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Federal regulators have announced a recall of nearly 50,000 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles in the U.S. due to the risk of engine fire caused by a loose wire after reports from several owners of melted wires and fires.
The automaker reported the problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last Wednesday.
At least 48,165 Jetta vehicles from the 2025–2026 model years have been recalled in the United States. In Canada, another 13,318 are affected, bringing the total to 63,318 vehicles, regulators said.
The problem was reportedly caused by “human error” during the production of the transmission ground wire.
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The 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is on display during the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center on November 23, 2025 in Los Angeles. (Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images/Getty Images)
“The transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during installation, causing an open electrical circuit,” the recall states.
“An open circuit can increase the risk of excessive power consumption, potentially increasing the risk of fire.”
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VWAGY | VOLKSWAGEN AG | 10.33 | +0.06 |
+0.58% |
Volkswagen reported at least six claims in the US and Canada, with three incidents involving melted wires and connectors and the other three resulting in a fire in the engine compartment.
No accidents, injuries or deaths have been reported.
Regulators added that less than 1% of recalled vehicles are expected to actually exhibit the defect.
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A mechanic works on a vehicle in Canada, June 13, 2019. (Amber Bracken/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Vehicle owners can take their cars to authorized dealers for a free inspection. If a disconnection is detected, technicians will repair or replace the affected components at no charge, including the auxiliary hydraulic pump control module, 4-pin module connector and any damaged wiring.
Owner notification letters are expected to be sent on May 8, 2026 to notify affected customers of the available resolution.
The vehicle identification numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on the NHTSA website on March 13, 2026.
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A Volkswagen factory September 9, 2016 (Kacper Pempel/Reuters/File Photo)
Drivers with additional questions are advised to contact Volkswagen Customer Service at 1-800-893-5298.
Regulators noted that dealers are required by law to repair any affected new or used Jetta vehicles in their inventory before selling them to customers.
