Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving vehicle attemped to apply brakes and the vehicle went to the right, at that point slammed on the brakes and the brakes locked up which caused the vehicle to go off the road. Consumer states he has complained to dealership but they could not duplicate the problem, this has happened many times.
While driving, entire wheel fell off and vehicle rolled over, consumer hired an investigator to study the accident, his phone number is [phone], he believes that the brake rotor disc froze, he noted eveidence of burn with the axle bent and snapped resulting in the accident.
When driving at any speed and downshifting,ABS brakes locked up, causing vehicle to spin, lost control, and went into an enbankment, causing driver side air bag to deploy and hitting the driver in left eye.
Volkswagen has two ongoing recalls (September 1998): check/replace right rear brake line and check/replace hood lock assembly. I cannot find a local maryland Volkswagen dealer that will perform the recall work on a Saturday even though they are open for service. Therefore, in order for vehicles owners to get this work performed, most owners will have to take time off from work. Although the recalls address an important safey issue, the dealers are not providing reasonable means to customers to have their vehicles checked or repaired. Many vehicles May go unchecked or unrepaired because of the lack of access to service. I complained to Volkswagen of America, inc., customer service at [phone]. I was told that the dealers are independent from Volkswagen of America. I was only offered phone numbers of other dealers within a 50 mile radius.
Less than 48hours after I bought the car - it shut down on me in brooklyn- it would not start or turnover, so I returned it to the dealer by flatbed truck. The next day I was told to come and pick it up as there was nothing wrong with it. The vehicle was advertise as a certified pre-owned car - but I have been discovering many problems which should have been resolved before sale. The wheels were not aligned, the headlights were not aligned, the dual heated seats do not work, the engine squeaks a bit and the front windscreen has poor visability. And last night the speedometer and car temp needle both dropped to reading "0". We have asked the dealer for further info on the car since purchase and they have so far failed to provide and past history with the car.they have also failed to provide us with a manual for the car.
Recall # 98V160000 vw/hood latch; contacted dealer yesterday for the third time within a one month. Recall notice states that parts will be available on 10/15/98. Consumer was informed that parts were not available. Dealer not sure when parts will be available. Same situation exists for a recall for brake lining failure that owner has also received.
Sporadically the brakes will go out when the brakes are applied. Pedal feels hard. Does not go to the floor. Dealer replaced master cylinder. In addition jack was assembled with improperly machined spidle, so that a sharp ridge on the spinsle's thread May have remained prior to recall, recall repairs performed (95v-054).
Received recall notice (#98V195000) in the mail. Called dealer. Informed no parts available. Called manufacturer & was informed parts mailed to dealer. So far dealer says not parts arrived. Will notify owner when they do arrive.
There were probably many 1995 lemons for jettas, being the first year of the new design. Many of these flaws are extremely expensive. Parts for this car are rarely found anywhere but the dealer, including brakes.
Had received recall notice 98V195000 for the brakes. Called dealer and was informed that parts for the brakes are not available. Would like an acknowledgement of complaint for no brake parts.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear brake line on the passenger side was routed too close to the corner of the fuel tank. The line could be damaged by chafing against the fuel tank.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake line and replace any damaged lines.
Brake complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta, 10% of the model year's 220 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Volkswagen Jetta brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-195 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Aug 17, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.