VW Jetta and Beetle Brake Master Cylinder Leak

NHTSA campaign 20E064000 · Reported Sep 23, 2020 · Tenneco Automotive

high How serious is it? About this label

A brake fluid leak can reduce how well the brakes work, which increases the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	20E064000
Reported to NHTSA	Sep 23, 2020
Manufacturer	Tenneco Automotive
Part affected	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Vehicles covered	3 model/year combinations, model years 2018–2019
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Tenneco is recalling aftermarket Beck/Arnley brake master cylinders that were sold as replacement parts for certain Volkswagen Jetta and Beetle vehicles. The crimp that holds the fluid seal in place on the master cylinder may not be tight enough. Because of this, brake fluid can leak out, or the master cylinder itself can come apart. A leak like this can reduce how well the brakes work.

What you should do

Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if this affects your vehicle.
Contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319, or the distributor/shop that sold the part.
The master cylinder will be exchanged for a new one, free of charge.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20E064000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (3)

2018 Volkswagen Beetle
2018 Volkswagen Jetta
2019 Volkswagen Beetle

Who to contact

Volkswagen — official Volkswagen recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-893-5298

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Volkswagen Hydraulic Brake Recalls Involving Leaks and Reduced Braking · all 7 Volkswagen recalls in this area

Other Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Mar 25, 2026Volkswagen Jetta and Taos Instrument Panel Display Failurehigh
Mar 11, 2026Volkswagen Jetta Ground Wire May Cause Fire Riskcritical
Feb 14, 2024Audi, VW Fuel Tank Seal May Cause Leakscritical
Sep 6, 2023Volkswagen Jetta may not chime for key left in ignitionlow
Aug 30, 2023VW Golf, GTI, Jetta Ignition Switch Can Failhigh
Oct 31, 2022Volkswagen and Audi Tire Pressure Monitor Software Issuemedium

All 22 Jetta recalls

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles. The fluid seal crimp on the master cylinder may be insufficient, causing brake fluid to leak or the cylinder to come apart.
Safety risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, it can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-800-625-9319.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.