The fuel rail bolts on the car loosened, one sheered off. Fuel poured from the front end of the car. When the car was started, to be placed on a flatbed the car caught on fire. The car is currently at a mechanics, but has not been repaired. The car could have easily caught on fire while being driven or started any time before or after it actually caught on fire, it was only taken care of quickly as the tow truck driver had a fire extiguisher, we do not carry one in the car. The car had the recall work done in 2021 in Tyson's Corner VA. The dealer refuses speak to us and states that the recall was done and therefore not their issue. The issue was confirmed with the new mechanic. There was one EFC light on the night it started leaking fuel.
2017 Volkswagen Jetta: fuel leak
16 of the 160 complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta describe fuel leak.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 51,400
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
Fuel leak by model year
What owners say
My Volkswagen Jetta shut off driving down interstate 99 due to major fuel leak (fuel rail bolt broke) I saw Volkswagen had a recall for fuel rail bolt coming loose after time. I called Volkswagen states recall was completed in May 2021 I bought the car May 2025. I asked Volkswagen rep if they would repair it as this is the same issue as the recall obviously it isn’t corrected. This could have been very bad with fuel leaking along a major highway one thing ignited and car would have went in flames. My son could have been seriously injured or even killed! EPC light came on as this was happening. The car is at my local mechanic who advised me to call Volkswagen due to an open recall for this issue. Volkswagen rep states I could take it to Volkswagen dealer to have it looked at but advised it would be at my expense. The only way anything would be done or reviewed if the car caught on fire or someone died. I would like this looked into as I believe vw should pay for my car to be fixed. Since the known problem was not fixed. I don’t have any documentation as my car is still in the process of getting fixed.
My mother owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. Recently, the car has developed a strong and constant smell of gasoline, both while driving and when parked. This is extremely concerning, as it appears to be a fuel leak, which poses a serious fire and safety hazard. Upon researching, I discovered the federal safety agency Recall 20V648000, which affects certain 2016–2018 Jetta vehicles due to loose fuel rail bolts that may cause fuel to leak. My mother’s car is experiencing the exact same symptoms, yet her VIN is not included in the recall, and Volkswagen has refused to help because the recall does not technically apply to her vehicle. We spoke directly with VW Customer Care, and despite clearly describing the fuel smell and matching the recall symptoms, they told us the repairs would be out-of-pocket. My mother does not speak English and relies on me for help — and she cannot afford the cost of repairs for something that is clearly a known defect. The vehicle is undrivable due to the risk of explosion or fire, and we are desperate for help. I’m submitting this complaint in hopes that the federal safety agency will investigate and expand the recall to include additional VINs. There is no reason a vehicle with an identical issue should be excluded simply because of a VIN batch.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine, and electronic power control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel rail bolt had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 15 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate and lost motive power. The driver was able to drive to the destination, after which the driver observed fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel rail. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, and the vehicle was repaired, but the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 36,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the federal safety agency Campaign: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that fuel was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Fuel rail failed causing gas leak. Part was previously recalled and fixed, failed for same issue that caused original recall.
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, an abnormal fuel odor was detected, and the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, there was a puddle of fuel underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a fuel leak coming from the fuel injector seal, and that the fuel rail and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had previously been performed. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
While the vehicle was in motion it turned off on me and started leaking fuel.
I received a recall notice on a leaking fuel problem. I have tried to make an appointment but they say they cant repair it. I feel very uncomfortable driving my car because I have seen some leaking liquid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 volkswagen jetta. The contact stated that that the bolts that secure the fuel lines detached. There was an abnormal odor of fuel inside the cabin and around the vehicle. The contact stated that when he turned on the air conditioning system the fuel odor entered the vehicle through the vents. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel from the fuel line of one of the fuel injectors. The vehicle was taken to molle volkswagen (808 w 103rd st, kansas city, mo 64114) but was not diagnosed nor repaired due to the diagnostic and repair cost. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v648000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Vehicle fuel pumps failed and vehicle disabled. I immediately smelled a strong odor of gasoline. Vehicle towed to local mechanic; upon inspection, noticed, smelled gas leaking from vehicle rail bolts. Volkswagen america contacted and vehicle towed to local volkswagen dealership (ourisman, waldorf, md). Initially told no gas leaking, charged $229.00 with recommendation to clean engine and interior covering under the hood and new cabin filter (I declined and voiced my frustration). Told no gasoline leaking and released the vehicle. A few days pass and vehicle sits, notice a puddle of gasoline and called dealership. Told to tow vehicle to dealership, told again no gasoline leaking. I traversed to dealership and pointed out the issue. Then told my issue and not covered by recall .... Lots more to tell volkswagen of america case number # 04621276
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.
Recall number 20V648000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta fuel leak
Is fuel leak a common problem on the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
16 of 160 owner complaints about the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta (10%) mention fuel leak. The model year with the most reports is 2017.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta?
There is 1 recall and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta
Check engine light 13Airbag light 10Fuel smell 9No deployment 8Stalling 8Headlights 7Loss of power 7Adaptive cruise 6Fire or smoke 5
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