Volkswagen / Jetta / 1996
1996 Volkswagen Jetta problems
Owners have filed 245 complaints about the 1996 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA. Visibility accounts for 18.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 14.3%.
Complaints245
Crashes19
Fires5
Injuries16
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Visibility 18.4% · 45
Electrical system 14.3% · 35
Power train 10.2% · 25
Engine and engine cooling 8.6% · 21
Latches/locks/linkages 7.3% · 18
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.5% · 16
Air bags 6.5% · 16
Structure 4.9% · 12
Severity
Of those complaints, 19 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire, 16 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 25 model years of the Volkswagen Jetta in this data, 1996 draws comparatively few complaints; 2009 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 19 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 94,969 miles.
In owners' own words
Consumer experiencing several problems with vehicle. When driving in wet weather conditions the windshield wipers will cut off. This problem is intermittent. At times, will not function at all. Consumer has contacted the dealer . Also, replaced transmission/ throttle body and alternator. In addition, front brake rotors failed and front pads cracked/engine idles/bucks and stalls. Engine check light comes on/off. Visibility
Vehicle has been in and out of the shop due to the fact that the consumer had alot of problems with the power windows/power door locks and the signals. The dealer repaired all of the defects, but the consumer took the vehicle in for the windows to be repaired again, and they wanted the consumer to cover the fee. Visibility
Reported my defective window motor problem to vw dealer--they charged me $65 to diagnose problem then proceeded to tell me I have a defective motor assembley. It would cost $269 on top of the $65 to diagnose the obvious. I have been in touch with several 1996 Jetta owners and they are also having the same problems!! Visibility
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…