Volkswagen recalls more than 63K Jetta vehicles in U.S. and Canada due to engine fire risk

Volkswagen recall overview:

• Who: Volkswagen is recalling 48,165 Jetta vehicles in the United States and 13,318 in Canada.
• Why: A faulty transmission ground wire may cause an open electrical circuit, increasing the risk of engine fires.
• Where: The recall is effective in the United States and Canada.

Volkswagen is recalling more than 63,000 Jetta vehicles across North America due to a potential engine fire hazard.

The recall affects 2025–2026 model year Volkswagen Jettas, with 48,165 units in the United States and 13,318 in Canada. The issue stems from a transmission ground wire that may not have been properly connected during assembly, leading to an open electrical circuit that could draw excessive current and potentially cause a fire.

The recall was announced by federal regulators after Volkswagen reported the issue to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on March 11.

The problem, attributed to human error during manufacturing, has resulted in at least six claims of incidents involving melted wires and engine compartment fires, though no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

According to the Volkswagen recall: “The transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, causing an open electrical circuit.”

Volkswagen estimates less than 1% of recalled vehicles affected

The recall notice emphasizes the potential danger of an open circuit, which can lead to excessive current draw and increase the risk of a fire. 

Volkswagen has acknowledged at least three incidents of melted wires and connectors, with another three resulting in engine compartment fires. Despite these reports, the company and regulators estimate that less than 1% of the recalled vehicles are likely to have the defect. 

Volkswagen is taking corrective measures by instructing its dealers to inspect and repair the transmission ground wire as necessary, free of charge. The company plans to notify affected vehicle owners by mail starting May 8, 2026. 

Owners are encouraged to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 for more information or visit NHTSA recalls, where vehicle identification numbers involved in this recall became searchable on March 13.

Volkswagen says it has received six reports of incidents, but no related injuries so far. The company is not currently facing legal action over the Jetta recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.

Also in March, Volkswagen recalled more than 170,000 model year 2024–2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles over concerns that the engine cover could come loose.

Are you affected by this Volkswagen recall? Let us know in the comments.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Figure Technology confirms data breach affecting nearly 1 million users
• WhatsApp class action alleges Meta, third parties accessed private messages without consent
• Costco hit with class action over unexpected membership renewals
• Ruggable faces TCPA class action over alleged intrusive early morning marketing texts