagen Jetta VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Volkswagen Jetta at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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