In other parts of the world, the Volkswagen Jetta is regarded as simply another compact sedan. But in the United States, this suave little VW has an upscale image. Mainly because of it’s Germanic refinement, eager engines, and balanced handling. Since its introduction in 1980, over 14 million Jetta’s have been sold around the world. The VW Jetta is the marque’s best-selling model, but it has had some drivetrain-related recalls and service bulletins.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Does something seem wrong with your Jetta? Let’s look at some of the most common VW Jetta transmission problems, and see what you can do to get your car back on the road.
Common Problems with the Volkswagen Jetta 09G Valve Body
Two of the main causes of 09G valve body problems are electrical issues and pressure control problems that lead to leaks and premature wear/failure. Some of the issues attributed to these design flaws include:
- Unusually harsh 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 shifts
- Harsh downshifts
- Slipping
- Flared shifts
- Shuddering and shaking
- Overheating
All of these symptoms are usually caused by the following 09G valve body problems:
- Failed Linear Solenoid
- Excessive bore wear
- Pressure Control Issues
- Leaks
- Stuck Valves
- Warped Valve Body
In order to properly fix a 09G valve body, it will have to be modified beyond it’s stock form, to compensate for the design flaws that cause all of these problems. Companies like Street Smart Transmission do a good job of modifying the 09G valve body (they do things like modify the bores to improve fluid flow and eliminate premature solenoid failure), that way the whole transmission can function the way it was actually intended. To learn more about their remanufactured 09G valve body, click here.
Common Volkswagen Jetta 09G Transmission Problems
Dragging sensation or partial bind on 1st gear take-off
Problem – Drivers may experience a dragging or binding feeling when they try to take off from first gear.
Solution – One of the common 09G valve body problems is internal fluid control, which may have led to ATF contaminating the internal harness connector, causing one of the solenoids to partially apply a clutch or brake, resulting in the dragging sensation. This solenoid, clutch or brake will also be subjected to premature wear. To fix this issue, the internal wiring harness will have to be replaced.
Volkswagen Jetta Transmission Recalls
2014 Volkswagen Jetta – 14V182000 / 38B9/9V
Summary
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2014 VW Jetta models equipped with the 1.8T engine and torque converter automatic transmission. In the affected vehicles, the O-ring seals between the oil cooler and the transmission may leak fluid.
Consequence
The leaking transmission fluid could come in contact with a hot surface, resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Volkswagen dealers will replace the O-ring seals in the transmission oil cooler, free of charge. Owners can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Refer to Volkswagen’s recall number 38B9/9V
2013-2014 Jetta Hybrid – 13V568000 / 34F6/4V
Summary:
Volkswagen recalled 2013-2014 VW Jetta Hybrid models that were manufactured October 2012 through October 2013, and were equipped with a DQ-200 direct-shift gearbox. It seems that fluid additives used in the transmission may cause internal components to corrode. The deposits from this corrosion could then cause an electrical short, resulting in a stall-like condition.
Consequence:
If stalling occurs, the sudden loss of power while driving can significantly increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Volkswagen dealers have been instructed to replace the gearbox oil with a non-corrosive version, free of charge. This recall began on December 6, 2013. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298. Refer to Volkswagen’s recall number: 34F6/4V
2009-2010 Jetta – 09V333000 / 37E3/S7
Summary
Volkswagen recalled 2009-2010 VW Jetta & 2009-2010 VW Jetta TDI models that were equipped with the DSG transmission. It seems that the wiring harness of a temperature sensor may have connector wires that were inadequately crimped. This could cause the sensor to falsely read a high transmission temperature, which can cause the gearbox to suddenly shift into neutral. The transmission position indicator on the dash will begin to flash, and the “Depress Brake Pedal” light will illuminate.
Consequence
The sudden shift into neutral can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
This VW recall was issued on October 20, 2009. To fix the issue, Volkswagen dealers were instructed to reprogram the transmission control module (TCM). Owners can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987, referring to recall number: 37E3/S7
Volkswagen Jetta Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 30-14-01 – 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Problem – This Technical Bulletin is for fault code P2711 ONLY, if any other faults appear with this code, perform normal diagnostic procedures. If this is the single fault code, the condition may lead to shifting concerns and/or a lack of mobility upon initial startup. For example, the selector is moved to Drive or Reverse and the transmission does not engage the selected gear. This problem is caused by debris in the clutch assembly causing too much drag torque from the multiple clutch.
Solution – New Jetta’s made after March 12, 2010 received a revised clutch. If the Transmission Control Module has fault code P2711 (only) and the vehicle has more than 19,000 miles, replace the multiple clutch and cover. If more than the P2711 error code is stored in the Transmission Control Module, or the vehicle has less than 19,000 miles, the faults need to be diagnosed using normal GFF processes.
TSB 30-14-01 – 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta
Problem – Transmission noise while driving, possibly coming from the differential area. It may sound like a whistle or whine, and be more distinguishable at 55 mph to 65 mph in the upper gear range. Technical background noise may appear to be coming from the transmission counter gear, when in actuality; the shifter cable may transmit noise (high frequency) into the passenger compartment.
Solution – Install updated shifter cable bracket components to reduce shifter cable noise.
TSB 37 07 18 – Transmission knocking noise under load – 09G transmission
2005 – 2007 Volkswagen Jetta – 2006 – 2007 Volkswagen Passat – 2006 – 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit – 2006 – 2007 Volkswagen Golf GTI – 2006 – 2007 Volkswagen Eos
Problem – Drivers may notice a pronounced knocking noise coming from the transmission when the engine is under load.
Solution – The connection/bolts between the pendulum support and the gearbox may have come loose because of engine vibrations.
Solving Volkswagen Jetta 09G valve body problems
The problem with repairing a 09G valve body is that you don’t really know what kind of stress and extreme temperature changes they have been subjected to. This is why many people simply install a remanufactured 09G valve body, to eliminate the threat of the unknown. Companies like Street Smart Transmission use state of the art equipment to completely remanufacture the valve body. This is not like rebuilding, where new components are simply installed into the existing valve body. They use specialized equipment to analyze each valve body to see if it has been cracked or warped. A mechanic does not just simply eyeball it, a machine does the inspection, and even checks the tensile strength of the metal to make sure that it meets the original OE specification.
Once a casting has been selected for the build, all of the bores are modified, to make sure that the valves will function the way they were intended to. Then every single component from the check balls, to the valves, pistons and springs are tested and/or replaced. After that process is complete and quality inspected, they install all new solenoids (they also bench test them prior to installation), speed sensors and pressure switches. The finished product is then put on a Superflow AXILINE Valve Body Tester, which can simulate actual road conditions. This allows their ASE certified techs to verify the functionality, and make any adjustments or fixes before they ship it out to the customer. Street Smart Transmission also gives it a 1-Year/No Hassle Warranty, which makes getting a remanufactured 09G valve body almost a no-brainer. To learn more about the remanufactured 09G valve body and the remanufacturing process that Street Smart Transmission uses, click here, or give them a call at 1-866-812-7560
What Transmission Do I Have?
How to Diagnose & Fix
- Check the OBD Codes
- Check the fluid level
- Test transmission pressure
- Drop the transmission pan
- Repair, replace or rebuild
What to Read Next
What Problem Does Your Jetta Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
2013 Jetta TDI Mileage 117765 VN# 3VWLL7AJ7DM244510
When going down the road there is a roar like the old pickup trucks would do with a bad rear wheel bearing. I jacked it up and the roar is coming from the transmission case. Any ideas? I was told there was a recall on these but the vw dealership in OKC knows nothing of it. Any help would be appreciated.
A growling sound when driving. Sounds like a wheel bearing in old trucks. Have check up on stands and the growling is coming from transmission. 2013 2.0 diesel Jetta. VN#3VWLL7AJ7DM244510
Stuck in drive can’t crank or shift
2017 jetta 1.8t leaking bad from between engine & trans dripping from bell housing. wont go into reverse and not good foreward.
Making squealing noise when first put in drive shifts late to 2and then doesn’t shift anymore have to shutoff engine to go back to first
2015 Jetta TDi with 5k miles will sometimes go into a false neutral at low speeds. To regain function, car must be turned off and restarted – very dangerous.
I have a 2006 vw jetta 2.5 was driving across rail road track a little ruff and all the gears went out . Now if I first start it up it moves a little then goes out again. Did I knock something loose?
2007 Jetta 2.5. Feels like tranny is slipping. When I start to drive it feels like it’s stuck in gear and then bucks to get into gear. This happens also when coming to a stop. It’s an automatic and it doesn’t happen every time, but enough. Thank you
Stuck in reverse
The transmission is slipping when fueled
2013 2.0 manual transmission, shifts fine but randomly when in 3rd 4th 5th the engine will rev but not send power to the wheels