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1999 Volkswagen Jetta: common problems and reliability
· 4th generation378 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about visibility. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 1999 Jetta?The 1999 Volkswagen Jetta has 378 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility and engine and engine cooling. Owners most often flag electrical problems (sensors, windows, general gremlins): very frequent automatic transmission failure (01a solenoids, jatco 5-speed): recurrent coolant leaks (1.8t engine): recurrent window regulator failure: recurrent rust on fenders and hatch: recurrent exhaust manifold gasket failure: isolated check engine light (various causes): isolated trunk leak: isolated a/c leaking inside the car.
Safety record for the 1999 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1999 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1999 a good year for the Jetta?
Across the 30 Jetta model years we track, complaint volume runs from 44 (2023) to 1,750 (2010). With 378 complaints, the 1999 Jetta sits above the model's median of 318.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1999 Jetta
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 14E007000The 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 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Campaign 06V183000ON 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 RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 03V156000CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
structure:frame and members
Campaign 99V251000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE HEAD INJURY CRITERION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE UPPER RETAINER CLIP NEAR THE BP1 IMPACT LOCATION IS DESIGNED TO BREAK WHEN IMPACTED BY THE HEAD FORM. IN SOME CASES, THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM PART MAY BE MORE IMPACT RESISTANT AS A RESULT OF VARIATIONS IN THE MOLDING PROCESS.
Show 3 more recalls
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Campaign 02V026000ON 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.
exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Campaign 04V096000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
structure:frame and members
Campaign 99V022000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SURFACE AND EDGES OF THE MAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IT COULD IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE EXHAUST GAS OF THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER IGNITER IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONT OR SIDE COLLISION.
What owners report on the 4th generation Jetta
Owners express a deeply divided sentiment toward this generation.
- IsolatedElectrical problems (sensors, windows, general gremlins)
Very frequent Automatic transmission failure (01A solenoids, Jatco 5-speed): Recurrent Coolant leaks (1.8T engine): Recurrent Window regulator failure: Recurrent Rust on fenders and hatch: Recurrent Exhaust manifold gasket failure: Isolated Check engine light (various causes): Isolated Trunk leak: Isolated A/C leaking inside the car.
Owner insights for the 4th generation Jetta. Read the full 4th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Jetta listings typically run $12,044–$23,549.
Other Jetta model years
Compare every Jetta year side by side to see how 1999 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Jetta against its rivals
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