NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
455 reports20,000 miles · Mar 22, 2007
Tires
I OWN A 2003 VOLKSWAGON JETTA THAT CAME WITH GOODYEAR TIRES. AT 20,435 THOUSAND MILES I GOT MY FIRST FLAT TIRE. WHEN A SECOND TIRE WENT FLAT LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER, I DECIDED TO PURCHASE A FULL SET OF DIFFERENT TIRES. WHEN THE OLD TIRES WERE REMOVED THERE WAS SEVERE CRACKING AND "TEARS" IN THE WALLS OF THE TIRES. I MAINTAIN MY…
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I OWN A 2003 VOLKSWAGON JETTA THAT CAME WITH GOODYEAR TIRES. AT 20,435 THOUSAND MILES I GOT MY FIRST FLAT TIRE. WHEN A SECOND TIRE WENT FLAT LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER, I DECIDED TO PURCHASE A FULL SET OF DIFFERENT TIRES. WHEN THE OLD TIRES WERE REMOVED THERE WAS SEVERE CRACKING AND "TEARS" IN THE WALLS OF THE TIRES. I MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE SO THERE WAS NO REASON AS TO WHY THE TIRES WENT FLAT. I LIVE IN A SAFE NEIGHBOORHOOD AND HAD MY CAR FOR A YEAR BEFORE THE TIRES STARTED TO GO FLAT. I DID NOT DRIVE THROUGH ANY CONSTRUCTION SITES AND THERE WAS NO SIGN THIS WAS VANDALISM SINCE THE CUTS WERE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL. LUCKILY, NEITHER OF THE FLATS HAPPENED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY BECAUSE I COULD HAVE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY CAR. WHEN MY TIRES WERE REPLACED THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I WAS BASICALY DRIVING ON "TIME BOMBS" AND THAT IT WAS GOOD THAT I CAME IN. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO SHOW ME OTHER TIRES WITH THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS. I COULD NOT BELIEVE GOODYEAR HAD A LINE OF DEFECTIVE TIRES AND THEY WERE DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. WITH A NAME LIKE GOODYEAR I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEY WOULD HAVE CARED MORE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. ASIDE FROM THE TEARS, THE TIRES ARE STILL IN GOOD SHAPE WITH THE TREAD BARELY WORN DOWN. MOST TIRES LAST 40,000 PLUS MILES, I GOT MY FIRST FLAT TIRE AT HALF THAT. NOW, I AM OUT OVER $500.00 BECAUSE I HAD TO PURCHASE A WHOLE NEW SET OF TIRES. I THINK IT IS OUTRAGEOUS GOODYEAR HAS NOT OFFERED TO PAY ANY OF THAT. I KEPT THE TIRES AS PROOF AND I HAVE MANY PICTURES. APPARENTLY THEY ONLY PAY ATTENTION TO PEOPLE WHO GET INJURED.
NHTSA ODI #10185925
56,948 miles · Mar 8, 2007
Air BagsInjury
I PURCHASED A 2003 VW JETTA THIS PAST APRIL. ON NOVEMBER 22, 2006 AT 6:00 AM ON INTERSTATE 395 CT, MY SIDE DRIVER AIRBAGS, BACK SEAT AIRBAG AND DRIVER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING ON THE HIGHWAY NOR WAS MY CAR STRUCK BY ANY OBJECT. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT DAY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT ASSUM…
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I PURCHASED A 2003 VW JETTA THIS PAST APRIL. ON NOVEMBER 22, 2006 AT 6:00 AM ON INTERSTATE 395 CT, MY SIDE DRIVER AIRBAGS, BACK SEAT AIRBAG AND DRIVER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING ON THE HIGHWAY NOR WAS MY CAR STRUCK BY ANY OBJECT. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT DAY TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT ASSUMING THAT THEY WOULD FIND A DEFECT AND FIX THE PROBLEM. INSTEAD OF BEING HELPED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER I WAS ACCUSED OF HITTING SOMETHING. THEY SAID THERE WAS DAMAGE UNDERNEATH THE CAR. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO MY INSURANCE BRANCH AND THEY FOUND NO DAMAGE. VW AGAIN REFUSED MY CLAIM. I THEN HAD THE INSURANCE COMPANY COME TO THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AT THE CAR. LATER THAT WEEK THE INSURANCE COMPANY HIRED AN INVESTIGATOR TO EXAMINE THE CAR AND HE FOUND NO DAMAGE TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS. MY INSURANCE WILL NOT PAY THE $3,000 TO FIX THE CAR AND VW WILL NOT PAY. I HAVE 3 DEPLOYED AIRBAGS AND ONE BROKEN DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10184491
71,000 miles · Mar 4, 2007
SeatsFireInjury
DRIVER'S ELECTRIC SEAT HEATER ELEMENT IN 2003 JETTA CAUGHT FIRE BURNING HOLE IN LEATHER SEAT AND BURNING DRIVER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10184183
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2007
Electrical System
THREE OUT OF FOUR OF MY IGNITION COILS HAVE BLOWN AND I HAVE LESS THEN 50,000 MILES ON MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP ADMITS THERE IS NO REASON THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING, HOWEVER I HAVE TO KEEP BREAKING DOWN AND GETTING MY CAR TOWED IN FOR IT TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS THEY KNOW THEY ARE ALL BAD, BUT IF I ASK THE…
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THREE OUT OF FOUR OF MY IGNITION COILS HAVE BLOWN AND I HAVE LESS THEN 50,000 MILES ON MY CAR. THE DEALERSHIP ADMITS THERE IS NO REASON THIS SHOULD BE HAPPENING, HOWEVER I HAVE TO KEEP BREAKING DOWN AND GETTING MY CAR TOWED IN FOR IT TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS THEY KNOW THEY ARE ALL BAD, BUT IF I ASK THEM TO FIX THEM I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH MY MAKE/MODEL AND YEAR. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN DIRECTLY AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT THEY SAY AND I QUOTE "I'M SORRY TO HEAR THAT" I TELL EVERYONE HOW MANY PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD DUE TO THIS ISSUE AND HAVE DETERRED AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE THAT WERE CONSIDERING VOLKSWAGENS TO BUY DIFFERENT VEHICLES. ITS A SHAME THIS IS MY HUSBAND AND I'S SECOND VOLKSWAGEN BUT THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED/OR BROKEN DOWN 9 TIMES IN LESS THEN 3 YEARS, THAT'S NOT GOOD. ONCE THIS LEASE IS UP WE WILL NEVER DEAL WITH VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN. THEY DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS, AND THAT'S A SHAME. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THE COIL ISSUE AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS SAME PROBLEM, OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A HUGE DEFECT AND A LOT OF VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10184070
Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2007
Electrical System
EPC LIGHT ON DASH KEEPS COMING ON. WHEN ON, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT CAR OUT PARK. WHEN AT IDLE AND LIGHT COMES ON, IDLES WILDLY UP AND DOWN. WHEN EPC LIGHT IS ON, BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10182608
35,000 miles · Feb 14, 2007
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JETTA JLS. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS CUT OFF BY A TRUCK AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, FLIPPED OVER SIDEWAYS, AND END OVER END, LANDING UPSIDE DOWN IN A CANAL. THE DRIVER WAS PULLED FROM THE WRECKAGE AND IT BECAME SUBMERGED. THE…
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TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JETTA JLS. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS CUT OFF BY A TRUCK AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, FLIPPED OVER SIDEWAYS, AND END OVER END, LANDING UPSIDE DOWN IN A CANAL. THE DRIVER WAS PULLED FROM THE WRECKAGE AND IT BECAME SUBMERGED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE DOORS, THE REAR AND THE FRONT. THE AIR BAG SIDE/CURTAIN, FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY DURING THE CRASH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 35000. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKE NOSE, AS WELL AS, OTHER INJURIES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10182697
78,499 miles · Jan 29, 2007
SeatsFireInjury
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA STATION WAGON, CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE THE SEAT HEATER WAS OPERATING. THE SEAT SUSTAINED A HOLE THE DIAMETER OF A PENCIL. THE SEAT BURNED PASSENGER BUTTOCKS, BUT DIDN'T CATCH HIS CLOT…
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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA STATION WAGON, CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE THE SEAT HEATER WAS OPERATING. THE SEAT SUSTAINED A HOLE THE DIAMETER OF A PENCIL. THE SEAT BURNED PASSENGER BUTTOCKS, BUT DIDN'T CATCH HIS CLOTHING ON FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10180969
66,000 miles · Jan 19, 2007
Structure
WHILE DRIVING A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WITH APPROX 66,000 MILES THE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS BROKE OFF AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. DAMAGES WERE TO THE SUSPENSION OF THE CAR AND NO ONE SUFFERED INJURIES. THE SPEED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT WAS APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES. NO SIGNS THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS OR ASSEMBLY BOLTS WERE BAD OR…
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WHILE DRIVING A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WITH APPROX 66,000 MILES THE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS BROKE OFF AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. DAMAGES WERE TO THE SUSPENSION OF THE CAR AND NO ONE SUFFERED INJURIES. THE SPEED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT WAS APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES. NO SIGNS THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS OR ASSEMBLY BOLTS WERE BAD OR LOOSE. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALER BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BUT THE BOLTS ARE NOT. THEY WANT US TO PAY $2,200.00 FOR THE REPAIRS AND THE WARRANTY COVER OTHER PARTS. I TOLD THEM THAT THE BOLTS ARE PART OF THE MOTOR MOUNTS AND THEY FAIL TO PERFORM AS EXPECTED. IN ADDITION THE CAR IS BEEN MAINTAINED BY THE SAME VOLKSWAGEN DEALER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR 2 YEARS AGO. PLEASE ADVISE SINCE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AS I USUALLY DO. I THINK THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD FIX MY CAR AND INSPECT ALL VOLKSWAGEN'S FOR ANY DEFECTIVE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS. THANK-YOU *JB
NHTSA ODI #10179207
78,400 miles · Jan 17, 2007
Suspension
WHILE PULLING TO A STOP AT THE END OF MY STREET I HEARD A LOUD BANG. AFTER GETTING OUT AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING HAD BROKEN. I HAVE NOT HIT ANYTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THE SPRING TO BREAK. I AM PUZZLED AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED ON A CAR WITH ONLY 78,000 MILES. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THIS IS THE 6TH JE…
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WHILE PULLING TO A STOP AT THE END OF MY STREET I HEARD A LOUD BANG. AFTER GETTING OUT AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING HAD BROKEN. I HAVE NOT HIT ANYTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THE SPRING TO BREAK. I AM PUZZLED AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED ON A CAR WITH ONLY 78,000 MILES. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THIS IS THE 6TH JETTA OR GOLF THEY HAVE SEEN WITH THIS PROBLEM IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. THE CAR IS A 2003 VW JETTA TDI. I AM NOW OUT $450 TO REPLACE THE SPRINGS? *JB
NHTSA ODI #10179000
60,000 miles · Jan 4, 2007
SeatsInjury
SINCE I HAVE HAD MY JETTA THE SEAT WARMERS HAVE BEEN HOT. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHO ADVISED THAT IS HOW THEY WORK. SINCE THEN MY SEAT WARMER HAS BURNED A HOLE IN THE CLOTH SEAT AND HAS BURNED ME. IT ALSO CREATES SPARKS WHEN TURNED ON. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10177767
Official recalls
2Jun 13, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.
Feb 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.
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
4DP05004 · 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.
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.
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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