NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
349 reports68,000 miles · Dec 15, 2003
Seat Belts
I OWN A 1999 1/2 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A SUBSTANTIAL COST OF MY OWN. THE PIECE THAT BROKE WAS THE BUCKLE WHERE THE BELT GETS INSERTED INTO. I WAS CURIOUS TO KNOW IF SEATBELTS HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTY WITH CARS. IF NOT, DOES THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HAVE A …
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I OWN A 1999 1/2 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A SUBSTANTIAL COST OF MY OWN. THE PIECE THAT BROKE WAS THE BUCKLE WHERE THE BELT GETS INSERTED INTO. I WAS CURIOUS TO KNOW IF SEATBELTS HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTY WITH CARS. IF NOT, DOES THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HAVE A HISTORY OF SEAT BELT FAILURES? THANK YOU, [XXX]. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10049780
30,000 miles · Nov 26, 2003
Electrical System
IGNITION COIL PACK ON VW JETTA, '99 NEW BODY. HINTS OF FAILURE BEGAN LONG BEFORE CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP BUT DID NOT WARRANT A SERVICE. (IE, JERKS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE DURING HEAVY RAIN) AFTER ROAD TRIP, PROBLEM GREW IN SEVERITY, BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE, AND REALIZED COIL PACK NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10047628
68,299 miles · Oct 27, 2003
Power Train
PIN IN TRANSMISSION COMING OUT, CAUSING LEAK, REPLACED TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH DISK, PRESSURE PLATE AND THROWOUT BEARINGS. VW HONOR WARRANTY BECAUSE I WAS SECOND OWNER. ORIGINAL WARRANTY 100,000 OR 5YRS. DEALER STATED THEY NEVER SAW A PIN WORKED ITS WAY OUT THAT WAY. THEY THOUGHT VW SHOULD HAVE COVERED PROBLEM. MILLEAGE AT TIME 6…
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PIN IN TRANSMISSION COMING OUT, CAUSING LEAK, REPLACED TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH DISK, PRESSURE PLATE AND THROWOUT BEARINGS. VW HONOR WARRANTY BECAUSE I WAS SECOND OWNER. ORIGINAL WARRANTY 100,000 OR 5YRS. DEALER STATED THEY NEVER SAW A PIN WORKED ITS WAY OUT THAT WAY. THEY THOUGHT VW SHOULD HAVE COVERED PROBLEM. MILLEAGE AT TIME 68,299 . *AK
NHTSA ODI #10043681
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2003
Structure
PAINT ON REAR BUMPER OF 1999 VW JETTA'S CHIP & PEEL OFF ON MOST VEHICLES. REDUCES THE RESALE VALUE & APPEARANCE OF THE VEHICLE. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041574
60,000 miles · Oct 8, 2003
Electrical SystemCrashFire
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CAR RUNS ROUGH WHEN WET. HAS ALWAYS. BRING IT IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY SAY IT IS THE IGNITION COIL PACK. IT WAS REPLACED AND THE DAY AFTER SERVICE IS COMPLETED ON THE WAY TO WORK CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. BRING IT BACK IN AND AFTER ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC HOOK UP AND ANOTHER $72 LATER NOW THEY SAY…
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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CAR RUNS ROUGH WHEN WET. HAS ALWAYS. BRING IT IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY SAY IT IS THE IGNITION COIL PACK. IT WAS REPLACED AND THE DAY AFTER SERVICE IS COMPLETED ON THE WAY TO WORK CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. BRING IT BACK IN AND AFTER ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC HOOK UP AND ANOTHER $72 LATER NOW THEY SAY THERE ARE 2 MORE FAULTS. THE IGNITION WIRES NEED REPLACING AND THE LONG TERM FUEL TRIM IS RUNNING LEAN. I DO SOME RESEARCH ON LINE AND FIND OUT VW HAS HAD IGNITION COIL PROBLEMS AND HAD RECALLS ON 2001 AND 2002 MODEL YEARS AFTER A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS FILED. I CONTACTED VW BEFORE I KNEW ABOUT THE CLASS ACTION SUIT AND THE PROBLEMS VW HAS HAD WITH THE IGNITION COIL PACKS AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T ASSIST ME. GO FIGURE. A COMPANY WHO HAS HAD THESE VERY SAME PROBLEMS IN THE PAST WITH OTHER MODELS AND YEARS ISN'T TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS. I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH VW SERVICE, BOTH AT THE DEALER AND THERE HEADQUARTERS FOR NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM AND FOR NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. THERE IS AN ATTORNEY WHO IS DOING A CLASS ACTION INVESTIGATION INTO THE IGNITION COIL PAK PROBLEM. IT IS GG&D, GIRARD, GIBBS, AND DE BARTOLOMEO. THEY ARE BASED IN SAN FRANCISCO AND HAVE A WEB SITE. YOU CAN EMAIL THEM IF YOU'VE HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR IGNITION COIL PACK NEEDING REPLACING. I THINK IT IS HORRIBLE THAT VW WON'T ADMIT OF ANY LIABILITY IN THIS MATTER ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY'VE HAD A CLASS ACTION SUIT ALREADY FOR OTHER YEARS. IT IS JUST TOO COINCIDENTAL THAT OTHERS ARE STILL EXPERIENCING IGNITION COIL PROBLEMS. SO FAR, I HAVE SPENT OVER $1600 TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS. I GUESS I WON'T BE BUYING ANYMORE VOLKSWAGENS. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041466
72,000 miles · Oct 4, 2003
Visibility
POWER WINDOWS ARE WINDING DOWN BY THEMSELVES AND HAPPENED TWICE (10/3/03-10/04/03). I GO OUTSIDE AND ALL THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN. IF SOMEONE STEALS MY CAR , THEN VW WILL HAVE TO BUY BE ANOTHER! *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041230
30,000 miles · Aug 28, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment
FIRST: COIN HOLDER BROKE, NEXT, THE FUEL PUMP. AFTER THAT, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT. THE HEAT GAUGE GOES ON THE "I WILL WORK WHEN I WANT TO, AND I WON'T WHEN I DON'T" ATTITUDE. SPEAKING OF FRONT END BUMPERS, I'VE HAD MINE REPLACED AND FIXED 3 TIMES, STUPID ME, SHOULDN'T I KNOW BY NOW NOT TO GET SO CLOSE TO THOSE PARKING CURB…
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FIRST: COIN HOLDER BROKE, NEXT, THE FUEL PUMP. AFTER THAT, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT. THE HEAT GAUGE GOES ON THE "I WILL WORK WHEN I WANT TO, AND I WON'T WHEN I DON'T" ATTITUDE. SPEAKING OF FRONT END BUMPERS, I'VE HAD MINE REPLACED AND FIXED 3 TIMES, STUPID ME, SHOULDN'T I KNOW BY NOW NOT TO GET SO CLOSE TO THOSE PARKING CURBS. NEXT, IT STARTED USING OIL, EVERY 1000 MILES, 1 QT, WENT TO DEALER, GAVE ME RUNAROUND, MECHANIC STANDING BY LISTENING, TOOK MY SIDE, REPLACED RINGS, SORRY, I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE SITE SOONER SO I COULD TELL YOU ALL THIS.FIXED. MAYBE, HOPE. NOW, CAR DIES ON HIGHWAY FOR NO APPARENT REASON ABOVE SPEEDS OF 50+, MOMENTARILY, AND THEN STARTS AGAIN. THE DRINK HOLDER HAS NOW BROKEN, SON HAS TO PUT AA BATTERY ABOVE CASSETTE TO HAVE SOUND COMING FROM ALL SPEAKERS. EMERGENCY FLASHERS STARTED MAKING CRACKING NOISES, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS?, NOT MY VW. AIR CONDITIONER QUIT WORKING 1 MONTH AGO. WENT TO MECHANIC TODAY, HE SAYS COMPRESSOR. HAVE YOU PRICED A COMPRESSOR? $840. DEALER ONLY PART,GO FIGURE, AREN'T THEY ALL. WIPERS ARE NOT GOOD, REPLACED 2 TIMES. SO GLAD I DON'T HAVE POWER WINDOWS AND AUTO TRANS. I READ WHAT SOMEONE WROTE, "I LOVE MY CAR". IT'S A [XXX] SHAME ISN'T IT ,THAT WE PUT THIS MUCH CONFIDENCE INTO A CAR DEALER TO BE THIS DISAPPOINTED. ALL VW JETTA'S SHOULD READ "MADE IN MEXICO" EMBLAZENED - I DON'T KNOW WHERE. IF CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED, POST HERE. I GOT A LEMON. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10036813
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2003
Electrical System
VEHICLE'S ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED WHILE DRIVING AND THE EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED.*MR WHILE DRIVING THE EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE'S SPEED WAS REDUCED FROM 60 MPH TO 20 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WEREN'T ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO LAUNCH AN INQUIRY. *NLM *JB
NHTSA ODI #10037994
65,000 miles · Aug 27, 2003
Power Train
1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.*MR WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, THE REVERSE SYNCHRO FAILED AND AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE HAD NO REVERSE GEAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A 10 YEAR/100,000 WARRANTY, BUT WHEN THE CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALER O…
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1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS.*MR WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS PLACED IN REVERSE, THE REVERSE SYNCHRO FAILED AND AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE HAD NO REVERSE GEAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A 10 YEAR/100,000 WARRANTY, BUT WHEN THE CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE THE DEALER REFUSED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. *NLM *JB
NHTSA ODI #10037985
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. DEALER DID ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, BUT ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS DONE. CONSUMER HAS DOCUMENTATION ABOUT THIS AND OTHER SAFETY ISSUES IN THE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10034390
Official recalls
6May 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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