1997 Volkswagen Jetta

▲ Better than typical

1997 Volkswagen Jetta
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:59:54.162Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1997: 54 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	0
1982	0
1983	0
1984	1
1985	13
1986	14
1987	18
1988	19
1989	28
1990	22
1991	31
1992	30
1993	17
1994	117
1995	220
1996	31
1997	54
1998	192
1999	349
2000	439
2001	668
2002	702
2003	455
2004	231
2005	248
2006	580
2007	201
2008	188
2009	888
2010	852
2011	606
2012	499
2013	515
2014	386
2015	193
2016	160
2017	158
2018	30
2019	537
2020	51
2021	65
2022	41
2023	41
2024	36
2025	21
2026	3

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY 17%

17% of complaints: visibility — 9 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED MY VEHICLE BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT , I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR WINDOWS, EVERYONE ON THE VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR AT SOME POINT COSTING AT LEAST 200.00 A POP , NOW I KNOW THINGS HAPPENS BUT I AM THE ONLY...

NHTSA ODI report, 20030508

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20000810 — PE (closed 20001228)

FUEL TANK PUNCTURE

I 20001228 — EA (closed 20020129)

FUEL TANK PUNCTURE

R 20030613 — fuel system, gasoline

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION

Campaign 02V026000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for visibility issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 02V026000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2018 ▲ 1992 ▲ 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 2009 ■ 2010 ■ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta?

The most-reported component is visibility:power window devices and controls, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.