2000 Volkswagen Jetta
This year had more than double the complaints of 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
14% of complaints: visibility — 60 distinct reports on file.
DEATH7% of complaints: electrical system — 32 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving with the front driverâs side seat heater activated, the seat became extremely hot. The contact started smelling a burning odor coming from the seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241003
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 25 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 24 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 23 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SENSOR FAIL DUE TO DEFECT. ONCE THE WARRENTY IS OUT AT 28,000 MILES, CAR BEGIN TO FALL APART. I HAVE TO REPLACE THE CANISTER, NEW BRAKE SYSTEM, THE O2 SENSORS AND OTHER MINOR FIXES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030107
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL TANK PUNCTURE
FUEL TANK PUNCTURE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REA
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCH
Campaign 02V244000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
Remedy: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-
Campaign 04V096000 — check if this car was fixed
TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCC
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 04V584000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE STALLING
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED I
Campaign 06V183000 — check if this car was fixed
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013...
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Campaign 14E007000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2000 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (60 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V244000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V096000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V584000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V183000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14E007000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported component is visibility:power window devices and controls, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta have?
5 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.