IllustrationBRAKE LAMPS WERE OPERATING CORRECTLY ON 11/22/2009 AND ON 11/23/2009 THEY CEASED WORKING. CHECKED WITH NHTSA TO SEE IF OPEN RECALL WAS OPEN NONE BUT WANTED TO MAKE KNOWN THE ISSUE SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN TWO RECALLS IN THE PASS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
1999 Volkswagen Jetta
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Jetta years
Owner complaints for the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Jetta years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
60–25K
1325–50K
2650–75K
2175–100K
18100–150K
4150K+
88 reports with mileage · 261 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Visibility. Review the 81 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
33 crash reports9 fire reports21 injury reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
29 reports2 DAYS AFTER WE PURCHASE THE CAR A BRAKE SHOE BRAKET CAME OFF AND WAS RUBBING THE REAR ROTOR. JULY, 3 WINDOWS WENT BAD, 2 WERE THE WIRING AND 1 WAS THE MOTOR. OCTOBER THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACED PLUS WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SEPTEMBER THE EXHUAST BROKE OFF BEHIND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER I HAD IT FIXED MYSELF. THE EXHUAST HAD…
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2 DAYS AFTER WE PURCHASE THE CAR A BRAKE SHOE BRAKET CAME OFF AND WAS RUBBING THE REAR ROTOR. JULY, 3 WINDOWS WENT BAD, 2 WERE THE WIRING AND 1 WAS THE MOTOR. OCTOBER THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED REPLACED PLUS WHEEL ALIGNMENT. SEPTEMBER THE EXHUAST BROKE OFF BEHIND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER I HAD IT FIXED MYSELF. THE EXHUAST HAD ALSO BROKE OFF 6 MONTHS EARLIER IN FRONT OF THE MUFFLER BUT I FIXED IT. ONE WINDOW THAT THEY FIXED IN JULY 2002 WENT BAD AGAIN IN JUNE OF 2003 AND NEEDED FIXED. THE REAR BRAKE ON THE SAME WHEEL THAT THEY FIXED IN JANUARY OF 2001 HAS GONE BAD NOW. I'M DONE WITH THIS CAR. IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE THEN I HAVE EVER HAD ANY CAR COMBINED. THANKS
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INTERMITTENT. THE DEALER STATED THE WIPERS WERE INCOMPATIBLE. THE WIPERS DID NOT WORK IN COLD WEATHER AND DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER SPEED IN WARM WEATHER. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD FALLEN DOWN INTO THE DOOR, THE LOCKING MECHANISM HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS REPLACED, THE METAL TRIANGLE PIECES ON THE DO…
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THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INTERMITTENT. THE DEALER STATED THE WIPERS WERE INCOMPATIBLE. THE WIPERS DID NOT WORK IN COLD WEATHER AND DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER SPEED IN WARM WEATHER. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD FALLEN DOWN INTO THE DOOR, THE LOCKING MECHANISM HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS REPLACED, THE METAL TRIANGLE PIECES ON THE DOORS HAD BEEN REPLACED, THE CRUISE CONTROL NEVER WORKED FROM PURCHASE, AND THE FRONT BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE WIPERS. (NO RECALL FOR WIPERS) MR SCC *JB
REPORTING UNKNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKES SYSTEMS. VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP PROPERLY WHEN ARE APPLIED IN SUDDEN STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NEARLY EVERY MONTH IN THE PAST YEAR (EXCEPT FOR 3 MONTHS WHEN IT WAS IN THE SHOP DUE TO ACCIDENT), THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD STICK ALMOST EVERY TIME IT WAS DRIVEN WOULD CONTACT DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG BECAUSE IT WAS NOT REPORTING TO A COMPUTER. I FINALLY FIGURED OUT IF I PUT MY FOOT…
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MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NEARLY EVERY MONTH IN THE PAST YEAR (EXCEPT FOR 3 MONTHS WHEN IT WAS IN THE SHOP DUE TO ACCIDENT), THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD STICK ALMOST EVERY TIME IT WAS DRIVEN WOULD CONTACT DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG BECAUSE IT WAS NOT REPORTING TO A COMPUTER. I FINALLY FIGURED OUT IF I PUT MY FOOT UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PULL IT BACK OUT IT WOULD RELEASE, IT ONCE WOULD NOT GO OVER 40 MPH. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK MULTIPLE TIMES TO HAVE IT TAKEN DOWN TO DEALER STILL NO ONE COULD FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEN I WAS SITTING IN A DRIVE THRU AND THE CARE MADE A POPPING SOUND AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I LOST MY BRAKES BUT I PRESSED THEM AGAIN AND THEY WERE FINE. I CONTACTED VW AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT WAS. DRIVING HOME I TAPPED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN A LITTLE AND THE BRAKE STUCK AND THREW ME FORWARD LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME. I CALLED VW IMMEDIATELY AND TOLD THEM THAT I DID NOT WANT MY CAR BACK UNTIL IT WAS FIXED. THE REP DROVE MY CAR FOR A WEEK AND OF COURSE NOTHING HAPPENED TIL THE MECHANIC DROVE IT. I HAVE HAD THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE BRAKE BOOSTERS REPLACED WHICH HAS SEEMED TO HELP THE BRAKE FROM STICKING BUT NOW MY ROTARS ARE RUINED AND VW DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE THEM BECASUE THEY ARE MAINTENANCE PARTS WHEN IT WAS A WARRANTY PART THAT MADE THEM GO BAD. RECENTLY DRIVING TO SAN DIEGO MY CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT KEEP MY CAR AT A SET SPEED, WOULD NOT PULL HILLS (HAD A FULLY LOADED SEMI PASS ME) WOULD DROP TO 40 MPH ON GRADES, HAD TO KEEP THE CAR PEGGED TO GO POSTED SPEED LIMIT ON STRAIGHT STRETCHES. WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN TWICE ON EACH SIDE, MIDDLE RESTRAINT IN BACK SEAT LOCKS UP AND HAS TO BE REPLACED, CUP HOLDER BROKE, BRAKE RELAY WENT OUT SEVERAL TIMES (NO BRAKE LIGHTS ALMOST REAR ENDED). IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO ON THIS WILL IT FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAWS. I WANT TO REPLACE IT DUE TO HIGH COST AND TIME SPENT GOING BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALER BUT I MORE THAN IT IS WORTH. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?*AK
CONSUMER HAS HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES SINCE THE INITIAL LEASING OF THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FAILED EIGHT TIMES WITH THE SERVICE STATION DOING ACTUAL REPAIRS FOUR OF THOSE TIMES. TEH PROBLEM LIES WITH THE CALIPER SUSPENSION THAT CONTROLS THE BRAKES. *JG *CB
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. *YH *CB
REAR BRAKES WERE SQEUALING FOR MONTHS. TOOK INTO DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE NOISE. FINALLY REAR BRAKES WENT ALL TOGETHER AND HAD THEM REPLACED AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. DEALER SAID THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE AFTER JUST OVER 30,000 MILES SO VOLKSWAGEN COVERED HALF OF COSTS. ONE WEEK LATER PICKED UP CAR AS I W…
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REAR BRAKES WERE SQEUALING FOR MONTHS. TOOK INTO DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE NOISE. FINALLY REAR BRAKES WENT ALL TOGETHER AND HAD THEM REPLACED AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. DEALER SAID THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE AFTER JUST OVER 30,000 MILES SO VOLKSWAGEN COVERED HALF OF COSTS. ONE WEEK LATER PICKED UP CAR AS I WAS DRIVING HOME MALFUNCTION INDICATION LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK INTO DEALERSHIP AGAIN. ALL THREE OXYGEN SENSORS HAD BLOWN. DAY AFTER PICKING UP FROM DEALERSHIP PASSENGER WINDOW FELL INTO DOOR AND IS CURRENTLY BACK IN BEING FIXED. I KNOW THESE ARE ALL COMMON PROBLEMS WITH 1999 JETTA. VW WAS SOMEWHAT HELPFUL ON COST BUT WILL DO NOTHING NOW BECAUSE THEY "HAVE ALREADY BEEN TOO KIND". THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS AND I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING IT ANYMORE. NOW I HAVE TO COVER THE COST OF AN EARLY LEASE TERMINATION FOR FEAR OF INJURY OR MORE $ FOR DAMAGE REPAIRS.*AK
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON DASBOARD BECAME ILLUMINATED. TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT VW'S NEED SUPPLEMENTAL WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED IN STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE CONNECTION AS SHIPPPED FROM THE FACTORY. DEALER SAYS "MOST" VW NEW JETTAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND CHARGED $90 TO INSTALL NEW CONNECTOR. …
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AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON DASBOARD BECAME ILLUMINATED. TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT VW'S NEED SUPPLEMENTAL WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED IN STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE CONNECTION AS SHIPPPED FROM THE FACTORY. DEALER SAYS "MOST" VW NEW JETTAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND CHARGED $90 TO INSTALL NEW CONNECTOR. IF THIS IS TRUE SHOULDN'T VW HAVE TO RECALL BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY SYSTEM? NLM
VACUUM LINE TO TURBO FAILED, CAUSING NEAR TOTAL LACK OF ACCELERATION -- ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT
Official recalls
606V183000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
May 24, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
04V096000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Feb 20, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Remedy: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
03V156000 · Equipment:other:labels
Apr 23, 2003
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A RISK FOR A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
02V026000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Jan 25, 2002
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
99V251000 · Structure:frame And Members
Sep 17, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE HEAD INJURY CRITERION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE UPPER RETAINER CLIP NEAR THE BP1 IMPACT LOCATION IS DESIGNED TO BREAK WHEN IMPACTED BY THE HEAD FORM. IN SOME CASES, THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM PART MAY BE MORE IMPACT RESISTANT AS A RESULT OF VARIATIONS IN THE MOLDING PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE CLIP FROM BREAKING ON IMPACT AND RESULT IN LESS DEFORMATION IN THE IMPACTED AREA AND A HIGHER DECLERATION OF THE HEAD FORM, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRIM COVER FROM EACH OF THE B PILLARS AND INSTALL A NEW COVER.
99V022000 · Structure:frame And Members
Feb 5, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SURFACE AND EDGES OF THE MAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IT COULD IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE EXHAUST GAS OF THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER IGNITER IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONT OR SIDE COLLISION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MATTING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE THE B-PILLAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
5RQ06004 · Brake Light Switch Failure
Opened Feb 28, 2006 · Closed Aug 7, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
RQ03010 · Brake Light Switch
Opened Dec 17, 2003 · Closed Mar 1, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
THE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND MANUFACTURER FAILURE REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING AND OR INACCURATE INFORMATION.THE INJURY NOTED ABOVE WAS MINOR.ON FEBRUARY 26, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) SUBMITTED A DEFECT NOTIFICATION (PER 49CFR573) TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) ADVISING THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 - 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES MANUFACUTURED WITH THE SAME BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AS RECALLED UNDER 03V-265 (MY 1998-2002 NEW BEETLE) ARE AFFECTED BY A SAFETY DEFECT.SPECIFICALLY, IF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, OR COULD STAY ILLUMINATED CONTINUALLY EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED.EITHER CONDITION RESULTS IN THE INABILITY OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOTIFY OTHER MOTORISTS OF VEHICLE BRAKING, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF A REAR END COLLISION AND OCCUPANT INJURY.ACCORDINGLY, VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING JETTA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 1998 TO NOVEMBER 2001 TO INSPECT AND REPLACE FREE OF CHARGE ANY AFFECTED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES.THE RECALL PROGRAM, VW CODE WX, WILL COMMENCE IN APRIL 2004.
EA00028 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Dec 28, 2000 · Closed Jan 29, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.
PE00033 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Aug 10, 2000 · Closed Dec 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
PE99007 · Passenger Compartment Fire
Opened Jan 29, 1999 · Closed Feb 8, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
IN ITS LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 4, 1999, VOLKSWAGEN STATED THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 23,600 REDESIGNED 1999 JETTA AND GOLF 4-DOOR VEHICLES, OF WHICH APPROXIMATELY 11,000 HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CUSTOMERS, TO CORRECT A DEFECT THATMAY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE PASSENGEER COMPARTMENT AFTER A VEHICLE COLLISION.A SOUND INSULATION MATERIAL ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED.IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION SEVERE ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER, THE HOT EXHAUST GAS FROM THE PRETENSIONER COULD IGNITE THE INSULATION MATERIAL IF IT IS TOO CLOSE TO THE PRETENSIONER.VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSULATION MATERIAL FROM THE B-PILLARS.