RECENTLY MY 1999 VW JETTA PASSENGER'S SEAT BACK CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING FROM INSIDER THE SEAT BACK, THE SEAT AND MY HUSBAND'S WINTER COAT (I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND) WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM DOWN I-93. THE VW DEALERS I WENT TO SEE, LET ALONE MY CALL TO VW NORTH AMERICA, WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SEAT, TO…
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RECENTLY MY 1999 VW JETTA PASSENGER'S SEAT BACK CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING FROM INSIDER THE SEAT BACK, THE SEAT AND MY HUSBAND'S WINTER COAT (I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND) WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM DOWN I-93. THE VW DEALERS I WENT TO SEE, LET ALONE MY CALL TO VW NORTH AMERICA, WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SEAT, TO CHECK THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, ETC. THE RESPONSE WAS ALMOST UNIFORM AS TO NOTHING THEY COULD DO, NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, NOT WITHIN WARRANTY, ETC. NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASKING FOR $500 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ME TO PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT! MY INSURANCE GUY AND THE HEAD OF SERVICE AT WELLESLEY VW BOTH SAID IN ALL THEIR YEARS, THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING THIS BAD. BUT WHAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT IS THAT THE FIRE WAS A SERIOUS, LIFE-THREATENING HAZARD; THERE ARE MANY CASES THE INTERNET OF JETTAS' SEATS CATCHING FIRE ' BUT NOT ONE RECALL LIKE THEY DID WITH THE PASSAT A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1987 WHEN I GOT MY LICENSE; MY PARENTS SINCE 1953. I CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT AM NOW BAFFLED AS TO THEIR UNIFORM, UNHELPFUL RESPONSES. I NEED SOME GUIDANCE, LET ALONE HELP TO HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM. SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THE SEAT FULLY CAUGHT FIRE OR MY HUSBAND WAS WEARING SOMETHING OTHER THAN LEATHER THAT TAKES LONGER TO SMOLDER THAN, LET'S SAY, FLEECE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS THEIR "LIABILITY", AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON CORRECTING THE SITUATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10260235
140,000 miles · Feb 4, 2009
SeatsFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT HAS HEATED SEATS IN HIS VEHICLE. THE HEATING ELEMENTS IN THE SEATS BECAME SO HOT THAT THEY BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT TO HIS JACKET. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT FOR THEM TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT HAS HEATED SEATS IN HIS VEHICLE. THE HEATING ELEMENTS IN THE SEATS BECAME SO HOT THAT THEY BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT TO HIS JACKET. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT FOR THEM TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10257401
106,000 miles · Jan 26, 2009
SeatsFireInjury
IN OUR 1999 JETTA, OUR PASSENGER SEAT WARMER CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND BURNED THROUGH MY HUSBAND'S JACKET. I REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID AS IT WAS AN OLD CAR AND THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL, THEY CAN'T HELP ME. I READ ON MANY INTERNET SITES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1986, CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOY…
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IN OUR 1999 JETTA, OUR PASSENGER SEAT WARMER CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND BURNED THROUGH MY HUSBAND'S JACKET. I REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID AS IT WAS AN OLD CAR AND THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL, THEY CAN'T HELP ME. I READ ON MANY INTERNET SITES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1986, CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT NOW VERY UPSET. WE COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR FIRE AND NO ONE IS CARING ABOUT THIS AS THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256339
90,000 miles · Dec 11, 2006
Seats
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER WILL NOT TURN OFF. WHILE THE KNOB THAT CONTROLS THE SEAT HEATER IS SET AT 0 (OFF), THE SEAT HEATER REMAINS ON. THE PROBLEM BEGAN OVER A YEAR AGO WITH IT JUST BEING WARM, BUT IT IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY HOTTER. IT IS GETTING SO HOT THAT THE LEATHER SEAT IS BURNING AND TURNING BLACK AND BROWN. VW HA…
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THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER WILL NOT TURN OFF. WHILE THE KNOB THAT CONTROLS THE SEAT HEATER IS SET AT 0 (OFF), THE SEAT HEATER REMAINS ON. THE PROBLEM BEGAN OVER A YEAR AGO WITH IT JUST BEING WARM, BUT IT IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY HOTTER. IT IS GETTING SO HOT THAT THE LEATHER SEAT IS BURNING AND TURNING BLACK AND BROWN. VW HAS HAD RECALLS ON SIMILAR MODELS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT FIX MY CAR UNDER SIMILAR RECALLS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10175803
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2005
Seats
DT: CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE LOCAL SERVICE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A RECALL ON 2002 MODEL REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10122346
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2000
Seat BeltsSeatsStructure
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA ODI #729174
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2000
Seats
WHEN COMING TO STOP SEAT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE MOVED FORWARD ABOUT 1/2 INCH. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS OKAY FOR THE SEAT TO MOVE A LITTLE WHEN STOPPING. *AK *ML
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Remedy: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A RISK FOR A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. 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 VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. 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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE HEAD INJURY CRITERION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE UPPER RETAINER CLIP NEAR THE BP1 IMPACT LOCATION IS DESIGNED TO BREAK WHEN IMPACTED BY THE HEAD FORM. IN SOME CASES, THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM PART MAY BE MORE IMPACT RESISTANT AS A RESULT OF VARIATIONS IN THE MOLDING PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE CLIP FROM BREAKING ON IMPACT AND RESULT IN LESS DEFORMATION IN THE IMPACTED AREA AND A HIGHER DECLERATION OF THE HEAD FORM, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRIM COVER FROM EACH OF THE B PILLARS AND INSTALL A NEW COVER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SURFACE AND EDGES OF THE MAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IT COULD IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE EXHAUST GAS OF THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER IGNITER IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONT OR SIDE COLLISION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MATTING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE THE B-PILLAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
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.
EA00028 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Dec 28, 2000 · Closed Jan 29, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.
PE00033 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Aug 10, 2000 · Closed Dec 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
PE99007 · Passenger Compartment Fire
Opened Jan 29, 1999 · Closed Feb 8, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other
IN ITS LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 4, 1999, VOLKSWAGEN STATED THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 23,600 REDESIGNED 1999 JETTA AND GOLF 4-DOOR VEHICLES, OF WHICH APPROXIMATELY 11,000 HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CUSTOMERS, TO CORRECT A DEFECT THATMAY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE PASSENGEER COMPARTMENT AFTER A VEHICLE COLLISION.A SOUND INSULATION MATERIAL ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED.IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION SEVERE ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER, THE HOT EXHAUST GAS FROM THE PRETENSIONER COULD IGNITE THE INSULATION MATERIAL IF IT IS TOO CLOSE TO THE PRETENSIONER.VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSULATION MATERIAL FROM THE B-PILLARS.
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