Recalls
6campaigns
2 brake · 2 structure · 1 equipment
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
349filed
Owner reports, 1995–2004 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
38mpg combined
$1,719/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
1.9 L 4-cyl· 5-speed manual
11 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTION
Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
- Consequence
- THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Repair progress not yet reported646,246 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V183000
Listed for 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
- Consequence
- IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
- Remedy
- THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Repair progress not yet reported377,130 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V096000
Listed for 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/FMVSS 100/TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE INCORRECT
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
- Consequence
- UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A RISK FOR A CRASH.
- Remedy
- OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
Repair progress not yet reported9,811 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 03V156000
Listed for 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/FILLER NECK/TIRE ABRASION
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · filler pipe and cap
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
- Consequence
- FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Repair progress not yet reported487,284 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 02V026000
Listed for 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/FMVSS 201
Structure · frame and members
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE HEAD INJURY CRITERION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE UPPER RETAINER CLIP NEAR THE BP1 IMPACT LOCATION IS DESIGNED TO BREAK WHEN IMPACTED BY THE HEAD FORM. IN SOME CASES, THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM PART MAY BE MORE IMPACT RESISTANT AS A RESULT OF VARIATIONS IN THE MOLDING PROCESS.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE CLIP FROM BREAKING ON IMPACT AND RESULT IN LESS DEFORMATION IN THE IMPACTED AREA AND A HIGHER DECLERATION OF THE HEAD FORM, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRIM COVER FROM EACH OF THE B PILLARS AND INSTALL A NEW COVER.
Repair progress not yet reported67,076 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V251000
Listed for 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. Not checked against your VIN.
VW/B-PILLAR MAT/FIRE
Structure · frame and members
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SURFACE AND EDGES OF THE MAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IT COULD IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE EXHAUST GAS OF THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER IGNITER IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONT OR SIDE COLLISION.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MATTING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE THE B-PILLAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.
Repair progress not yet reported36,258 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 99V022000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (349)
349 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The visibility is mentioned most often.
33involved a crash
9involved a fire
29injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 349 |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 81 | 23.2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 78 | 22.3% |
| Electrical system | 44 | 12.6% |
| Service brakes | 31 | 8.9% |
| Air bags | 30 | 8.6% |
| Power train | 30 | 8.6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 26 | 7.4% |
| Structure | 25 | 7.2% |
| Seat belts | 24 | 6.9% |
| Exterior lighting | 17 | 4.9% |
How 1999 compares with other Jetta years
Best and worst Jetta years →1995220
199631
199754
1998192
1999349
2000439
2001668
2002704
2003458
2004233
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 220 | 4 |
| 1996 | 31 | 1 |
| 1997 | 54 | 1 |
| 1998 | 192 | 2 |
| 1999 | 349 | 6 |
| 2000 | 439 | 4 |
| 2001 | 668 | 6 |
| 2002 | 704 | 5 |
| 2003 | 458 | 2 |
| 2004 | 233 | 2 |
This year (1999)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 38 mpg combined
38
mpg combined
35
city
44
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,500
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 268 g/mi
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
What it costs you to run
$1,719per year
$143per month
395gallons a year
Miles ÷ 38 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 / 44 / 38 | $2,500 | 268 |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 / 44 / 37 | $2,600 | 275 |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 40 / 33 | $2,900 | 309 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | $2,800 | 370 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | $2,800 | 370 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 | 468 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | $3,550 | 468 |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | $3,550 | 468 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 1999 Jetta for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
1999 Volkswagen Jetta FAQ
How many recalls does the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 06V183000 (brake), 04V096000 (brake), 03V156000 (equipment), 02V026000 (fuel system), 99V251000 (structure), 99V022000 (structure). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 1999 Volkswagen Jetta problems?
Owners filed 349 complaints with NHTSA. Visibility (81), Engine and engine cooling (78), Electrical system (44) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA rates the 1.9 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 35 city, 44 highway and 38 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 1999 Jetta compare with other years?
Among the 1995–2004 Volkswagen Jetta model years at least five years old, the 1996 drew the fewest complaints (31) and the 2002 the most (704). The 1999 drew 349. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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