Volkswagen Jetta Electronic Stability Control (esc) Problems
Owners have filed 192 complaints with NHTSA about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Volkswagen Jetta across 19 model years. The 2009 model year has the most (93). The words owners use most often: “brakes hydraulic electronic” (22% of reports).
- 192electronic stability control (esc) complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 14mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 35%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Brakes hydraulic electronic: mentioned in 43 of 192 complaints (22%)
- ABS module: mentioned in 38 of 192 complaints (20%)
- Traction control: mentioned in 24 of 192 complaints (13%)
- Included service: mentioned in 16 of 192 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do electronic stability control (esc) problems happen?
Based on 169 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 192 complaints, 14 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury.
Volkswagen Jetta electronic stability control (esc) complaints by model year
| Model year | Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Jetta | 1 | 2% | 2,200 |
| 2019 Jetta | 5 | 1% | 6,027 |
| 2017 Jetta | 5 | 3% | 36,500 |
| 2016 Jetta | 4 | 2% | 20,022 |
| 2015 Jetta | 1 | 1% | 64,000 |
| 2014 Jetta | 10 | 3% | 60,450 |
| 2013 Jetta | 7 | 1% | 71,000 |
| 2012 Jetta | 10 | 2% | 88,000 |
| 2011 Jetta | 15 | 2% | 66,546 |
| 2010 Jetta | 21 | 2% | 97,000 |
| 2009 Jetta | 93 | 10% | 103,500 |
| 2008 Jetta | 3 | 2% | 10,000 |
| 2007 Jetta | 1 | 0% | 48,000 |
| 2006 Jetta | 6 | 1% | 110,000 |
| 2005 Jetta | 3 | 1% | 155,000 |
| 2004 Jetta | 3 | 1% | 79,000 |
| 2003 Jetta | 1 | 0% | 150,489 |
| 2001 Jetta | 2 | 0% | 48,500 |
| 1999 Jetta | 1 | 0% | 160,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Electronic stability control (esc); service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Model years: 2009, 2010
Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit may fail during ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) activation, possibly causing a loss of vehicle control.
Risk: A loss of vehicle control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside…
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that ABS and the ESC warning lights illuminated intermittently. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The vehicle was taken…
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, ESC, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating…
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the brake light, ABS, and Electronic Stability Control warning lights remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Volkswagen Jettas have electronic stability control (esc) problems?
No. NHTSA has 192 owner complaints about electronic stability control (esc) for the Volkswagen Jetta. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Volkswagen Jetta electronic stability control (esc)?
Yes: 1 safety recall list electronic stability control (esc). Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Volkswagen Jetta?
The most frequent phrase is “brakes hydraulic electronic”, in 43 of 192 complaints, followed by “abs module” (38).
Other Volkswagen Jetta problems
- Electrical System problems (2,099)
- Power Train problems (1,600)
- Engine problems (1,083)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (854)
- Air Bags problems (839)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (604)
- Fuel System, Diesel problems (527)
- Visibility problems (486)
See all Volkswagen Jetta problems.