IllustrationWOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS ON MY JETTA. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO 4 REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE COULD FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE PAID OVER 1200 ON OTHER REPAIRS. WHAT CAN I DO . *TR THANKS CHRISTINA
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
Suspension complaints
12 reportsVEHICLE HIT A POT HOLE, CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. TIRE WAS CHANGED, BUT THE TIRE LEANED INWARD INTO THE VEHICLE. RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE REAR AXLE BROKE WHEN TAKEN VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK
MID-1999 VOLKSWAGEN INTRODUCED THE JETTA IV SERIES. THE COILS SUSPENSION SPRINGS ON THE 4-CYLINDER TDI DIESEL ARE TOO TALL AND TOO SOFT, LEADING TO EXTREME OVER STEER AND BODY ROLL IN CURVES AND EXTREME INTOLERANCE FOR WIND TURBULENCE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CREATED BY NATURE, TRACTOR TRAILERS AND (EVEN) SMALL CARS. THIS IS (NEARLY)…
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MID-1999 VOLKSWAGEN INTRODUCED THE JETTA IV SERIES. THE COILS SUSPENSION SPRINGS ON THE 4-CYLINDER TDI DIESEL ARE TOO TALL AND TOO SOFT, LEADING TO EXTREME OVER STEER AND BODY ROLL IN CURVES AND EXTREME INTOLERANCE FOR WIND TURBULENCE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CREATED BY NATURE, TRACTOR TRAILERS AND (EVEN) SMALL CARS. THIS IS (NEARLY) AN ADMITTED DEFECT, AS VOLKSWAGEN OFFERS A SPRING UPGRADE KIT FOR 4-CYLINDER JETTAS IN ITS AFTERMARKET CATALOG! NESTLED RIGHT THERE BETWEEN THE CUSTOM KEY FOBS AND FLOOR MATS! FURTHERMORE, REVIEWS OF THE 2005 MODEL REVEAL A COMPLETE OVERHAUL TO THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. I HAVE TRIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH STIFFER AND WIDER TIRES, TO NO AVAIL. THEY NEED TO BE TAKEN TO TASK ON THIS ISSUE. I AM REPORTING TODAY, AS IT IS ONLY MODERATELY WINDY AND (YET) I HAVE HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING STABILITY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS COULD BE AN UNDETECTED FACTOR IN MANY INCIDENTS.*JB
STRUTS (FRONT) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY OF THE CAR (WELL WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD). THE REPORT OF PROBLEMS WAS IGNORED BY THE DEALER AND NOT EVEN RECORDED AS A COMPLAINT UNTIL AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD E…
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STRUTS (FRONT) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT OWNERS EXPENSE AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY OF THE CAR (WELL WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD). THE REPORT OF PROBLEMS WAS IGNORED BY THE DEALER AND NOT EVEN RECORDED AS A COMPLAINT UNTIL AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. WHEN THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM (AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED) THEY INDICATED THAT THE CAR MUST BE IMMEDIATELY REPAIRED FOR SAFETY REASONS. THIS SAFETY PROBLEM EXISTED BEGINNING FROM THE TIME OF DELIVERY. THE DEALER AND VW HAVE REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE COST RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. *LA
MAJOR GAS LEAK ON RECENTLY PURCHASED (USED) 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, ALSO NEEDED REPAIR TO LEFT FRONT SHOCK TOWER, CAUSES AND REASONS FOR NEED OF REPAIR UNKNOWN. *NLM
WHILE DRIVING SHOCKS FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HAVE A HARD BOUNCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS. *AK
WE HIT A LIGHT POLL AND A TELEPHONE POLL. WE HIT THE LIGHT POLL FRONT AND CENTER AND THE TELEPHONE POLL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT. WE HIT BOTH GOING 40 MILES PER HOUR AND THE DAMAGE WAS SO SEVER THAT THE CAR WAS WRAPPED AROUND THE POLLS, ENOUGH TO BREAK THOUGH THE SUB-FRAME, TEAR OFF THE AXEL OF THE DRIVERS FRONT, AND PUSH EN…
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WE HIT A LIGHT POLL AND A TELEPHONE POLL. WE HIT THE LIGHT POLL FRONT AND CENTER AND THE TELEPHONE POLL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT. WE HIT BOTH GOING 40 MILES PER HOUR AND THE DAMAGE WAS SO SEVER THAT THE CAR WAS WRAPPED AROUND THE POLLS, ENOUGH TO BREAK THOUGH THE SUB-FRAME, TEAR OFF THE AXEL OF THE DRIVERS FRONT, AND PUSH ENGINE UPWARDS BREAKING THE ENGINE MOUNTS. THE DAMAGE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTINUES TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAUSING IT TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE DOOR SO THE INJURED CAN BE REMOVED FROM THE CAR. THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE DO NOT EXPLODE; RATHER IT IS MISSHAPED THE RIM, THE WHEEL WELL, AND THE TIRE IT SELF. NONE OF THE FOUR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. WHY? IF SOMEONE NEEDS TO SEE THE PICTURES OR WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PICTURES, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY E-MAIL PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! JESSICA A. RIGAUD. *AK
30K SERVICE, REPORTED TO DEALER THAT STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES...ASKED DEALER TO CHECK ON ALIGHMENT PROBLEMS. DEALER NO ALIGNMENT NEEDED, BUT BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN 50% & ALSO NEEDED NEW ROTORS. DEALER INSISTED CAR OK TO DRIVE & ADVISED TO COME BACK @ 35K SERVICE TO HAVE NEW BRAKES & ROTORS INSTALLED @ APROX. …
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30K SERVICE, REPORTED TO DEALER THAT STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES...ASKED DEALER TO CHECK ON ALIGHMENT PROBLEMS. DEALER NO ALIGNMENT NEEDED, BUT BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN 50% & ALSO NEEDED NEW ROTORS. DEALER INSISTED CAR OK TO DRIVE & ADVISED TO COME BACK @ 35K SERVICE TO HAVE NEW BRAKES & ROTORS INSTALLED @ APROX. $600. AFTER SERVICE, I DROVE HOME ABOUT 50 MI. & PROBLEM GOT WORSE, INCLUDING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE. I CALLED DEALER & THEY REFERRED ME TO A DEALER CLOSER TO MY HOME, 3 DAYS & 300 MILES LATER, 2ND DEALER ASKED HOW MANY TIMES I HAD CHANGED THE BRAKES, BECAUSE I NOW, NEEDED ROTORS, AND WORSE, ALL MY TIRES WERE "CUPPED" & I ALSO NEEDED A WHOLE NEW SET OF TIRES...I ASKED 2ND DEALER IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE MY CAR. THEY SAID IT WAS OK TO DRIVE, BUT RECOMMENDED CHANGING BRAKES, ROTORS & TIRES @ A COST OF $1,100. DEALER ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE LACK OF ROTATING & BALANCING TIRES COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE UNEVEN WEAR (AKA: CUPPED TIRES). I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE LOUD RUMBLING NOISE, WOULD EVENTUALLY GO AWAY, SINCE THE TIRES HAD BEEN ROTATED. THE 2ND DEALER INVOICED THE 1ST DEALER FOR THIS SERVICE CHARGE. 3 DAYS LATER, I WENT TO GOODYEAR TIRE SHOP (FOR 3RD OPINON) BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE TIRES MAY BE DEFECTIVE. GOODYEAR ADVISED ME THAT CUPPED TIRES RESULT FROM UNEVEN WEAR (USUALLY RECOMMEND ROTATING & BALANCING TIRES EVERY 10K MI.), IF NOT, PROBLEMS W/BRAKES & ROTORS. GOODYEAR COULDN'T DETERMINE WHY THE PROBLEM OCCURRED @ ONLY 30K MI. SUCH A PROBLEM COULD OCCUR AT ABOUT 60K MILES, BUT NOT ROTORS. GOODYEAR BALANCED & ROTATED MY TIRES & ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEELWELL, CAUSING A LARGE GASH IN THE WHEELWELL. IN THE INTEREST OF CONSUMER PROTECTION, I SEEK YOUR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IN BRINGING A POSITIVE RESOLVE TO THIS MATTER. MY CAR HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME @ DEALER SERVICE SHOP. VOLKSWAGEN MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR BAD CRAFTSMANSHIP & POOR SERVICE ADVICE. PLEASE HELP!!
THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JULY 2000. IT IS THE NEWLY REDESIGNED JETTA. SINCE IT'S PURCHASE THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 9 TIMES FOR WATER/AIR LEAKS, TWICE FOR FAILED DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION STEERING FAILURE, NAMELY THE SHOCK, BEARING, SPACER, RETAINER (STRUTS). IN ADDITION SEVERAL PIECES OF THE INSIDE MOLDING HAVE DETA…
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THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JULY 2000. IT IS THE NEWLY REDESIGNED JETTA. SINCE IT'S PURCHASE THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 9 TIMES FOR WATER/AIR LEAKS, TWICE FOR FAILED DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION STEERING FAILURE, NAMELY THE SHOCK, BEARING, SPACER, RETAINER (STRUTS). IN ADDITION SEVERAL PIECES OF THE INSIDE MOLDING HAVE DETACHED. ONE OF THE LARGEST SAFETY ISSUES FOR ME, OTHER THAN THE STRUT, IS THE POORLY DESIGNED FLOOR MATS WHICH POP LOOSE, SLIP FORWARD , AND CATCH THE GAS PETAL CAUSING ACCERLARATION. THE AIR CONDITIONER HAS MOLDED OVER TWICE. I HAVE INFORMED BOTH THE SELLER AND THE MANUFACTURING OF MY COMPLAINTS AND HAVE DEMANDED A REFUND OR A LEMON LAW TAKE BACK. I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO BUT FEEL VW HASN'T BEEN HONEST ABOUT ALL THE PROBLEMS THE "NEW" VW HAS HAD. I JUST WANTED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT IN CASE OTHER OWNERS OUT THERE ARE EXPERIENCEING THE SAME PROBLEMS I AM AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY HELP FROM VW ALSO.*AK
VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS (BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING, DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOWS FELL DOWN AND STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION, REMOTE DOOR LOCK NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND FLUCTUATES WITH OUTDOOR TEMP, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY FAILED, TAIL LIGHT FLICKERS, THE CD LIGHT FLASHES). NLM
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.