2005 Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen Jetta 2005

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta repairs by problem area

Engine (44%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (19%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 124 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta.

2005 Volkswagen Jetta repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (14%)

$100 - $499 (48%)

< $100 (22%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 98 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2005 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in Manitoba, Canada
Jun 2012 - Jun 2018
Jul 2012

164300 mi

C $131
Battery light blinked so I had the alternator rebuild before I ended up with a break down. 
Aug 2016

228780 mi

C $1200
Wheel bearings tie rod ends ball joints etc. New Tires then alignment 
Mar 2018

260400 mi

C $159
Heater motor and resistor! 
Volkswagen Jetta in Utah, United States
Sep 2010 - Jun 2018
Nov 2010

160700 mi

US $120
secondary in-tank fuel pump wasn't working 
Jun 2011

170000 mi

US $135
MAF sensor not functioning correctly. Loss of power at highway speeds. Replaced part and now it runs fine. 
Oct 2011

177000 mi

US $1500
A mechanic on vacation suggested new injector nozzles. I sent them to be overhauled but they couldn't test the backflow valve. Intalled the new rebuilt injectors and the car runs worse. Sending them back to rebuilder. 
Dec 2011

177000 mi

US $200
Returned to the Dealer to correct what they broke. Car still idles rough but drivable. Still reasearching the problem. 
Jun 2012

182000 mi

US $500
Determined the rough idle was a bad injector. Replaced all four with slightly used injectors and the car runs fine now. 
Jul 2016

224000 mi

US $1300
Rack and pinion worn out and had to be replaced. Leaking power steering fluid. 
Oct 2016

230500 mi

US $250
Won't shift when cold. Changed transmission fluid but it didn't help. 
Jan 2017

233700 mi

US $1900
Transmission valve and solenoids replaced. Wouldn't shift when cold. Replaced with remanufactured improved design valve. 
Jun 2017

240000 mi

US $130
Cooling fan replacement. Airbag light reset. Replaced battery 
Jun 2018

251000 mi

US $350
Wheel bearing was replaced 

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in Washington, United States
Mar 2013 - Mar 2014
Jan 2014

54300 mi

US $350
Can't really remember 
Volkswagen Jetta in Utah, United States
Apr 2009 - Sep 2016
Jan 2009

70285 mi

US $153
Reinstall driver's window in track. Required pull of window to access mechanism. Window scratched during repair. 
Apr 2016

196700 mi

US $1000
Turbo seal 
Aug 2016

217900 mi

US $5000
Car was parked for a year, turbo seal failed. Mechanic was clueless how to fix, took a long time. 
Volkswagen Jetta in Quebec, Canada
Jan 2010 - Feb 2017
Nov 2010

67260 mi

C $200
Hand Brake Cable replaced. Brake Conduit was damaged. Rust on both fender, It was covered by a Technical Service Bulletin, Dealer will call me back when VW authorize a warranty repair 
Nov 2011

74400 mi

C $100
All the interior lighting stopped working. Wire from Body Computer cracked in the main harness. 
Jan 2012

68560 mi

C $200
Glow plugs replaced 
May 2014

89060 mi

C $430
Replaced both rear shock absorbers 
Dec 2016

99200 mi

C $400
Difficult start in cold weather Replaced starter 
Volkswagen Jetta in Alaska, United States
Feb 2008 - May 2011
Mar 2008

73000 mi

US $489
I used B2 biodiesel one time from Premier Ag in Columbus, IN in March 2007. Car began smoking, stuttering on acceleration. Took to dealer Dreyer&Reinbold, Greenwood, IN 3 times in March and April 2007 and each time they "treated" it and sent me away ... 
Oct 2009

85500 mi

US $845
Problem from 2 years ago that dealer did not solve after 3 trips there. Told us needed $3900 repair to fuel delivery system (injectors supposedly bad.) Local service replaced cam shaft and 4 lifters. A known problem with poor quality camshafts. Bloomington,IN serviceman knew camshaft and lifters had been a problem in these diesels. He replaced camshaft, 4 lifters in 2 cyls. Runs like a charm again! VW dealer would have had me spend $3800 to replace complete injector system. Would not have fixed! 
Volkswagen Jetta in Alaska, United States
Jan 2017 - Dec 2017
Mar 2017

149000 mi

US $400
Alternator, serpentine belt and oil pan replaced 
Volkswagen Jetta in Tennessee, United States
Dec 2017 - Mar 2018
Mar 2018

175000 mi

US $715
Both front wheel bearings bad-replaced bearings and hubs 

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in Arkansas, United States
Mar 2013 - Mar 2016
Apr 2013

108000 mi

US $1700
Thermostat went bad; replaced. Electrical cable for primary radiator fan was installed in such a way that the fan would rub against it when spinning, which wore through the wire and caused intermittent operation. Dealer wanted too much money to replace it, so I did it. 
Sep 2013

115000 mi

US $150
Found a crack in the brake booster hose; replaced it. Replaced the lower control arms; bushings were starting to go bad. 
Dec 2013

119000 mi

US $130
The coolant gasket had a slow leak in it. Replaced by mechanic. 
Sep 2014

139000 mi

US $2000
The rear axle was slightly bent, causing the rear wheels to be misaligned and significant asymmetric wear on the tires. Associated suspension parts were replaced as well. 
Jun 2015

146000 mi

US $800
Lower control arm bushings were worn through. Replaced with poly bushings. Also replaced rubber boots on end of tie rod. 

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in British Columbia, Canada
May 2006 - Feb 2009
Jun 2007

22940 mi
One headlight burned out, then two weeks later, before I'd had a chance to take it in, the other one did too, necessitating a high-priority visit. The manual says I shouldn't try to change an H7 bulb myself, but on the plus side, it's covered by warranty 
Jun 2008

29760 mi
Turn signal "clicker" once again giving intermittent false positive "clicks" with no control input; neither turn signals or indicator lights were activated 
Jan 2009 The usual VW trick of the window failing to move, then falling into the door. 

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in Colorado, United States
Aug 2009 - Sep 2012
Oct 2009

78000 mi

US $236
During pre-purchase inspection, mechanic told me the front strut mounts were collapsed. They were indeed squished (due to time). I replaced the bushings and associated bearings as well as the front struts. 
Jan 2011

US $40
Check engine light came on over a year ago (AutoZone scanner said coolant temp sensor). Car in for routine maintenance, problem repaired concurrently w/ service items. 
Jul 2011

100000 mi

US $600
Sway bar bushings replaced due to squeak in front end. 
Dec 2011

108000 mi
Bolt worked loose from H2O pump damaging timing belt, crankshaft pulley (due to not tight enough at timing belt/H2O pump changed at 100,000 miles) 
Jan 2012

96800 mi
Engine skid plate fell off 
Volkswagen Jetta in Nevada, United States
- Apr 2008
Apr 2008

53000 mi

US $10
low beam bulb replacement 
Volkswagen Jetta in Texas, United States
Apr 2009 - May 2016
May 2009

119000 mi

US $250
timing belt changed at 118000 miles on the odo. waited for all the parts from dieselgeeks. 
Aug 2010

152000 mi

US $270
Service Sun Roof drainage issue, Transmission fluid change on the "tiptronic" 
Dec 2010

162000 mi

US $148
Drive axles to driver and passenger side needed replacing, signs of "wobble" upon acceleration and speed. During the replacement I've noticed low pad wear to the front rotors and replaced with EBC product. 
Apr 2011

165500 mi
Glow plugs changed to stainless steel and ECM reflash, quiet and less "shaking," 42-44 MPG. Went to VW "Rod East" in San Antonio, TX. Many thanks to "Raul" shop foreman. Found "old" glow plugs damaged. Wires checked as well. 
Feb 2016

195000 mi

US $300
Transmission Fluid change 
Volkswagen Jetta in Washington, United States
Feb 2008 - Apr 2018
Mar 2008

95000 mi

US $17
Upper intake hose near the turbo becomes loose on the TDI engine. A factory replacement would cost over $200. Bought an aftermarket part from Bailey Enterprises to replaced the factory clip with the aftermarket part. Total repair time was less than an hou 
Jan 2013

139400 mi

US $4900
Tiptronic transmission failure Total replacement needed 
Feb 2013

176400 mi

US $850
EGR pipe on turbo cracked and was replaced. 
Jun 2016

250000 mi
Wiper motor and  engine cooling fans needed replaced 
Feb 2018

263000 mi

US $1800
Blown turbo 

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in British Columbia, Canada
Feb 2009 - Apr 2017
Feb 2017

160580 mi

C $2200
Replaced bushings Brake pads and rotors replaced Rear brake calipers replaced 
Volkswagen Jetta in Iowa, United States
Jun 2016 - Jul 2022
Oct 2016

176000 mi

US $152
driver door wiring harness replaced 
Feb 2017

190000 mi

US $250
replace starter, battery 
May 2017

195500 mi

US $1000
replaced camshaft as a preventive measure. incuding bearings, bolts, seal replace timing belt and components and serpentine belt replace water pump 
Jun 2017

196000 mi

US $15
replace passenger side headlight 
Nov 2017

208000 mi

US $220
starter failed. previously installed starter may have been of poor quality or the wrong part number 
Volkswagen Jetta in Ohio, United States
Nov 2010 - May 2015
Jun 2011

150000 mi
Dual Mass Flywheel failure 
Mar 2012

165000 mi

US $250
Fuel pump died, replaced in 30 mins with new pump. 
Volkswagen Jetta in Maryland, United States
Feb 2008 - Jan 2010
Mar 2008

108000 mi

US $400
Driveline vibration due to dual mass flywheel failure. Replaced with single mass flywheel and clutch kit. Rear engine and front transmissions seals replaced at time of repair. 
Jun 2009

150000 mi

US $50
Grinding / squealing noise from alternator pulley. Replaced it. 
Volkswagen Jetta in New Brunswick, Canada
Jun 2009 - Oct 2013
Nov 2009

71300 mi

C $40
A piece of plastic beneath the engine had broken away and was scraping on the ground. Replaced piece. Coolant sensor was throwing an intermittant "low coolant" warning. Shop has not fixed it yet. 
Dec 2009

72540 mi
Moon roof was leaking. Shop repaired leak but we'll have to wait until next rain to know if repair was successful. 
Mar 2010

76260 mi
Airbag warning light. Airbag was malfunctioning. Replacement airbag was installed. 
Oct 2010

83680 mi
Bushing in front end needed to be replaced. wire for brake lights became disconnected, had to be reattached. 
Jul 2011

92680 mi

C $1200
Engine skid plate had begun to fall off and was dragging on the ground. Part was removed and will replace when a used one becomes available. E-brake cable was loose. Had to be adjusted and tightened. 
May 2012

100300 mi

C $200
left strut mount worn, needed to be replaced sway bar worn out left tie rod worn out turbo hose loose left front wheel bearing worn out turbo hose replaced replaced wheel bearing (drivers side front) 
Jan 2013

99320 mi

C $100
underpower code 0299. car has no pickup. issue related to turbo. still working to resolve. 
Apr 2013

111800 mi

C $200
replaced turbo actuator 
May 2013

112220 mi

C $220
replaced brakes pads, rotors and emergency brake cables rear suspension coil broke 
Volkswagen Jetta in Virginia, United States
Oct 2010 - Dec 2011
Dec 2010

57000 mi

US $345
Glow plug code. Most likely cause is a change in resistance after replacing ceramic with still glow plugs. No fault was found in the glow plug system. This service event was part of a scheduled maintenance and not a special trip 
Aug 2011

60000 mi

US $300
Temperature sensor 

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2010 - May 2018
Apr 2010

32320 mi
The driver side window got frozen to the window seals and I used the electric window to clear the water from the window. The window and the actuator bracket became seperated and after thawing the window fell into the door. This is a known problem. 
Jul 2010

36260 mi

C $26
Replaced both head light bulbs as low beam burned out on both. Very easy job to do and saved $90 had I taken it to the dealer. 
Dec 2010

41540 mi
Catalytic converter replaced which is a known defect so it was replaced at no cost. 
Mar 2012

63860 mi

C $900
the timing belt was worn and was replaced 
Oct 2012

81220 mi

C $250
severely corroded oil pan needed to be replaced Corroded mid engine transmission mount mid-exhaust system has a hole 
Nov 2013

100440 mi

C $400
Cooling pipe from radiator had corroded, pressure test of system for winter expanded a pin hole leak. Part needed replacement. 
Aug 2014

110980 mi

C $560
caliper was seized on one side system fixed intermittent dash light comes on related to the cooling sensor. Computer diagnostics show that it was working fine at the time of evaluation 
Sep 2014

112840 mi

C $250
Rust on leading windscreen edge of passenger door removed and repainted. 
Dec 2014

117180 mi

C $706
Electronic Thermostat failed and was replaced battery was old and cold cranking amps was less than half...car had problem starting in moderately cold weather 
Sep 2015

127100 mi

C $375
Windshield wipers failed, replaced gear linkage. 
Dec 2015

130200 mi

C $650
Coil spring broken 
Jul 2016

135160 mi

C $800
Fuel pump failed 
Mar 2017

137020 mi

C $350
seized caliper -part replaced park brake re-set 
Apr 2017

138260 mi

C $725
front wheel bearings replaced 

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in Maryland, United States
Jun 2012 - Jun 2013
Aug 2012

70600 mi

US $1500
Thermostat went out. Burned out the impeller of the water pump. Dealer replaced Thermostat, water pump and timing belt. All runs well now. 
Volkswagen Jetta in Florida, United States
Feb 2013 - Oct 2013
Apr 2013

80300 mi

US $200
You've heard of Fahrvergnuegen. This problem was heimtueckish. It dropped VW several notches in my book. AC stopped working. After much troubleshooting, identified prob as faulty fuse box atop battery. Wiring corroded, fuse holder bad. 
Jun 2013

82000 mi

US $300
Brakes sucked, period. Replaced booster, master cylinder, pads/shoes, rotors. Bled fluid. Brakes better but feeling is still sloppy. Probably suspension falling apart. Brake interlock rattles in the gear shifter. Replaced failed thermostat and coolant. 
Jul 2013

82200 mi

US $100
Trunk opening actuator failed. Replaced with aftermarket fix (buy part off ebay, install self). 
Sep 2013

83000 mi

US $150
Based on vehicle history, this is like the 4th battery in this car's 8-year life. I believe it was due to the poorly engineered wiring (see April trip), and should be OK after replacing alternator cable. 

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta 4-door

5-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volkswagen Jetta in Missouri, United States
Jun 2017 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

151000 mi

US $100
Motor mounts 
Volkswagen Jetta in Colorado, United States
Feb 2016 - Apr 2018
Dec 2016

178000 mi

US $120
MIL came on throwing a P0411. EGR valve was the culprit. Installed a new EGV, reset the codes and its fixed. 

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2004.5 Volkswagen Jetta

Engine not specified

Volkswagen Jetta in Utah, United States
Sep 2015 - Jul 2016
Jan 2016

US $600
cat went out on the BBW engine. Dealer wanted 2K for just the cat no work. Significant other and I shopped around for emissions shop work on it. It took a lot of explaining on the setup of the O2 sensors and how to properly place them wire from the radiator fans corroded and caused the fuse box above the battery to melt (~1/2 the box) 

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2004.5 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 180hp 1.8L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in South Carolina, United States
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2009

77000 mi
I replaced the brake pads on my own, and when I did, the bleeder valve on the caliper stripped out, apparently due to the fact that it was an aluminium caliper and a steel valve plug. Rethreaded it and put a bleeder kit into it. 
Volkswagen Jetta in Georgia, United States
Apr 2014 - May 2014
May 2014

132000 mi

US $1000
Camshaft position sensor replaced. Loose timing belt replaced. Possibly caused by faulty camshaft position sensor. 

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2004.5 Volkswagen Jetta 4dr Sedan

115-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Volkswagen Jetta in Illinois, United States
Oct 2011 - May 2017
Mar 2014

123000 mi

US $500
Strange clicking sound started coming from the dashboard after I picked it up from the dealer, ended up being the turn signal arm and four way switch, cost me another $500, car is running smooth as butter otherwise. 
May 2017

188000 mi

US $20
One headlight burned out so I ordered the parts I needed and replaced both of them with instructions found online. This is the third or fourth time I've done it myself, took 20 minutes flat. 

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2005 Volkswagen Jetta Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2005 Volkswagen Jetta problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.