NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
117 reportsClear category filter51,120 miles · Jun 26, 2005
Electrical System
WHEN I STARTED MY CAR TO GO TO WORK, IT STARTED TO MISFIRE AND RUN VERY BADLY. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. IT TURNED OUT TO BE A BAD COIL PACK, #2 CYLINDER NOT FIRING. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMEN PROBLEM FOR VW. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH TO FIND OUT HOW COMMEN THIS WAS. T…
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WHEN I STARTED MY CAR TO GO TO WORK, IT STARTED TO MISFIRE AND RUN VERY BADLY. MY HUSBAND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. IT TURNED OUT TO BE A BAD COIL PACK, #2 CYLINDER NOT FIRING. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMEN PROBLEM FOR VW. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH TO FIND OUT HOW COMMEN THIS WAS. TO MY SUPRISE, THIS IS EXTREAMLY COMMON TO VW. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 1.8 TURBO MOTORS BUT NONE ON THE 2.8 V6 MOTOR. MY CONCERN IS WHY NO RECALL ON 2.8 MOTOR IF THIS IS SO COMMON ON THIS MODEL. PLEASE REPLY. THANKS KATJA HERRMANN
NHTSA ODI #10126615
53,000 miles · Jun 22, 2005
Electrical System
2001 VW JETTA GLS 2.0 W/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE CAR GETS STUCK IN PARK AND WILL NOT CHANGE INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE BRAKE SENSOR OR THE EPC (ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10126199
65,000 miles · Jun 17, 2005
Electrical System
I HAVE A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2001 VR6 WITH A BAD COIL. I FOUND AN ARTICLE FROM FEB 2003 RELEASED BY VW SAYING ALL 2001 AND SOME 2002 & 2003 MODELS WERE BEING RECALLED FOR THE COILS. WHEN I CALLED VW THEY SAID IN DOES NOT APPLY TO MY MODEL. WHILE SEARCHING THE INTERNET IT SEEMS THIS IS COMMON FOR THOSE YEAR AND OBVIOUSLY THE COIL…
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I HAVE A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2001 VR6 WITH A BAD COIL. I FOUND AN ARTICLE FROM FEB 2003 RELEASED BY VW SAYING ALL 2001 AND SOME 2002 & 2003 MODELS WERE BEING RECALLED FOR THE COILS. WHEN I CALLED VW THEY SAID IN DOES NOT APPLY TO MY MODEL. WHILE SEARCHING THE INTERNET IT SEEMS THIS IS COMMON FOR THOSE YEAR AND OBVIOUSLY THE COIL IS FAULTY.
NHTSA ODI #10125627
Mileage unknown · May 5, 2005
Electrical System
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HAS A FAULTY IGNITION COIL WIRING HARNESS.*MR THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ENGINE IDLE FLUCTUATION AND A MISS IN THE ENGINE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10121491
40,000 miles · Apr 14, 2005
Electrical System
(1) AT START UP (GENERALLY COOLER, OREGON NIGHTS) IS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS, AND RANDOMLY; (2) CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. HAVE BEEN IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR TRYING TO CLEAR INTERSECTION WHEN CAR STALLS FOR NO REASON. *AK (3) HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER MANY TIMES - THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. CAR REMAIN…
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(1) AT START UP (GENERALLY COOLER, OREGON NIGHTS) IS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS, AND RANDOMLY; (2) CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. HAVE BEEN IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR TRYING TO CLEAR INTERSECTION WHEN CAR STALLS FOR NO REASON. *AK (3) HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER MANY TIMES - THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. CAR REMAINS DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #10117891
74,000 miles · Jan 12, 2005
Electrical System
UPON EXITING THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. I HAD TO COAST AND VEER OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, JUST NARROWLY AVOIDING BEING HIT BY TWO CARS. I WAS ABLE TO START MY CAR AGAIN, BUT WAS ONLY ABLE TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING BY REVVING IT SO THAT IT HAD A HIGH RPM. THE ONLY WAY THAT I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING…
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UPON EXITING THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. I HAD TO COAST AND VEER OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, JUST NARROWLY AVOIDING BEING HIT BY TWO CARS. I WAS ABLE TO START MY CAR AGAIN, BUT WAS ONLY ABLE TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING BY REVVING IT SO THAT IT HAD A HIGH RPM. THE ONLY WAY THAT I WAS ABLE TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING WHENEVER I REACHED TRAFFIC, A STOP SIGN, OR A STOP LIGHT WAS TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND REVVING MY ENGINE. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO VOLKSWAGEN, AND THE PROBLEM WAS AN IGNITION COIL FAILURE. THIS IS THE SAME PART THAT THE SIX CYLINDER JETTAS WERE RECALLED BY VOLKSWAGEN FOR, BUT WAS ONLY GIVEN A 10,000 MILE EXTENSION ON THE FOUR CYLINDER JETTAS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY TROUBLING BECAUSE THE PART "GOES" WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I NARROWLY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 18 MONTH OLD SON SEATED IN THE BACK OF THE CAR. VW CHARGED ME A LITTLE OVER $1,000 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. I WAS, AND REMAIN, EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED, AND HAVE REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO VW'S 1-800 NUMBER. THE REPRESENTATIVE AGREED THAT THE FOUR CYLINDER JETTAS SHOULD BE RECALLED AS THE SIX CYLINDERS HAVE, BUT THAT VW ONLY OFFERS THE 10,000 MILE IGNITION COIL EXTENSION FOR THE FOUR CYLINDER JETTAS IN THE MEAN TIME.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10106182
36,980 miles · Dec 1, 2004
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages
THIS SUMMER MY LEFT REAR DOOR BECAME INOPERABLE. IN LATE OCTOBER THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY. ON A COLD AND RAINY DAY THIS NOVEMBER MY 2001 JETTA WITH 37000 MILES STALLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. I RESTARTED AND COMPLETED MY TURN, THINKING I HAD JUST LET OUT THE CLUTCH TOO FAST. THE CAR WAS A BIT SLUGGI…
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THIS SUMMER MY LEFT REAR DOOR BECAME INOPERABLE. IN LATE OCTOBER THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY. ON A COLD AND RAINY DAY THIS NOVEMBER MY 2001 JETTA WITH 37000 MILES STALLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. I RESTARTED AND COMPLETED MY TURN, THINKING I HAD JUST LET OUT THE CLUTCH TOO FAST. THE CAR WAS A BIT SLUGGISH AND A 1/2 MILE DOWN THE ROAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON NOVEMBER 30 AND WAS SHOCKED NOT ONLY AT THE PROBLEMS BUT THAT THEY WERE NOT COVERERED BY ANY WARRANTY. THE TOTAL REPAIR BILL WAS OVER $1000 DOLLARS. THE IGNITION COIL PACK NEEDS REPLACED FOR $740. THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH NEEDS REPLACED FOR $77. JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE DOOR REQUIRES A CHARGE OF $188 DOLLARS. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES ON YOUR WEBSITE. I GUESS I JUST HIT THE TRIFECTA.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10100856
Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2004
Electrical System
WHEN I ACTIVATE THE TURN SIGNAL, RIGHT OR LEFT, THE SIGNAL WILL BLINK AT AN IRREGULAR INTERVAL AND THEN DIE. THIS INTERVAL IS NOT FIXED...ITS RANDOM. SOMETIMES THE LIGHT WILL BLINK FOR A WHILE, SOMETIMES IT WILL BLINK ONCE AND DIE. IT'S THE EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH. I HAVE NOT CORRECTED IT YET. I'VE LOOKED AT THE FUSES, ALL A…
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WHEN I ACTIVATE THE TURN SIGNAL, RIGHT OR LEFT, THE SIGNAL WILL BLINK AT AN IRREGULAR INTERVAL AND THEN DIE. THIS INTERVAL IS NOT FIXED...ITS RANDOM. SOMETIMES THE LIGHT WILL BLINK FOR A WHILE, SOMETIMES IT WILL BLINK ONCE AND DIE. IT'S THE EMERGENCY FLASHER SWITCH. I HAVE NOT CORRECTED IT YET. I'VE LOOKED AT THE FUSES, ALL ARE SOCKETED PROPERLY AND NOT BLOWN. I'VE LOOKED AT ALL 6 LIGHTS CLOSELY, AND THEY ARE WORKING AND APPEAR TO BE SHINING WITH THE SAME INTENSITY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10095879
2,306 miles · Oct 7, 2004
Electrical System
EPC LIGHT CAME ON, COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK, ABS LIGHT CAME ON, BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, EPC LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, MIL LIGHT CAME ON, WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED-CABLE ASSEMBLY FAILED & COULD NOT OPERATE WINDOW, TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERABLE, ENGINE COVER CLAMP LOOSE, RADIO SHORTED OUT, EPC LIGHT CAME ON (AGAIN--3RD TIME!!) …
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EPC LIGHT CAME ON, COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK, ABS LIGHT CAME ON, BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, EPC LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, MIL LIGHT CAME ON, WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED-CABLE ASSEMBLY FAILED & COULD NOT OPERATE WINDOW, TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERABLE, ENGINE COVER CLAMP LOOSE, RADIO SHORTED OUT, EPC LIGHT CAME ON (AGAIN--3RD TIME!!) AND AGAIN COULD NOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK, BATTERY DIES AND DRAINS CAR DUE TO SHORTAGE IN DRIVERS DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY, AIR-CONDITIONING FAILS. COULD NOT DRIVE CAR. HAD TO HAVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED 3 TIMES!! NOTE, CAR WAS ONLY 2 1/2 MONTHS OLD UPON FIRST INCIDENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10093772
77,822 miles · Oct 6, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment Adaptive/mobility
REGULAR USAGE OF CAR RESULTED IN HAVING TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG CABLES ON MY CAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10093687
Official recalls
6Feb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
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 APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. 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.
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.
Dec 16, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCCURS DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOAD FROM HIGHER WATTAGE TURN SIGNAL BULBS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN 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.
Sep 12, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Jan 31, 2002
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. 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.
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.
DP05004 · Engine Stalling
Opened Aug 11, 2005 · Closed Dec 8, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module
BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON HIS 2002 VW JETTA SEDAN.AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING, THE PETITIONER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.AFTER A FEW MINUTES PARKED ON THE SHOULDER HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE OPERATED AT REDUCED POWER.VW ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) ON JANUARY 31, 2003 TO INSTRUCT THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ANY MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS AND TO REPLACE THEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.CONSUMERS WERE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERSHIPS VIA OWNER LETTERS MAILED OUT ON JUNE 6, 2003.WHILE VW INITIALLY INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIPS TO ONLY REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS, A REVISED CSC WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS IN DECEMBER 2003 AND JANUARY 2004, INSTRUCTING DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE ALL IGNITION COIL PACKS REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERFORMANCE.A REMINDER TO THE DEALERSHIPS WAS SENT BY VW ON APRIL OF 2004.ALTHOUGH THE CONCERNS OF THE PETITIONER COULD THEORETICALLY CREATE A SAFETY PROBLEM, THE RISK IS VERY SMALL, DUE TO THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING ON EITHER 3, 5, OR 7 CYLINDERS.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ONCE DRIVERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM (LOSS OF POWER DUE TO ONE OF THE IGNITION COIL PACKS MALFUNCTIONING), DRIVERS ARE ABLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY AND COMPENSATORY MEASURES AND STILL MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, FOUR FIRES WERE REPORTED TO ODI.THESE WERE IGNITION COIL BURNOUTS WITH NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND WERE LOCALIZED ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DURING THE LAST 24 MONTHS THE NUMBER OF STALL AND DRIVABILITY COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO ODI HAS GREATLY DIMINISHED FROM A PEAK OF 195 IN JANUARY OF 2003 TO ONLY 3 IN AUGUST OF 2005.THIS COINCIDES WITH THE CSC RELEASED BY VW.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
PE04081 · Inadvertent SIDE-AIRBAG Deployment
Opened Dec 16, 2004 · Closed Apr 1, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE-THORAX AND SIDE-HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO PROTECT THE FRONT AND REAR OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A SIDE-IMPACT CRASH.THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 499 REPORTS (482 OWNERS REPORTS AND 17 WARRANTY CLAIMS).THE CRASH SENSING SYSTEM?S ALGORITHM MAY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS (WHEEL, TIRE AND UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS) AS DEPLOYABLE EVENTS.THE 97 ALLEGED INJURIES WERE MINOR IN NATURE AND CONSIST OF ABRASIONS, BRUISES, EAR RINGING AND HEADACHES.THERE WAS NO ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL CRASH AS A RESULT OF SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.ODI ALSO OBTAINED COUNTS OF ALLEGED INADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENTS FROM PEER MANUFACTURERS.THE DATA SHOWS THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT UNIQUE IN BEING SUBJECT TO SUCH ALLEGATIONS.THE COMPLAINT RATE FOR NON-SUBJECT INDIVIDUAL MODEL VEHICLES VARIES WIDELY.THE RATE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS COMPARABLE TO THREE PEER MODELS, EACH WITH COMPACT CHASSIS/WHEELBASES.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED ANY COMPONENT FAILURE OR MANUFACTURING TREND THAT MAY RELATE TO A COMPONENT OR MANUFACTURING ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
PE04073 · Turn Signal/hazard Flasher Failure
Opened Oct 19, 2004 · Closed Dec 16, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.
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.
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