10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
100,554 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Volkswagen Jetta drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2006 Volkswagen Jetta Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #71

Jan 192015

Jetta 4-cyl

  • 134,975 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After replacing the cam shaft and timing belt I took the car for a test drive. The problems were apparent, a hard shift from a stop into first gear and hard shifts all the way to 4th gear. From a full stop it will not respond to the accelerator and if it does it jolts. Multiple times crossing traffic the accelerator does not respond, and I have nearly been hit multiple times. I brought it into a service shop and they have said it is the mechatronics unit that controls the transmission. I was told that is an issue in many vehicles like mine, and to report it to NHTSA and Volkswagen.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #70

Dec 232014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • 94,248 miles
While driving the transmission slips or will not change gears while the gas pedal is being stepped on also after a stop it will not engage at times it stays on 5 gear while moving slowly and will not down shift.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #69

Dec 072014

Jetta 4-cyl

  • 108,000 miles
While I was driving on a busy road, while accelerating my engine started revving, and it would not move. I pulled over safely but was unable to push the car in neutral. When turning the car off and on again, my prdns on dash was flashing. The car will not move forward while in drive or backwards while in reverse. When I put the car in neutral nothing happens. I have seen that there are recalls on 2007 Volkswagen Jetta transmissions, but wondering if this could be part of that problem.

- Sun Valley , NV, USA

problem #68

Nov 112014

Jetta

  • 91,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased a "pre-owned certified" 2006 Volkswagen Jetta after hitting 90,000 miles the catalytic converter and cv boot need to be replaced.

- South Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #67

Jul 142014

Jetta

  • 220,000 miles
At highway speed, car suddenly went into neutral with a flashing prnds on the instrument cluster and "press brake pedal" indicator. Once pulled over on the road, car would lock in park and was unable to move the vehicle. Car has been diagnosed as having a faulty mechatronic unit. Previous recalls have been issued for 2009-2010 mechatronics for the same issue, but not this 2006. NHTSA action number is PE09035 and recall number is 09V333000 for the 2009-2010 cars. Volkswagen needs to realize the scope is far broader than just 2009-2010 cars. This vehicle also suffers from the driver's door wiring harness failure like many others (unable to lock doors, operate windows, etc).

- Reston, VA, USA

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problem #66

Aug 012012

Jetta

  • 80,000 miles
Electrical problems have been abundant in this vehicle starting in 2012. Driver side door locks work randomly. The car responds to the keys randomly even with a new battery. Alarm will sound when it fails to respond to key. Over the last year lights go out monthly. Shifter electronics failed. Repaired in June 2014. Mechanic had no idea why it would go out which was cause for my concern.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #65

Sep 092014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • 89,569 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Currently experiencing a problem with the body valve in the transmission on my Jetta. There was an extended warranty for this part that ended in 2012. I am experiencing this problem with my car now and it is a safety hazard. My car shifts so hard between 1st and 4th gear and will have a significant lag time between acceleration which during traffic, can cause numerous problems. VW won't offer any reimbursement to pay for this to be fixed because it is outside of the warranty however I think it is ridiculous when they know there was an issue with the part in the first place. So now I am stuck paying another $1,500 repair bill for this car in addition to all other repairs I have paid for. I know I am not the only one now experiencing this problem after the end date as I have called numerous body shops and dealerships who have shared that there have been multiple others with the same problem.

- Alpharetta, GA, USA

problem #64

Aug 302014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • 54,000 miles
Upon research on blogs and reviews the 2006 Jetta has several of the same issues. Car has 54K miles and cv boots are cracked and needing replacements. The headliner dropped while driving impairing visibility of road ways and hinders view out back windows. Drivers side wiring harness.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #63

Aug 012014

Jetta 5-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
When the dsg transmission shifts from 2nd to 3rd it does not engage, the RPM gauge almost redlines, then when it engages to 3rd it jerks and the wheels pill out, this is very dangerous and life threatening to me especially since this is my only vehicle I have to get to work! Volkswagen will not fix my vehicle because they said the dsg transmission is sealed. I would like Volkswagen healed responsible for manufacturing an inferior product and selling it to americans putting me in danger. I would like your attorneys to file a class action lawsuit against VW for 1 billion dollars on behalf of the american people, I believe that will make them up, you all have a blessed day and don't buy a Volkswagen.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #62

Aug 032014

Jetta

  • 180,000 miles
TL * the contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving approximately 40 mph, the mounts snapped that secured the engine and transmission. As a result, the engine and transmission detached from the vehicle. The vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated that the transmission and front driver side axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

- Frostburg , MD, USA

problem #61

May 102014

Jetta 4-cyl

  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The direct shift gear transmission failed. The car could no longer get out of neutral.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #60

Mar 132014

Jetta

  • 192,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced the "mechaeron". the manufacture was made aware of the failure however, declined to provide a remedy to fix the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 192,000.

- New Boston, MI, USA

problem #59

Sep 222013

Jetta 4-cyl Diesel

  • 80,000 miles
At approx 80-90K I started hearing a clattering noise from the engine and extra noise when idling. Also, the car has a hard time shifting (automatic trans). After taking the car to a mechanic, I was told that it's the dsg dmf coming apart and rattling. After doing some research, I find it's a common problem. It started happening shortly after my car went out of cpo warranty, which expired at 74K. I didn't really pay that much attention to it until it got worse. This is a 06 tdi mkv with auto dsg, brm engine. Also experiencing difficulties with soot in fuel filter, likely due to faulty seal in fuel injectors under cam shaft. Once again, common problem according to mechanics and online forums on this model. There's a recall on the dmf for this model in australia, needs to have one for us.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #58

Jan 192014

Jetta 4-cyl Diesel

  • 78,400 miles
Dual mass flywheel failed catastrophically and without warning while driving on the freeway. Flywheel failure sent metal shrapnel into transmission, cracking the bell housing and the transmission to shift erratically. The car was mechanically totaled and Volkswagen of America refused to take any responsibility for the premature failure of the vehicle, despite it being a documented and known issue. Others have reported that this part was recalled in australia but not the United States. Cost of repair was beyond value of vehicle and car was deemed a total mechanical loss.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #57

Dec 162013

Jetta 4-cyl Diesel

  • 95,000 miles
Our Jetta experienced a "false neutral" problem back in December, 2013. (95,000 miles) I did some research and found that it could be due to a low voltage condition. I checked the electrical system and found the alternator to be faulty. I replaced it and kept driving the car. Everything seemed fine until mid January, 2014 when we experienced another fn event. We were able to switch the car off and then back on and the condition went away. I called our local VW dealer and scheduled an appointment for a diagnostic. The results of this test came back and they said we needed a new mechatronics unit (this controls the transmission) at a cost of $2300 I am familiar with these cars and also familiar with the fact that VW has already investigated this issue in later year cars. This investigation (NHTSA action# PE09035) resulted in a recall campaign (NHTSA# 09V333000) where VW replaced defective mechatronics units and extended the warranty on the affected units to 10yrs/100,000 miles. Less than 24 hours after receiving this diagnosis, the transmission completely locked up while driving down the road, luckily it was at an intersection and the speed was less than 15mph. I had the car towed back to the VW dealer, the transmission must now be replaced ($6,000) I content that this is the same or nearly the same issue addressed in the previous campaign and that VW did not find the root cause of the mechatronics and subsequent transmission failure. A new investigation needs to be opened to address this problem, it is a safety issue which has already been addressed for some of their vehicles. VW needs to be made to address it for all dsg equipped vehicles, especially ones manufactured before the previously investigated lot. I contacted vwoa and even though my vehicle is still within the mileage range of the warranty extension they will not offer any assistance in the repairs.

- Wilmer, AL, USA

problem #56

Jan 182014

Jetta 4-cyl Diesel

  • 118,395 miles
Been to multiple dealerships claiming in fox valley il rockford il glenview il that either my mechunit is bad/faulty or dual mass flywheel is bad/faulty. Was driving where either my car would shift very rough as if someone who is very inexperienced would let go of the clutch late and shift hard/rough into 1-2-3 with clicking noises. Car just recently shifted from 2 to neutral and scared the crapout of me. The car has extreme vibration and uncontrolled shift patterns. Was turning onto my street and car went from 3-2 to neutral while my car was still in drive and went into a snow bank on side of road. Would just like to have Volkswagen contact me to either replace or fix this problem. This is very dangerous owners of a 2006 VW tdi or any automatic with dsg mechunit beware and please be careful.

- Genoa , IL, USA

problem #55

Jan 062014

Jetta 4-cyl

  • 117,100 miles
Traveling along at 55 mph and the gear display started flashing/blinking as the car just shut off. It would not restart. Battery is fine.

- De Pere, WI, USA

problem #54

Feb 022011

Jetta

  • 101,000 miles
I am the owner of a 2006 VW Jetta tdi sedan. I purchased the vehicle used in a private sale in 2009. By 2011 I was having numerous problems with the vehicle. The dual mass flywheel failed just after I had my car at the dealership for the timing belt service (approximate mileage 106,000). I had to have it towed (at my expense) to the dealership since it wasn't safe to drive the 130 miles. Dealership said it was a known problem but Volkswagen of America has not offered any assistance. Apparently someone has to die to get their attention. Approximate cost of repairs: $1,800. 2nd big problem is electrical. Wiring harness in the driver door failed soon after I purchased it. It started with the driver window switch not working. Then the lock/unlock button quit working. Then the interior/exterior safety lights. I have heard that it will progress to the trunk lid, the other windows, the fuel door, ect. Once again an extremely common problem due to a poor design. Once again Volkswagen of America has refused to offer assistance - the dealership quoted me just under $500 in parts and labor. Why would a harness cost $205!!! third problem is cosmetic issues. The paint is flaking off especially near the seams and at the wheel wheels. Rust formed where the paint bubbled up at two of the four wheel wheels. There is a service bulletin for paint problems in the generation before this vehicle and a 10-12 year corrosion warranty that VW refuses to honor. Additionally, problems with poor manufacturing practices and materials abound in this vehicle. The headliner pulls away from the pillars at the seams in the rear due to defective materials. It will separate from the roof and become a hanging visibility hazard. The plastic dash pieces don't fit together - shrinking and pulling away at the seams. Stereo buttons (as well as door switches) bubble and flake off.

- Huron, SD, USA

problem #53

Aug 042008

Jetta 4-cyl Diesel

  • 30,000 miles
Volkswagon has a problem with a faulty dual mass flywheels, the springs break inside the flywheel you hear a rattle when the car is at idle and the goes away when in gear.from reading about this problem I finally foud out what this noise is.I have asked the service tech to see if anything is loose and they always come up empty.I finally read about this on the VW tdi forums online.they said VW recalled this problem in austrailia but not in the United States.I have called VW customer line but all the tell me is we have not issued a recall on this problem so they can't help me.one of the springs already broke a hole in the cover for the transmission. I hope you can help!

- Beacon Falls, CT, USA

problem #52

Jul 302013

Jetta 5-cyl

  • 87,850 miles
#1 July 262013 Jetta sedan 2.5L automatic transmission 87,850 miles a D V E R T I S E M E N T S I recently purchased a used 2006 VW Jetta with a dsg transmission and 2.5 L motor. The vehicle lurches and loses power as if gas had been switched off or the transmission has bogged down and seems to occur when shifting. It also happens from a dead stop, with the vehicle lurching forward with considerable force when the transmission engages. This has occurred on both very hot days, 100+ degrees, and also during evening and nighttime while driving on surface streets and on the interstate though on the interstate it doesn't lurch forward when power is restored. The vehicle usually regains power 3-5 seconds after loss of power most times this occurs but there were a few times the vehicle stalled. Once this happens this condition continues to occur more with increasing frequency until the vehicle is not drivable. Once the vehicle has cooled off for a period of time, 2 or more hours, it drives with out this problem for the same amount of time, or less, as when driven from a cold start. This has also occurred while passing and forced me to cancel my pass of a slower moving vehicle and merge into the traffic which on one occasion had closed ranks leaving me no room to merge. I have only been driving this vehicle for about a week. This statement was posted around 8-5-2013. The problem is still the same.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

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