2005 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 65 complaints for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta, 18% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 65 18% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 86,000 miles 53 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 8 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 5 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 8 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 5 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 13 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 4 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 53 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 86,000 miles, and 32% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 4 fires, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 volkswagen jetta. While driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal failed to respond. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact veered off to the shoulder of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle approximately four times, but noticed flames coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact received minor burns to the right arm that did not require medical attention. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire.
2005.5 new jetta 60,000 miles and the timing chain has slipped teeth and thrown the engine out of time. New timing chain from dealer is between $4700-$5600. All maintenance and service was done at the dealer. From internet searches it appears this is a growing problem on early model years. The dealer has also added to their owners manual that the timing chain is now a serviceable item. However it was never in my manuals.
Other problems reported for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta
- Drivetrain & axles 59 complaints
- Electrical system 49 complaints
- Air bags 30 complaints
- Transmission 25 complaints
- Fuel system 22 complaints