Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
(1) I was operating the window normally and the window regulator failed. The window dropped into the door and I was unable to put it back up. (2) this happened in sever thunderstorms and I was unable to drive my vehicle. I had to pull over to the side of the interstate and sit on a narrow shoulder until the storm passed. My rear window is also having the same problem with a window regulator, and is unable to go up and down. (3) I have to buy a replacement window regulator and install it. The old part is available. I have owned several earlier model volkswagens, year 1995-1997 and have had the exact same problem on all of them. Volkswagen charges and outrageous price to fix a problem that is way too common. I never realized how much of a safety hazard it was until it happened to me in a thunderstorm and I had to pull to the shoulder of I-95 during a storm with terrible visibility.
Dozen power window regulator and motor failures since new. First one at 4,373 miles. About once every six months on average I have to deal with the window falling into the door or getting stuck up. I've paid through the nose to get these repaired. I've tallied quite a bit of similar and identical incidents of this problem, in other models as well, and I think it's about time vw is forced to do something about it. They've dupped thousands of owners on this problem and their claim that the warranty is expired shouldn't be accepted anymore, especially if the failures occured under warranty and then continually break afterward. The NHTSA ought to help all the owners file a class action suit on behalf of the owners to compensate them for their troubles and frustrations. …
I bought my Jetta III gls in 1995 brand new. Within a year the molding on the doors started peeling off and eventually falling off. The dealer sent it to a body shop to have it glued and it never stuck. I've been driving for years with one molding missing. I have replaced multiple power window motors and parts. Failure of these power windows are consistantly failing one after the another. I had smoke and an electrical burning smell coming from the steering column and failing blinkers which were both related. I replaced the blinker system and problem was solved. The lock freeze easily in cold weather and I have had the driver side lock completely fall apart while unlocking the car. The seal on front windshield is wearing away causing leaking of rain and this will be fixed with $100 resealing of windshield. …
Well lets start with the window motors, I have had my car since 1998 and I have had to replace my window motors for each window at least 2 or 3 times. I which I have had to pay $300 or more. Also the side striping which melts off in the sun has been replaced also 3 or 4 times costing $100 each round. Why is it that these items have not been recalled or replaced for free when it is not the users fault for these items going bad or falling off!!!!!
Door lock froze, not opening w/key. Windows rolled down & then making clicking noises when trying to roll window back up. Needed to pull window up by hand. Air conditioner makes noise when turned on. Windshield cracked due to stress. Received recall for nood latch, but unable to get replacement parts. Paint is cracking. Radio goes out. Vw says that there is a factory defect, but have not helped repair these problems.
Both rear power windows cannot be operated by rear switches or by front driver's side switches. Dealer notified, and infomed consumer that vehicle was out of its warranty and not covered under a recall. Any repairs would be at consumer cost. Feel free to provide us with any further information concerning this matter.
Hose that pumps out the windshield wiper fluid was being pinched by the hood, closing it and causing the fluid pump to become inoperable. Dealer indicated the line has to be repositioned or rewired. Also had to replace muffler and tail pipe.
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.
Windshield wipers would blow a fuse whenever wipers were used within 10 minutes or less. Dealer or the manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.
Power window regulator has gone out on all four windows. The cost is at least 250.00 per window to fix. I researched this and there has been many complaints for the same failure.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta, 10% of the model year's 220 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Volkswagen Jetta window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1995 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Volkswagen Jetta window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 121,000 miles.
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.