NHTSA Recall 26V138000: Volkswagen Jetta Engine Fire Risk

What the recall covers

Recall 26V138000 (Volkswagen reference 97TC) covers 48,165 model year 2025–2026 Volkswagen Jetta sedans. On affected vehicles, the transmission ground wire may not have been properly connected during assembly, leaving an open electrical circuit. That circuit can draw excessive current and increase the risk of an engine fire; Volkswagen has reported several incidents, including engine fires.

The remedy

Dealers will replace the transmission's hydraulic pump control module and its associated wiring, including the ground wire, free of charge. Owner notification letters were expected to mail around May 22, 2026.

What owners should do now

• Watch for your Volkswagen owner-notification letter and schedule the free repair promptly given the fire risk.
• If you notice a burning smell or electrical warning, have the vehicle checked right away.
• Confirm whether your specific VIN is affected.
• Keep your recall letter and every repair order.
• If a problem persists after the repair, document it and save the paperwork.

How to check your VIN

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is included by entering the 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or vw.com. Inclusion is VIN-specific, not just by model and year.

Volkswagen customer care: 800-893-5298 (VW recall reference 97TC). NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236.

When this recall can become a California lemon law claim

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it is the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free fix. Your Volkswagen may qualify under California's Lemon Law if the recall repair is significantly delayed, doesn't resolve the problem, or your vehicle has other unrepaired warranty defects. In those cases you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees. For the full breakdown, see the guides below.