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

What owners actually said

349 reports

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2001

Engine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE OIL MUST BE ADDED EVERY 350 - 400 MILES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #740341

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2001

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingStructure

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

NHTSA ODI #559122

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2001

Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainUnknown Or Other

VEHICLE RUNS OUT OF OIL EVERY 1500 MILES, AND THE TRANSMISSION IS VERY JERKY. *AK WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE STREAKING BECAUSE WIPERS WERE SEPARATING. INSTRUMENT PANEL CUP HOLDER LOOSE ON TIGHT SIDE. THE STICK SHIFT VIBRATES IN 3RD GEAR DUE TO SELECTOR SHAFT FAILURE. *YH

NHTSA ODI #878873

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2000

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury

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WHILE DRIVING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN IN PREPARATION FOR A RIGHT HAND TURN. I TURNED ON MY SIGNAL, AND SLOWLY BEGAN TO HIT MY BRAKES. AS I HIT MY BRAKES, IT BEGAN TO TO ENGAGE AND THEN I FELT A "POP" IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HIT THE BRAKE A LITTLE HARDER AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I THEN BEGAN PUMPING THE BRAKES IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE CAR. MY ATTEMPT TO STOP THE CAR FAILED AND I HIT A PARKED CAR AT 30MPH. MODERATE DAMAGE DONE TO PASSENGER FRONT AND QUARTERPANEL OF CAR. DOOR WEDGED INTO CAR BRAKING SOME GLASS ON PASSENGER SIDE. UPON IMPACT, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHATSOEVER. I HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH MY HEAD AND SPIDERED THE GLASS UPON IMPACT. IMPACT JOLTED THE CAR IN SUCH A WAY, IT SNAPED MY INSIDE MIRROR OFF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD.*AK

NHTSA ODI #737309

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2000

Electrical SystemFire

AFTER THE CAR WAS SITTING FOR 3 HOURS THE VEHCILE SPONTANIOUSLY COMBUSTED. VW HEADQUARTER IS BEING VERY SHADY WITH THE CAUSE OF INCIDENT. THERE IS NO FRONT END TO VEHICLE BUT THE BATTERY IS STILL INTACK. NOT CAUSED BY BATTERY EXPLOSION. UNKNOWN HOW CAR CA

NHTSA ODI #736669

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2000

Engine And Engine Cooling

O2 SENSOR(S) WENT BAD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WARRANTY PERIOD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #736395

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2000

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

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OIL LIGHT CAME ON 2000 MILES AFTER OILCHANGE/BURNING OR LEAKING EXCESSIVE OIL,AND OIL LEVEL LOW. PASSENGER'S WINDOW MOTOR STOPPED WORKING, RESULTING IN WINDOW FALLING DOWN,. ALSO, ENGINE REVVED HIGH/ LIGHT SWITCH ON INTERIOR LIGHT FELL OFF/ FRONT RIGHT MICHELIN TIRE BLEWOUT, AND HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY. DEALER KEPT REPAIRING PROBLEMS. CONSUMER CONTACTED VW CO, AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD GET BACK TO HER, BUT NEVER DID. CONSUMER FELT VEHICLE WAS A LEMON. PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #875011

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2000

Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING 60MPH HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. THEN ATER PUMP SEIZED & CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL OUT. PULLED OVER. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. INFORMED BY MECHANIC IT WAS THE WATER PUMP WHICH SHEARED OFF THE TIMING BELT & DAMAGED THE VALVE HEAD. PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED EXCEPT FOR THE CLICKING NOISE THAT WAS STILL THERE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #874860

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2000

Suspension

FRONT BUMPER HAS BEEN PULLED LOOSE TWICE IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS WHILE BACKING FROM DRIVEWAY. THERE IS ALSO TRANSMISSION GUARD SCRATCHES. FIRST INCIDENT 10/29/99, CURRENT INCIDENT 10/09/00.CONTACTED VW U.S. CUSTOMER CARE CENTER (1-800-822-8987) CASE # 732875, WAS TOLD THIS IS NOT A "DEFECT" PROBLEM. I DISAGREE. FRONT SUSPENSION A…

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NHTSA ODI #735047

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2000

Vehicle Speed Control

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I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT (GOING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH) WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES AN HOUR. (I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE.) THE ENGINE WAS REVVING AND IT JUMPED A CURB, CROSSED OVER AN ISLAND OF GRASS, A PEDESTRIAN SIDEWALK AND LANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A TWO WAY STREET AND FINALLY STOPPED. LUCKILY, THRE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS OR VECHICLES IN MY WAY; OTHERWISE, A MAJOR ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. THE DEALER CHECKED THE CAR AND COULD NOT FIND ANY DEFECTS AND BASCIALLY BLAMED IT ON DRIVE ERROR. I ALSO CALLED VOLKSWAGEN. VOLKSWAGEN STATED THAT SINCE THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY DEFECTS, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. NO OTHER INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THE INITIAL ONE. (I, OF COURSE, WAS CONVINCED THAT SOMEHOW I HAD CAUSED THE CAR TO ACCELERATE UNTIL I READ THE OTHER INCIDENTS IN THIS DATABASE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #734255

Official recalls

06V183000 · 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

RQ06004 · 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

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

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.