The vehicle wouldn't start and upon closer inspection some fluid was underneath the vehicle and there was a strong smell of gas. We had the car towed the following morning to a repair shop and were informed there was a fuel leak from behind the intake manifold. The service technician found two loose fuel rail bolts and one missing fuel rail bolt which caused the fuel rail to come out of the engine. Prior to the vehicle not starting, we had no warning lights or symptoms that indicated there was an issue with the car.
Volkswagen Jetta fuel smell problems
57 of the 9,926 owner complaints about the Volkswagen Jetta describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 57
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical mileage
- 80,000
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Fuel leak 18Check engine light 13Fuel pump 12Stalling 7Jerking 2Fire or smoke 2Won't start 1Won't shift 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P0106 1
What owners say
My vehicle has an active, federally mandated safety recall for a fuel rail leak (Recall 24Gi / 20V648000), which is a documented fire hazard. The vehicle now has an active "EPC" (Electronic Power Control) dashboard light and a fuel odor. When I called my local authorized Volkswagen dealership—Southern Team Volkswagen at 6520 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, VA—to schedule the safety repair, the service department flat-out refused to take the vehicle. The representative stated that they "are not taking new clients" and "will not be repairing" the vehicle. They left me stranded with an active, dangerous safety hazard on my property and refused to comply with the federal recall mandate. When escalations were made to corporate, I was told my only option was to take the vehicle for an hour to Lynchburg, VA, at my expense. Because they don’t have a policy to pay for towing. I had to call the manufacturer and have them step in to “pull some strings” he said. Am currently waiting to hear back from them.
In the past I owned a 2017 jetta, which I sold approximately one year ago. It had a 1.4 liter turbo engine. At some point around 18 to 20 years ago, I started smelling gasoline fumes in the cabin. It was rare and intermittent. I did not check it out as it did not seem like an urgent issue. I sold the vehicle about a year ago. I also now own a 2016 jetta TSI model, 1.8 liter turbo with about 104,000 miles. In the past few days I started smelling gasoline in the cabin while operating the vehicle. It was not serviced in many months so it’s not likely to have anything to do with bad mechanical service and the vehicle runs well. I checked the internet and discovered a massive vw/audi recall for 260,000 vehicles around 2024, having something to do with a seal related to some sort of a fuel pump, which included 2017 model vehicles. I contacted two vw dealerships expecting them to check the problem and handle this serious hazard. Both dealerships decline to check the vehicle other than for cash. They confirmed my vehicle was not subject to a recall. I took my problem to the Volkswagen company today. I was told that there was no fuel related recall for my vin number and they would not accommodate my request. But I was advised that I should not drive the vehicle going forward, but have it towed. This dangerous condition was exhibited by 2 separate jettas I owned. The likelihood of this condition being found in 2 separate vehicles is mere coincidence and not indicative of a dangerous problem created in the manufacturing process is beyond a plausible explanation. Please follow up ASAP as I am being effectively deprived of the use of this vehicle. My phone number is [XXX] . Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel rail bolts. 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, but the vehicle had already been repaired by the previous owner. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was later informed that the vehicle was already repaired in 2022. The failure mileage was 49,000.
1. The car started making a rattle noise from inside the engine. Immediately stopped the car and contacted a mechanic , discovered that the bolts holding the cam shafts became loose and were hitting the timing belt cover. Upon further research, the dealer wasn't aware of said problem, however there are numerous VW customers experiencing the same problem. 2. EVAP CODE. EXPERIENCING STRONG GASOLINE SMELL INSIDE CARS, AND CAR HAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. dealer is aware of the problem, they said is the EVAP canister purge valve defective, there's no safety recall on the problem. Car has 95,000 miles.
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 that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle, entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related to the failure of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V648000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the VIN was included, but stated that the VIN had been removed from the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine stalled and car emitted fuel smell and leaked from engine area. Vehicle towed to shop. Mechanic found fuel leak near Cylinder #4. Removed intake manifold and found fuel rail loose and leaking from #4 injector. Left upper fuel rail retaining bolt was broken and left lower bolt was loose.
Car's warning lights came on with initial start, followed by strong fuel smell. Shut off engine and walked around car to find large puddle of fuel coming from engine compartment under fuel rail.
Fuel line to fuel filter came loose/disconnected causing a fuel leak inside my attached. Garage causing a strong smell of gasoline that remains to present day even after several attempts to clean up.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298 or Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V‑647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V‑647.
Recall number 24V110000 · Recall details
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
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑822‑8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.
Recall number 16V403000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑822‑8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V‑809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Recall number 15V028000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen is recalling certain model 2009-2012 jetta and jetta sportwagen vehicles, manufactured from may 2008 through september 2011, model year 2010-2012 volkswagen golf vehicles, manufactured from may 2009 through september 2011, and model year 2010-2012 audi a3 vehicles, manufactured from september 2009 through september 2011, that are equipped with a 2.0l tdi common rail diesel engine/clean diesel engine. The fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line #2, in specific load and RPM conditions. This resonance creates additional stress in the fuel line.
- Risk
- Due to the resonance condition, injector line number 2 could develop small cracks which could lead to fuel leakage. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source, may lead to a fire.
- Remedy
- Volkswagen will install an improved fuel injector line for the number 2 cylinder on certain vehicles and will install vibration dampers on all of the injector lines. Volkswagen and audi will notify owners to have the vehicles repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during november 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 11V490000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 jetta, new beetle, new beetle convertible, model year 2009 jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. The jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The new beetle and the new beetle convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line.
- Risk
- If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. Additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 31, 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 10V621000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5l gasoline engine, a fuel supply line clamp located in the engine compartment may not be positioned properly and could cause a fuel leak.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the position of the engine compartment fuel supply line clamp and, if necessary, replace the clamp. The recall began on july 11, 2005. Owners may contact vw at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 05V305000 · Recall details
Fuel system, diesel
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the diesel pump. The recall began on february 8, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 04V586000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
- What is wrong
- On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. Owner notification began june 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987.
Recall number 02V026000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.
- Remedy
- Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.
Recall number 92V058000 · Recall details
Questions about the Volkswagen Jetta fuel smell
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (9 complaints), 2016 (7 complaints) and 2004 (6 complaints).
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