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 reports
Mileage unknown · May 17, 2004
Exterior LightingCrash
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
NHTSA ODI #10072754
46,000 miles · May 16, 2004
EquipmentPower Train
CAR HAS JUST HAD THE SECOND TRANSMISSION PLACED IN LESS THAN 11,000 MILES. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN THE SHOP 17 TIMES LOSING IT EACH TIME AT THE LEAST FOR 2 DAYS AND AT THE MOST FOR A WEEK AND A HALF. THE DEALERSHIP AND VW REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE WITH A RENTAL CAR LEAVING ME TO RELY ON OTHERS FOR TRANSPORTATION …
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CAR HAS JUST HAD THE SECOND TRANSMISSION PLACED IN LESS THAN 11,000 MILES. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN THE SHOP 17 TIMES LOSING IT EACH TIME AT THE LEAST FOR 2 DAYS AND AT THE MOST FOR A WEEK AND A HALF. THE DEALERSHIP AND VW REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY TYPE OF ASSISTANCE WITH A RENTAL CAR LEAVING ME TO RELY ON OTHERS FOR TRANSPORTATION OR PAY HIGH RENTAL COSTS. EVERY TIME THE TRANSMISSION GOES OUT IT BEGINS TO SLIP WHEN GOING INTO GEARS AND POUNDS INTO GEARS OTHER TIMES. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED SEVERAL EMISSION SENSORS AND COMPLETELY REBUILT THE BACK BRAKE SYSTEM. THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. SO FAR MOST OF THE PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL THAT I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. I BOUGHT A VW FOR ITS SUPPOSED EXCELLENT QUALITY, BUT HAVE OBVIOUSLY PURCHASED A LEMON.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10072708
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. CONSUMER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED CLEANING DUE TO INTAKE …
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WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. CONSUMER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED CLEANING DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD BEING CLOGGED WITH CARBON. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10073677
34,550 miles · May 13, 2004
Air Bags
1.I AM AN 8 MONTH PREGNANT MOTHER WHO WAS DRIVING A VW JETTA WHEN THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT, NOR DID I HIT ANYTHING WHEN I MADE A LEFT TURN OFF THE LINCOLN TUNNEL ON THE WAY TO DROP MY DOG OFF TO HIS NEW HOME 3/21/04. 2.TOOK IT TO BAYSIDE VW DEALER ON 3/22/04, WAS T…
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1.I AM AN 8 MONTH PREGNANT MOTHER WHO WAS DRIVING A VW JETTA WHEN THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT, NOR DID I HIT ANYTHING WHEN I MADE A LEFT TURN OFF THE LINCOLN TUNNEL ON THE WAY TO DROP MY DOG OFF TO HIS NEW HOME 3/21/04. 2.TOOK IT TO BAYSIDE VW DEALER ON 3/22/04, WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPUTER READS THAT IT WAS AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE THAT SET THE AIRBAG OFF, AND WAS TOLD THAT I MUST HAVE HIT A POTHOLE. SINCE THE BAYSIDE MANAGER SAW A BUBBLE ON MY TIRE, HE MADE THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE AIRBAG WENT OFF BECAUSE OF A POTHOLE. WAS ALSO TOLD THAT IT WAS AN ACCIDENT, EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT HIT, NOR DID I HIT ANYBODY, AND THAT THE INSURANCE WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. CAME HOME AND CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE @ 1-800-822-8987 AND PUT IN A COMPLAINT. DO AIRBAGS NORMALLY GO OFF BECAUSE FOR SOMETHING SO EASILY AS A POTHOLE ? WE LIVE IN NY CITY, AND POTHOLES ARE EVERYWHERE ESPECIALLY AFTER THE WINTER WE HAD! 3.FINALLY SPOKE TO JIM MEYERS FROM VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AIRBAG DEPT, AND ALL HE COULD SAY WAS SORRY THE COMPUTER SAYS IT WAS AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE SO VW WILL NOT DO ANYTHING, SEE YOUR INSURANCE AGENCY!*AK
NHTSA ODI #10072554
Mileage unknown · May 11, 2004
Vehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE LOST POWER WHEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. A TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10073474
30,000 miles · May 11, 2004
Power Train
MY CLUTCH ON MY 1.8T FAILED AT 30K MILES. LOCAL DEALER & VOA STATED THAT PROBLEM WAS WEAR & TEAR I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE FLYWHEEL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE, AND THAT THERE WAS PLENTY OF WEAR LEFT ON THE …
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MY CLUTCH ON MY 1.8T FAILED AT 30K MILES. LOCAL DEALER & VOA STATED THAT PROBLEM WAS WEAR & TEAR I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE FLYWHEEL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE, AND THAT THERE WAS PLENTY OF WEAR LEFT ON THE CLUTCH. WE WERE FORCED TO USE VW REPLACEMENT PARTS AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI #10072416
28,000 miles · May 8, 2004
Power Train
THE CLUTCH IN MY 2001 JETTA 1.8T DIED AT ONLY 28,000 MILES. DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS "WEAR AND TEAR" - SERVICE MANAGER WHISPERED THAT THE DMF CLUTCH IS DEFECTIVE ON THESE MODELS. VW WAS UNRESPONSIVE AFTER REPEATED LETTERS AND CALLS. HAD LOANER FOR 40 DAYS. DEALER AGREED TO PAY LABOR - I PAID FOR THE PART. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10068506
115,000 miles · May 7, 2004
Air Bags
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED PREMATURELY WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP PROCESSED THE INFORMATION FROM THE ON ROAD COMPUTER, WHICH INDICATED AN IMPACT DISCHARGED THE SIDE AIR BAG, AND LOCKED UP THE SEAT BELT REEL AND HIGH RESISTANCE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10072291
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2004
Power Train
WHILE SHIFTING GEAR INTO REVERSE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE ON IT'S OWN. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK *LA
NHTSA ODI #10063337
20,819 miles · Apr 28, 2004
Seats
I WAS CLEANING MY VEHICLE AND NOTED UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT FRAME A BROKEN SPRING. I TOOK MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN TDI JETTA IN FOR INSPECTION TO THE TIMMONS OF LONG BEACH VW DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT FRAME WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE BOTTOM SEAT WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN APART TO REPLACE A NEW ADJUSTER SPRING . I WAS TO…
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I WAS CLEANING MY VEHICLE AND NOTED UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT FRAME A BROKEN SPRING. I TOOK MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN TDI JETTA IN FOR INSPECTION TO THE TIMMONS OF LONG BEACH VW DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT FRAME WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE BOTTOM SEAT WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN APART TO REPLACE A NEW ADJUSTER SPRING . I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS TWO WARRANTY PERIOD....ALTHOUGH IT HAS LESS THAN 24,000 MILES AS STATED IN MY OWNER'S MANUAL. THE WARRANTY POLICIES OF VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA HAS CHANGED IN ALL MODELS AFTER 2002 SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE...GIVING OTHER CUSTOMERS 4YEARS OR 50,000 MILES. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS, HORRENDOUS QUALITY ISSUES CONCERNING THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING THE PROBLEM I AM CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING WITH THE VEHICLE. I DON'T FEEL THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE WITH ANOTHER PASSENGER SINCE THE SEAT IS NOT ABLE TO HOLD ITS PROPER POSITION AND COULD BE A POSSIBLE PRODUCT LIABILITY ISSUE IF I EVER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. FURTHERMORE, I FEEL THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO ENDURE THE COSTLY REPAIR.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
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.
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.
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.
2001 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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