2005 Volkswagen Jetta: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Mar 5, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · 94,300 miles · MO

Started having electrical problems (random dashboard lights, doors, locks, windows wouldn't work, key fob battery died, etc) then I had to replace the battery. Continued electrical issues with new battery, passenger side window/door wouldn't operate or work at all. Needed master key fob to lock driver's side door but all other doors wouldn't lock with fob. Next, I am having issues with the car not starting, put another battery in it. From there random dashboard lights, dinging with drl and first few minutes of operating vehicle, and airbags lights are on. My mechanic sends me to a mechanic shop that specializes in vw. Mechanic replaces window manager and driver side door harness. Still find issues with airbags so I take my car to the dealership in st peters mo during a snow storm. Hand them all my paperwork, they go in and find that my car is being worked on and see that their are splices, connections butted, so they "fix" the airbags and send me on my way. However, I have a toddler in the backseat and she was able to open the doors while the vehicle was in motion, the windows stopped working, etc. Dealership cannot speak to other mechanic shop's work so they did the recalls needed (airbags) and replaced the harness, apparently again. I have all the receipts from the work, all the parts are in my trunk of my car, another appointment to see what the issue is. Car appears to be stuck in security mode but doesn't properly lock, not able to use child lock, and unable to protect vehicle safely with proper locking mechanism. I don't feel safe if there is an intruder or if my toddler were to try this stunt again, also concerned of the fuel issues I've been having. Replaced my gas cap in hopes I wouldn't see loss of fuel, and the car has a slight oil leak that no mechanic can seem to find. Unable to attach paperwork as the dealership has it at this time.

Filed Apr 18, 2015 · Electrical · 104,250 miles · KY

Drivers side windows and door locks won't work. Warning indicator saying door/s are open and warning beep will not stop until key removed from ignition. Continues to do this even while driving will all doors properly closed and seat belts fastened. Online research shows there is a known defect in the door wiring harness, they were manufactured too short and eventually break.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 66,521 miles · CA

The wiring harness of the driver's door failed, which prevents the left turn signal, windows, door locks and gas fill door from functioning. The car becomes unsafe since the left signal will not work and the window will not operate so the driver can do a manual signal. Vw has issued a service bulletin on the issue stating that the original wiring harness is too short and breaks causing this issue, but they refuse to recall the car and fix the problem. A class action lawsuit has been filed on this issue, and is close to settlement, but will only cover cars less than 8.5 years old. Most of the cars effected by this issue, 2005 and 2006 model years, are older than 8.5 years so vw will not fix them. The following youtube video demonstrates all of these issues, please view it for full details: www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1eq5xl-zpm the following web site has information on the class action law suit: http://www.wiringharnesssettlement.com/

Filed Sep 18, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 94,000 miles · NC

Driver's side rear door wiring harness has broken, resulting in no operation of power window or door lock. Door will not lock. Service technician has advised replacement of the wiring harness.

Filed May 19, 2014 · Electrical · 122,000 miles · CA

Tl * the contact owns a 2005 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that the electric power controls on the driver's side door failed. The window, lighting, fuel door latch, trunk latch, and side mirror failed to function as designed due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the defect, but the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2014 · Electrical, Locks · MO

The automatic door lock stopped working for passenger door behind driver. There is not way to manually lock.

Filed Apr 24, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 111,970 miles · FL

Left turn signal, drivers door/all remote window switches, trunk/fuel door release, drivers door lock key fob locking of drivers door/drivers door internal lock are all inoperative. Occasionally, the cabin interior light remains on with a drivers "door open" indication on the instrument cluster even though the drivers door is closed and secure (but unable to be locked from the drivers door lock switch in the passenger cabin). The primary safety issue related to this problem is that the left turn signal displays on instrument cluster, but does not activate on the rear turn signal light and drivers window (along with all other windows remotely controlled on drivers door) are inoperative if needed to make a hand turn signal or egress from the vehicle in an accident (or submerged under water for an egress). Dealer and manufacture both refused to cover the replacement cost of the faulty part. I have performed every manufacture required service required (all documented) since purchasing this vehicle in the interest of safety and reliability. It had very low mileage on my purchase in early 2007. Per vw technical service bulletin, group 97: 09-01 (201-7600), february 26, 2009, states that the drivers door wiring harness was manufactured 80 mm too short. This results in putting strain on the numerous wires in this harness near the door boot and connector plug causing wires to break and/or electrically short. My vehicle was affected by the VIN range of this manufactures service bulletin. The new replacement drivers door electrical harness are now 80 mm longer than the originally manufactured (installed) faulty part that the manufacture is unwilling to replace at their cost (parts or labor). I will pay for my repair personally, but believe that the safety aspect of this faulty part could compromise the safety of the driver and occupants in addition to other motorist.

Filed Apr 3, 2013 · Body, Electrical · 80,000 miles · RI

Switches in the driver's door have become gradually (and intermittently) increasingly inoperable. Door lock/unlock, windows up/down, window lock, side-view mirror adjustment, and trunk release all have stopped working either entirely or intermittently. The major safety related issues are: 1. Non-functional switches are a distraction while driving - can't close window at tool booth, etc. 2. The inability to adjust side-view mirrors. 3. The inability to lock rear windows combined with having small children riding in the back seat. 4. The inability to unlock rear doors (without using the keyless remote - one of which has also stopped working) to get to the kids in the back is a challenge and potentially hazardous. 5. The door switch that indicates to the on-board computer when the door is open or closed also is not functional, causing nighttime lighting issues when parked and opening door.

Filed Jan 5, 2013 · Electrical, Locks · 60,000 miles · KY

Door locks intermittently fail to lock or unlock, either by the key fob button or door panel lock/unlock switch. I believe this is a safety issue as it may impede access to the vehicle in the event of an accident.

Filed Jul 12, 2012 · Electrical · 105,000 miles · GA

Windows, door locks, trunk and fuel door release and airbags non-functioning due to wiring harness located in drivers door. Found out there is issue concerning the length of the harness that causes wires to break over time.

Filed Jul 10, 2011 · Electrical · 65,500 miles · PA

Wiring harness between the body and the doors flexes during opening and closing of the door. The wire coating becomes brittle with age and cracks causing stress points in the wire leading to breakage of 1 or more wires in the harness leading to inoperable controls and electronics in the door, possible electrical short, and potential fire hazard. This failure tends to occur after a couple years of usage. This particular vehicle failed at 65,000 miles. Usually the driver's door fails first as it is used most frequently. This equipment includes but may not be limited to window controls, door locks, door open sensor, air bag system crash sensor, trunk release switch, fuel door release switch, door mirror adjustment, mirror turn signal indicator, mirror heating element. Wiring harness must be replaced which costs approximately $150-$200. Harness should be redesigned with longer wires to avoid stretching of the wire and wire coating material changed to avoid brittleness with age and work hardening.

Filed Mar 22, 2011 · Body, Locks · 70,000 miles · NJ

The outside handles of the driver's door & driver's side back passenger door do not close properly. It appears that the cylinder inside the door does not lock the handle in place so the door does not close. I have to rotate the cylinder with my fingers along with pushing the door handle into place from the outside to reset the device. There was no incident that correlates with this failure. This occurs during each use of the door. In researching, I found that some 2005 vw jetta models were recalled for this same problem. When I spoke with the dealer, he said my VIN number did not fall under this recall.