Volkswagen Recalls Its Popular Sedan For Fire Risk

Volkswagen has opened a new recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall, which covers some 48,165 Jetta sedans, concerns potential fire risk. Affected model years are recent, with just the 2025 and 2026 model year Jettas subject to the recall. VW's filings with the NHTSA indicate that transmission ground wires may not have been connected at the factory. Without that all-important ground wire, there's an open circuit in the vehicle, which could start a fire if it comes into contact with anything. As for how it happened, Volkswagen cites "human error" during production. VW estimates around one percent of the recalled Jettas will suffer from the problem.

VW first became aware of the issue in December 2025, when two cases were reported, and inspections discovered the loose ground wire. By February 19, VW had determined that the issue was, in fact, a large enough problem to investigate further, and set about discerning how many vehicles may need to be recalled. Come March 4, Volkswagen opts to issue the recall via the NHTSA. The brand says it isn't aware of any injuries relating to the fault. However, the fire risk is very real: the brand says it is aware of six claims of fire hazards. Three Jettas saw melted wires and connectors as a result of the heat from the open circuit, and another three actually caught fire.

As for a fix, Volkswagen says that it will inspect and, if needed, replace loose ground wires in the transmission. This will be done at no cost to owners, who will be notified by April 8, 2026. The brand's dealer networks have already been notified as of publishing. Dealers will be responsible for the fix.

If you'd like to confirm whether your Jetta will be subject to the recall, you can plug your VIN into the NHTSA website.