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VIN REPORT

3VWCB7BU5LM0032332020 VOLKSWAGEN JettaS, SE, R-Line

Risk Score
19
LOW RISK
out of 100
6 Found
6 campaigns
49
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
6 yrs
Made in MEXICO
F
Score: 49/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2020 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 6 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 49 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 6 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Brake system recall)
  • 2 injuries reported across 49 owner complaints
  • Electrical is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
19/100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 2 detected
6 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Elevated fire risk signals detected
+7
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
VOLKSWAGEN
Model
Jetta
Year
2020
Trim / Series
S, SE, R-Line
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 1.4L 147 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV
Assembly
PUEBLA, MEXICO
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
BQuality61/100
Standard📍 PUEBLA, MEXICO

Builds Jetta and Taos for North America. Average quality; some Jetta recall campaigns.

Safety
F
Score: 49/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety4/30
Complaint History25/30
85/100Critical
  • Airbag system recall
  • Brake system recall
  • Fuel system recall
  • Fire/ignition recall
18/100
Basic
6 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning
Elevated
  • 1 recall(s) involve fire or ignition risk
  • 1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
Moderate
  • Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Electrical
1 recall14 complaints
Brakes
1 recall3 complaints
Safety Systems
1 recall2 complaints
Suspension/Wheels
1 recall2 complaints
Exterior/Other
1 recall1 complaint
Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High BeamStandard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Indirect
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash NotificationStandard
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls
38/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
6 component(s) approaching service intervals within the next 20,000 miles. Factor routine maintenance costs into your ownership budget.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~72,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
MONITORCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Timing Chain Tensioner service before 120,000 mi
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
MONITORCriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Water Pump service before 100,000 mi
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 6 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 6 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
MONITORModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) service before 100,000 mi
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
MONITORModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Fuel Injectors service before 120,000 mi
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
66 RECALLS

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 6 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 6 recalls is ~71%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

71%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

VOLKSWAGEN Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
84%Fair

VOLKSWAGEN completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
22mo
#20V505000
Invalid Date

SEATS

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIn the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~63%

~37% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#21V492000
Invalid Date

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles. The air bag control module was welded in the incorrect position.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIncorrect positioning of the air bag control module can cause the vehicle's air bags to deploy improperly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the vehicle's air bags can deploy unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~78%

~22% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V359000
Invalid Date

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2020 Jetta vehicle. The front brake caliper bolts may come loose.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf a brake caliper bolt comes loose, it may affect the vehicle's brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~73%

~27% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#22V815000
Invalid Date

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~68%

~32% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#23V604000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020 Golf GTI, and Jetta vehicles equipped with a conventional ignition switch. The ignition switch may fail, especially in high temperature environments.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIgnition switch failure can cause the electrical system to shut down and the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~70%

~30% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#24V110000
Invalid Date

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~75%

~25% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

14/02/2024
6 total campaigns
Exterior/OtherSafety SystemsBrakesSuspension/WheelsElectricalFuel System
5
Part Replacements
1
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
Complaints
Electrical
14
Other
12
Engine/Powertrain
11
Brakes
1 crash3
Suspension/Wheels
2
Safety Systems
2
Visibility
1 inj2
Steering
2
2020
7
2021
9
2022
5
2023
7
2024
14
2025
5
2026
2
0% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Stable +13%
17
Last 24 months
15
Prior 24 months
PEAKS SUMMER (JUN–AUG)

32% of complaints filed in Jul & Dec — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Engine stalling4
Electrical failure2
Fire/smoke1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (12)Parking/low-speed (7)Startup (4)Rain/wet (3)
49HIGH VOLUME
1
Crash
2
Injuries
ODI #11729607UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There was a warning light for the emergency call function unavailable please service immediately.

ODI #11717699ENGINE

Upon “starting” car, all systems turn on and car tells me the engine is on; however, if I put into any gear nothing. Only once I press the ignition one more time does the engine actually start.

ODI #11698386UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving southbound on I-15 near Exit 300 (5300 S, Murray, Utah), the sunroof on my 2020 Volkswagen Jetta SEL suddenly and spontaneously exploded outward without any impact or external object striking the glass. The vehicle had approximately 72,000 miles at the time. There was no tint, film, or modification to the sunroof. The weather was clear, and the road was smooth. The explosion produced a loud gunshot-like sound, followed by glass fragments scattering across the sunshade. Fortunately, the sunshade was closed, which prevented most of the glass from falling into the cabin. However, the incident caused a significant distraction which posed a serious safety risk while driving at highway speeds. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared before the failure. The glass appears to have shattered from internal stress rather than impact, as there were no visible signs of an object strike. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Volkswagen, law enforcement, or insurance, but the glass remains available for inspection if needed.

ODI #11692696ENGINE

October 9, 2025 EPC light on. October 10, 2025, called Brown's VW in Charlottetown, PEI and brought the car in. The EPC light was off. The scan revealed that turbo on the vehicle had a seized wastegate. The cost of repair is $4,026.85 and a wait for parts. If the EPC light was flashing, the vehicle would buck and stop in the middle of the road causing a safety issue. There were no warnings previous to the EPC light going on. the vehicle is out of warranty but low mileage. Please note I spend 6 months a year in PEI, Canada and 6 months in the US. My address in Canada is: 81 Kilkenny Rd., Rte 250, Harrington, PE CIE 3A5. The vehicle is registered in PEI and had a RIV certificate. I was also told by an independent source that the above problem is common in the Atlantic Provinces because of the position of the wastegate and also the salt in the air in the Atlantic Provinces. I am certain in sea coast areas of the US, there is a similar problem with this VW turbo and the VW Tiguan is also affected. Many years of the VW Jetta have the same problem.

ODI #11678099UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving down a the road, my husband, 2 children and I, with no cars around us, we heard a loud pop (almost exploding like). We all looked around and then my husband looked up and our sunroof glass was shattered. As we exited the vehicle to take a better look, you could clearly see that the glass was broken from the inside, as if it was popped like a balloon. While no glass fell in the vehicle due to the shade being shut, there was glass all over the top that my husband had to clean up. Unfortunately due to no negligence on our part, we had to file an insurance claim.

ODI #11673621SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This is the same thong that was recalled on the other 2020 vw jetta..I also had a 2016 jettabefore I was allowed to trade it in for the 2020 jetta and the air went out on the both of them before the car was 2 years old. Now the 2020 has rain water coming in holding in the doors. When you open it the water comes out. What's showing is: 1.front assist not available 2. Fault electronic parking brake 3. Transmission in emergency mode you can continue driving 4.only exit vehicle in P position service engine soon Number 3 has shown before and I had another transmission put in. Also engine light was on for the longest. I'm not sure of the exact date. I do have repair bills but I will have to go in my storage unit. Would like to send later

ODI #11638851ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

When I start the car Multiple times the car will throw over half of all the error code and could not start the vehicle. Driving in the highway doing 65mph with the cruise control on the car completely shut off and I had to limp it to the shoulder and was unable to start the car. Each time I cleared the fault codes then was able to start the car. If I didn’t have my scanner I would have had to get towed each time to the dealer. I see there is an ignition switch recall on the 2019 and the 2020 cars but for some reason I don’t see my 2020 included in that. Now the proximity sensor is at fault and I have to take it to the dealer again. Please let me know what I should do

ODI #11632961ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle has been displaying "Emergency services unavailable" along with lights for steering and braking systems, Intermittently since new. The dealer stated no problem found.. Now that the vehicle is out of warranty they tell me it needs a new computer module. I believe they said Telematics control unit.

ODI #11628532ENGINE

My check engine light came on on Sunday Dec 1. I immediately took it to a diagnostic service station in my local area. They diagnosed that my car has a vent control valve malfunction. This issue is a KNOWN problem to Volkswagen. They do not replace this part if it fails after 60K miles. This makes zero sense to me. I purchased my car, used with 63K miles on it. It now has 80K. At no time was I made aware that this part would/could fail! The vent control valve is over $250 and labor will be another $200. When I called VW they said they don't issue recalls, only NTHSA does. Furthermore, VW also said that if I am to get reimbursed, should they see fit to issue this recall, that I must take it to a VW dealer. All well and good, but VW wants $238 to diagnose a problem that already cost me $130. I was also told that there are currently 11K cars waiting on this part. That is not a statistical anomaly. Therefore, NTHSA needs to issue a recall and help VW owners get their vent valve control replaced before our engines are damaged.

ODI #11607621FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Will not take fuel. Even when the gasoline tank is empty it will not accept fuel properly. Fuel seeps out and leaks. Problem presents identically to the 2015-2020 VW & Audi recall. VW doesn’t acknowledge my VIN as a vehicle with the problem. My car is on the identical platform as the Audi A3 and is FWD. my problem is identical to the recall but VW will not acknowledge the problem.

ODI #11605105POWER TRAIN

I recently purchased a vehicle on July 11th, and on July 12th, I noticed a significant issue with the transmission. Specifically, the vehicle began grinding when I attempted to engage reverse gear. Concerned for safety, I promptly contacted the dealership. Initially, they advised that the proper procedure was to shift from first gear to reverse, attributing the issue to a known Volkswagen transmission characteristic. Upon further inspection at the dealership, they acknowledged the problem as a documented issue with Volkswagen transmissions, providing a "tech tip" confirming its severity. This issue poses a serious safety risk due to the delay in shifting from first to reverse, potentially impeding quick maneuvering in emergencies, thereby compromising driver and passenger safety. The problem was replicated multiple times during dealership visits, with no warning lights or indications prior to the grinding in reverse.

ODI #11600522SERVICE BRAKES

My brakes have always sounded weird to me. But the dealer and my mechanic assured me that they were fine. On Saturday 7/6/24, I noticed a horrible grinding noise. I took it to my mechanic and was told that due to a faulty brake caliper the passenger side front inner brake pad has gone metal to metal. I can see that there is a recall on the calipers for 2020 VW Jetta but it doesn't show up for my VIN #. I am having to pay $541.07 and feel that if this is a recall I shouldn't have to pay.

ODI #11598368ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The built-in navigation and apple carplay periodically show the wrong location, offset by several hundred feet from the real one. A huge number of cases on the Internet, Volkswagen does nothing about it. They update the software, but it doesn't help.

ODI #11596004SEATS1 INJURY

There is a spring that it out of place and when I turned to get out of the seat it scratched my back.

ODI #11594913FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel door would not open for me to put gas in my car. I cannot drive my car without fuel. If I can’t get to my gas tank because the fuel door has malfunctioned I become a danger to those who drive as well as myself and my vehicle. My car tells me everything else but not that. I only find out once I need gas and others getting upset because they waiting on the gas spot can get me hurt or killed in this day and age with peoples lack of patience. I had to spend extra money to tow my car just for them to break the actuator just so I can put gas in my car. Now my fuel door hangs open and now I have to worry about my car and who may do something in that instance. The car doesn’t offer a switch or button in the car to release the fuel door. My car runs on gas if the malfunction happens every 6 months or every year it stops my life. I need to work go to school and so much more. This is an issue that will continue because of the build of the vehicle and others like it in many make and models. Help please

ODI #11588253UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Mid-drive, the vehicle gave me a "check starter system" warning, a known 2020 VW Jetta issue. However, my car has not gotten a recall message yet. The message also disappeared again after I turned off the car for 10 minutes and started it again.

ODI #11586466UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle's sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving, raining down thousands of shards of glass. There was a loud bang, it sounded like a firecracker went off. I was not behind another vehicle and was going 55-60 mph. Another issue that this brought up was that after I had pulled off and assessed what happened, I wasn't initially able to buckle my seat belt due to glass in the receptacle.

ODI #11580503UNKNOWN OR OTHER

After buying this vehicle in June 2020, and the "Emergency SOS Module" never malfunctioning once, I enrolled in VW's free "Safe and Secure" service through the myVW mobile application on March 7, 2024, and immediately received an "Emergency SOS Error" light. The vehicle manual states that the vehicle is not safe to drive and must be taken to the dealership immediately. I then called my local VW dealership asking if I could stop by since I was in the area, and the service department stated that have seen a lot of vehicles coming in with this issue lately and the car must be brought in to replace the emergency call module. Upon bringing my vehicle in, the dealership stated that there is a diagnostic charge of over $250, in addition to the cost of potentially replacing the module (which I'm reading online others have paid between $900-$1,500 for replacement. This is completely unacceptable to pass on a charge to a customer for something that is not included in the vehicle's scheduled (or unscheduled) maintenance list, as well as has nothing to do with the mechanical operation of the vehicle – in addition to posing a safety risk. I never had an issue with this module until the minute I decided to enroll in VW's free "Safe and Secure" service, at which point it seems either they have installed faulty equipment in their vehicles or have an error in their software.

ODI #11579033ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The SOS emergency that is supposed to work when you press the button or if your car is stolen the module failed and on months of back order

ODI #11574207ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving uphill at 55 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly shut off with an unknown warning light flashing on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to the residence. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed but no defect was found. The contact then stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle eventually restarted after several attempts. The dealer was contacted about the failure and the contact was promised a callback. The contact had not yet heard back from the dealer. The manufacturer was also notified about the failure and the contact was referred to another dealer for service. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 46,625.

ODI #11567420SUSPENSION

The front strut spring broke. The dealer warned against driving it at all, since it could cut open the tire or damage other parts that would cause a lot of control. The vehicle is just past the three year warranty. But it is too new for aftermarket parts, so I had to replace it the same parts. The dealer said this is very common on this make/model and to expect these parts to consistently fail.

ODI #11554127ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 70-80 MPH, the electronic parking brake engaged independently. The message "Driver's Side Door Fault" and a message indicating that the auto Start/Stop feature was unavailable were displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving at various speeds, while making turns, and while coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side door wiring harness had failed and caused the module to experience an electrical shortage. The dealer informed the contact that the electronic parking brake had engaged because the door was securely closed while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,789.

ODI #11548316ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Incident Occurred in May. Was on Reddit and saw someone say to report any issues to NHTSA so that's what I'm doing At the end of the month in May (2023) when starting my car after work that had been sitting in the sun, it turned on but then turned off about 10 seconds later saying "ignition switch off safely stop the vehicle" then it flashed to another screen saying "please check the starter system." I waited about 10 minutes then I was able to start my car with no issue. Then after leaving work I pulled onto the highway and the issue happened again while going 60+ mph. Everything cut off and it gave me the same message. My jetta is a manual so it was still in gear and could keep driving but it was super sketchy. I immediately pulled off the road and when I came to a stop the car completely shut off. Then I waited another 10 minutes. Started my car again and the exact same thing happened and I had to pull off the highway. After that I was able to start the car without it happening again and I drove straight to the Volkswagen dealer to have them fix it. I left the the next day to go to a work conference out of state and returned the following Sunday to my car which was now fixed. Part P2532 was replaced in the ignition switch. Luckily I have a 4 year 40,000 mile warranty so I didn't have to pay anything.

ODI #11546848UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof shattered after closing the car door from the pressure or motion of the car door closing. The sunroof glass panel popped up in the center and all the shattered glass was in an upward motion indicating the cause was from the pressure in the cabin. There were no visible chips or debris on the sunroof prior to this occurring. I took the vehicle to the Volkswagen dealership for an inspection and repair but they denied warranty coverage even though the vehicle is under the original warranty. Volkswagen claims that a chip or rock would cause the sunroof to shatter from the door closing. This is not a safe or acceptable design - sunroofs should not shatter when car doors are opened/closed or from the movement of the vehicle driving.

ODI #11546501POWER TRAIN

Internal Component on Transmission has failed, Vehicle is Available for inspection (Niello Volkswagen has already confirmed). The vehicle shakes when shifting which could potentially cause an accident. Yes, Niello Volkswagen confirmed the issue. Dealer for Manufacturer has confirmed issue. No vehicle warning or Lights or messages, check engine light didn't trigger. Dealership attempted to "Flash" Transmission and ECM which made the issue worse.

ODI #11531718ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I live in a very hot area where the temperatures rise to well above 100°. My dashboard gets hot. I imagine that the computer system is in the dashboard after the car has been in the sun I get into my vehicle start my engine things seem fine and then I’m driving down the street and the whole front panel turns off. The air turns off, the stereo turns off most importantly, the air turns off and there is an ecosystem set in my car, where the engine turns off while I’m idling. . The air turns off, the stereo turns off most importantly, the air turns off and there is an ecosystem set in my car, where the engine turns off while I am at a lot of times the whole car will turn off. I cannot see any of the gauges and I can’t roll the windows down for air most of the time, the car will continue to drive down the street, but under very dangerous and uncomfortable conditions. Below I’m going to add today’s date because it’s the most recent time that it happened but it happens. Every day doesn’t happen at night doesn’t happen in the morning because the car was cool overnight. Let me be clear that the engine is not overheating. It is the computer system. Just like when an iPhone is too hot to work.

ODI #11531073AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

MY SUNROOF WAS EXPODED during I drive to home.

ODI #11530170ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while exiting a parking lot, the instrument panel went blank without warning. The contact turned off the vehicle and after several attempts was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 25,000.

ODI #11498675VISIBILITY1 INJURY

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the panoramic sunroof shattered without impact. The contact stated that he was cut by shards of falling glass from the sunroof. The contact stated that no medical attention was sought. The contact pulled over and inspected the vehicle but found no cause or evidence that an object had struck the sunroof glass to cause the failure. The contact was able to drive to the residence with no additional issues. The local dealer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be brought in for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,829. The VIN was not available.

ODI #11498544POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Hit a pot hole in the road and vehicle completely shut down and will not crank. Diagnostic code U0100 is saying that the ecm and pcm are no longer communicating. If I had been on the highway or in a high traffic area that could have been a life threatening situation as everything is run through the electronics of the car.

ODI #11485425ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The problem I am facing is with making calls in the car both via android auto and Bluetooth. When making a phone call, if the volume is adjusted during the call, the other person will hear a very bad echo of their own voice. The echo only occurs when the call volume is adjusted, and I can't hear it in my own car. I have been to the dealer twice to diagnose this issue, and talked to VW Customer Care, neither has been able to fix the problem or determine why it's happening. The first visit I didn't know that changing the volume caused the issue, during one of the trips they replaced the microphone and tried multiple phones (iPhone and Android), neither fixed the problem. I purchased this car used with around 10k miles on it from VW and have had the issue ever since. This is NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, it’s just very annoying.

ODI #11461542POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

When I was driving my engine randomly increased rpms and i was forced to apply the brake. Regarding my brakes, my brakes make a clicking noise and sometimes have decreased braking performance at times which is a serious safety concern.

ODI #11445991STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

When vehicle goes over 60mph starts to shake really bad and warning not enough power for engine light is on

ODI #11444588TIRES

Since I PURCHASED MY Jetta SEL the car IN 2020 March the back right tire will not hold air. Have taken to the dealership and the young man said it was the valve stem and simple fix small issue. Claiming had an stem issues. Leaving the dealership 15 minutes later Hit the interstate and all of a sudden light comes on low air right tire ongoing issue for over a year refuse to be fixed by the car dealership just being pushed over. Bought car brand new very upsetting treatment.

ODI #11444593POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

Was is merging onto interstate i95 and the Jetta wouldn’t accelerate no matter how hard I pushed the gas pedal eventually took my foot off and had to turn on emergency lights then The Jetta started slowly moving as if it was just going to stall almost got rear ended and then the car wanted to send me in to another lane. Due to the angry driver behind me.

ODI #11443210AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V492000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ODI #11408286FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CATASTROPHIC FUEL PUMP FAILURE AT 14,000 MILES ' BOTH FUEL PUMP AND FUEL PUMP MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED PROPERLY ACCORDING TO SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.

ODI #11407463ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN PARKING SPOT AND UPON IGNITION BEGAN REVVING UNCONTROLLABLY AND THREW UP ERROR CODES "ENGINE SPEED MAX. 4000 RPM" AND "START-STOP SYSTEM ERROR", ALONG WITH EPC AND ENGINE LIGHTS. THE BRAKE WAS ALSO DEPRESSED. UPON PUTTING INTO REVERSE THE PARKING BRAKE WAS AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED WHILE THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. SOON AFTER, ENGINE WOULD SPUTTER BUT NOT TURN OVER WITH THE SAME ERROR CODES ON DISPLAY.

ODI #11406951VISIBILITY/WIPER

SUNGLASS HOLDER KEEPS BREACKING WHICH PREVENTS ME FROM SEEING REVIEW VIEW MIRROS. THIS IS AN ONGOING VW ISSUES THAT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED FOR MANY YEARS. IT IS CHEAP AND BREAKS EASILY .

ODI #11394406POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT AND HAD MY CAR IN NEUTRAL. PUT IT INTO FIRST AT A GREEN LIGHT AND THERE WAS NO POWER, THE ENGINE HAD CUT OFF. I DRIVE A MANUAL AND HAVE FOR MY ENTIRE LIFE. THERE WAS NO LURCHING OR ANYTHING, JUST A SILENT CUT. HARD TO GET IT TURNED BACK ON, THE VEHICLE SEEMED CONFUSED WHEN I HIT THE START BUTTON... WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED.

ODI #11388795STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

AS I WAS DRIVING HOME LATE LAST NIGHT FROM WORK ON A CITY STREET , MY CAR SUDDENLY WOULD NOT ACCELERATE IN SPEED WHILE IN MOTION BUT YOU CAN HEAR THE CAR ACCELERATE WHEN I WAS PUSHING ON THE GAS. IT FELT AS IF THE CAR HAS TURNED OFF BECAUSE THEN MY STEERING WHEEL GOT HARD WAS HARD TO MOVE WHILE IN MOTION. CAUSE OF PROBLEMS IS UNKNOWN BUT MAY NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE IF IT CONTINUES

ODI #11387573ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE HILL HOLD ASSIST DID NOT DISENGAGED QUICKLY WHEN STOPPED ON AN INCLINE, BURNING THE CLUTCH TO GET THE VEHICLE TO MOVE FORWARD. THIS CAUSED SMOKING FROM THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND WE WERE THEN FORCED TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF A VERY CONGESTED HIGHWAY AND WAIT FOR THE SMOKING TO STOP AND GIVE THE CLUTCH A BREAK. THIS HAS NOW CAUSED PREMATURE CLUTCH WEAR.

ODI #11365866ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE IS BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN IN MY POSSESSION FOR 7 DAYS. CAR-NET MODULE AND BLUETOOTH AUDIO MODULES HAVE BOTH FAILED. CAR-NET FAILED ON DAY 5, BLUETOOTH ON DAY 6. PRESCRIBED RESOLUTION INVOLVES PULLING THE APPROPRIATE FUSE TO RESET THE SYSTEM. AFTER THIS PROCEDURE, SYSTEM FAILED TO RESET.

ODI #11362571STEERING

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WILL SWAY TO THE RIGHT AND AT TIMES VERY ABRUPTLY GOING OVER OR NEAR THE LANE DIVIDERS WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINS STRAIGHT BUT IT FEELS LIKE I'M DRIVING WITH A STRONG CROSS WIND THE ENTIRE TIME.

ODI #11351913ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN REVVING UP THE ENGINE TO OVERTAKE CARS. THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BOGS DOWN AND ENGINE RPMS ARE LIMITED TO 3000 WHEN LIGHT IS ON. IT COULD BE A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE THE CAR WILL NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE AND FORCES ME TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY. THE ONLY WAY FOR THE LIGHT TO COME OFF IS TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON. I VISITED A LOCAL VW DEALER AND THEY INFORMED ME OF A FAULT CODE P227900 INTAKE AIR SYSTEM LEAK PASSIVE/SPORADIC. THEY PERFORMED AN AIR INTAKE SYSTEM TEST AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS EPC LIGHT COMES ON. IF IT HAPPENS A 4TH TIME I WILL ONCE AGAIN TAKE IT TO THE DEALER IF SOMETHING COMES ON. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING THAT I CAN'T REV MY CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ELSE THIS LIGHT KEEPS TURNING ON.

ODI #11350495UNKNOWN OR OTHER

IN HEAVY RAIN OR ADVERSE WEATHER THE SONAR IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR FOR CRASH AVOIDANCE FAILS AND STATES THAT IT'S UNABLE TO PROTECT ME AND MY PASSENGERS! THE DEALER HAS HAD THIS CAR FOR 3 TIMES AND THE OWNERS MANUAL DOESN'T TELL THAT IN THOSE SITUATIONS THAT THIS CAN OR SHOULD OCCUR

ODI #11340224ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES

2 SEPARATE INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE EPC. ONE WAS ABOUT 10 DAY'S AGO, JULY 9TH GETTING ON THE FREEWAY IN HOUSTON. CAR THREW UP NUMEROUS ERROR CODES, IT AUTOMATICALLY SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES UPON ENTERING THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE FREEWAY, GAVE AN EPC ERROR CODE, TRANSMISSION ERROR CODE, AND START/STOP ERROR CODE. I GOT IT TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP, MONTROAD VOLKSWAGEN OFF I-45. THEY CLAIM THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG AFTER SITTING ON IT FOR 24 HOURS & SENT ME ON MY WAY. FAST FORWARD TO LAST NIGHT, NOW 10 DAY'S LATER, JULY 19TH, COMING BACK HOME FROM DALLAS, A NEARLY 600 MILE ROUND TRIP & ANOTHER EPC CODE CODE COMES UP & SAYS FAULT: ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE WHEN I WENT TO PARK THE CAR & HEAD INSIDE. NOW I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR A MONTH, IT SHOULDN'T HAVE ALL THESE KINDS OF ISSUES & IT DEEPLY CONCERNS ME.

ODI #11337341ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKESCRASH

MY CAR ROLLED INTO A WALL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF A PARKING LOT WHILE I WAS INSIDE THE OPPOSITE BUILDING. THERE IS NO ALERT/INDICATOR/NOTIFICATION THAT THE E-BRAKE IS ENGAGED. THERE ARE ALERTS FOR THE SEAT BELT, AIR BAG, TRUCK/DOOR OPENED, LOW GAS, LIGHTS, ETC. THERE IS EVEN A NOTIFICATION ON THE SCREEN TO REMIND ME TO GRAB MY PHONE AFTER I TURN OFF THE CAR AND OPEN THE DOOR. BUT FOR THE E-BRAKE, WHICH IS A TWO-STEP PROCESS THAT REQUIRES DISCRETE PAUSES BY THE DRIVER, THERE IS NOTHING.THIS IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW, THAT COULD RESULT IN A CAR ROLLING AND INJURING SOMEONE. I URGE YOU NOT TO WAIT FOR CRITICAL MOMENTS AS IN THE PAST FOR AUTO ALERTS TO BE INSTALLED IN CARS, BUT TO ACT NOW. I REQUEST ALL AUTO MANUFACTURES, VW AND OTHERWISE, THAT HAVE E-BRAKES, CREATE AN ALERT THAT NOTIFIES THE DRIVER THE CAR IS OFF AND THE E-BRAKE IS NOT ENGAGED, RECALL THOSE CARS, AND UPDATE THE COMPUTER. AND IF THERE ISN'T ROOM, I SUGGEST DELETING THE NOTIFICATION TO NOT FORGET ONE'S PHONE. *TR

ODI #11328820UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VEHICLE IS STALLING AT LIGHTS. VEHICLE HAS ROUGH IDLE. VEHICLE AUTOMATIC BRAKING ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

HighFUEL PUMP issue detected

Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways

HighDEF issue detected

Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph

Annual complaints and reliability score for VOLKSWAGEN Jetta — recall years marked in red
07140501002020202120222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 49 total NHTSA complaints filed over 7 years, with the worst year being 2024 (14 complaints).

The amber reliability line averaged 55/100 across the vehicle's life — dropping as low as 13 in 2024 when complaint severity peaked.

Notably, despite 49 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2020, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$35,584
~$593/mo over 5 yrs
$0.5/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$8,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$7,084

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $35,584 (~$593/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

6 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$3,000
Total recommended deduction−$3,000
HIGH
Inspect for fuel pump issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
HIGH
Inspect for def issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine derate or no-start condition — DEF system failure puts vehicle into limp mode limiting speed to 5mph
HIGH
Verify recall SEATS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Jetta and Jetta GLI vehicles. The air bag
HIGH
Verify recall SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling one 2020 Jetta vehicle. The front brake caliper bolts may c
HIGH
Verify recall TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Gol
HIGH
Verify recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH has been repaired
Recall on record for: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Sportwagen, 2019-2020
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,650–$2,090/yr
~$138–$174/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
6-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

VOLKSWAGEN has been fined $19000M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2017: Criminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate.

2016$14700MDieselgate settlement — defeat device software in TDI engines to cheat EPA emissions tests
2017$4300MCriminal plea agreement related to Dieselgate

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VIN3VWCB7BU5LM003233
Model Year2020
MakeVOLKSWAGEN
ModelJetta
TrimS, SE, R-Line
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
Seat Rows5
Drive TypeFWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.4
Horsepower147

Manufacturer

ManufacturerVOLKSWAGEN DE MEXICO SA DE CV
Assembly CityPUEBLA
Assembly CountryMEXICO

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)3VW
Check Digit (Char 9)5
Model Year Code (Char 10)L
Plant Code (Char 11)M
Sequence (Chars 12–17)003233

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count6
NHTSA Complaint Count49
3
1
V
2
W
3
C
4
B
5
7
6
B
7
U
8
5
9
L
10
M
11
0
12
0
13
3
14
2
15
3
16
3
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
3
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
V
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
W
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
CB7BU
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
5
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
L
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
M
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
003233
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Mexico
From VIN position 1 (3)
Model Year Character
"L" → 2020
Could also be 1990
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/17/2026, 8:48:13 AM.