Is abs control module failure triggering brake warning lights a known issue with the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?

24 NHTSA complaints have been filed about abs control module failure triggering brake warning lights on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (2017-05 → 2025-05). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11590030): "ABS module in 2010 VW Jetta wagon malfunctioned. Warning lights in dash were lit for ABS, Brake, and airbag on 5/18/24. Towed to local auto shop by AAA on 5/20/24. Verified by local auto shop as faulty ABS module on 5/21/24. Prior year VW Jetta wagon (2009) already has recall" Source: NHTSA.

Is high-pressure fuel pump failure causing stall while driving a known issue with the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?

12 NHTSA complaints have been filed about high-pressure fuel pump failure causing stall while driving on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (2016-05 → 2025-08). Reported component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11423896): "I was driving 75 miles an hour on a major interstate and the car stopped accelerating while I was driving.(major safety issue) I was able to get to the side of the road and the car died and would not start again. The glow plug warning light started flashing as this was" Source: NHTSA.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is dsg mechatronic unit failure, unintended shift to neutral a known issue with the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about dsg mechatronic unit failure, unintended shift to neutral on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (2016-05 → 2023-07). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11533319): "The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly shifted into neutral(N). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V333000 (Power Train). The" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is ignition switch key stuck, engine will not shut off a known issue with the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?

19 NHTSA complaints have been filed about ignition switch key stuck, engine will not shut off on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (2017-03 → 2023-09). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11420656): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is timing chain tensioner failure a known issue with the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about timing chain tensioner failure on the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (2016-08 → 2020-08). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11350140): "I HAVE A 2010 VW JETTA WITH 118K ON IT AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY ENGINE DIED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY CAUSING SOME SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I EVETUALLY HAD THE CAR TOWED TO NEAREST REPAIR SHOP AND THEY ESTIMATED REPAIR COST TO BE BETWEEN 4-5K RANGE TO REPLACE THE TIMING" Source: NHTSA.

The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering master cylinder and antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “DSG mechatronic unit failure, unintended shift to neutral.” Volkswagen's modern TSI turbo engines (1.4T, 1.5T, 2.0T) require oil meeting VW 502 00 or VW 508 00 specification — generic 5W-30 will not protect under load. DSG dual-clutch transmissions (Jetta GLI, Golf GTI/R, Tiguan) require fluid service every 40,000 miles regardless of dealer claims of 'lifetime fill.' Haldex AWD models add their own coupling-fluid schedule.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Campaign #20E064000 · Sep 23, 2020

Issue: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.

Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Campaign #16V913000 · Dec 20, 2016

Issue: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

Campaign #11V490000 · Mar 10, 2011

Issue: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.

Risk: DUE TO THE RESONANCE CONDITION, INJECTOR LINE NUMBER 2 COULD DEVELOP SMALL CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO FUEL LEAKAGE. LEAKING FUEL IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.

Fix: VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS TO HAVE THE VEHICLES REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign #10V621000 · Oct 12, 2010

Issue: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. THE JETTA, JETTA SPORTWAGEN, AND RABBIT VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SMALL PLASTIC TAB LOCATED ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR THAT MAY CHAFE AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE. THE NEW BEETLE AND THE NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FASTENING CLAMP ON A HYDRAULIC HOSE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM THAT MAY BE LOCATED IN AN IMPROPER POSITION WHICH COULD CAUSE CHAFING AGAINST AN UNDERHOOD FUEL SUPPLY LINE.

Risk: IF CHAFING OCCURS, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUEL LEAK TO DEVELOP. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR, OR INSPECT THE POSITION OF THE FASTENING CLAMP AND ADJUST THE RELATED FASTENING CLAMP INTO THE CORRECT POSITION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #09V333000 · Aug 20, 2009

Issue: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DSG) MAY HAVE CONNECTOR WIRES THAT WERE INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED. WITH INSUFFICIENTLY CRIMPED CONNECTOR WIRES, A TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAS THE POTENTIAL TO FALSELY DETECT A HIGH GEARBOX OIL TEMPERATURE, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO ABRUPTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SELECTOR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL FLASH. IN ADDITION, THE "DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL" INDICATOR LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED, ALERTING THE DRIVER TO APPLY THE BRAKES.

Risk: THE ABRUPT SHIFT TO NEUTRAL COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Fix: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Action #EA18003 · opened Apr 18, 2018
In August 2015, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) launched Safety Recall 15V-483 to address the loss of the protection provided by the front driver air bag in several models due to the failure of the clockspring.Debris entry into the steering wheel hub can result in…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

DSG mechatronic unit failure, unintended shift to neutral

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2023-07

“The contact owns a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly shifted into neutral(N). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V333000 (Power Train). The”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11533319

“I HAVE THE 2010 JETTA TDI. THE MECHATRONICS UNIT HAS FAILED AND VW WILL NOT SELL PARTS FOR THIS TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT IS FAULTY. THEIR WORDS BUT THEY ALSO WON'T RECALL THE TRANSMISSION EITHER. TRANSMISSION SHOPS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO BUY PARTS FOR THIS TRANSMISSION FOR OVER 4”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11105183

“WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL AND THE CAR ROLLS UNPOWERED TO A STOP. IF THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND TRANSMISSION IS SHIFTED TO "PARK" TO RESTART THE ENGINE IT IS THEN IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION OUT OF "PARK" INTO NEUTRAL OR ANY OTHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11003839

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition switch key stuck, engine will not shut off

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

19 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2023-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420656

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE RUN POSITION IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STRUCK THE IGNITION WITH A HAMMER LIGHTLY AND THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CIOCCA VOLKSWAGEN (1346 LEHIGH ST,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11132106

“THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE ON POSITION WITH ENGINE RUNNING. HAD TO PULL RELAY TO STOP ENGINE. UNABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. DEALER CHARGES $600-$800 TO REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11078570

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS control module failure triggering brake warning lights

SERVICE BRAKES

24 NHTSA complaints · 2017-05 → 2025-05

“ABS module in 2010 VW Jetta wagon malfunctioned. Warning lights in dash were lit for ABS, Brake, and airbag on 5/18/24. Towed to local auto shop by AAA on 5/20/24. Verified by local auto shop as faulty ABS module on 5/21/24. Prior year VW Jetta wagon (2009) already has recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11590030

“After a hard braking situation, the ABS, Traction Control, and Brake warning lights activated. A computer scan by the dealer indicated the ABS system failed and needs replacement (computer printout and repair estimate attached). There is a recall (16V-913) for the identical”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460250

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ABS INDICATOR BEGAN TO BEEP. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN INITIALLY. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY SLOWED DOWN AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11279826

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump failure causing stall while driving

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2025-08

“I was driving 75 miles an hour on a major interstate and the car stopped accelerating while I was driving.(major safety issue) I was able to get to the side of the road and the car died and would not start again. The glow plug warning light started flashing as this was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423896

“ON JUNE 6TH, WHILE ROLLING UP TO AN INTERSECTION, THE GLOW PLUG SENSOR LIGHT FLASHED, AND THEN CAR STALLED. IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE MPH ON THE ROAD IS 50, AND THE CAR WAS NOT IN A GOOD POSITION TO BE MOVED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TONS OF CARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11111037

“ENGINE STALLS OUT AS IF IT IS GETTING NO FUEL. IT HAPPENS WHEN IT IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION AND ON CITY STREETS ON OCCASIONS AND VERY DANGEROUS. SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FUEL PUMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11033407

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain tensioner failure

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2020-08

“I HAVE A 2010 VW JETTA WITH 118K ON IT AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY ENGINE DIED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY CAUSING SOME SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I EVETUALLY HAD THE CAR TOWED TO NEAREST REPAIR SHOP AND THEY ESTIMATED REPAIR COST TO BE BETWEEN 4-5K RANGE TO REPLACE THE TIMING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350140

“THE TIMING CHAIN SYSTEM IN MY 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WOLFSBURG EDITION FAILED, RENDERING THE CAR IMMOBILE. FORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS IN A PARKING LOT, AS FAILURE IN A ROAD COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. BASED ON READINGS, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MULTIPLE CARS WITH THE SAME ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222727

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Behind the glove box on Jetta, Passat, Golf, and Atlas.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

VW G13 coolant (lilac/pink) is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW specialists recommend replacement every 5 years or 100,000 miles to prevent water pump impeller wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

62 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta reflects Volkswagen's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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