IllustrationTHE TURN SIGNALS OF MY 2001 JETTA GAVE OUT AND I'VE SEEN ON FORUMS WHERE IT SAYS THAT THE EMERGENCY LIGHT SWITCH IS AT FAULT. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND I AM NOT A FAN OF PAYING MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT MY FAULT.*MR
2001 Volkswagen Jetta
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Jetta years
Owner complaints for the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Jetta years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
590–25K
11525–50K
7150–75K
5075–100K
46100–150K
18150K+
359 reports with mileage · 309 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.
- Electrical System. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
40 crash reports12 fire reports35 injury reports
Exterior Lighting complaints
80 reportsI HAVE NOW REPLACED BY BRAKE SWITCH AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY ARE THE SAME THING BUT I HAVE REPLACED THEM BOTH. THE FIRST ONE WAS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THIS WAS REPLACED BECAUSE MY LIGHTS WOULD RANDOMLY TURN ON. EVEN WHEN PARKED THE LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ON. I GOT IT TO TURN OFF BY WEDGING SOMETHING…
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I HAVE NOW REPLACED BY BRAKE SWITCH AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY ARE THE SAME THING BUT I HAVE REPLACED THEM BOTH. THE FIRST ONE WAS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THIS WAS REPLACED BECAUSE MY LIGHTS WOULD RANDOMLY TURN ON. EVEN WHEN PARKED THE LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ON. I GOT IT TO TURN OFF BY WEDGING SOMETHING BEHIND THE BRAKE SO IT WOULD NOT GO ON. HOWEVER, I PAID $59 FOR IT TO GET FIXED. THE OTHER SWITCH, THE BRAKE SWITCH WAS REPLACED TODAY. THE CHARGE WAS $137. THIS REPAIR WAS DUE TO THE SHIFTER BEING STUCK IN PARK. I HAVE SPENT DAYS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND I FEEL MY CAR SHOULD BE UNDER THE RECALL. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT MY CAR DID NOT COME UP AS A RECALL VEHICLE. IF SO MANY JETTAS NEED REPAIRS FOR THIS PROBLEM WHY IS NOT MY CAR INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHERS AND I AM NOT BEING TREATED FAIRLY. IF VW IS TO KEEP ITS GOOD REPUTATION THEY SHOULD REIMBURSE EVERYONE WHO HAS SIMILAR OR EXACT PROBLEMS. IN BOTH INSTANCES THE BRAKE SWITCH AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WERE REPLACED. IF THESE ARE THE SAME ITEM THEN PEOPLE SHOULD BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE LIABLE TO PAY FOR SERVICE ON THEIR VEHICLES! *AK
IN JANUARY OF 2003 WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT MY CAR WAS REAR-ENDED. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE DONE TO MY BUMPER AND THAT WAS REPLACED. IN APRIL 2004 MY CAR WAS AGAIN REAR-ENDED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. IN THIS INCIDENT THE LADY BEHIND ME WAS ALSO STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT AND SHE SAID HER FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE AND S…
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IN JANUARY OF 2003 WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT MY CAR WAS REAR-ENDED. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE DONE TO MY BUMPER AND THAT WAS REPLACED. IN APRIL 2004 MY CAR WAS AGAIN REAR-ENDED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. IN THIS INCIDENT THE LADY BEHIND ME WAS ALSO STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT AND SHE SAID HER FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE AND SHE HIT ME. WE THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS SHE SAW THE TURN LANE LIGHT TURN GREEN AND SHE WENT. BECAUSE THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR THIS TIME WAS 4000 DOLLARS. AFTER THE ACCIDENT I FOUND OUT THAT NONE OF MY BRAKE LIGHTS WORKED, EVEN THOUGH ONLY ONE TAIL LIGHT HAD BEEN BUSTED. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND ALL WORKED PROPERLY. I BELIEVE THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY CAUSING THE ACCIDENTS. I HADNT THOUGHT OF THIS POSSIBILITY UNTIL I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN MAY 2004. I HAVE LOST TIME AT WORK, MINOR INJURIES & MY CAR WILL NEVER BE AS IT WAS PRIOR TO THIS. AS OF THIS TIME NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AS I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT HOW TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS RELATED TO MY 2 ACCIDENTS. *AK
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
MY PASSENGER REAR BRAKE LIGHT HAS BURNT OUT APROXIMATELY FIVE TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE - I ASKED THE DEALER TO INSPECT TO SEE IF THERE WAS A SHORT CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BURN OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. FUNNY THING IS THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HAS NEVER BURNT OUT IN THREE YEARS AND I HAVE …
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MY PASSENGER REAR BRAKE LIGHT HAS BURNT OUT APROXIMATELY FIVE TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE - I ASKED THE DEALER TO INSPECT TO SEE IF THERE WAS A SHORT CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BURN OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. FUNNY THING IS THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HAS NEVER BURNT OUT IN THREE YEARS AND I HAVE TWO FRIENDS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM SAME SIDE AND EVERYTHING. *LA
MY BRAKE LIGHTS WENT ON WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AND STAYED ON - I HAD TO HAVE IT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE SWITCH AND WAS OUT A CAR FOR THREE DAYS. *LA
IN NOV 2003, OUR 2001 JETTA TDI WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK, CAUSING MYSELF AND MY SONS NUMEROUS TIMES TO BE STRANDED. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. AL SANCHEZ VW IN GILROY, CA, DIAGNOSED A SHIFTER PROBLEM AND REPLACED IT. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I CONTINUED TO DISCUSS IT WITH AL SANCHEZ VW, EVEN LEAVING IT WITH THEM FOR ONE WE…
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IN NOV 2003, OUR 2001 JETTA TDI WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK, CAUSING MYSELF AND MY SONS NUMEROUS TIMES TO BE STRANDED. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. AL SANCHEZ VW IN GILROY, CA, DIAGNOSED A SHIFTER PROBLEM AND REPLACED IT. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I CONTINUED TO DISCUSS IT WITH AL SANCHEZ VW, EVEN LEAVING IT WITH THEM FOR ONE WEEK TO DRIVE. I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, THE PROBLEM AGAIN OCCURRED. I PHONED A TOW COMPANY WHO NOTED THE VEHICLE STUCK IN PARK AND MENTIONED THE BRAKE INVOLVEMENT. AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR AND FUSSING WITH THE BRAKE/SHIFTER, IT ENGAGED. THE NEXT MORNING, I PHONED AL SANCHEZ AND WAS TOLD THAT IT SHIFTED FINE. LATER THAT DAY, I WAS TOLD THAT IT GOT A LITTLE STICKY.THEY DIAGNOSED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I HAVE SPOKE TO SERVICE ADVISORS AND THE SERVICE MANAGER. THEY MAINTAIN THE POSITION THAT THE SHIFTER NEEDED REPLACING IN NOV 2003, AND NOW THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDS REPLACING. I AM OF THE OPINION THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED. SINCE THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO PERSIST, THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN UNREASONABLE ASSESSMENT. ON 2/21/04, I DOWNLOADED INFO FROM YOUR SIGHT. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS FOR MY CAR. TODAY, 3/31/04, THERE ARE THREE, INCLUDING AN EXTERIOR LIGHTING;BRAKE LIGHTS;SWITCH. I DECIDED TO CHECK THIS SITE TODAY ONLY BECAUSE DURING DURING ONE OF MY MORE RECENT CONVERSATIONS TO NHTSA, I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE THREE RESULTS. I HAVE NOT CONFIRMED IF MY VEHICLE IN ONE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. IF MY VIN IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, THIS IS TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE TO OVERLOOK. ALSO, THE LACK OF COOPERATION OF AL SANCHEZ VW AND VOLKSWAGON ADVOCATES CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED AS WELL. IDEALLY, I WOULD LIKE THE REPAIR COST OF THE SHIFTER REFUNDED TO ME AND THE RECALL TO COVER MY SHIFTING PROBLEM. *AK
I NOTICED ON THE INCIDENT DATE THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED. I TRIED TO GET THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO GO OFF BY GENTLY TAPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THEY WOULD NOT. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. AND THAT MANY OF THEIR JETTA CUSTOMERS WERE COMPLAIN…
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I NOTICED ON THE INCIDENT DATE THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED. I TRIED TO GET THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO GO OFF BY GENTLY TAPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THEY WOULD NOT. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. AND THAT MANY OF THEIR JETTA CUSTOMERS WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT THEIR BRAKES LIGHTS BEING ON. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS ITEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARANTY. THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM. IF THIS IS A COMMON OCCURENCE THEN VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD PICK UP THE COST TO REPAIR THIS MALFUNCTION. THERE SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS OCCURRENCE. *AK
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. ALSO, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT.*AK WATER INTRUSION FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE LEAVING 1/2" OF WATER ON FLOORBOARD. CONSUMER REPORTING THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN SLIPPERY PEDALS AND WINDOWS …
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CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. ALSO, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT.*AK WATER INTRUSION FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE LEAVING 1/2" OF WATER ON FLOORBOARD. CONSUMER REPORTING THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN SLIPPERY PEDALS AND WINDOWS FOGGING UP. *MJJ
BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT REPEATEDLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP A NUMBER OF TIMES, YET THE PROBLEM KEEPS RECURRING. VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE.*AK
Official recalls
607V063000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Feb 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.
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.
04V584000 · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
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.
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.
02V244000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual
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.
02V031000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
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.