NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
668 reports100,000 miles · Dec 16, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. WHILE PREPARING TO DRIVE OFF. I WAS STRUCK IN THE BACK OF THE CAR. I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS MOMENTARILY. AN AMBULANCE WAS CALLED. I WAS PUT ON A STRETCHER AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR 8 HOURS. THE AIRBAG OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. SOME TIME AFTER THE ACCIDENT I NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON…
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I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. WHILE PREPARING TO DRIVE OFF. I WAS STRUCK IN THE BACK OF THE CAR. I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS MOMENTARILY. AN AMBULANCE WAS CALLED. I WAS PUT ON A STRETCHER AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR 8 HOURS. THE AIRBAG OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. SOME TIME AFTER THE ACCIDENT I NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. VOLKSWAGEN INSPECTED THE CAR AND DETERMINED THAT THE AIRBAG WAS FAULTY IN THE VEHICLE
NHTSA ODI #10810694
190,000 miles · Oct 19, 2015
Air Bags
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON MY 2001 VW JETTA DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS PARKING MY CAR AT WORK. AS I CAME TO A FULL STOP WHERE I WAS GOING TO PARK MY CAR I HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM INSIDE THE CAB OF MY JETTA. THE LOUD BANG DISTORTED MY THINKING PROCESS AS I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE THE LOUD NOISE CAME FROM. AS THE SMOKE FILLE…
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THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON MY 2001 VW JETTA DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS PARKING MY CAR AT WORK. AS I CAME TO A FULL STOP WHERE I WAS GOING TO PARK MY CAR I HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM INSIDE THE CAB OF MY JETTA. THE LOUD BANG DISTORTED MY THINKING PROCESS AS I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE THE LOUD NOISE CAME FROM. AS THE SMOKE FILLED MY CAR I STILL COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT JUST HAPPEN UNTIL I LOOKED AROUND INSIDE THE CAB OF MY CAR AND WITH THE SMOKE INSIDE THE CAB I WAS ABLE TO SEE A WHITE BAG STICKING OUT OF THE PASSENGER SEAT IN MY CAR, THIS IS WHEN I KNEW THAT THE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS NEAR ME, THERE WERE NO HEAVY WINDS BLOWING EARLY THAT MORNING, AND I DID NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES NOR DID I HIT ANY SIDE CURVES WHILE PARKING MY CAR AND THE AIR BAG STILL WENT OFF.
NHTSA ODI #10783328
130,000 miles · Oct 16, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR INTERIOR SEAT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR INTERIOR SEAT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10782953
139,500 miles · Jul 15, 2015
Engine
THE CAR DIES WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS BOTH ON THE FREEWAY AND ON THE STREETS. THE GAS PEDAL SUDDENLY STOPS WORKING, ENGINE SHUTS OFF. WHEN I PULL TO THE SIDE AND TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, THE CAR STARTS WORKING AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUTO SHOP, BUT THE ISSUE WASN'T IDENTIFIED AFTER…
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THE CAR DIES WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS BOTH ON THE FREEWAY AND ON THE STREETS. THE GAS PEDAL SUDDENLY STOPS WORKING, ENGINE SHUTS OFF. WHEN I PULL TO THE SIDE AND TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, THE CAR STARTS WORKING AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUTO SHOP, BUT THE ISSUE WASN'T IDENTIFIED AFTER THE INSPECTION, TEST DRIVING AND CODE READING.
NHTSA ODI #10734378
150,000 miles · Mar 22, 2015
Electrical SystemService Brakes
THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKES SOFT AS A MARSHMALLOW NOT WARNING NOTICE GOT STOPPED AND THERE WAS A HISSING NOISE BUT NO BRAKE FLUID ON ANY OF THE BRAKES...... I'VE ALSO BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH AFTER REPLACING THE WATER PUMP IT KEEPING FLUID IN IT ALSO USING THE GEICO DISCOUNT EQUIPMENT TO SEE HOW MY DRIVING IS THE ENGIN…
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THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKES SOFT AS A MARSHMALLOW NOT WARNING NOTICE GOT STOPPED AND THERE WAS A HISSING NOISE BUT NO BRAKE FLUID ON ANY OF THE BRAKES...... I'VE ALSO BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH AFTER REPLACING THE WATER PUMP IT KEEPING FLUID IN IT ALSO USING THE GEICO DISCOUNT EQUIPMENT TO SEE HOW MY DRIVING IS THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE ONE ABOVE THAT THE LOOKS LIKE A TRIANGLE.... DID THE DIAGNOSTIC CAME UP WITH A 1000 CODE AND ONE OTHER THE DEAL DIDN'T FIND THE 1000 CODE BUT RESET WITH NO LUCK TURNING THEM OFF AFTER SERVICE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10700973
156,000 miles · Dec 26, 2014
Air BagsInjury
I WAS DRIVING TO MY PARENTS HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS MORNING WITH FOUR OTHER PASSENGERS WHEN I HIT A POT HOLE GOING LESS THAN 25 MPH WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AND PASSENGER THORAX AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING SHUTTING OFF MY ENGINE AND FILLING MY CAR WITH SMOKE. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE EXTERIOR DAMAGE TO THE BODY, SUSPENSION, OR …
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I WAS DRIVING TO MY PARENTS HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS MORNING WITH FOUR OTHER PASSENGERS WHEN I HIT A POT HOLE GOING LESS THAN 25 MPH WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AND PASSENGER THORAX AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING SHUTTING OFF MY ENGINE AND FILLING MY CAR WITH SMOKE. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE EXTERIOR DAMAGE TO THE BODY, SUSPENSION, OR TIRE OF MY VEHICLE AND NOT NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE IN HANDLING AFTER THE INCIDENT. TWO OF MY PASSENGERS SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRAPES TO THEIR ARMS, SHOULDERS, NECK, AND RIBS, AS WELL AS TEMPORARY HEARING IMPAIRMENT ONE OF THOSE PASSENGERS BEING A CHILD. CURRENTLY THERE IS A HOLE IN MY PASSENGER SEAT WHERE THE AIRBAG RIPPED THROUGH THE UPHOLSTERY AND DAMAGE TO MY HEADLINER. THE AIRBAGS' DEPLOYMENT WAS UNWARRANTED AND HAS ROBBED ME OF MY PIECE OF MIND WHILE DRIVING. I FLINCH EVERY TIME I AM UNABLE TO AVOID A ROAD IMPERFECTION FOR FEAR THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY CAR. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN TO SOMEONE GOING FASTER THAN I WAS--THAT SITUATION COULD END TRAGICALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10668359
95,000 miles · Sep 8, 2014
EngineInjury
ON MY WAY TO AN APPOINTMENT 1 DAY LAST YR, I HAD MY AIR CONDITIONER ON THEN MY CAR STARTS OVERHEATING. I WAS PANICKING, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO DO, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS WAS MY FIRST CAR. I BARELY GOT HER IN 2011 AND I'VE HAD ENDLESS PROBLEMS WITH HER. WHEN SHE RUNS GOOD, SHE RUNS GREAT BUT OHH WHEN SHE HAS PROBLEMS, SHE BRINGS YO…
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ON MY WAY TO AN APPOINTMENT 1 DAY LAST YR, I HAD MY AIR CONDITIONER ON THEN MY CAR STARTS OVERHEATING. I WAS PANICKING, I HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO DO, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS WAS MY FIRST CAR. I BARELY GOT HER IN 2011 AND I'VE HAD ENDLESS PROBLEMS WITH HER. WHEN SHE RUNS GOOD, SHE RUNS GREAT BUT OHH WHEN SHE HAS PROBLEMS, SHE BRINGS YOU ABSOLUTE HELL. IT BEGAN AS A SLOW LEAK & ODDLY ENOUGH ONLY LEAKING SOMETIMES. WE TOOK MY JETTA TO A SHOP IN VALENCIA AND GOT THE HOSES AND THERMOSTAT REPLACED. WHATEVER REASON THE MECHANICS DID NOT NOTICE IT, OR NOTICED IT & WERE TRYING TO SQUEEZE MORE MONEY OUT OF ME WHILE THEY DID A TEMPORARY FIX. BARELY THIS YEAR I DISCOVERED THANKS TO MY HANDY MECHANICS SAVVY BOYFRIEND - THAT IT WAS MY WATER PUMP WHICH IS DEFECTIVE. 2 INJURIES OCCURRED TO MY BOYFRIEND THANKS TO THIS OVERHEATING PROBLEM. DRIVING ON THE FWY WE STOPPED TO PUT WATER (RELIGIOUSLY CARRYING 4 GALLONS OF WATER IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES) IN 100* WEATHER W/ NO A/C & ME BEING SEVERELY HEAT INTOLERANT, MY BOYFRIEND TOOK OFF THE CAP TO THE RADIATOR. THAT'S WHEN BOILING HOT WATER EXPLODED ALL OVER HIM. LUCKILY I'M FIRST AID CERTIFIED AND HAD MY FIRST AID KIT HANDY & TENDED TO HIM. HE BEGAN TO BLISTER INSTANTANEOUSLY. THAT SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED AGAIN BUT WITH MY TEMP. GAUGE READING AT REGULAR TEMP. STILL EXPLODING ALL OVER HIM. I WAS LEFT TRAUMATIZED SEEING MY BOYFRIEND GET BURNT AND SO SEVERELY IN PAIN, AS WELL AS MY OWN EXPERIENCE WHEN I WAS ALONE: MY CAR SHUT OFF ON ME AT A RED LIGHT, WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN THE TRAFFIC COMING FROM BEHIND ME HAD A SLOW REFLEX TO MY EMERGENCY FLASHERS: I ALMOST GOT HIT 5 TIMES: LUCKY FOR ME, MY HORN WORKS. WELL, NOW THE WATER LEAKS OUT JUST AS QUICKLY AS WE POUR IT IN. MY CAR IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AND SHE'S ALL I HAVE. I'M JOBLESS & HOMELESS RIGHT NOW & IF I WERE TO LOSE MY CAR, I'D BE LEFT COMPLETELY HOPELESS HAVING TO START FROM SCRATCH AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631561
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2014
TiresCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TL TIRES, SIZE 195/65R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY HAD A BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THERE WE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TL TIRES, SIZE 195/65R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY HAD A BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN, TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE, AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. JCC
NHTSA ODI #10619484
102,000 miles · Jul 16, 2014
Seats
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ADJUST THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA ODI #10611041
130,000 miles · Jun 6, 2014
Exterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR INDICATOR SOUNDED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN ACTIVATING THE HEADLIGHTS THERE WOULD BE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR INDICATOR SOUNDED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN ACTIVATING THE HEADLIGHTS THERE WOULD BE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA ODI #10596694
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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