Volkswagen Jetta: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 5,541 Volkswagen Jetta cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1980 and 2024.
In a sample of 395 cars, 71.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is dipped beam incorrectly aimed (17.7% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 9 recalls for this model; 1.6% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3.7% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volkswagen Jetta
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 17.7% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 16.2% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 15.9% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 14.7% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 12.7% |
| Tyre damaged | 4.8% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 4.8% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 4.1% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 3.8% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 3.8% |
Share of 395 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 18.7% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 6.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 5,541 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 1.6% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.7% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.3% |
| First registered | 1980 to 2024 |
All Volkswagen Jetta passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-09-08 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 3 |
| 2021-03-05 | seats | – | 0 |
| 2020-01-02 | other | – | 1 |
| 2019-04-15 | suspension | serious | 17 |
| 2018-03-07 | electrical system | – | 2,089 |
| 2017-06-21 | brakes | – | 4,997 |
| 2016-02-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 119,666 |
| 2015-02-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 3 |
| 2014-12-11 | suspension | serious | 680 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Volkswagen Jetta fail the APK?
In a sample of 395 cars first registered 2012–2021, 71.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Jetta?
The most common APK defects are: dipped beam incorrectly aimed (17.7%), tyre tread depth insufficient (16.2%), tyre pressure incorrect (15.9%).
Does the Volkswagen Jetta have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 9 recalls. 1.6% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Volkswagen models
Golf · Polo · Tiguan · Up! · Passat · T-Roc · Touran · ID.3 · T-Cross · ID.4 · Fox · Caddy · Taigo · Transporter · California
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.