2026 Volkswagen Jetta

6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

1. Filed Sep 21, 2026Failure Sep 2, 2026Brandon, MSElectrical system, Warnings, Automatic emergency braking

   The vehicle’s Forward Collision Avoidance system (Front Assist) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) intermittently malfunction while driving. On at least three separate occasions during clear, dry weather with clean sensors, the AEB system engaged full hydraulic braking unexpectedly with no obstacles ahead—once while utilizing Adaptive Cruise Control and twice while driving manually. This severe "phantom braking" creates an immediate, life-threatening rear-end collision hazard on public roadways. Immediately following these braking events, the digital cluster displays the warning message "Front Assist Currently Unavailable."The vehicle has a documented history of electrical instability, including a prior dealership visit where technicians allegedly attempted to fix power errors by servicing a loose battery connection. However, electrical faults have persisted, culminating in instant, false "Engine is overheated. Safely stop the vehicle!" warnings within seconds of starting a cold engine, as well as non-functional rear seat heaters. These combined electrical faults align with an open powertrain ground failure, as described in NHTSA Recall 26V138 / VW Campaign 97TC (loose transmission ground wire causing stray current backfeed through sensor harnesses). The vehicle was towed to an authorized Volkswagen dealership on 09/14/2026 after displaying an instant cold overheating error and remains there for diagnostic inspection. The vehicle and its components remain intact and are available for inspection upon request.

   NHTSA complaint 11766007
2. Filed Aug 7, 2026Failure Apr 26, 2026Tigard, ORElectrical system, Engine

   The vehicle says it’s overheating and will go into limp mode it has also been reported that other 2026 Jettas have had the same issue

   NHTSA complaint 11755445
3. Filed Aug 3, 2026Failure Aug 3, 2026300 milesPort St. Lucie, FLForward collision avoidance

   The contact owns a 2026 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle brakes engaged independently causing the RPM to decrease and after a couple of seconds the vehicle began to work as intended. No warnings light illuminated A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnoses. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 300.

   NHTSA complaint 11754525
4. Filed Jun 27, 2026Failure Jun 25, 2026Wimauma, FLUnknown or other

   WHEN PARKING THE CAR INTO A PARKING SPOT THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHEN PUT IN REVERSE TO LEAVE PARKING SPOT

   NHTSA complaint 11746919
5. Filed May 13, 2026Failure May 13, 2026El Paso, TXUnknown or other

   While driving on the highway, the sunroof suddenly shattered outward. There were no other vehicles around us at the time.

   NHTSA complaint 11737662
6. Filed Jan 15, 2026Failure Nov 12, 2025california, PAElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Steering

   I'm not exactly sure on what happened but when using the lane stay assist it doesn't read the lines correctly causing the car to abruptly jerk in a unexpected direction! doing this during certain scenarios would cause an accident for sure. also the headlight auto switching for high beams malfunctions often causing the lights to flicker

   NHTSA complaint 11711130