NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
668 reportsMileage unknown · Mar 22, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
MULTIPLE FAILURES OF RADIATOR FAN, LEADING TO MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS; MULTIPLE FAILURES/REPLACEMENTS OF OXYGEN SENSOR AND MASS FLOW SENSOR; MISDIAGNOSED REPLACEMENT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER; WATER LEAKAGE INTO INTERIOR OF CAR; INCIDENTS STARTING OCCURRING IN 2004, LATEST IN MARCH 2008; NUMBER OF FAILURES IS AN AVERAGE OF 3 FOR…
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MULTIPLE FAILURES OF RADIATOR FAN, LEADING TO MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS; MULTIPLE FAILURES/REPLACEMENTS OF OXYGEN SENSOR AND MASS FLOW SENSOR; MISDIAGNOSED REPLACEMENT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER; WATER LEAKAGE INTO INTERIOR OF CAR; INCIDENTS STARTING OCCURRING IN 2004, LATEST IN MARCH 2008; NUMBER OF FAILURES IS AN AVERAGE OF 3 FOR EACH NOTED PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10222010
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ABS SYSTEM ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $2,500.00!! I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, MODEL BUT AM BEING TOLD THAT MINE IS NOT ONE OF THEM-THAT MY VIN # DOES NOT FALL INTO THE RECALLED ONES. I DO NOT KNOW HOW…
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THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ABS SYSTEM ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $2,500.00!! I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, MODEL BUT AM BEING TOLD THAT MINE IS NOT ONE OF THEM-THAT MY VIN # DOES NOT FALL INTO THE RECALLED ONES. I DO NOT KNOW HOW THIS CAN BE SINCE ALL OTHER INFORMATION MATCHES UP AND AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE PART, WHICH I AM BEING TOLD CAN CAUSE FIRE HAZARD! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221962
84,000 miles · Mar 20, 2008
Visibility
MY 2001 JETTA HAS NOW HAD TWO WINDOWS FALL INTO THE DOORS. THE FIRST WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. NOW THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS FALLEN THROUGH THE DOOR. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WELL KNOW AND COMMON ISSUE, BUT THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RECALL TO MY KNOWLEDGE. VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WINDOWS HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIV…
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MY 2001 JETTA HAS NOW HAD TWO WINDOWS FALL INTO THE DOORS. THE FIRST WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. NOW THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS FALLEN THROUGH THE DOOR. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WELL KNOW AND COMMON ISSUE, BUT THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RECALL TO MY KNOWLEDGE. VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WINDOWS HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/VW_JETTA_WINDOW.HTML. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221821
78,521 miles · Mar 16, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment
THE FAILURE WAS THAT THE LOOSE SPARK PLUG WIDENED THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND THAT CAUSED THE LOUD VIBRATION IN THE ENGINE. IT ALSO AFFECTED THE FUNCTION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM, TOO. SO, I WAS TOLD BY THE RIVERSIDE VW DEALERSHIP THAT THE WHOLE CHAMBER HAS TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $5,400. THE RIVERSIDE DEALERSHIP MADE A CONTAC…
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THE FAILURE WAS THAT THE LOOSE SPARK PLUG WIDENED THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND THAT CAUSED THE LOUD VIBRATION IN THE ENGINE. IT ALSO AFFECTED THE FUNCTION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM, TOO. SO, I WAS TOLD BY THE RIVERSIDE VW DEALERSHIP THAT THE WHOLE CHAMBER HAS TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $5,400. THE RIVERSIDE DEALERSHIP MADE A CONTACT WITH NEW CENTURY DEALERSHIP IN GLENDALE, CA AND THEY DID THE TUNE-UP ON APRIL 5, 2004. IT WAS CLEARLY THE MECHANIC WHO DID NOT SCREW THE SPARK PLUG TIGHTLY. IT WAS THE HUMAN ERROR ON THE PART OF THE DEALERSHIP. I COULD NOT USE THE CAR DUE TO THIS UNNECESSARY ERROR THAT COULD BE PREVENTABLE. I HAVE BEEN TAKING MY JETTA TO ALL THE VW DEALERSHIPS TO DO MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND REPAIRS, AS WELL. MY FEELING IS THAT THEY SHOULD REPLACE THE PART WHERE THE SPARK PLUGS ARE AT NO COST DUE TO CARELESS ERROR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10221368
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages
NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 2001 VW JETTA, PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE, 2001.INCLUDING : WINDOWS SPORADICALLY MALFUNCTIONING (WHEN I CALLED VW CORPORATE AS WELL AS MY LOCAL DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT AFTER THE DEALER EVALUATED PROBLEM I COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR CHARGE DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF THEIR DIAGNOSIS!!); TRUNK LATCH HAS B…
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NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 2001 VW JETTA, PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE, 2001.INCLUDING : WINDOWS SPORADICALLY MALFUNCTIONING (WHEN I CALLED VW CORPORATE AS WELL AS MY LOCAL DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT AFTER THE DEALER EVALUATED PROBLEM I COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR CHARGE DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF THEIR DIAGNOSIS!!); TRUNK LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE (OUT OF WARRANTY) AND NOW LATCH DOES NOT RESPOND TO REMOTES NOR TO THE INSIDE RELEASE ON DRIVER DOOR; DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT RESPOND TO REMOTES NOR TO CONTROL ON DRIVER DOOR (THE OTHER THREE DOOR LOCKS ARE PRESENTLY FUNCTIONING); INTERIOR COATING ON PLASTIC DOOR HANDLES AND CENTER CONSOLE BEGAN TO PEEL WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF DELIVERY; CENTER CONSOLE LATCH BROKE LONG AGO; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON/OFF SPORADICALLY (BROUGHT CAR TO CERTIFIED MECHANIC BUT PROBLEM UNDIAGNOSED); A WAX SUBSTANCE WAS CONSTANTLY RUNNING INTO DOORWELLS; VW DEALER REPLACED COIL, CABLES AND BUFFER IN RESPONSE TO ROUGH ENGINE IDLE COMPLAINT AND I INCURRED ALL COSTS AND INCONVENIENCE OF CAR IN SHOP , THIS AT 72,000 MILES,HAZARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED; TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONED; NOW I HEAR OF A BRAKE LIGHT RECALL AND AN EMERGENCY LIGHT SWITCH PROBLEM. I AM JUST REALIZING RECENTLY THAT I AM NOT ALONE WITH MY JETTA PROBLEMS, THAT NUMEROUS JJETTA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS ( I RESEARCHED ON INTERNET) . VW CUSTOMER SERVICE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10220476
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT. I WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND THEN A MONTH OR SO LATER I HAVE TO REPLACE THE RIGHT, OR THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT OR THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT. I AM REPLACING ABOUT 4-5 LIGHTS PER YEAR ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. *TR ALSO NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. 1/2 OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE NO LONGER W…
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MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT. I WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND THEN A MONTH OR SO LATER I HAVE TO REPLACE THE RIGHT, OR THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT OR THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT. I AM REPLACING ABOUT 4-5 LIGHTS PER YEAR ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. *TR ALSO NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. 1/2 OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE NO LONGER WORKING, AND WHEN I UNLOCK THE CAR IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY LOCK ON ME WITHIN 15 SECONDS UNLESS I START THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #10219834
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2008
Structure
MY SUNROOF LEAKS AND LEAVES A PUDDLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10219833
50,000 miles · Feb 21, 2008
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT, THE VEHICLE LUNGES AND/OR SURGES INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THE VEHICLE TAKES A LONG TIME TO SHIFT FROM THIRD TO FOURTH GEAR AND THEN DRIVES NORMALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,594 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10218712
65,000 miles · Feb 11, 2008
Power Train
WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE THERE IS .5 TO 1 SECOND DELAY TO ENGAGE FORWARD GEAR. AT FIRST IT WAS BARELY NOTICEABLE BUT NOW IT FEELS LIKE 1 TO 2 SECONDS PASS BEFORE DRIVE GEAR IS ENGAGED. WHEN PARKING ON A HILL CAR ROLLS BACK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10217747
40,130 miles · Feb 6, 2008
Electrical System
UPON STARTING THE CAR, IT IDLED LOUDLY AND ROUGHLY. AFTER DRIVING FOR 2 MINUTES THE CAR BEGAN TO BUCK (AS IF THERE WERE MULTIPLE MINI STALLS WHILE DRIVING). WHEN THIS BUCKING/BUMPING BEGAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. THE CAR WAS THEN DRIVEN TO A CAR DEALERSHIP SERVICE REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE IGN…
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UPON STARTING THE CAR, IT IDLED LOUDLY AND ROUGHLY. AFTER DRIVING FOR 2 MINUTES THE CAR BEGAN TO BUCK (AS IF THERE WERE MULTIPLE MINI STALLS WHILE DRIVING). WHEN THIS BUCKING/BUMPING BEGAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. THE CAR WAS THEN DRIVEN TO A CAR DEALERSHIP SERVICE REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE IGNITION COIL HAD FAILED. THE OWNER, DESPITE TAKING VERY GOOD CARE OF THE CAR, WILL HAVE TO PAY TO GET THIS PART REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10217134
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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