The Volkswagen Jetta has no recalls on the manual transmission problems which some Jetta owners are experiencing. According to Repairpal.com, more than 20 reports are filed concerning the manual shifter problems. The manual shifter problems pertain to the no reverse, shifting noise and linkage on the Jetta.
Repairpal.com reports that Jetta owners are complaining about the reverse in the manual shifter transmission failing. No specific reason is given for this reverse failure, but Edmunds.com has a technical service bulletin (TSB) published by the manufacturer which concerns the transmission plate that holds the drive-shaft in place. The bolts or screws, which hold the drive-shaft in place, may come loose because the bolts were not tightened to the correct torque specifications. When the drive-shaft comes loose, it causes the reverse not to work on the manual shifter.
Volkswagen has published a TSB on the 1995 Jetta because the clutch is not returning to the stop position after being engaged, which causes the manual shifter not to shift smoothly or to jump out of gear. The clutch position needs to be adjusted to correct this problem with the manual shifter. When the clutch does not return to the stop position it causes the gear shift to not engage properly because the transmission is remaining in the neutral position or slightly in the neutral position. If the transmission is in the neutral position the gears and linkage slips or it becomes hard to shift gears.
The Volkswagen Jetta has reports about transmission noise when utilizing the manual shifter. This transmission noise is attributed to other problems which TSBs have published as well as problems reported on other car review and report websites. One of the transmission noise problems is created by the loose transmission plate bolts. Another problem with the manual shifter causing noise when being engaged is being attributed to the linkage not being adjusted properly, and the last report about transmission noise is attributed to the transmission cable coming loose from the manual shifter, which also causes the gears to shift harshly. When any of these manual shifter problems begin to create noise from the transmission, the Jetta owner needs to take the vehicle into a qualified transmission technician.
