Volkswagen Jetta driver assist problems

112 of the 13,891 complaints filed about the Volkswagen Jetta are about the driver-assist systems — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2019.

112

Complaints

100%

Share of all complaints

10

Crashes

0

Fires

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year

1999 Jetta 1 0.9%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2009 Jetta 3 2.7%
2010 Jetta 2 1.8%
2011 Jetta 4 3.6%
2012 Jetta 1 0.9%

Median failure at 580 miles

2014 Jetta 1 0.9%
2015 Jetta 3 2.7%
2017 Jetta 8 7.1%

Median failure at 39,000 miles

2019 Jetta 21 18.8%

Median failure at 28,000 miles

2020 Jetta 2 1.8%
2021 Jetta 16 14.3%

Median failure at 14,000 miles

2022 Jetta 20 17.9%
2023 Jetta 11 9.8%

Median failure at 25 miles

2024 Jetta 7 6.3%
2025 Jetta 11 9.8%
2026 Jetta 1 0.9%

Median failure at 300 miles

What owners said

2024 Volkswagen Jetta Leonardtown, MD

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

When driving using cruise control, the vehicle will alarm if the driver is not holding the steering. If the driver does not take control of the steering wheel, a secondary alarm will alert the driver on the dashboard to take over steering. If the driver does not take over steering, the vehicle will aggressively pulse the brakes to alert the driver. In this vehicle, the alarm may trigger when holding the steering wheel from the side or bottom, and it generally occurs on straight or minimally curving highways. If music is turned loud, it is difficult to hear the secondary alarm and the vehicle may unexpectedly and aggressively brake even when the driver has full control of the steering wheel. To cancel the alarm may require significant input or even steering out of the lane. In wet conditions, the automatic pulsing of the brakes may cause loss of traction and total loss of vehicle control.

NHTSA complaint #11762160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Volkswagen Jetta Leonardtown, MD

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

When driving using cruise control, the vehicle will alarm if the driver is not holding the steering. If the driver does not take control of the steering wheel, a secondary alarm will alert the driver on the dashboard to take over steering. If the driver does not take over steering, the vehicle will aggressively pulse the brakes to alert the driver. In this vehicle, the alarm may trigger when holding the steering wheel from the side or bottom, and it generally occurs on straight or minimally curving highways. If music is turned loud, it is difficult to hear the secondary alarm and the vehicle may unexpectedly and aggressively brake even when the driver has full control of the steering wheel. To cancel the alarm may require significant input or even steering out of the lane. In wet conditions, the automatic pulsing of the brakes may cause loss of traction and total loss of vehicle control.

NHTSA complaint #11762160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta Suwanee, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system in my 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. The ACC system fails suddenly and without warning while driving, including during highway operation. This creates an immediate safety hazard, as the vehicle unexpectedly disengages speed control and forces abrupt driver intervention, increasing the risk of collision. The defect first occurred during the first week after I took delivery of the vehicle and has continued for over a year. The issue is completely unrelated to any accident; it existed before the accident, persisted during body shop repairs, and continues even after completing all repairs recommended by the dealership. I followed every diagnostic and repair instruction provided by the authorized Volkswagen dealership, but the defect has never been resolved. The ACC failure occurs intermittently and unpredictably, including during normal highway driving. When the defect occurs, the vehicle displays an ACC error and immediately disables the system, requiring sudden manual control. This behavior represents a serious safety risk, especially at higher speeds or in traffic. I have video and photo evidence documenting the defect occurring during real driving conditions. The dealership and Volkswagen Customer CARE have been unable to diagnose or correct the issue, despite multiple attempts and extensive time spent on repairs. Based on the timeline and repeated failures, this appears to be a manufacturing defect affecting the ACC or related electrical/sensor systems. Requested Action I request that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect affecting the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. The defect is persistent, unrelated to any accident, and has not been resolved despite multiple repair attempts. Given the safety implications, I believe this issue warrants federal review and potential recall consideration.

NHTSA complaint #11761837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta Suwanee, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system in my 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. The ACC system fails suddenly and without warning while driving, including during highway operation. This creates an immediate safety hazard, as the vehicle unexpectedly disengages speed control and forces abrupt driver intervention, increasing the risk of collision. The defect first occurred during the first week after I took delivery of the vehicle and has continued for over a year. The issue is completely unrelated to any accident; it existed before the accident, persisted during body shop repairs, and continues even after completing all repairs recommended by the dealership. I followed every diagnostic and repair instruction provided by the authorized Volkswagen dealership, but the defect has never been resolved. The ACC failure occurs intermittently and unpredictably, including during normal highway driving. When the defect occurs, the vehicle displays an ACC error and immediately disables the system, requiring sudden manual control. This behavior represents a serious safety risk, especially at higher speeds or in traffic. I have video and photo evidence documenting the defect occurring during real driving conditions. The dealership and Volkswagen Customer CARE have been unable to diagnose or correct the issue, despite multiple attempts and extensive time spent on repairs. Based on the timeline and repeated failures, this appears to be a manufacturing defect affecting the ACC or related electrical/sensor systems. Requested Action I request that NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect affecting the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta. The defect is persistent, unrelated to any accident, and has not been resolved despite multiple repair attempts. Given the safety implications, I believe this issue warrants federal review and potential recall consideration.

NHTSA complaint #11761837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta Suwanee, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

This submission is an update to my previous NHTSA ODI complaint #11761837. I am adding new documentation provided by the authorized repair facility, including service records, diagnostic notes, and repair details. These documents confirm that the same safety defect continues to occur despite following all repair instructions and completing the recommended work. Please attach these materials to my existing complaint and include them in the ongoing review of this unresolved safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11761839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta Suwanee, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

This submission is an update to my previous NHTSA ODI complaint #11761837. I am adding new documentation provided by the authorized repair facility, including service records, diagnostic notes, and repair details. These documents confirm that the same safety defect continues to occur despite following all repair instructions and completing the recommended work. Please attach these materials to my existing complaint and include them in the ongoing review of this unresolved safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11761839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta Suwanee, GA

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

This submission is an update to my previous NHTSA ODI complaint #11761837. I am adding new documentation provided by the authorized repair facility, including service records, diagnostic notes, and repair details. These documents confirm that the same safety defect continues to occur despite following all repair instructions and completing the recommended work. Please attach these materials to my existing complaint and include them in the ongoing review of this unresolved safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11761839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta Suwanee, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

This update is for ODI #11761839. I am submitting new diagnostic evidence confirming that the ACC/Travel Assist safety defect in my 2025 Volkswagen Jetta continues to occur and existed long before any accident or windshield replacement. On August 18, 2026, a certified ADAS technician performed a full diagnostic scan and documented U112300 Databus errors and C12B3FD temporary camera view limitation. During the test drive, the technician successfully reproduced the Travel Assist failure (“Travel Assist not available”). The technician also wrote: “Owner is having issues with the ACC intermittingly since pick up. He took it to the dealer, but they were not able to find any faults.” This shows the defect existed from initial delivery and is not accident‑related. The technician also identified NHTSA TSB MC‑11007395‑0001 (48‑23‑01), which may apply to 2025 models and describes potential hardware or software deviation in the steering wheel hands‑on detection system. After windshield replacement and both static and dynamic ADAS calibrations, a second diagnostic scan on September 1, 2026 showed the defect persists. The ACC module still reports U112300 Databus errors. Additional communication faults were found in the instrument cluster (U111000), gateway module (B184C00, U17A000), and electronic central electric module. The front camera also reported an internal malfunction (B200FF0) despite successful calibration. These results demonstrate that the issue is caused by internal electronic/communication failures, not the windshield or calibration. The ACC/Travel Assist system continues to fail during normal and highway driving, creating an ongoing safety risk due to sudden disengagement. I request that this evidence be added to my existing complaint and that NHTSA continue its investigation into this unresolved safety defect.

NHTSA complaint #11761930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta Suwanee, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

This update is for ODI #11761839. I am submitting new diagnostic evidence confirming that the ACC/Travel Assist safety defect in my 2025 Volkswagen Jetta continues to occur and existed long before any accident or windshield replacement. On August 18, 2026, a certified ADAS technician performed a full diagnostic scan and documented U112300 Databus errors and C12B3FD temporary camera view limitation. During the test drive, the technician successfully reproduced the Travel Assist failure (“Travel Assist not available”). The technician also wrote: “Owner is having issues with the ACC intermittingly since pick up. He took it to the dealer, but they were not able to find any faults.” This shows the defect existed from initial delivery and is not accident‑related. The technician also identified NHTSA TSB MC‑11007395‑0001 (48‑23‑01), which may apply to 2025 models and describes potential hardware or software deviation in the steering wheel hands‑on detection system. After windshield replacement and both static and dynamic ADAS calibrations, a second diagnostic scan on September 1, 2026 showed the defect persists. The ACC module still reports U112300 Databus errors. Additional communication faults were found in the instrument cluster (U111000), gateway module (B184C00, U17A000), and electronic central electric module. The front camera also reported an internal malfunction (B200FF0) despite successful calibration. These results demonstrate that the issue is caused by internal electronic/communication failures, not the windshield or calibration. The ACC/Travel Assist system continues to fail during normal and highway driving, creating an ongoing safety risk due to sudden disengagement. I request that this evidence be added to my existing complaint and that NHTSA continue its investigation into this unresolved safety defect.

NHTSA complaint #11761930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Volkswagen Jetta Suwanee, GA

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

This update is for ODI #11761839. I am submitting new diagnostic evidence confirming that the ACC/Travel Assist safety defect in my 2025 Volkswagen Jetta continues to occur and existed long before any accident or windshield replacement. On August 18, 2026, a certified ADAS technician performed a full diagnostic scan and documented U112300 Databus errors and C12B3FD temporary camera view limitation. During the test drive, the technician successfully reproduced the Travel Assist failure (“Travel Assist not available”). The technician also wrote: “Owner is having issues with the ACC intermittingly since pick up. He took it to the dealer, but they were not able to find any faults.” This shows the defect existed from initial delivery and is not accident‑related. The technician also identified NHTSA TSB MC‑11007395‑0001 (48‑23‑01), which may apply to 2025 models and describes potential hardware or software deviation in the steering wheel hands‑on detection system. After windshield replacement and both static and dynamic ADAS calibrations, a second diagnostic scan on September 1, 2026 showed the defect persists. The ACC module still reports U112300 Databus errors. Additional communication faults were found in the instrument cluster (U111000), gateway module (B184C00, U17A000), and electronic central electric module. The front camera also reported an internal malfunction (B200FF0) despite successful calibration. These results demonstrate that the issue is caused by internal electronic/communication failures, not the windshield or calibration. The ACC/Travel Assist system continues to fail during normal and highway driving, creating an ongoing safety risk due to sudden disengagement. I request that this evidence be added to my existing complaint and that NHTSA continue its investigation into this unresolved safety defect.

NHTSA complaint #11761930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 Volkswagen Jetta at 300 miles Port St. Lucie, FL

FORWARD 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta Washington, DC Crash 1 injured

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected, and the automatic emergency braking/forward collision mitigation system did not activate or provide any braking assistance. Additionally, no forward collision warning or audible/visual alert was provided prior to impact. A red warning indicator illuminated immediately before the collision; however, there was insufficient time to take additional evasive action. As a result, my vehicle rear-ended the vehicle stopped in front of me. The apparent failure of the braking assistance and forward collision warning systems placed both myself and the occupants of the other vehicle at risk, resulting in a motor vehicle collision. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility (UNKNOWN). The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives as part of the accident investigation. Prior to the incident, I had not observed any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem with the braking or forward collision systems. The only warning observed was the red indicator light that appeared immediately before the collision.

NHTSA complaint #11750281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta Washington, DC Crash 1 injured

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

While traveling at the posted speed limit and approaching a signalized intersection, I attempted to brake for stopped traffic ahead. The vehicle did not decelerate as expected, and the automatic emergency braking/forward collision mitigation system did not activate or provide any braking assistance. Additionally, no forward collision warning or audible/visual alert was provided prior to impact. A red warning indicator illuminated immediately before the collision; however, there was insufficient time to take additional evasive action. As a result, my vehicle rear-ended the vehicle stopped in front of me. The apparent failure of the braking assistance and forward collision warning systems placed both myself and the occupants of the other vehicle at risk, resulting in a motor vehicle collision. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The cause of the malfunction has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility (UNKNOWN). The vehicle has been inspected by law enforcement and insurance representatives as part of the accident investigation. Prior to the incident, I had not observed any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem with the braking or forward collision systems. The only warning observed was the red indicator light that appeared immediately before the collision.

NHTSA complaint #11750281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Abilene, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

My 2022 Volkswagen Jetta (purchased new) has a recurring Travel Assist/Adaptive Cruise Control safety malfunction that has existed since before approximately 24,000 miles. While driving with Adaptive Cruise Control or Travel Assist engaged, the vehicle repeatedly warns me to "Take Control of the Vehicle" or indicates my hands are not on the steering wheel even though both hands are firmly on the wheel. I often have to immediately tighten my grip to prevent the system from escalating. On numerous occasions, the vehicle has also applied the brakes unexpectedly at highway speeds when there was no apparent hazard in front of the vehicle. These unexpected braking events create a serious safety concern, especially in traffic. I drive between [XXX] and [XXX] approximately twice each month. During a typical one-way trip, the steering wheel recognition warnings may occur a dozen or more times while using Travel Assist or Adaptive Cruise Control. Unexpected braking has occurred repeatedly over the course of ownership. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealer multiple times for this same issue. Volkswagen has replaced the steering wheel multiple times, updated software, opened a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) case, and at least one technician duplicated the concern during a test drive. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the problem continues. I am reporting this because I believe the recurring Travel Assist failures and unexpected braking present an ongoing motor vehicle safety defect. Below it asks for the approximate date the incident occurred. It started approximately in XXX but it happens all of the time still. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11749181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Abilene, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

My 2022 Volkswagen Jetta (purchased new) has a recurring Travel Assist/Adaptive Cruise Control safety malfunction that has existed since before approximately 24,000 miles. While driving with Adaptive Cruise Control or Travel Assist engaged, the vehicle repeatedly warns me to "Take Control of the Vehicle" or indicates my hands are not on the steering wheel even though both hands are firmly on the wheel. I often have to immediately tighten my grip to prevent the system from escalating. On numerous occasions, the vehicle has also applied the brakes unexpectedly at highway speeds when there was no apparent hazard in front of the vehicle. These unexpected braking events create a serious safety concern, especially in traffic. I drive between [XXX] and [XXX] approximately twice each month. During a typical one-way trip, the steering wheel recognition warnings may occur a dozen or more times while using Travel Assist or Adaptive Cruise Control. Unexpected braking has occurred repeatedly over the course of ownership. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealer multiple times for this same issue. Volkswagen has replaced the steering wheel multiple times, updated software, opened a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) case, and at least one technician duplicated the concern during a test drive. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the problem continues. I am reporting this because I believe the recurring Travel Assist failures and unexpected braking present an ongoing motor vehicle safety defect. Below it asks for the approximate date the incident occurred. It started approximately in XXX but it happens all of the time still. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11749181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Volkswagen Jetta Abilene, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

My 2022 Volkswagen Jetta (purchased new) has a recurring Travel Assist/Adaptive Cruise Control safety malfunction that has existed since before approximately 24,000 miles. While driving with Adaptive Cruise Control or Travel Assist engaged, the vehicle repeatedly warns me to "Take Control of the Vehicle" or indicates my hands are not on the steering wheel even though both hands are firmly on the wheel. I often have to immediately tighten my grip to prevent the system from escalating. On numerous occasions, the vehicle has also applied the brakes unexpectedly at highway speeds when there was no apparent hazard in front of the vehicle. These unexpected braking events create a serious safety concern, especially in traffic. I drive between [XXX] and [XXX] approximately twice each month. During a typical one-way trip, the steering wheel recognition warnings may occur a dozen or more times while using Travel Assist or Adaptive Cruise Control. Unexpected braking has occurred repeatedly over the course of ownership. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Volkswagen dealer multiple times for this same issue. Volkswagen has replaced the steering wheel multiple times, updated software, opened a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) case, and at least one technician duplicated the concern during a test drive. Despite these repeated repair attempts, the problem continues. I am reporting this because I believe the recurring Travel Assist failures and unexpected braking present an ongoing motor vehicle safety defect. Below it asks for the approximate date the incident occurred. It started approximately in XXX but it happens all of the time still. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11749181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Volkswagen Jetta Cincinnati, OH

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Volkswagen corporate deployed a mandatory over-the-air (OTA) software update to the MIB3 infotainment system. The update failed mid-installation, entirely bricking the J794 information module. This failure completely disabled vital driver information systems, including the digital dash compass, all audio alerts, and driver notification tones while the vehicle is in motion. This represents an immediate, manufacturer-initiated distraction and safety hazard that disables cabin instrumentation.

NHTSA complaint #11747680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta Wimauma, FL Crash

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

DRIVING ON WESTLAKE DRIVE IN WIMAUMA FL PREPARING TO TURN LEFT TOOK FOOT OFF GAS PUT FOOT ON CLUTCH PUT CAR IN 2ND GEAR WITH FOOT ABOVE BRAKE TO MASH DOWN, PCOULD WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN HIT ELECTRIC POLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CAR WAS IN SHOP PRIOR TO ACCIDDENT AT BOB BOAST VOLKSWAGEN IN BRADENTON FL.

NHTSA complaint #11746925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Volkswagen Jetta Chandler, AZ

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

I bought car back in June or July 2024. Since then Ive had issues with vehicle. Bad breaks, bad wheel bearings that were replaced & car just never drove smooth. Since buying car & driving it around for months I have felt a jerk/pull when in drive mode from 0mi when stepping on gas. The Engine has completely shutt off at random at a light when in drive mode & Ive had to put in parking & restart engine while making a right hand turn & while pulling into a parking lot. I notified dealer & taken in but told nothing was found & they didnt seem to see the safety issue at hand or care. It has done this a few times since Ive had it. Very scary, thankfully no accident YET! The lane assist warning light randomly comes/came on before this happened. Dash read, error stop/start engine when it shutt off. It happened so fast I was unable to take a pic. I was able to take a picture of dash reading; please manually start engine in Drive mode at time of last inccident June 22, 2026. This issue seems to get worse the more I drive it.

NHTSA complaint #11745939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Volkswagen Jetta Princeton, NJ

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistant defective and has been confirmed by dealership 3 attempts of repair with VW dealership where vehicle was purchased new have not been successful SOS box has flashing red light indicating issue VW dealership is stopped by manufacturer to continue repairs as they are unable to resolve issue Car was purchased in January 2024, has 20k miles and is within bumper to bumper warranty Issue occurred in December 2025 and first repair attempt in January 2026, since then weekly calls with VW to ask for resolution No accidents

NHTSA complaint #11745099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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