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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

What owners actually said

349 reports
77,681 miles · Aug 5, 2004
Power Train

I WAS DRIVING UP 24 NORTH, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR. WHILE IN THE FAST LANE, MY ABILITY TO ACCELERATE JUST STOPPED. MY ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, HOWEVER, MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT DRIVING ON THIS HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR SO I WAS ABLE TO COAST OVER TO THE BREAK DOWN LANE. VOLKSWAGEN DIAGNOSE…

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I WAS DRIVING UP 24 NORTH, DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES PER HOUR. WHILE IN THE FAST LANE, MY ABILITY TO ACCELERATE JUST STOPPED. MY ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, HOWEVER, MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS NOT DRIVING ON THIS HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR SO I WAS ABLE TO COAST OVER TO THE BREAK DOWN LANE. VOLKSWAGEN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED IN MY CAR. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING SIGNS OR INDICATIONS THAT THIS PART WAS GOING TO FAIL. HAD I BEEN ON THIS HIGHWAY DURING A BUSIER TIME OF THE DAY, MY CAR COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT DUE TO THE FAULTY PART.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10086271

69,200 miles · Aug 4, 2004
Power Train

THE CAR WILL TURN ON, BUT WHEN I PRESS ON THE BRAKES AND TRY TO TAKE THE CAR OUT OF PARK IT WILL NOT MOVE, AND THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10086208

58,000 miles · Aug 3, 2004
Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10087104

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMES ON DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF O2, MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10086099

84,000 miles · Aug 3, 2004
Visibility

POWER WINDOW ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT GO DOWN DUE TO BAD REGULATOR AND POSSIBLE MOTOR. THIS IS THE 4TH WINDOW TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM ON THIS CAR. INOPERABLE WINDOW, COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF ANY PERSON(S) IN VEHICLE. EXAMPLE:IN CASE OF FIRE THEY MAY NOT GET OUT, EXAMPLE : IN CASE OF ASSAULT THEY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ROLL WINDOW UP. …

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POWER WINDOW ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT GO DOWN DUE TO BAD REGULATOR AND POSSIBLE MOTOR. THIS IS THE 4TH WINDOW TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM ON THIS CAR. INOPERABLE WINDOW, COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF ANY PERSON(S) IN VEHICLE. EXAMPLE:IN CASE OF FIRE THEY MAY NOT GET OUT, EXAMPLE : IN CASE OF ASSAULT THEY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO ROLL WINDOW UP. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10086076

63,024 miles · Jul 27, 2004
Visibility

WINDOW REGULATOR ON 1999 1/2 VW JETTA BROKE TWICE, AND DEALER CHARGED $87.00 FOR PART THAT MAY LAST ANOTHER 2,000MILES. PART SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED FOR GOOD.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10082789

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control

WHILE IN NEUTRAL CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT GAIN SPEED. CONSUMER APPLIED FORCE AND PUMPED THE GAS PEDAL AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10081599

1,000 miles · Jul 7, 2004
Structure

WHEN PARKING AGAINST A CONCRETE PARKING STOP, IF YOU PULL THE FRONT TIRES ALL THE WAY TO THE STOP WHEN YOU BACK OUT YOU JUST ABOUT PULL THE ENTIRE BUMPER OFF. THIS HAPPENED ONLY A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR. WE PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPOT NOT THINKING ANYTHING OF IT. WE OWNED SIMILAR SIZED CARS BEFORE. THE GRILLWORK …

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WHEN PARKING AGAINST A CONCRETE PARKING STOP, IF YOU PULL THE FRONT TIRES ALL THE WAY TO THE STOP WHEN YOU BACK OUT YOU JUST ABOUT PULL THE ENTIRE BUMPER OFF. THIS HAPPENED ONLY A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR. WE PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPOT NOT THINKING ANYTHING OF IT. WE OWNED SIMILAR SIZED CARS BEFORE. THE GRILLWORK POPS OUT AND SNAPS BACK IN. WE LOST TWO OF THE THREE PIECES OF GRILLWORK FROM NOT REALIZING THAT THEY DO COME OUT WHEN YOU SIMPLY PARK YOUR CAR. THE FIRST I MENTIONED THE INCIDENT TO THE SERVICE TECH HE SAID I GUESS THEY DON'T HAVE THOSE PARKING STOPS IN GERMANY. THE SECOND TIME I MENTIONED IT THE SERVICE TECH SAID YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THIS IS A COMPACT CAR AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO PULL ALL THE WAY IN. I BELIEVE THE NEWER JETTA MODELS HAVE MORE CLEARANCE THAN THE "TROUBLED JETTAS" DO.WE HAVE SOMEWHAT GOTTEN USED TO NOT PULLING IN SO FAR BUT NOT ALL THE TIME. WE ALSO REFUSE TO GET IT REPAIRED AT OUR EXPENSE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10080544

34,383 miles · Jul 7, 2004
Seat BeltsSteeringUnknown Or Other

I BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST 2003, I NOTICED A REPAIR DOCKET FROM PREVIOUS OWNER FOR LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT AND LEFT TIE ROD ASSEMBLE W FRONT END ALIGNMENT ON 5/29/03 AT 34383 MILES. I HAD A LOT OF NOISE UNDER THE ENGINE. VW CAPISTRANO CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID IT WAS DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT. I BOUGHT CAR FROM A FORD DEALER WHO DID …

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I BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST 2003, I NOTICED A REPAIR DOCKET FROM PREVIOUS OWNER FOR LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT AND LEFT TIE ROD ASSEMBLE W FRONT END ALIGNMENT ON 5/29/03 AT 34383 MILES. I HAD A LOT OF NOISE UNDER THE ENGINE. VW CAPISTRANO CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID IT WAS DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT. I BOUGHT CAR FROM A FORD DEALER WHO DID NOT WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. FINALLY, VW CAPISTRANO FORCED THEIR HAND AND PROCESSED IT THROUGH MY THEN CURRENT WARRANTY. AT THE TIME, I HAD 45K MILES ON THE CAR. I THOUGHT IT SHOCKING THAT A CAR SO YOUNG SHOULD HAVE SUCH A MAJOR PROBLEM (FOR THE SECOND TIME). WHEN I PICKED CAR UP, A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, I HEARD A LOUD CRUNCHING NOISE IN THE FRONT LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE MOTOR OR WHEEL. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, DROVE IT ANOTHER 5000 MILES, HAD TO REPLACE 4 TIRES, AND ASKED THE TIRE TECH TO CHECK IT OUT. HE SAID IT WAS THE STEERING KNUCKLE AND IT WAS IN BAD SHAPE. I CONTACTED VW WHO SAID, BAD LUCK, IT'S ONLY COVERED FOR 24K MILES OR 2YEARS. I AGAIN AM SHOCKED, FIRSTLY BECAUSE THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE ONE OF THESE SHOULD GO OUT SO EARLY, ADDED TO THAT, IF THE BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED, THEN ISN'T THE STEERING KNUCKLE, MOVED IN SOME WAY SHAPE OR FORM, SO THERE SHOULD BE SOME SORT OF RECOURSE. THIS CAR IS A LEMON, HOWEVER, CA LAW STATES IT ISN'T. I WAS RIPPED OFF BY THEODORE ROBBINS IN COSTA MESA AND WOULDN'T RECOMMEND ANYONE BUY FROM THEM, THEY WERE SUSPECT FROM DAY ONE ONCE I DROVE MY CAR FROM THEIR LOT. ALSO, THE BACK RIGHT SEAT BELT IS FIXED TO THE SEAT AND IS UNUSABLE, I COMPLAINED IT WAS DANGEROUS, FORD SAID TOO BAD, YOU BOUGHT IT THAT WAY FIX IT. SINCE THEN MY HORN HAS GONE OUT BECAUSE THE CAR 'LOST' IT'S UNDER WHEEL COVER AND WATER GOT INTO THE HORN. THIS CAR REPORTEDLY HAD A 100 POINT INSPECTION, WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE NOT TRUE. THE RADIO HAS NEVER WORKED A DAY, IT'S ALWAYS 'FUZZY'. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10080543

96,445 miles · Jun 29, 2004
Visibility

DRIVERS WINDOW FELL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR WHILE THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR CHANGING OIL, FILTER, ETC. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT EVEN THOUGH INSPECTION OF THE FAILED PART CLEARLY INDICATES INADEQUATE DESIGN......PLASTIC CLIPS FAILED RELEASING THE CHANNEL GUIDES AND ALLOWING THE WINDOW GLASS TO FALL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR…

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DRIVERS WINDOW FELL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR WHILE THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR CHANGING OIL, FILTER, ETC. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT EVEN THOUGH INSPECTION OF THE FAILED PART CLEARLY INDICATES INADEQUATE DESIGN......PLASTIC CLIPS FAILED RELEASING THE CHANNEL GUIDES AND ALLOWING THE WINDOW GLASS TO FALL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10079028

Official recalls

6

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

5

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

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.