IllustrationLIKE MANY OTHER VW JETTA 01 OWNERS, FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS KEEP FAILING TO COME DOWN. HAD IT REPAIRED, THEN HAPPENED AGAIN. VW NEEDS TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF. *JB
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
What owners actually said
668 reportsI RECEIVED LAST MONTH A RECALL NOTICE DATED MAY 2007 FROM VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA FOR THE 2001 JETTA V6. IT WAS FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MONITORING SYSTEM. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO GO IMMEDIATELY TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR REPAIR. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND BROUGHT …
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I RECEIVED LAST MONTH A RECALL NOTICE DATED MAY 2007 FROM VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA FOR THE 2001 JETTA V6. IT WAS FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MONITORING SYSTEM. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO GO IMMEDIATELY TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR REPAIR. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND BROUGHT THE CAR YESTERDAY TO THE LOCAL DEALER, SANTA MONICA VOLKSWAGEN. THE SERVICE TEAM INFORMED ME THAT VOLKSWAGEN, HAD UNANNOUNCED TO OWNERS, CLOSED THE RECALL BECAUSE IT HAD YET TO WORK OUT A PERMANENT FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA SHOULD HAVE SENT OWNERS WHO'D RECEIVED THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTICE A LETTER INFORMING THEM NOT TO ACT ON THE RECALL, NOT TO BRING THEIR CARS IN. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE ECM SOFTWARE HAS RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE FOR YEARS, HAVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PERMANENTLY ILLUMINATED. VOLKSWAGEN NEVER INFORMED OWNERS OF THIS. AS A RESULT, I SPENT SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS WITH MY OWN MECHANIC, NOT VOLKSWAGEN DEALER, TRYING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. OVERALL, I HAVE BEEN HIGHLY DISSATISFIED WITH THIS RECALL. I CONTINUE TO DRIVE A CAR WITH THIS DEFECT. WASTED A MORNING YESTERDAY AT THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER BECAUSE OF AN ERRONEOUS RECALL NOTICE SENT TO ME BY VOLKSWAGEN, AND I HAVE ALREADY INCURRED SIGNIFICANT EXPENSES TRYING TO SOLVE A PROBLEM THAT VOLKSWAGEN HAS KNOWN ABOUT, EVIDENTLY, FOR MANY YEARS WITHOUT ACTING.*AK
THE CAR WOULD INCREASE/DECREASE SPEED INCONSISTENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WOULD SMELL HORRIBLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD BE ON/OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL WORK. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION COIL AND THAT IT WAS ALREADY DONE UNDER ANOTHER RECALL. TURNS OU…
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THE CAR WOULD INCREASE/DECREASE SPEED INCONSISTENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WOULD SMELL HORRIBLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD BE ON/OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL WORK. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION COIL AND THAT IT WAS ALREADY DONE UNDER ANOTHER RECALL. TURNS OUT THAT IT WASN'T DONE UNDER A RECALL- I PAID FOR IT OUT OF POCKET AFTER THE RECALL WAS ISSUED FEBRUARY 03 BY VOLKSWAGEN. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN TO FIND OUT IF I COULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COILS THAT I PAID TO INSTALL AND WAS TOLD THAT "MY VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL." THE PRESS RELEASE CLEARLY STATES THAT"ALL VOLKSWAGENS EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.8L ENGINE" QUALIFIES. NOW- I'M STUCK. I NEED TO PAY FOR NEW IGNITION COILS AGAIN AND NEITHER SET QUALIFIES FOR THE RECALL. A WEB SEARCH HAS TURNED UP MANY OTHER CONSUMERS THAT ARE DEALING WITH THIS SAME ISSUE WITH VW. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD FOR THOSE OF US DRIVING VW AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD WITH US. THIS IS MY FOURTH JETTA AND MAY BE MY LAST BASED UPON MY EXPERIENCES IN GETTING THIS RESOLVED.*AK
INADVERTENT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT: WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON THE EXPRESS WAY (I-495 W, LONG ISLAND, NY), MY PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I DID NOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE NOR DID I NOTICE ANY DEBRIS HITTING MY VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE IMPACT. BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR CURTAIN AND PA…
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INADVERTENT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT: WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON THE EXPRESS WAY (I-495 W, LONG ISLAND, NY), MY PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I DID NOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE NOR DID I NOTICE ANY DEBRIS HITTING MY VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE IMPACT. BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR CURTAIN AND PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE CUT OFF. UPON PULLING OVER, I WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ISSUE, AND DRIVE HOME. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND THE SECOND FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN SMOKE. HE WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NOTICE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND THE SECOND FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN SMOKE. HE WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NOTICE # 02V031000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK). SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, HE HAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER TWICE DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 127,000.
I WAS TRAVELING DOWN I40 WEST BOUND ON THE APPOXIMATE DATE. THE PAVEMENT WAS WET, BUT NOT RAINING. I HAVE NOTICED MY JETTA'S STEERING A LITTLE SQUIRRELLY OVER THE LAST MONTH. WHEN I HIT A "LUMP" IN THE ROAD THE CAR DRAGGED TO THE LEFT. I STEERED TO THE RIGHT WHICH SENT THE VEHICLE INTO A SPIN. I SPUN OUT BUT DID NOT HIT ANY…
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I WAS TRAVELING DOWN I40 WEST BOUND ON THE APPOXIMATE DATE. THE PAVEMENT WAS WET, BUT NOT RAINING. I HAVE NOTICED MY JETTA'S STEERING A LITTLE SQUIRRELLY OVER THE LAST MONTH. WHEN I HIT A "LUMP" IN THE ROAD THE CAR DRAGGED TO THE LEFT. I STEERED TO THE RIGHT WHICH SENT THE VEHICLE INTO A SPIN. I SPUN OUT BUT DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. WHEN I TOOK MY JETTA TO THE SHOP, THE OWNER SAID IT WAS A CONTROL ARM AND BUSHING PROBLEM. HE STATED THIS WAS A NOTORIOUS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAD REPAIRS DONE TO THE LEFT SIDE WHICH AMOUNTED TO $275.44 AND STILL NEED TO GET THE OTHER SIDE DONE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL # 04V096000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). SHE WAS CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED, THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER GAV…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL # 04V096000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). SHE WAS CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED, THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER GAVE HER A LIST OF REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE TOTAL COST FOR THE REPAIRS WILL BE $2,000. THE PURCHASE DATE AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 36,860.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 15 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, BUT THE VEHICLE SPEED FAILED TO INCREASE. AFTER THREE MINUTES, THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED TO 35 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 15 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, BUT THE VEHICLE SPEED FAILED TO INCREASE. AFTER THREE MINUTES, THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED TO 35 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PERFORMED THE REPAIR. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PERFORMED THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE IGNITION COIL, BUT THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 150,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
I HAVE RECENTLY HAD THE IGNITION COIL ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGON JETTA GLS VR6 GO BAD AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME. THIS CAUSES SUDDEN POWER LOSS WHILE ON THE ROAD AND COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAYS OR OTHER HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS.
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CUSTOMER WANTS TO KNOW IF IT HAS RECALLS ON IT**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES FOR A LIGHT THAT KEEPS GOING OUT. *JB
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.