NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
103 reportsClear category filter87,000 miles · Feb 25, 2009
Power Train
I BOUGHT MY 2002 JETTA 1.8T WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN AUGUST OF 2006. THE DAY I PICKED IT UP, THE TRANSMISSION BLEW WHILE I WAS DRIVING. AFTER ABOUT 2 MONTHS, I FINALLY GOT IT BACK BUT THE CAR WAS STILL SHIFTING HARD AND HAD TO BRING IT BACK. THE CAR DIES RANDOMLY, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE A/C UNIT AS WELL AS NUM…
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I BOUGHT MY 2002 JETTA 1.8T WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN AUGUST OF 2006. THE DAY I PICKED IT UP, THE TRANSMISSION BLEW WHILE I WAS DRIVING. AFTER ABOUT 2 MONTHS, I FINALLY GOT IT BACK BUT THE CAR WAS STILL SHIFTING HARD AND HAD TO BRING IT BACK. THE CAR DIES RANDOMLY, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE A/C UNIT AS WELL AS NUMEROUS OTHER REPAIRS. THIS MORNING THE CAR STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHEN STOPPED AND WHEN ACCELERATING UP TO 60 MPH. I HAVE NOTICED THERE ARE OVER 35 OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE TRANSMISSIONS ON JETTA AND FROM WHAT I HAVE LEARNED INFORMALLY ONLINE, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS. APPARENTLY THE 2002'S WERE BUILT IN MEXICO AND HAVE HAD A LARGE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS. I AM ONLY A COLLEGE STUDENT AND WOULD APPRECIATE HELP RESOLVING THE ISSUE OF OWNING A FAULTY CAR. I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP UP A CAR THAT WAS NOT MADE PROPERLY IN THE FIRST PLACE. THANK YOU! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259968
87,000 miles · Feb 19, 2009
EquipmentPower TrainSuspensionCrash
I PURCHASED A 2002 VW IN 2005. I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT IN DEC '08. SHORTLY AFTER THE COLLISION PLACE REPAIRED MY CAR. THE VEHICHLE STARTED MISFIRING AND ESSENTIALLY WASN'T DRIVABLE. THE CONTROL ARM BUSHING WERE REPLACED $800 (AT THE VW PLACE) AND THE SERVICE DEPT SAID THAT THEY WOULD CHECK FLUIDS IN PARTICULAR THE TRANSMISSIO…
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I PURCHASED A 2002 VW IN 2005. I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT IN DEC '08. SHORTLY AFTER THE COLLISION PLACE REPAIRED MY CAR. THE VEHICHLE STARTED MISFIRING AND ESSENTIALLY WASN'T DRIVABLE. THE CONTROL ARM BUSHING WERE REPLACED $800 (AT THE VW PLACE) AND THE SERVICE DEPT SAID THAT THEY WOULD CHECK FLUIDS IN PARTICULAR THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION DIDN'T HAVE THE UPDATED TRANMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) AND HAD TO REPLACED ( $700 PART AND 300 LABOR) THE SERVICE TECHNICAN DID STATE THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST STEP IN DIAGNOSING AND CORRECTING THE PROBLEM AND THAT THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT NOT A RECALL. WELL $1000 SPENT ON THIS STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND NOW THEY SAY THE NEXT STEP IS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION ON A CAR THAT HAS 87K MILES ANOTHER 4K. WELL, I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT VW IS UNRELIABLE AND DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR NAME, PRODUCT OR REPUTATION. THIS IS SHAMEFUL. I AM VERY DISSAFIED AND LEARNED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB RELATED TO TRANSMISSIION, TCM ON THE VW 2002 - 2006 MODEL. VW SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE AND COMPENSATE FOR THIS A DEFECTIVE/INFERIOR PRODUCT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259364
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2008
Power Train
4TH CLUTCH REPAIR. DEALER BLAMES BAD DRIVING HABITS WHEN CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE DESIGN. MANY OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10252883
90,000 miles · Nov 2, 2008
Power Train
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN AUTOMATIC TDI JETTA AND THE CAR WILL NOT ENGAGE WHEN I SHIFT IT IN REVERSE. IT EITHER ROLLS FORWARD OR JUST REVS WITHOUT ENGAGING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 JETTA'S. IT IS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY AND WILL BE COSTLY T…
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I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN AUTOMATIC TDI JETTA AND THE CAR WILL NOT ENGAGE WHEN I SHIFT IT IN REVERSE. IT EITHER ROLLS FORWARD OR JUST REVS WITHOUT ENGAGING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 JETTA'S. IT IS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY AND WILL BE COSTLY TO FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10247497
95,000 miles · Oct 28, 2008
Power Train
I BOUGHT THIS CAR A LITTLE OVER 1 MONTH AGO ON SEPT 18, 2008 AND 1 WEEK AFTER BUYING IT, I STARTED EXPERIENCING ISSUES W/ IT NOT WANTING TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND SHIFTING HARD WHILE DRIVING, IT WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION FOR ME. I HAVE HAD NO FURTHER ISSUES W/ THE TRANSMISSION SINCE THEN,…
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I BOUGHT THIS CAR A LITTLE OVER 1 MONTH AGO ON SEPT 18, 2008 AND 1 WEEK AFTER BUYING IT, I STARTED EXPERIENCING ISSUES W/ IT NOT WANTING TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND SHIFTING HARD WHILE DRIVING, IT WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION FOR ME. I HAVE HAD NO FURTHER ISSUES W/ THE TRANSMISSION SINCE THEN, HOWEVER TODAY, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND WHEN I WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT, IT DOWNSHIFTED EXTREMELY HARD AND NOW IS STUCK IN FIRST GEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10247091
89,000 miles · Oct 3, 2008
Power Train
PREMATURE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON A 2002 VW JETTA TDI DIESEL. FIRST TIME IT FAILED AND LOCKED THE FRONT WHEELS ON JAN 2003 AT 15,500 MILES. THE VW DEALER FAILED TO DIAGNOSE OR ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR WAS BEGINNING TO EXHIBIT DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO REVERSE - 30 DAYS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE …
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PREMATURE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON A 2002 VW JETTA TDI DIESEL. FIRST TIME IT FAILED AND LOCKED THE FRONT WHEELS ON JAN 2003 AT 15,500 MILES. THE VW DEALER FAILED TO DIAGNOSE OR ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR WAS BEGINNING TO EXHIBIT DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO REVERSE - 30 DAYS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A NEAR MISS HEAD-ON COLLISION. TRANSMISSION REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. ON SEPT 29, 2008, 89,400 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN EXHIBITING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED. A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP, DUCKETT'S AUTOMOTIVE, REPORTED THAT PREMATURE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 50,000 MILES OR LESS IS COMMON WITH TDI JETTAS. THEY REPORT THAT THERE IS NO SERVICE BULLETIN OR AFTER-MARKET FIX TO WHAT THEY DESCRIBE AS A DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED AUTO TRANSMISSION. THE SPECIFIC SITE OF FAILURE ARE THE BEARINGS IN THE PLANETARY GEAR. THE RESULT, $3200.00 REPAIR AND REBUILD. TWO TRANSMISSIONS IN LESS THAN 100,000 MILES, AND THE EXPECTATION OF PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS REPAIR AS WELL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10244277
57,000 miles · Aug 16, 2008
Power Train
OUR 2002 JETTA SUDDENLY DEVELOPED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS EVEN BEFORE COMPLETING 57,000 MILES. THE CAR JERKS WHILE CHANGING GEARS DURING ACCELERATION IN THE SPEED RANGE OF 15 ' 30 MILES. FROM THE INFORMATION FOUND ON THE INTERNET, AND FROM OPINIONS OBTAINED INFORMALLY FROM INDEPENDENT GARAGES, WE BELIEVE THAT THE 2002 JETTA HAS A…
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OUR 2002 JETTA SUDDENLY DEVELOPED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS EVEN BEFORE COMPLETING 57,000 MILES. THE CAR JERKS WHILE CHANGING GEARS DURING ACCELERATION IN THE SPEED RANGE OF 15 ' 30 MILES. FROM THE INFORMATION FOUND ON THE INTERNET, AND FROM OPINIONS OBTAINED INFORMALLY FROM INDEPENDENT GARAGES, WE BELIEVE THAT THE 2002 JETTA HAS A HISTORY OF SIMILAR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS IN THE 55K ' 65K MILE RANGE. THE REPAIR ENTAILS REPLACING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR A COST OF AROUND 6000 DOLLARS. THOUGH THE CAR HAS NOT EVEN RUN 57,000 MILES, VW HAS REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF FIXING IT FOR FREE BECAUSE THE 6-YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD HAS EXPIRED. VW REFUSED TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY INFORMATION OF THE NUMBER OF REPORTS THEY HAD ABOUT THIS ISSUE. VW OFFERED US 1000 DOLLARS TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF ANOTHER VW VEHICLE BUT REFUSED TO PAY US IF WE REPAIRED OUR CAR FOR A LOWER PRICE AT AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE. WE INTERPRETED THEIR OFFER AS A MARKETING STRATEGY TO MAKE US GIVE THEM MORE BUSINESS. THE CAR PROBLEMS HAVE DISRUPTED OUR LIVES BECAUSE WE DID NOT ANTICIPATE HAVING TO INVEST MORE MONEY AFTER MAKING A LARGE INVESTMENT OF 25,000 DOLLARS JUST A FEW YEARS AGO. 31 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN ALREADY FILED WITH THE NHTSA ON TRANSMISSION ISSUES FOR THE 2002 JETTA, PRIOR TO THIS ONE. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THE NHTSA TO START AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROBLEM? IS THERE ANY WAY TO MAKE VW RELEASE DATA REGARDING CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION, KNOWING THAT THE REPAIRS ARE SO EXPENSIVE? IT IS UNFAIR THAT VW DENIES RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT COULD BE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THEIR CARS. WE OWNED THREE OTHER JAPANESE CARS PREVIOUSLY THAT WERE FAR CHEAPER THAN THE JETTA, AND GAVE US FAR SUPERIOR SERVICE. BUYING A JETTA WAS OBVIOUSLY A MISTAKE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238509
56,325 miles · Jul 26, 2008
Power Train
I OWN A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T AT 56000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT OF IT AND AT 56000 THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN I HAVE IT AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE PAN HAS THEIR BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND IF NOT CAN I GET SOME ASSISTANCE GETTING THIS PROBLEM FIXED BECAUSE AT 56000 MILES THIS SHOULD…
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I OWN A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T AT 56000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT OF IT AND AT 56000 THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN I HAVE IT AT A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE PAN HAS THEIR BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND IF NOT CAN I GET SOME ASSISTANCE GETTING THIS PROBLEM FIXED BECAUSE AT 56000 MILES THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED SENSE I'VE OWNED THIS CAR IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE WAY THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER BYERS IN COLUMBUS OHIO AND THE VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERCIA IS HANDLING THIS PROBLEM THE CODE WE GET IS PO730 I WOULD TRULY APPRECIATE SOME HELP WITH GETTING THIS FIXED THANK YOU TOM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10235857
68,000 miles · Jun 17, 2008
EquipmentPower Train
2002 VW JETTA VR6 2.8 EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN SEPT. 07 WE HAVE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR COMPLETELY DYING IN INTERSECTION OR IDLING WITH A/C ON OR JUST WHEN RUNNING. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE DASH RESETS AND CAR SHUTS OFF AND LOCKS UP. YOU HAVE TO TURN TO CAR OFF AND PUT IN PARK TO RESTART. VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY C…
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2002 VW JETTA VR6 2.8 EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN SEPT. 07 WE HAVE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR COMPLETELY DYING IN INTERSECTION OR IDLING WITH A/C ON OR JUST WHEN RUNNING. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE DASH RESETS AND CAR SHUTS OFF AND LOCKS UP. YOU HAVE TO TURN TO CAR OFF AND PUT IN PARK TO RESTART. VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY CHILDREN AND I TO TRAVEL ANYWHERE WHEN I DRIVE A HOUR TO WORK EACH DAY. I ALSO KNOW A PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE SAME YEAR CAR THE HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS AND HAD TO SELL BECAUSE AFTER THOUSANDS OF $ IT WAS NEVER ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. ALSO THE CAR FEELS LIKE TO TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT. THIS CAR WAS PROMISED TO BE SAFE DEPENDABLE AND HAD BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. WE LUCKILY HAVE NOT HAD A ACCIDENT YET BUT SEVERAL VERY CLOSE CALLS. THE VW DEAL CANT SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM THEY INSIST THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING IT. THEY REPLACE THINGS AND NOTHING WORKS. INCIDENT STILL OCCURRING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10231405
35,899 miles · May 21, 2008
Power Train
2002 JETTA VR6. TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) BECAME FAULTY AFTER MIL LIGHT TURNED ON FOR A EMISSION RELATED ISSUE COVERED BY A RECALL. TECHNICIANS FAILED TO IDENTIFY THE FAULTY TCM AFTER FOUR TRIP TO THE SHOP. LAST TRIP I SHOWED THEM A TSB RELATED TO THE TCM AND NOW THEY AGREE THAT THE MODUAL IS FAULTY. WORST PART IS IT…
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2002 JETTA VR6. TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) BECAME FAULTY AFTER MIL LIGHT TURNED ON FOR A EMISSION RELATED ISSUE COVERED BY A RECALL. TECHNICIANS FAILED TO IDENTIFY THE FAULTY TCM AFTER FOUR TRIP TO THE SHOP. LAST TRIP I SHOWED THEM A TSB RELATED TO THE TCM AND NOW THEY AGREE THAT THE MODUAL IS FAULTY. WORST PART IS IT DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS BEEN HARD TO CONTROL IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AS SHIFTING IS NOT SMOOTH BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. CAR HAS INITIAL NO ACCELERATION/POWER FOLLOWED BY FAST JERKING SHIFT INTO THE 3RD GEAR WITH HIGH ACCELERATION. CAR MAYBE OUT OF WARRANTY BUT IDENTIFYING THIS ISSUE IS NOT EASY FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS AND THIS PART WHEN IT FAILS LEAVE THE CAR IN A STATE THAT IS HARD TO CONTROL OR MANAGE. DEALER ONLY OFFERED TO CREDIT THIS LAST DIAGNOSTIC FEE TOWARDS THE $4700 REPAIR WHICH NOW INCLUDE NOT JUST THE TMC MODULE BUT ALSO THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS AFTER HAVING SPENT CLOSE TO $1,000 TRYING TO IDENTIFY AND FIX THIS ISSUE. NOT SURE IF IT WAS RELATED TO THE MIL LIGHT ISSUE COVERED BY THE RECALL BUT SINCE THEN THE TMC HAD NOT WORKED CORRECTLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228535
Official recalls
5Feb 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.
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
7RQ06004 · 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.
EA04010 · Driver Side Front Seat Overheats
Opened Mar 30, 2004 · Closed Oct 21, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
THIS INVESTIGATION CONCERNS THE ELECTRIC SEAT HEATER INSTALLED IN SOME MY 2002-2003 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) JETTA VEHICLES.CONSUMERS ALLEGE THAT THE SEAT HEATER MAY OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN BURN DAMAGE TO THE SEAT COVER AND TO THE DRIVER'S CLOTHING AND/OR SKIN.THIS EA ADDRESSES WHETHER SUCH FAILURES MAY POSE A RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.ODI CONCLUDES THAT THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT HEATER MAY FAIL OR MALFUNCTION DUE TO NORMAL VEHICLE USE, (I.E., DRIVER INGRESS AND EGRESS FROM THE VEHICLE).THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT SUCH FAILURES DO NOT POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR FIRE.ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THEREFORE, THIS EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.THE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT PROVIDES FURTHER DETAIL CONCERNING THIS EA.
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.
PE03052 · Driver Seat Overheats/burns
Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Mar 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ELECTRICALLY HEATED DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS.INFORMATION RECEIVED DURING PE03-052 DISCLOSED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF INCIDENTS OF MALFUNCTIONING/OVERHEATING OF THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS MAY OCCUR DURING THE FINAL MONTHS OF THE WINTER SEASON.THIS MATTER IS ALSO CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED BY TRANSPORT CANADA.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-010)IN ORDER TO FULLY INVESTIGATE THESE OCCURRENCES AND THEIR SAFETY IMPLICATIONS.
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