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P0638 on VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
2
Most Affected
2009, 2010

What P0638 Means on Your VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

Real VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

"My 2009 jetta sportwagen tdi has experienced a disturbing no-start condition several times. cranking the engine did not result in a start. only after repeated cranking (5-10 times) did the car actually start."

— 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA owner • ENGINE • Filed 12/20/2012

"Dealership performed 90k mile checkup. also asked them to determine if cel p0472 was covered by warranty. they confirmed code, and said not covered under any warranty. the also advised the car is showing intermittent code of p0638 for throttle actuator control (bank 1)."

— 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA owner • ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM • Filed 01/07/2016

Data from NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. All reports are filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Common Causes of P0638 on VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

50%
50%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2009
1
2010
1

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50-$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2-3 quotes. Dealer vs independent shop prices often differ 30-50% for the same repair.

P0638 on Other Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the SAE J2012 OBD-II standard. Code definitions follow the SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standard. Owner reports are filed directly with NHTSA by vehicle owners. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional automotive diagnosis. Always consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle repair decisions.

Last updated: March 2026