Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 59
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 43
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
13.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
13.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
725.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
414.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
828.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
725.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2016peak 4May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
RQ17009Opened 13 Nov 2017Closed 4 May 2018AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in contamination and ultimately failure of the clockspring in 2010-2014 Model Year (MY) CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen models.Contamination of the clockspring can cause the ribbon cable to tear resulting in loss of the electrical connection to the front driver air bag and any steering wheel...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 110,000 milesGrandville, MICrash1 injured
TIRES:SIDEWALL
The contact owned a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI equipped with four Continental Tires: Tire Line: Extreme Contact DW6 Plus; Tire Size: 245/45/R19, and DOT Numbers: N/A. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH and traveling around a curve, the passenger side rear tire tread separated, he lost control of the vehicle, and he crashed into a guardrail. The contact sustained injuries to his back, but medical attention was not provided. The side curtain air bags were deployed. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21T001000 (Tires). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The tire mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11596427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, VACrash
STEERING
While driving on a major highway at approximately 65 mph, my car completely shut off. The steering wheel froze, all the lights on the dashboard started blinking and the car's engine completely shut down. The wheel locked as I was able to steer to the median. I got out of the car and another car behind me immediately crashed into my stopped car, totaling it.
NHTSA complaint #11545965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, VACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on a major highway at approximately 65 mph, my car completely shut off. The steering wheel froze, all the lights on the dashboard started blinking and the car's engine completely shut down. The wheel locked as I was able to steer to the median. I got out of the car and another car behind me immediately crashed into my stopped car, totaling it.
NHTSA complaint #11545965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, VACrash
ENGINE
While driving on a major highway at approximately 65 mph, my car completely shut off. The steering wheel froze, all the lights on the dashboard started blinking and the car's engine completely shut down. The wheel locked as I was able to steer to the median. I got out of the car and another car behind me immediately crashed into my stopped car, totaling it.
NHTSA complaint #11545965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesGalena, KSCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
THE CAR WAS IN A SEVERE FRONT END COLLISION THAT TOTALED THE CAR. THE WRECK RESULTED IN MULTIPLE INJURIES FOR BOTH OCCUPANTS. BOTH WERE TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE. THE CAR WAS MOVING ON A COUNTRY ROAD WHEN A COMBINE WITH NO LIGHTS CAME OUT IN FRONT OF THEM. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE COMBINE. ZERO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED IN THIS CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11374834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bar Harbor, ME
SUSPENSION
Purchased my 2014 Jetta TDI SportWagen DSG used with 60k miles in 2017 from a Subaru dealership. It was purchased at auction by the dealership as reported at auction known to be an unmodified dieselgate vehicle. The dealership performed the modifications to bring it into emissions compliance and sold it to me. I noticed an occasional "boing" sound from the back and my wife wouldn't drive it, she said it was too twitchy on the highway. I just thought that was part of the Sportwagen experience. In 2026 I took it to my local garage for a [XXX] state inspection. Mechanic showed me that the front right coil spring was broken as part of the strut, and both rear coil springs were also snapped. The rear spring pieces "screwed" up into themselves and it was actually difficult to see the snapped section. I had been driving for a year on a single front left spring, the only remaining good spring. Total cost of repairs was $4500 in parts and labor (which was actually quite reasonable for the work performed). From [XXX] I purchased VW OEM "Towing" springs for the rear and new front struts and new rear shocks, plus all linkages, mounts and all bolts plus a $150 alignment. Regarding the engine, the glow plugs were replaced in 2025 and the dissimilar metals had "galled" the threads and the head had to be chased with a reamer in order to install new glow plugs to the correct torque. The faulty glow plugs were determined to be VW OEM parts from the factory. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pawtucket, RI
ENGINE
While driving my car, which is a manual, will stall out of nowhere. Not while changing gears, but while driving on highway. It stalls which is extremely dangerous. I read the NHTSA investigated this problem in 2010. I believe my car is part of this investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11610280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesGrandville, MICrash1 injured
TIRES:SIDEWALL
The contact owned a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI equipped with four Continental Tires: Tire Line: Extreme Contact DW6 Plus; Tire Size: 245/45/R19, and DOT Numbers: N/A. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH and traveling around a curve, the passenger side rear tire tread separated, he lost control of the vehicle, and he crashed into a guardrail. The contact sustained injuries to his back, but medical attention was not provided. The side curtain air bags were deployed. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21T001000 (Tires). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The tire mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11596427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, VACrash
STEERING
While driving on a major highway at approximately 65 mph, my car completely shut off. The steering wheel froze, all the lights on the dashboard started blinking and the car's engine completely shut down. The wheel locked as I was able to steer to the median. I got out of the car and another car behind me immediately crashed into my stopped car, totaling it.
NHTSA complaint #11545965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, VACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on a major highway at approximately 65 mph, my car completely shut off. The steering wheel froze, all the lights on the dashboard started blinking and the car's engine completely shut down. The wheel locked as I was able to steer to the median. I got out of the car and another car behind me immediately crashed into my stopped car, totaling it.
NHTSA complaint #11545965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, VACrash
ENGINE
While driving on a major highway at approximately 65 mph, my car completely shut off. The steering wheel froze, all the lights on the dashboard started blinking and the car's engine completely shut down. The wheel locked as I was able to steer to the median. I got out of the car and another car behind me immediately crashed into my stopped car, totaling it.
NHTSA complaint #11545965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chelsea, MI
AIR BAGS
Took normal turn down road, heard clicking noise. Airbag light on dash came on immediately along with loss of function of steering wheel buttons. No warning lamps prior to failure. No issues prior to failure. Vehicle has been inspected by Volkswagen dealer and claimed clock spring needed replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11515295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chelsea, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Took normal turn down road, heard clicking noise. Airbag light on dash came on immediately along with loss of function of steering wheel buttons. No warning lamps prior to failure. No issues prior to failure. Vehicle has been inspected by Volkswagen dealer and claimed clock spring needed replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11515295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monterey, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Wipers stopped working replaced motor and still nothing. I have spoken to other VW owners and they have stated they have had the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11504288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monterey, TN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Wipers stopped working replaced motor and still nothing. I have spoken to other VW owners and they have stated they have had the same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11504288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salt Lake CTY, UT
AIR BAGS
The passenger seat occupancy mat and control module are no longer available from Volkswagen Of America. The Air bag lamp is illuminated and the fault code will not clear. VIN : [XXX] Part Number : 1K9 881 256 AA. Part Number dropped on August 1, 2022 without replacement. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11503273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silverado, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car all of a sudden stalled in the middle of the road with almost no warning because the High Pressure Fuel Pump Failed. Car only has 133,000 miles on it. Left us without a car over an hour and a half from home with our kids in the car. I am told Repair is Several Thousand dollars (Almost what the car is worth) Volkswagen knows that there is an issue with these pumps, as the previous years (approx. 2009 with the same pump were recalled, but not this year)
NHTSA complaint #11501527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wentworth, NH
POWER TRAIN
November 2022 while Driving on Highway at 70mph Transmission shutters and vehicle begins to decrease speed. Pulled over to the side of the road and the Check engine lights came on. Vehicle shut off and re-started and vehicle drove, but would not shift out of 3rd gear. Drove 20 miles home at 40MPH with Hazard lights on, checked engine code and error was P0722 Output speed sensor. I brought to VW dealership and was told the DSG transmission failed at 67,000. Despite having VW Drive Easy protection, TRansmission cost ~4000 to replace with a used transmission. VW Drive easy states because Maintenance schedule was not done at 40,000 miles, warranty was void. This 2014 TDI was a Dieselgate car that sat for ~2years prior to VW selling, and at purchase I was told all fluids were changed, which would have changed schedule service dates. This was very dangerous to myself and my small kids as loss of power at highway speeds, with no warning and transmission being dead, could have caused a serious accident if I was not on a remote section of highway.
NHTSA complaint #11498980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
POWER TRAIN
We were stopped at a light and the car would not go when it turned green. The engine would rev with pedal application as though the car was in neutral but no gear change (D, R, return to P and try D again) would induce the car to move. There was no check engine but a tiny flashing wrench in the corner of the display. In desperation we turned the ignition completely off, removed the key and restarted the car, and the error and flashing wrench disappeared and the car started and behaved normally. Unfortunately, the complete disconnect/stuck in neutral behavior happened again 5 minutes later on a high-speed 4 lane highway. We were cruising at full speed and the wheels abruptly lost power even though the engine was still going. There was no limp mode or power of any kind, we managed to coast to the shoulder by residual momentum, but if we hadn't been fortunate to be in the extreme right lane a deadly accident would have been extremely likely. The freeway incident showed the "check engine" light as well as the flashing wrench. The car was completely disabled and had to be towed. The dealership was not helpful or informative but wanted to replace the transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11490590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,733 milesHattieville, AR
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the glow plug warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off to the side of the roadway after nearly being crashed into by a semi-truck. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence; and upon inspection, he discovered that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and released metal shavings into the fuel filter. The dealer was notified of the failure and provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 125,733.
NHTSA complaint #11477523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesButler, PA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal noises. Upon inspection, the contact noticed the coil spring bushing had detached and was on the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with three fractured coil springs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
NHTSA complaint #11472967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Huron, MI
SUSPENSION
Both springs on the rear suspension . The driver side spring broke in half. The pax side broke in two locations. Vehicle only has 65,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11465977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southwest Harbor, ME
SUSPENSION
Last year a front coil and strut broke. This week the rear coil spontaneously broke making it dangerous to drive. It is currently available for inspection. It put my safety and others at risk had it punctured a tire or come loose and hit the car behind mine. There were no warning lights. It has been inspected by a mechanic and myself.
NHTSA complaint #11450474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Derry, NH
SUSPENSION
I got this car as a certified preowned 2 years ago and it had a broken drivers side spring that the dealer replaced under warranty, yesterday I finally found the rattling problem with the drivers side, It was a broken spring and the sharp end up the spring is jammed against the anti sway bar and the spring is half off the perch. I've already contacted VW by online chat and explained to them, no avail they will not warranty it even though the dealership told me its a known issue because they weren't properly heat treated. This sounds like pure negligence on VW's behalf as if they already didn't learn after a multi billion dollar emissions scandal. The spring is broke and I got no where, when I showed the guy the info in the online chat about the 90 complaints of broken springs filed he ended the chat on me which includes my year and model.
NHTSA complaint #11440505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
Horn stopped working. Then started again and stopped again over period of few days. Currently working.
NHTSA complaint #11436880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berwick, ME
SUSPENSION
7/3/21 Just parked at corner store about 1/2 mile from home when I heard a very loud bang, like a tire exploding on the rear passenger side of vehicle. I got out of the car to inspect the tire and saw that it had not exploded. I then looked under the car next to the wheel and noticed that the coil spring had broken. I removed the broken piece of spring, but the car was sagging on the rear passenger side corner. Through an internet search I noticed several other 2014 VW Jetta Sportswagens having the same problem and that there has been recalls of other VW vehicles of later dates due to coil springs breaking from faulty manufacturing.
NHTSA complaint #11425160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCape MAY Courthouse, NJ
SUSPENSION
AFTER HEARING A CLUNK IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION AND A VISUAL INSPECTION, I DISCOVERED MY COIL SPRING HAD BROKE AND WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE SEATED PROPERLY IN ITS PERCH ON THE STRUT. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH OF VARIOUS ONLINE FORUMS AND GROUPS, THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS. IT APPEARS THERE IS A RECALL ON SOME NEWER VOLKSWAGENS I THINK THESE CARS NEED TO BE LOOKED AT AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11404588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesSalt Lake City, UT
STRUCTURE:BODY
PANARAMIC ROOF TOP LEAKING. THIS VIN ISN'T COVERED BY THE RECALL THAT IS OUT BUT IT IS AFFECTED BY THE SAME ISSUES AS THE RECALL FOR 2015 AND UP MODELS. PANARAMIC ROOF TOP LEAKS IN DRAIN TUBES CAUSING SAFETY CONCERNS DUE TO FOG AND DAMAGE TO AIRBAG UNIT VEHICLE STATIONARY. I HAVE ATTACHED THE RECALL FOR THE OTHER MODEL BUT MY CAR IS AFFECTED EXACTLY THE SAME AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11395867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,123 milesToms River, NJ
AIR BAGS
74K MILES . CAR WAS PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THEN STARTED THE CAR & AIR BAG LIGHT , TRACTION AND STABILITY WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. NOTICED ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS DID NOT WORK. HORN AND MEDIA CONTROLS. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR A CLICKING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING. *CALLED VOLKSWAGEN USA AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT A RECALL ON MY CAR LOOKED UP THAT IT IS COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY CAR AND THE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME CAR AN SIMILAR MODELS.
NHTSA complaint #11388609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,123 milesToms River, NJ
STEERING
74K MILES . CAR WAS PARKED FOR SEVERAL HOURS, THEN STARTED THE CAR & AIR BAG LIGHT , TRACTION AND STABILITY WARNING LIGHTS WERE ON. NOTICED ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS DID NOT WORK. HORN AND MEDIA CONTROLS. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR A CLICKING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING. *CALLED VOLKSWAGEN USA AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT A RECALL ON MY CAR LOOKED UP THAT IT IS COMMON PROBLEM FOR MY CAR AND THE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME CAR AN SIMILAR MODELS.
NHTSA complaint #11388609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.