1997 Volkswagen Jetta: check engine light

5 of the 54 complaints about the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 9%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 11 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

2025
2
2024
5
2023
6
2022
6
2021
8
2020
6
2019
25
2018
1
2017
13
2016
21
2015
17
2014
34
2013
50
2012
32
2011
50
2010
97
2009
103
2008
6
2007
9
2006
22
2005
21
2004
12
2003
14
2002
42
2001
57
2000
53
1999
17
1998
7
1997
5
1996
1
1995
2

What owners say

Filed Feb 1, 2010 · Electrical · OR

The speedometer in any occasions does not mark the speed but if it marks the miles that are covered and it doest turn on the light of check engine to be able to know that it is trumping the speedometer, sometimes meanwhile the car lighting and in movement it stops working it is not the first car that I see that the same problem has this I meet more than 7 persons who have the same problem and who when we take it to the agency say to us that it does not have any shortcoming or perhaps it is some sensor that does not work but the car does not light the light of check engine to warn that a sensor has to be replaced I suppose myself that it is already a shortcoming of the speedometer.

Filed Sep 23, 2004 · Engine · 71,000 miles · NY

My complaint is regarding the throttle body on the motor. The car ran very erratically and stalled a number of times. The check engine light came on often. The throttle body was replaced. The old part is not available.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 98,157 miles · NV

I bought the car on march 5, 2003 and after 2-3 days the engine light came on! I made more than several attempts to have the repairs done at lithia vw in reno, nv; and the only repairs half way done was the secondary air injection valve and hoses, but not the sai pump as well as the tumbler of the ignition. This is a lemon from day one and I have several proof of the problem even from dmv of nevada in their dtc's which is the diagnostic trouble code descrition of p0411-secondary air injection system!!!!! No one will help me, and I bought the car to enjoy and to not worry of breaking down, but now.....it sits in the driveway....so the warranty won't be voided, and that my car doesn't get worse. I do have many documents to back this claim and the dealer-budget moters won't help, nor will the aul warrenty co. That I pay.

Filed Jan 8, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 69,342 miles · CO

I purchased a used 1997 vw jetta gl in november of 1999. When I purchased the car, the dealership refused to give me a warranty. They said that they didn't offer the warranty with cars over 55,000 miles, mine had 55,500 miles. In late september of 2001 (69342 miles), my automatic transmission went out, during rush hour, in a high traffic area. About 1-2 months prior I had the transmission serviced, including a fluid change. I was forced to replace my transmission, and had several problems with it after. The shop that I had replace it said that they have seen many jetta's with this problem. I still am having problems, with the car. Problems include: check engine light clicks on and off for no reason, not starting in warmer weather, irregular idleing, and sticky locks. I am aware that these cars have electrial problems that could cause unsafe conditions. I do not believe that the customer should be forced to pay for these coastly repairs, when so many cases exsits.

Filed Jul 24, 2003 · Airbags, Engine · CA

My passagner air bag showed defect. My engine light has come on for no reason.