2017 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

24 owners have reported engine problems with the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta, 22% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 76,574 mi.

Engine complaints
24
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
76,574 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine22
Engine and engine cooling2

Engine complaints across Volkswagen Jetta years

220053320071920094202011173920134920201529242017295201912520211212202312120251
Engine complaints by model year. The 2017 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k960k–100k2100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 17V070000Feb 3, 20172 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

    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.

    Risk: If the engine seizes, the wheels may suddenly lock up, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will either buy back the vehicle or replace the engine block, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10F4.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jul 29, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Note: (never has any issues before ever as vehicle always maintained and taken directly to vw for maintenance.) /-/———————————————— I was driving: came to a stop: light turned Green proceeded to go through intersection YET VEHICLE. KT NOT MOVE! Put lever into park: turned off car and turned back on : put thr stick BACK INTO DRIVE - NOTHING HAPPENED I GUNNED it BY pushing my foot on the gas VW Jetta ALMOST REDLINED but didnt: was able to get across the interaction as I turned…
    NHTSA complaint #11753433 · source
  2. Filed Dec 3, 2025VAFireEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11702692 · source
  3. Filed Jun 17, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11667516 · source
  4. Filed Apr 2, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11652263 · source
  5. Filed Mar 31, 2025140,000 miNJEngine
    The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced rough driving before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later driven to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included…
    NHTSA complaint #11651810 · source
  6. Filed Mar 24, 2025160,000 miFLTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11650308 · source
  7. Filed Oct 31, 2024NJEngine
    The catalytic converter malfunctioned and is defective. My vehicle is within 8 years and under 80,000 miles and Volkswagen of Toms River will not replace or address the safety concern as they are required by law to replace it. The vehicle will hit 8 year on January 1st and they are trying to stallmate me until it is out of warranty
    NHTSA complaint #11622890 · source
  8. Filed Sep 24, 2024114,000 miNHTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11616215 · source
  9. Filed Sep 23, 202489,000 miSCElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to turn off while turning the key to the off position in the ignition switch. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the cylinders in the engine was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
    NHTSA complaint #11616005 · source
  10. Filed Apr 12, 2024ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionVisibility & Wipers
    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 complaint #11582508 · source
  11. Filed Feb 18, 2024INEngineOther / Unknown
    Per pep boys: Coolant housing on rear of engine has hole in it causing severe coolant leak cooling system has had stop leak added to coolant system possibly clogging heater core, radiator, possible coolant passages in engine block Dealership did a patch job prior to purchase, has been with them for 60 days.
    NHTSA complaint #11572578 · source
  12. Filed Nov 8, 202365,000 miWATowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11554153 · source

Other 2017 Volkswagen Jetta problem areas

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (38)
  • Other / Unknown (20)
  • Electrical System (18)
  • Airbags (16)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (8)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (7)
  • Brakes (6)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (6)
  • Steering (5)
  • Lighting (5)
  • Wheels & Tires (4)
  • Suspension (4)
  • Visibility & Wipers (3)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Body & Structure (2)

Back to all 2017 Volkswagen Jetta problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology