NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
109 reportsClear category filter36,000 miles · Jul 14, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE 2001 VW JETTA I PURCHASED IN APRIL 2003 SEEMED TO BE A GREAT CAR UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND HAS BEEN ON SINCE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF DEALERSHIPS OR "SPECIALTY" VOLKSWAGEN AUTO SHOPS AND NOONE IS ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE LIGHT IS ON UNLESS I PAY THEM $600-$1500 TO GO IN AND DIAGNOSE MORE T…
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THE 2001 VW JETTA I PURCHASED IN APRIL 2003 SEEMED TO BE A GREAT CAR UNTIL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND HAS BEEN ON SINCE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF DEALERSHIPS OR "SPECIALTY" VOLKSWAGEN AUTO SHOPS AND NOONE IS ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE LIGHT IS ON UNLESS I PAY THEM $600-$1500 TO GO IN AND DIAGNOSE MORE THOUROUGHLY. THE COMPUTER ON THE JETTA PUTOUT A "FUEL-INJUECTION" PROBLEM AND NOONE IS ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT EXACTLY THIS COULD BE. I CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH THE LIGHT ON AND WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE WITH THE LIGHT ON IF IT BEGINS TO FLASH. VERY FRUSTRATING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10081042
52,000 miles · Jun 24, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
THE CONSUMER HAS HAD ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR CONTINUALLY FAILING. THE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. EACH TIME THE SENSOR FAILED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VW OF AMERICA WHICH EXTENDED THE WARRANTY OF THE SENSOR TO 7 YEARS OR 70000 MILES ON JETTA'S FROM 1999 TO 20…
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THE CONSUMER HAS HAD ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR CONTINUALLY FAILING. THE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. EACH TIME THE SENSOR FAILED THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VW OF AMERICA WHICH EXTENDED THE WARRANTY OF THE SENSOR TO 7 YEARS OR 70000 MILES ON JETTA'S FROM 1999 TO 2001. THE CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS AN IMPROPER SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. *AK *NM THE FRONT SEAT FRAMES CONTINUED TO BREAK. VW HAVE REPLACED THEM ON THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE 5-6 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10057212
20,000 miles · Jun 23, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON OR OFF A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10079755
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE VEHICLE BURNS OIL EXCESSIVELY. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY ADD OIL. EVERYTIME I'VE SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER HE JUST GAVE ME THE RUN-AROUND. THEY CONDUCTED 2 OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS BUT NEVER DID ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE VEHILCE WAS PURCHASED IN NJ FROM DOUGLAS MOTORS. AT EVERY SCHEDULED SERVICE I COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PRO…
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THE VEHICLE BURNS OIL EXCESSIVELY. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY ADD OIL. EVERYTIME I'VE SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER HE JUST GAVE ME THE RUN-AROUND. THEY CONDUCTED 2 OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS BUT NEVER DID ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE VEHILCE WAS PURCHASED IN NJ FROM DOUGLAS MOTORS. AT EVERY SCHEDULED SERVICE I COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NOTHING WAS DONE TO FIX IT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10075292
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
REPLACEMENT OF COIL PACK ON MY 2001 JETTA GLX. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. THERE WERE ALSO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *SC
NHTSA ODI #10075614
107,000 miles · May 25, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVisibility
BEFORE I PICKED UP THE CAR- IT NEEDED A NEW FUEL TANK BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PUT GAS INTO THE CAR. AT 60,000 MILES THE CRANK SHAFT BROKE OFF AND A NEW ENGINE WAS INSTALLED. MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FELL DOWN. TWO PLASTIC THINGS KEEP FALLING OUT OF THE SUNROOF AND I PUT THEM BACK UP. NUMEROUS OXYGEN SENSORS HAVE BEEN CHANG…
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BEFORE I PICKED UP THE CAR- IT NEEDED A NEW FUEL TANK BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PUT GAS INTO THE CAR. AT 60,000 MILES THE CRANK SHAFT BROKE OFF AND A NEW ENGINE WAS INSTALLED. MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FELL DOWN. TWO PLASTIC THINGS KEEP FALLING OUT OF THE SUNROOF AND I PUT THEM BACK UP. NUMEROUS OXYGEN SENSORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED BUT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. FINALLY, AT 107,000 MILES MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AND VW REFUSES TO HELP WITH ANY OF THE COST BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10073128
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. CONSUMER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED CLEANING DUE TO INTAKE …
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WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. CONSUMER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED CLEANING DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD BEING CLOGGED WITH CARBON. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10073677
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
SINCE I HAVE HAD MY JETTA I HAVE HAD TO KEEP OIL IN THE TRUNK BECAUSE THE CAR BURNS OIL, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A CAR TO USE THAT MUCH OIL, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKE SWITCH REPLACED, THE ARM REST LATCH REPLACED, CD PLAYER REPLACED TWICE, MY PASSENGER REAR BRAKE LIGHTS BURN OUT REGULARLY (ONLY PASSENGE…
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SINCE I HAVE HAD MY JETTA I HAVE HAD TO KEEP OIL IN THE TRUNK BECAUSE THE CAR BURNS OIL, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A CAR TO USE THAT MUCH OIL, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKE SWITCH REPLACED, THE ARM REST LATCH REPLACED, CD PLAYER REPLACED TWICE, MY PASSENGER REAR BRAKE LIGHTS BURN OUT REGULARLY (ONLY PASSENGER SIDE), MY KEY IN THE IGNITION ALARM AND LIGHTS LEFT ON ALARM TURNED AND STAYED ON EVERYTIME I DROVE MY CAR. THE DEALER'S SOLUTION TO ALL THESE PROBLEMS WAS TO DOWNGRADE MY CAR AND BUY A VW BEETLE. I PURCHASED A 2002 USED BEETLE - DEALER ALLOWED ME TAKE CAR AND PROMISED TO FIX ANYTHING ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. THERE WAS A LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT WAS LIT UP CALLED EPC - I ASKED THE DEALER WHAT THE LIGHT WAS FOR AND THEY SAID THAT THE ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED NO BIG DEAL THEY WOULD FIX IT WHEN I RETURNED ON MONDAY. I DROVE THE CAR OFF THE LOT GOT ABOUT 20 MILES FOR THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CAR DIED ON THE FREEWAY!!!!! WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW TRUCK I READ IN THE CAR MANUAL THAT EPC STOOD FOR ELECTRIC POWER CONTROL - IT SAID IF THIS LIGHT GOES ON DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE - TOW TO DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY - AFTER THAT I MARCHED RIGHT BACK TO THE DEALER AND GOT MY JETTA BACK - HOWEVER I STILL HAVE ALL OF THE ABOVE PROBLEMS AND FEW TO ADD TO THE LIST DEFECTIVE ELECTRIC WINDOW, NOISY BRAKES WHEN IN REVERSE EVEN AFTER BRAKES WERE REPLACED. I CAN'T WAIT TO TURN THE PIECE OF @#$%# IN TO THE DEALER WHEN MY LEASE IS UP AND WALK AWAY - I JUST FEEL SORRY FOR THE FOOL THEY TURN AROUND AND SELL IT TO! *LA
NHTSA ODI #10065650
47,000 miles · Mar 31, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY THREE YEAR OLD JETTA HAD TO BE TOWED OFF OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY DUE TO OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE. I ALREADY HAD ONE OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THIS CAR.THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINSE I OWNED THE CAR. THIS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN SINSE THE CAR IS STALLING OUT WHILE TRAVEING AT HIGH SPEEDS. I FEEL THAT THERE NE…
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MY THREE YEAR OLD JETTA HAD TO BE TOWED OFF OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY DUE TO OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE. I ALREADY HAD ONE OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THIS CAR.THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINSE I OWNED THE CAR. THIS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN SINSE THE CAR IS STALLING OUT WHILE TRAVEING AT HIGH SPEEDS. I FEEL THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A MAJOR INVESTIGATION INTO WHY THESE VEHICLES ARE PERFORMING SO POORLY WHEN THEY ARE STILL NEW. EVERYONE I KNOW THAT OWNS A JETTA REPORTS THE SAME TYPE OF STALLING AND NUMEOUS OTHER EXPENSIVE PROBLEMS. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A $20000 PRODUCT. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE STATING THAT THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS. THE DEALER HAS INFORMED ME THAT IT IS GOING TO COST ME ALMOST $1000 TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE VEHICLES WARRANTY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10064296
3,000 miles · Mar 23, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY 2001 VW JETTA BURNS A QUART OF OIL EVERY 600 MILES. THIS PROBLEM OCCURED FROM THE FIRST MOMENTS I OWED THE VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATEDLY REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS "A CONDITION WITH NEW JETTAS AND WOULD RIGHT ITSELF AFTER I DROVE THE CAR A WHILE." THIS POSITION WAS REPEATED DURING THE "FREE" OIL CHANG…
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MY 2001 VW JETTA BURNS A QUART OF OIL EVERY 600 MILES. THIS PROBLEM OCCURED FROM THE FIRST MOMENTS I OWED THE VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATEDLY REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS "A CONDITION WITH NEW JETTAS AND WOULD RIGHT ITSELF AFTER I DROVE THE CAR A WHILE." THIS POSITION WAS REPEATED DURING THE "FREE" OIL CHANGES UP TO THE POINT WHERE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, VW MECHANICS INSISIT THAT THEY HAVE TO DO A $90 DIAGNOSIS TEST BEFORE THEY WILL ADDRESS IT (I HAD A PREVIOUS ONE DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD THAT FOUND NOTHING). NOW THE CAR IS GETTING OLDER, THE OIL BURING IS GETTING WORSE. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND NUMEROUS JETTA OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND EVEN WORSE AS A RESULT - INCLUDING BLOWN ENGINES. ONE JETTA OWNER STATED THAT THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE RINGS OF THE CAR. HE HAD THE CAR'S RINGS REPAIRED (AT A COST OF NEARLY $1,000) AND NOTHING IS NOW WRONG WITH THE CAR. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE FOUND OUT THAT THE DEFECT IMPACTS A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE CARS SOLD IN TWO YEARS, MANAFESTING IN BLOWN CATALITIC CONVERTERS AND ENGINES. HE ALSO STATES THAT VW INSTRUCTED ITS DEALERS TO TELL OWNERS THAT IT IS NORMAL WITH THE CAR DURING THE BREAK-IN PERIOD - THEREBY PUSHING THE PROBLEM PAST THE 28,000 MILE WARRANTY OBLIGATION. WHICH MAKES SENSE SINCE THIS PROBLEM WOULD COST VW MILLIONS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10063692
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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