NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
702 reports79,900 miles · Feb 9, 2005
Air Bags
MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON JUST PRIOR TO MY 80000 MILE SERVICE. I INFORMED MY VW SERVICE DEPT OF THIS. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR I WAS INFORMED THAT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM WOULD COST $800-$900. THIS IS EQUIPMENT THAT HAS NO MOVING IS FACTORY INSTALLED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. IS THIS COMMON? WHAT ARE MY OPTI…
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MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WENT ON JUST PRIOR TO MY 80000 MILE SERVICE. I INFORMED MY VW SERVICE DEPT OF THIS. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR I WAS INFORMED THAT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM WOULD COST $800-$900. THIS IS EQUIPMENT THAT HAS NO MOVING IS FACTORY INSTALLED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. IS THIS COMMON? WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE?*JB
NHTSA ODI #10110224
Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2005
Air Bags
I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE REPORTS I HAVE READ ABOUT SUDDEN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENTS FOR NO REASON ON VOLKSWAGEN MODELS JETTA, GTI AND GOLF, YEAR 2001-2003. AS A 2002 JETTA OWNER, I DO NOT WISH TO SUFFER FROM AIRBAG INJURY FROM INAPPROPRIATE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER FOR THE CONSUMERS BEHALF AND RECALL IF …
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I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE REPORTS I HAVE READ ABOUT SUDDEN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENTS FOR NO REASON ON VOLKSWAGEN MODELS JETTA, GTI AND GOLF, YEAR 2001-2003. AS A 2002 JETTA OWNER, I DO NOT WISH TO SUFFER FROM AIRBAG INJURY FROM INAPPROPRIATE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER FOR THE CONSUMERS BEHALF AND RECALL IF NECESSARY. THANK YOU.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10110136
Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2005
SeatsFireInjury
I WAS DRIVING HOME IN MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THEN I FELT A BURNING SENSATION ON MY THIGH. I STOPPED THE CAR AND LOOKED AT MY SEAT TO FIND OUT THAT MY HEATED SEATS HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I POURED WATER IN THE BURNING HOLE AND IT SIZZLED OUT. IT BURNT A HOLE IN MY SEAT, MY SK…
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I WAS DRIVING HOME IN MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THEN I FELT A BURNING SENSATION ON MY THIGH. I STOPPED THE CAR AND LOOKED AT MY SEAT TO FIND OUT THAT MY HEATED SEATS HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I POURED WATER IN THE BURNING HOLE AND IT SIZZLED OUT. IT BURNT A HOLE IN MY SEAT, MY SKIRT AND LEFT A RED MARK IN MY LEG. FORTUNATELY, I PULLED OVER AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE ANY SERIOUS DAMAGES WERE INCURRED. I CALLED THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND TOLD HIM ABOUT THE INCIDENT. THE PERSON I SPOKE TO ACTED AS IF IT WAS NO BIG DEAL. HE TOLD ME TO BRING MY CAR IN AND IF IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, THE WARMER AND SEATS WOULD BE REPLACED AT MY 2 DAY INCONVENIENCE. TO DATE, I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT IN BECAUSE I AM DETERMINING WHAT/IF ANY LEGAL ACTION, I SHOULD TAKE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10110026
31,000 miles · Feb 7, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury
MY DAUGHTER WAS EXITING I-4 ONTO I-95 IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL. SHE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH, WHEN THE MICHILEN TIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF. THIS CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE 2002 VW JETTA (30,000 MILES) AND ROLL THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS INJURED AND THE ONLY CAR INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYE…
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MY DAUGHTER WAS EXITING I-4 ONTO I-95 IN DAYTONA BEACH, FL. SHE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH, WHEN THE MICHILEN TIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF. THIS CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE 2002 VW JETTA (30,000 MILES) AND ROLL THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS INJURED AND THE ONLY CAR INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE SIDE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED LESSENING HER INJURIES, AS HER HEAD HIT THE SIDE OF THE CAR AND HAS CAUSED GREAT PROBLEMS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10109978
Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE, BUT THEY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FROZEN AND THAT THE ROTORS WERE BENT. THE POWER BOOSTER AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER …
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WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE, BUT THEY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FROZEN AND THAT THE ROTORS WERE BENT. THE POWER BOOSTER AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10109756
51,821 miles · Feb 3, 2005
SeatsFire
SEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND MY PANTS. THE HOLE WAS SMOKING AND I HAD TO POUR POP IN THE HOLE TO PUT IT OUT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10108496
47,000 miles · Feb 1, 2005
SeatsFireInjury
THE DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT ON MY 2002 JETTA 1.8T STARTED SMOLDERING AND BURNT A HOLE THROUGH THE FARBIC AND BURNED MY LEG. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10108376
37,900 miles · Feb 1, 2005
SeatsFireInjury
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED THE SEAT HEATER WAS UNUSUALLY HOT AND FELT BURNING ON MY LEG. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF, AND WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE, NOTICED TWO QUARTER-SIZED BURN HOLES IN THE SEAT AND A BURN HOLE IN MY WOOL COAT. VW DEALER WILL BE REPLACING THE SEAT, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY WILL COMPENSATE ME FOR MY COAT.…
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WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED THE SEAT HEATER WAS UNUSUALLY HOT AND FELT BURNING ON MY LEG. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF, AND WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE, NOTICED TWO QUARTER-SIZED BURN HOLES IN THE SEAT AND A BURN HOLE IN MY WOOL COAT. VW DEALER WILL BE REPLACING THE SEAT, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY WILL COMPENSATE ME FOR MY COAT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10108375
65,800 miles · Feb 1, 2005
SeatsFire
THE HEATED SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF MY 2002 VW JETTA BEGAN TO SMOLDER AT THE "3" SETTING WHILE I WAS WARMING THE CAR UP. IT EVENTUALLY BURNT A HOLE IN THE LEFT SEAT BOLSTER APPROXIMATELY" BY " IN SIZE. USUALLY I TURN THE SEAT HEATER ON WHILE I AM DEFROSTING THE WINDSHIELD IN THE DRIVEWAY. WITHOUT SOMEONE IN THE CAR IT COUL…
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THE HEATED SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF MY 2002 VW JETTA BEGAN TO SMOLDER AT THE "3" SETTING WHILE I WAS WARMING THE CAR UP. IT EVENTUALLY BURNT A HOLE IN THE LEFT SEAT BOLSTER APPROXIMATELY" BY " IN SIZE. USUALLY I TURN THE SEAT HEATER ON WHILE I AM DEFROSTING THE WINDSHIELD IN THE DRIVEWAY. WITHOUT SOMEONE IN THE CAR IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND EITHER DESTROYED THE CAR OR CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10108359
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2005
Power Train
I TOOK MY 2002 JETTA WAGON 1.8T AUTO/TIPTRONIC (45,000 MI) TO AN INDEPENDENT VW SERVICE SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TO CHECK A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HE HAS SEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE INVOLVING PAINT CONTAMINATION IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. BASICALLY, THE INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN WHERE THE FLUID SITS IS P…
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I TOOK MY 2002 JETTA WAGON 1.8T AUTO/TIPTRONIC (45,000 MI) TO AN INDEPENDENT VW SERVICE SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TO CHECK A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HE HAS SEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE INVOLVING PAINT CONTAMINATION IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. BASICALLY, THE INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN WHERE THE FLUID SITS IS PAINTED, AND THE HEAT OF THE FLUID CAUSES THE PAINT TO FLAKE OFF AND CONTAMINATE THE FLUID. THIS MECHANIC RECOMMENDED TO HAVE THE TRANNY REPLACED AT A VW DEALER. SO, I TOOK THE CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED VW DEALER AND THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THE PAINT CONTAMINATION PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY REPLACED THE TRANNY OIL PAN, A SELONIOD VALVE (N281) AND FLUSHED THE TRANNY FLUID AS RECOMMENDED BY VW OF AMERICA. I WAS ABLE TO CONFIRM WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE NEW PAN WAS ALSO PAINTED AND HE COULD NOT ANSWER IF THE PAINT SPEC HAD CHANGED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I CALLED VW OF AMERICA TO STATE MY CONCERN AND TO REQUEST A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. 9 MONTHS LATER (64,000 MI) MY CAR DOWN SHIFTS TO 4 GEAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65MI/HR. THE GEAR IS STUCK IN 4TH GEAR EVEN WHEN I COME TO A STOP. I MANAGED TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER WHO HAVE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY VALVE BODY CIRCUIT (N92 VALVE BODY COVER). THE DEALER NOW RECOMMENDS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND SINCE I'M 4,000 MILES BEYOND MY WARRANTY I WILL HAVE THE COVER THE COST. THE DEALER SUGGESTS THAT I SHOULD CALL VW OF AMERICA AND REFERENCE THE CASE FROM THE LAST TIME I CALLED IN APRIL. VWA STATED THEY NEEDED TO RESEARCH THE ISSUE AND THEY WOULD CALL BACK. AFTER HEARING NOTHING FOR TWO DAYS, I CALLED VWA BACK AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM I HAD BACK IN APRIL AND THE BEST THEY COULD DO WAS OFFER HALF THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I SHOULD PAY HALF THE COST WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER REMEDIED CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10108173
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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