NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
702 reports60,000 miles · Jun 14, 2007
Air Bags
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR NORMALLY AND AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON A ROAD CLOSE TO MY HOME WHEN I DROVE OVER A SMALL BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD. NORMALLY, THIS IMPACT WOULD HAVE BEEN SO SMALL AS TO BARELY CAUSE ANY EXTRA MOTION IN THE CAR. HOWEVER, ON THIS OCCASION, AFTER I RAN OVER THE BUMP, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND DRIVER'S SIDE F…
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I WAS DRIVING THE CAR NORMALLY AND AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON A ROAD CLOSE TO MY HOME WHEN I DROVE OVER A SMALL BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD. NORMALLY, THIS IMPACT WOULD HAVE BEEN SO SMALL AS TO BARELY CAUSE ANY EXTRA MOTION IN THE CAR. HOWEVER, ON THIS OCCASION, AFTER I RAN OVER THE BUMP, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND BACK CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS STARTLED WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND ACCIDENTALLY JERKED THE STEERING WHEEL, HITTING OFF OF THE DIVIDER WITH THE FRONT TIRE. I INSPECTED THE CAR TO MAKE SURE NOTHING HIT THE VEHICLE, AND TO CHECK THAT PRIOR TO THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING , I HAD NOT, THREE DAYS AFTER THIS INCIDENT, AFTER FILING A CLAIM, INSURANCE COMPANY CALLED ME TO INFORM ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOTIFIED THEM THAT WHEN THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED A REPORT WAS SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER WITH DATA FROM THE INCIDENT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SUGGESTED I CONTACT NHTSA TO FILE A REPORT. THE REPORT SHOWED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO A COLLISION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH I PURCHASED IT TO HAVE THE AIRBAGS REINSTALLED, AND TO REPAIR DAMAGE DONE DURING THE AFTERMATH OF THE INCIDENT. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10193388
75,000 miles · May 16, 2007
Visibility
THE SUN ROOF OPENED BY ITSELF THE POP UP PORTION WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. I HAD TO TURN THE KNOB TO OPEN IT THEN TURN THE KNOB TO CLOSE IT AND THEN IT CLOSED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10190921
64,500 miles · May 15, 2007
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE BONDO IS RIPPING OF THE BACK PANELOF THE RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. THERE IS ALSO A CRACK BETWEEN THE BONDO AND THE DOOR. IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH NEAR THE DOOR, THE PASSENGER SITTING IN THE RIGHT BACK PASSENGER SEAT A SERIOUS INJURY COULD OCCUR. THE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE BONDO IS RIPPING OF THE BACK PANELOF THE RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. THERE IS ALSO A CRACK BETWEEN THE BONDO AND THE DOOR. IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH NEAR THE DOOR, THE PASSENGER SITTING IN THE RIGHT BACK PASSENGER SEAT A SERIOUS INJURY COULD OCCUR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 64,500.
NHTSA ODI #10190840
Mileage unknown · May 10, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY CLAIM WAS DENIED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND THIS IS AN APPEAL LETTER**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST DENIAL LACKED AN ACTUAL REASON AND THE SECOND DENIAL STATED THE REPAIR TO HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGE…
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2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY CLAIM WAS DENIED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND THIS IS AN APPEAL LETTER**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST DENIAL LACKED AN ACTUAL REASON AND THE SECOND DENIAL STATED THE REPAIR TO HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR WERE REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10191103
42,000 miles · May 9, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
ON APRIL 22, 2007 MY SON WAS RETURNING TO COLLEGE IN THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T WHEN THE ENGINE SIEZED WITHOUT WARNING AS HE ACCELERATED TO ENTER A BUSY INTERSTAT 80. FORTUNATELY, HE WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. INTERSTATE 80WAS HEAVILY USED BY TRUCKS, AND HAD MY SON NOT BEEN IN A POSITION TO GET OFF…
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ON APRIL 22, 2007 MY SON WAS RETURNING TO COLLEGE IN THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T WHEN THE ENGINE SIEZED WITHOUT WARNING AS HE ACCELERATED TO ENTER A BUSY INTERSTAT 80. FORTUNATELY, HE WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. INTERSTATE 80WAS HEAVILY USED BY TRUCKS, AND HAD MY SON NOT BEEN IN A POSITION TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE THE ENGINE FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD NOT ONLY TO MY SON BUT TO MANY OTHER VEHICLES USING THIS HIGHWAY. *AK I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INSTANCE OF FAILURE OF THE VW 1.8 T ENGINE. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS THAT IS FAIRLY COMMON FOR THESE ENGINES TO FAIL AND VW TENDS TO BLAME THE OWNERS FOR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE. MY JETTA WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL 2006 WITH 31,000 MILES, IN THE YEAR THAT WE HAD THE CAR WE PUT APPROX. 10,000 MILES ON IT AND WE HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT LEAST TWO TIMES. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR BASED ON VW ADVERTISING ABOUT THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF THESE CARS AND I FEEL THAT VW SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR POORLY ENGINEERED ENGINE AND ISSUE A RECALL TO CORRECT DEFICIENCIES WITH THIS ENGINE. I ORDER FOR ME TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, I ALSO HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY FROZE THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE COST OF TO MAKE THIS CAR USABLE AGAIN WILL BE IN EXCESS OF $7,000. WHILE I DON'T FEEL THAT IT IS RIGHT THAT I AM STUCK WITH THE COST OF REPAIRS THAT ARE THE RESULT OF A SERIOUS DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE, I AM MUCH MORE CONCERNED WITH PUTTING LIVES IN JEOPARDY WHEN AN ENGINE STOPS WITHOUT WARNING AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS
NHTSA ODI #10190318
75,000 miles · Apr 20, 2007
Unknown Or Other
I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON FORUMS ONLINE WHICH IS QUIT DISTURBING HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE AS WELL. THERE IS WATER THAT FORMS ON BOTH THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR AND SOMETIMES THE REAR FLOOR DURING RAINS. IT IS SUPPOSEDLY CLOGGED DRAINS. SHOULDN'T THESE DRAINS BE BIG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE FLOW OF D…
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I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON FORUMS ONLINE WHICH IS QUIT DISTURBING HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE AS WELL. THERE IS WATER THAT FORMS ON BOTH THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR AND SOMETIMES THE REAR FLOOR DURING RAINS. IT IS SUPPOSEDLY CLOGGED DRAINS. SHOULDN'T THESE DRAINS BE BIG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE FLOW OF DEBRIS AND WATER. IT HAS HAPPENED IN A LOT OF DIFFERENT MODELS OF VW ACCORDING TO THE FORUMS. AND I AM UNDER A 2 YEAR VW WARRANTY BUT SUPPOSEDLY THIS ISN'T' COVERED ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. THIS COULD HAVE RUINED ELECTRONIC STUFF IN MY CAR OR COULD AS IT GETS WET. THERE WAS NOTHING ABOUT THIS IN THE MANUAL OR ANYTHING I HAD TO FIND IT OUT ONLINE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10188421
129,900 miles · Apr 10, 2007
Air Bags
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG/ CURTAIN ON 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, DEPLOYED WHILE TURNING RIGHT ON A WINDING ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING UNDER 20 MPH. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND BECAUSE IT WAS ON A BLIND TURN I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR BEHIND ME. AFTER 30 SECONDS I TURNED THE ENGINE ON, AND PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA TO INSPECT THE CAR. …
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THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG/ CURTAIN ON 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, DEPLOYED WHILE TURNING RIGHT ON A WINDING ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING UNDER 20 MPH. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND BECAUSE IT WAS ON A BLIND TURN I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR BEHIND ME. AFTER 30 SECONDS I TURNED THE ENGINE ON, AND PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA TO INSPECT THE CAR. I TRAVEL THE ROAD EVERYDAY AND NO POT HOLES EXIST. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE COMPUTER DID NOT REGISTER AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER, ENGINEER, LOOKED AT PICTURES SENT BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND SAID THAT THERE WERE SCRAPES UNDER THE CAR WHICH MUST HAVE CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT. ASKED THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER IF THE SIDE AIR BAG/CURTAIN WAS NOT REPLACED WOULD THE OTHER AIR BAGS BE EFFECTED. THEY TOLD ME THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY PUBLIC INFORMATION ON THE EFFECT ONE DEPLOYMENT HAS ON THE REST OF THE SYSTEM, AND I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT FOR THE OTHER AIR BAGS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO NOW REPORTED THAT THE COMPUTER READ AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10187482
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE CABIN OF THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EMITS A WAXY ODOR THAT I AM CONCERNED REPRESENTS ENGINE FUMES. I HAVE HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY SEVERAL MECHANICS, AND, WHILE THEY COULD IDENTIFY THE ODOR, THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE SOURCE. THIS ODOR CAUSED ME AND MY PASSENGERS TO SUFFER BURNING EYES AND NAUSEA. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10187479
81,400 miles · Apr 5, 2007
Exterior Lighting
THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS AT FIRST INTERMITTENT, BUT THEN BECAME INOPERATIVE. WHEN LIGHT WAS REMOVED THE FILAMENT WAS FINE, BUT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF ARCING ACROSS THE CONTACTS. IT LOOKED LIKE THE CONTACTS WERE SHORT CIRCUITED. I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM ABOUT A YEAR AGO. MY 2002 JETTA WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL OF THI…
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THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS AT FIRST INTERMITTENT, BUT THEN BECAME INOPERATIVE. WHEN LIGHT WAS REMOVED THE FILAMENT WAS FINE, BUT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF ARCING ACROSS THE CONTACTS. IT LOOKED LIKE THE CONTACTS WERE SHORT CIRCUITED. I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM ABOUT A YEAR AGO. MY 2002 JETTA WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL OF THIS VERY PROBLEM. THE VIN # DID NOT QUALIFY. BUT, AFTER LOOKING AT FORUM POSTINGS THIS IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THAT THE GROUP OF VIN NUMBERS THAT VOLKSWAGEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10187087
6,261 miles · Apr 3, 2007
Air Bags
TL*-THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GLS WAGON 1.8 TURBO WITH FAILURE MILEAGE: 6,261 TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO PROBLEMS DEALING WITH THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PARTICULAR PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO DIAGNOSE THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. HE PAID A GREAT DEAL OF MONE…
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TL*-THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GLS WAGON 1.8 TURBO WITH FAILURE MILEAGE: 6,261 TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO PROBLEMS DEALING WITH THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PARTICULAR PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO DIAGNOSE THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. HE PAID A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY FOR THE SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE MAY BE AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT PROBLEM, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT SURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVER SINCE NOVEMBER 9, 2001 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON HIS DASHBOARD. HE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO VOLKSWAGEN NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED HIM ANY EXPLANATION FOR THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS 82,500 MILES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10186926
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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