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!
2014 jetta base
When sI take off engine have roaning sound, don’t do it it hwy speed
I have a 2003 Jette 1.8t (AWP) engine with JF506E 09A automatic transmission with 120k miles. it drove great for about 6 months with absolutely no issues and then one day the car started shifting erratically up and down shifts. the next 2 days it drove fine and then on day 3 I had 1st gear and reverse, that’s it. I changed the crank shaft speed sensor, range sensor, shift solenoids A, B and C(N88, N89, N92) along with transmission fluid Change and oil change with filter. I now have 1st and 2nd gears with reverse, any time I transmission tries to go to 3rd it neutrals out and I have 0 transmission codes and have only had 2 engine codes during this process with went away with new coils and plugs. I’m seriously at a loss here and would live to keep this car but at this point I’m almost ready to give it away
Was driving let off gas to go around a turn and when gas was reapplied there was no movement had to cost off the road
06 vw Jetta 2.5L auto I have 137,000 miles on it got it at 89,000 one previous owner. I have taken good care of it but for a while now I would put it in drive and it would take 2 seconds for it to move forward and when I go through 1st-3 gear each one at 3,000rpms shift it like slips up to 3200-3400 before it warms up and after it warms up and am driving for a while it will sometimes have a hard downshift and when I stop and put it in reverse sometime it will make a bang feeling. No check engine codes the whole time I’ve owned it. I have done a tranny fluid change with filter a little over 100,000 miles. Another thing the transmission would be in drive not sport mode and would shift up between 4,000-6,000 rpms lightly tapping on gas and hard downshifts like it was in sport and it was holding the gears like it to. And the inside of the car gets boiling hot on the driver side.
when engine cold i touch brake pedal and warning light comes on transmission hot
I have a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta wagon it has the 2.5 L motor when I bought it it had 126,000 miles on it I am now at 131,000 miles monster transmission gets warmed up it has hard shifting went down shipping it seems as to drag taking off from first sometime it stutters if I smash the gas sometimes it gets to five or 6000 RPM before it will shift can somebody help me diagnose or can we possibly if there was a recall
2007, automatic
Unusually harsh downshifts 2-1, followed by Unusually harsh upshifts 1-2.
Not every time; mostly when slowing down as when approaching a traffic light that is red but it changes to green, so [then] there is no need to come to a complete stop. No problems with any other gears on the upshift or the downshift; no loss of power or hesitation on takeoff..
have same exact problem, also 2007 automatic. except also has trouble on hills and on takeoff. did you ever figure out the issue?
She is good until it gets to 3rd Gear with a shift to 4th just slit
I have the same problem with my ’09 Jeep transmission. First, second, and third hook up hard. Then fourth, fifth, and sixth doesn’t grad a bit.
Want shifts also want go in reverse sometimes I’m
Rattling noise when push clutch pedal in n leads to throw out bearing but pedal is soft like no pressure there and the other day went to shift and really start making noises when pedal was depressed n smelled like smoke but not clutch smell it’s 2013 Jetta hydraulic clutch I’m leaning towards bad slave cylinder so if slave cylinder is bad will it cause soft no pressure pedal n throw out bearing make noises
Noise when push clutch pedal like rattling n the other day I had smoke coming out and since than now it’s making all kinds of noise n my pedal feels like no pressure when going to press the pedal I know could be Throwouts bearing but could a bad hydraulic slave cylinder make n do the same sounds n function as Throwouts bearing n can it cause the throw out bearing to make the same noises
I got a flat tire came back and fixed it when i started car i had no gears at all and flywheel underneath spinning around when i put in gear making noise but no reverse or drive or anything. I changed the fluid which seemed dirty for no longer than it had been since last changed. Since there was no warning I wonder if something has come lose or pc not telling it to go in gear ?
I have a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta with a 2.0 automatic transmission and it will shift
The car when you put take off and drive it just starts in third gear and then if you manually shift it it’ll ship from first to second to second to third but it won’t go into to drive and everything else is fine
I hit a curb and the car starts out in fifth gear. I have replaced trans pan only as it had a hole from the hit.
First of all when I pull up things online I’m looking for a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta with a 2.0 / standard , can I start going through the search it only talks about Passat. But to make a long story short I have one with a standard transmission the clutch fluid and brake fluid was a little low so I bled everything and got it to work now all the sudden when I put it in first gear it’s really reverse and other strange things but could be happening? Thank you, F-N FRUSTRATED
It shifts slow into gear and jerks hard sometimes, at random. Very slow upon take-off. Mechanic at Aamco said my tranny is bad and that it’s slipping,so,therefore,it needs to be replaced. Got a quote for $1400 and $500 labor.
’07 2.5 automatic kicks when shifting Ito reverse.
Tiptronic trans.
I have a 2008 Jetta 135 thousand miles..1 code 4th and 5th gear ratio not regular.??? Any ideas??