2017 Volkswagen Jetta fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V648000Oct 21, 2020218,192 vehicles
  FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL

  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.

  Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.

What owners say

1. 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
2. Filed Jul 14, 202549,000 miSCFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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).…

   NHTSA complaint #11673325 · 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 14, 2025CAAirbagsFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 complaint #11654388 · source
5. 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
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 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
8. Filed Sep 4, 2024WAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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 complaint #11612624 · source
9. Filed Jul 23, 2024TXFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11603938 · source
10. Filed Jun 10, 202436,000 miILFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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:…

    NHTSA complaint #11593409 · source
11. Filed May 25, 2024TXFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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 complaint #11590717 · source
12. 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

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