Recall 26V138 affects 48,165 2025-2026 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles for a transmission ground wire defect. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
Volkswagen is recalling 48,165 2025-2026 Jetta sedans because an improperly connected transmission ground wire can leave an open electrical circuit. That circuit can draw higher current and raise the risk of a fire, and Volkswagen dealers will repair the connection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission ground wire in a 2025-2026 Volkswagen Jetta gives electrical current a safe return path to the vehicle body. That ground connection lets the transmission-related control circuit operate as designed, including the Oil Pressure Unit, a control unit for the additional pump. When the connection is tight, the circuit is complete and current flows where it belongs.
On these Jettas, the ground wire was left disconnected during assembly on vehicles built with the Oil Pressure Unit HW 05. A disconnected ground creates an open electrical circuit instead of a controlled return path. Volkswagen's analysis for recall 26V138 found that this condition increases the risk of a fire, so the dealer repair replaces the related hardware with HW 06 and corrects the connection.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not expect a light, noise, smell, or change in how the Jetta drives before the electrical problem becomes serious.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2025 and 2026 model years with the same oil pressure unit wiring.
| 2026 Volkswagen Jetta | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2025 Volkswagen Jetta | wiring |
| Units affected | 48,165 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An open circuit in the transmission ground wire can draw higher current and increase the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the inspection soon and follow any dealer guidance until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Volkswagen dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025-2026 Volkswagen Jetta is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the free transmission-ground-wire inspection and repair that fixes the open electrical circuit risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Volkswagen sent one. If not, reference recall number 26V138 when you call.
- Keep the dealer appointment even if the Jetta drives normally; the issue is in the transmission ground wire connection.
- Call Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 with questions about scheduling or recall number 26V138.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volkswagen technician inspects the transmission ground wire and repairs the connection as needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Volkswagen. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the affected vehicles are still within that warranty period. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 11, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| March 13, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 13, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 31, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V138?
Recall 26V138 covers 48,165 2025-2026 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles with a transmission ground wire that was not properly connected during assembly. That connection can create an open electrical circuit, draw higher current, and increase fire risk. Volkswagen dealers will inspect and repair the transmission ground wire for free.
What should I do if my 2025-2026 Volkswagen Jetta is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Jetta is included in recall 26V138. If it is, contact a franchised Volkswagen dealer to schedule the transmission ground wire inspection and repair. Reference recall 26V138 or Volkswagen recall 97TC when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volkswagen's remedy says dealers will inspect and repair the transmission ground wire as necessary, free of charge. Use a franchised Volkswagen dealer for the recall work.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the transmission ground wire connection creates an open electrical circuit, the circuit can draw higher current and increase fire risk. The repair path is to have a Volkswagen dealer inspect the ground wire and repair it for free.
When did Volkswagen notify owners?
Volkswagen mailed owner notification letters on March 31, 2026. If you bought the Jetta used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether recall 26V138 applies. Check your VIN, then call a Volkswagen dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V138000 |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen customer service | 1-800-893-5298 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V138 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V138000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →