Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle, due to a battery shortage. The contact stated that the warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery to be replaced. The battery had been replaced three-time. The contact also stated that the rear lights failed to operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Additionally, while driving 75 MPH, the sunroof detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no injury. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated he was unable to start the vehicle temporarily. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle within 30 minutes and drove to his destination. The contact stated that he had experienced the failure a total of 4 times. The contact took the vehicle to the independent mechanic, where the steering column lock assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 255,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving or parked, the door locks, gas cap sensor, and tailgate were not working as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to several unknown recalls; however, the vehicle was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Abs and stability control became inoperative at around 50mph. It's a 55mph road thats heavily trafficked since its near a port. I had to stop the car on the side of the road since we almost crashed into an 18 wheeler. Fortunately we were close to home I drove the car at a reasonable speed just to get home. After that incident we have stopped using this vehicle since it gets even more dangerous every time, especially when it rains. Since then brake light has come on and hydraulic and suspension has been bad. This happened last year when pandemic was still full force and without a vehicle. Had to save and buy a more reliable vehicle for our own safety. I know this is a really good car but i really hope y'all can help me fix this since it's really not the consumer's fault. I've checked there is a recall for this but my "Jetta" is not in those vehicles that were recalled. …
the vehicle ABS module failed back in Nov2020 and was brought to local VW Dealer and diagnosed as bad module. fast forward to Aug 2021 and ABS module failed again and bad wiring was found which is why the first module failed to begin with in my belief. both times when the module failed was after my wife slammed on brakes hard activating the ABS system which in turn caused the warning lights to come on and car go into limp mode. I tried limping the car to the dealership for repair and was almost hit by a large truck coming from behind as I had no response from the accelerator pedal. I am not sure why this particular VIN was never added to the recall list as it fits the criteria as all other vehicles experiencing this issue. we paid $2600 the first time for the repair and are now out more money to have this known problem fixed again !
When I try to start the car it was giving me a hard time to turn the key in the ignition then when I got it to start I was coming home and I park the car try to stop the car and take the key out the ignition it won't cut off and the key stuck in the ignition while the car still on it wouldn't let me stop or cut off the car and the key wouldn't come out of the ignition
1) IGNITION SWITCH - yes 2) car wont turn off, key is stuck and wont allow to be turned off. this is dangerous for car to be left on. 3) yes - common problem with VW 4) yes by mechanic 5) no warnings, typically ignition needs jiggling to start and turn off ignition but this is the first time it has refused to budge.
2010 Jetta, manual transmission Key gets stuck in ignition and wont cut car off. Eventually got key out, ignition locked wont let key turn car on. This is a known vw issue with over 860 complaints on this exact issue between 2009-2013. VW refuses to do recall, even though this is a manufacturing parts issue.
Im thinking electrical problems lights windshield wipers air locks windows locks dont work when you turn the car off lights dont go out! there is 6 recalls on this car i need to find out if they have been fixed. It was bought for my daughter and can not give it to her like this
I was driving down a busy road when I saw smoke coming out from under my hood of the car. I immediately pulled over onto a side street and popped the hood. The engine was engulfed in flames. I then pulled my panicked 4 year old daughter out of her car seat and took her across the street. We then called 9-11 and the sheriff's department and fire department showed up to put out the fire. I had my car towed to a mechanic where he says the fire was caused by a fuel line. There is a recall for the same year and model for my car but it is not for my VIN# even though it's the same cause as my car's fire!
Electrical complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 233 complaints about the electrical system of the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 27% of the model year's 852 complaints. The component named most often is horn (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2010 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 2010 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.