Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
60–25K
1325–50K
2650–75K
2175–100K
18100–150K
4150K+
88 reports with mileage · 261 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Visibility. Review the 81 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 78 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
33 crash reports9 fire reports21 injury reports
What owners actually said
349 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
30K SERVICE, REPORTED TO DEALER THAT STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES...ASKED DEALER TO CHECK ON ALIGHMENT PROBLEMS. DEALER NO ALIGNMENT NEEDED, BUT BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN 50% & ALSO NEEDED NEW ROTORS. DEALER INSISTED CAR OK TO DRIVE & ADVISED TO COME BACK @ 35K SERVICE TO HAVE NEW BRAKES & ROTORS INSTALLED @ APROX. …
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30K SERVICE, REPORTED TO DEALER THAT STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES...ASKED DEALER TO CHECK ON ALIGHMENT PROBLEMS. DEALER NO ALIGNMENT NEEDED, BUT BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN 50% & ALSO NEEDED NEW ROTORS. DEALER INSISTED CAR OK TO DRIVE & ADVISED TO COME BACK @ 35K SERVICE TO HAVE NEW BRAKES & ROTORS INSTALLED @ APROX. $600. AFTER SERVICE, I DROVE HOME ABOUT 50 MI. & PROBLEM GOT WORSE, INCLUDING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE. I CALLED DEALER & THEY REFERRED ME TO A DEALER CLOSER TO MY HOME, 3 DAYS & 300 MILES LATER, 2ND DEALER ASKED HOW MANY TIMES I HAD CHANGED THE BRAKES, BECAUSE I NOW, NEEDED ROTORS, AND WORSE, ALL MY TIRES WERE "CUPPED" & I ALSO NEEDED A WHOLE NEW SET OF TIRES...I ASKED 2ND DEALER IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE MY CAR. THEY SAID IT WAS OK TO DRIVE, BUT RECOMMENDED CHANGING BRAKES, ROTORS & TIRES @ A COST OF $1,100. DEALER ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE LACK OF ROTATING & BALANCING TIRES COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE UNEVEN WEAR (AKA: CUPPED TIRES). I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE LOUD RUMBLING NOISE, WOULD EVENTUALLY GO AWAY, SINCE THE TIRES HAD BEEN ROTATED. THE 2ND DEALER INVOICED THE 1ST DEALER FOR THIS SERVICE CHARGE. 3 DAYS LATER, I WENT TO GOODYEAR TIRE SHOP (FOR 3RD OPINON) BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE TIRES MAY BE DEFECTIVE. GOODYEAR ADVISED ME THAT CUPPED TIRES RESULT FROM UNEVEN WEAR (USUALLY RECOMMEND ROTATING & BALANCING TIRES EVERY 10K MI.), IF NOT, PROBLEMS W/BRAKES & ROTORS. GOODYEAR COULDN'T DETERMINE WHY THE PROBLEM OCCURRED @ ONLY 30K MI. SUCH A PROBLEM COULD OCCUR AT ABOUT 60K MILES, BUT NOT ROTORS. GOODYEAR BALANCED & ROTATED MY TIRES & ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEELWELL, CAUSING A LARGE GASH IN THE WHEELWELL. IN THE INTEREST OF CONSUMER PROTECTION, I SEEK YOUR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IN BRINGING A POSITIVE RESOLVE TO THIS MATTER. MY CAR HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME @ DEALER SERVICE SHOP. VOLKSWAGEN MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR BAD CRAFTSMANSHIP & POOR SERVICE ADVICE. PLEASE HELP!!
NHTSA ODI #749032
Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicTires
AT 30000 MILES STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES.ASKED DEALER TO CHECK ON ALIGHMENT PROBLEMS. DEALER NO ALIGNMENT NEEDED, BUT BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN 50% & ALSO NEEDED NEW ROTORS. DEALER INSISTED CAR OKAY TO DRIVE AND ADVISED TO COME BACK. 35000 SERVICE TO HAVE NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS INSTALLED, APROX. $600. AFTER…
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AT 30000 MILES STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN APPLYING BRAKES.ASKED DEALER TO CHECK ON ALIGHMENT PROBLEMS. DEALER NO ALIGNMENT NEEDED, BUT BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN 50% & ALSO NEEDED NEW ROTORS. DEALER INSISTED CAR OKAY TO DRIVE AND ADVISED TO COME BACK. 35000 SERVICE TO HAVE NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS INSTALLED, APROX. $600. AFTER SERVICE, I DROVE HOME ABOUT 50 MILES AND PROBLEM GOT WORSE, INCLUDING A LOUD RUMBLING NOISE. I CALLED DEALER, AND THEY REFERRED ME TO A DEALER CLOSER TO MY HOME, 3 DAYS AND 300 MILES LATER, 2ND DEALER ASKED HOW MANY TIMES I HAD CHANGED THE BRAKES, BECAUSE I NOW, NEEDED ROTORS, AND WORSE, ALL MY TIRES WERE "CUPPED. " I ALSO NEEDED A WHOLE NEW SET OF TIRES...I ASKED 2ND DEALER IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE MY CAR. THEY SAID IT WAS OK TO DRIVE, BUT RECOMMENDED CHANGING BRAKES, ROTORS AND TIRES @ A COST OF $1,100. DEALER ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE LACK OF ROTATING A BALANCING TIRES COULD HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE UNEVEN WEAR (AKA: CUPPED TIRES). I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE LOUD RUMBLING NOISE, WOULD EVENTUALLY GO AWAY, SINCE THE TIRES HAD BEEN ROTATED. THE 2ND DEALER INVOICED THE 1ST DEALER FOR THIS SERVICE CHARGE. 3 DAYS LATER, I WENT TO GOODYEAR TIRE SHOP (FOR 3RD OPINON) BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE TIRES MAY BE DEFECTIVE. GOODYEAR ADVISED ME THAT CUPPED TIRES RESULT FROM UNEVEN WEAR (USUALLY RECOMMEND ROTATING & BALANCING TIRES EVERY 10K MI.), IF NOT, PROBLEMS W/BRAKES & ROTORS. GOODYEAR COULDN'T DETERMINE WHY THE PROBLEM OCCURRED @ ONLY 30K MI. SUCH A PROBLEM COULD OCCUR AT ABOUT 60K MILES, BUT NOT ROTORS. GOODYEAR BALANCED & ROTATED MY TIRES & ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE WHEELWELL, CAUSING A LARGE GASH IN THE WHEELWELL. IN THE INTEREST OF CONSUMER PROTECTION, I SEEK YOUR PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IN BRINGING A POSITIVE RESOLVE TO THIS MATTER. MY CAR HAS SPENT A LOT OF TIME @ DEALER SERVICE SHOP. VOLKSWAGEN MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR BAD CRAFTSMANSHIP & POOR SERVICE ADVICE. PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA ODI #749031
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling
MAP FAILURE. BUT ALSO "COOLANT MIGRATION PROBLEM." WHEREIN, DUE TO FAULTY COOLANT RESERVOIR SENSOR SEAL, COOLANT MIGRATED OUT OF COOLANT RESERVOIR AND INTO WIRING HARNESS CAUSING SPEEDO AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES. WAS REPAIRED AT NO COST, AS WAS MAF. HOWEVER NUMEROUS TDI AND GASSER OWNERS ARE CONSTANTLY REPORTING MAF FAILUR…
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MAP FAILURE. BUT ALSO "COOLANT MIGRATION PROBLEM." WHEREIN, DUE TO FAULTY COOLANT RESERVOIR SENSOR SEAL, COOLANT MIGRATED OUT OF COOLANT RESERVOIR AND INTO WIRING HARNESS CAUSING SPEEDO AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILURES. WAS REPAIRED AT NO COST, AS WAS MAF. HOWEVER NUMEROUS TDI AND GASSER OWNERS ARE CONSTANTLY REPORTING MAF FAILURES.
NHTSA ODI #748794
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
CAR DIES WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEEDS NO POWER-BRAKES OR STEERING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #748711
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2001
Electrical System
ENGINE SPUTTERS WHEN IT HAS BEEN SITTING IN DAMP (RAIN, ETC.) CONDITIONS. SPARKS APPEAR AT SPARK PLUG CONNECTIONS (IGNITION COIL). VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY VW DEALER WHEN THE PROBLEM HAD INITIALLY OCCURRED. THEY INDICATED A FAULTY IGNITION COIL, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT PRESENT THAT AFTERNOON. PROBLEM RECURRED WHEN IT WAS SUB…
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ENGINE SPUTTERS WHEN IT HAS BEEN SITTING IN DAMP (RAIN, ETC.) CONDITIONS. SPARKS APPEAR AT SPARK PLUG CONNECTIONS (IGNITION COIL). VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY VW DEALER WHEN THE PROBLEM HAD INITIALLY OCCURRED. THEY INDICATED A FAULTY IGNITION COIL, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT PRESENT THAT AFTERNOON. PROBLEM RECURRED WHEN IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DAMP, ETC. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED BY ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT TELL ANYTHING. I BROUGHT THE CAR FOR A TUNE-UP BACK TO THE DEALER WHO LOOKED AT IT INTITIALLY. I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR THE CONDITION OF THE IGNITION COIL, AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FINE. I BELIEVE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR EARLIER VWS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #748651
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2001
Electrical System
FAILURE OF STARTER RELAY 109 COMMON ON JETTA TDI'S, SOURCE FROM DEALERS AND VW NEWSGROUPS ON THE INTERNET. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE (VWOA) SAID THAT THEY WILL NOT PAY UNTILL THEY ANALYZE THE PROBLEM. CASE NUMBER 104-85-703. *AK
NHTSA ODI #748605
Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2001
Visibility
ELECTRONIC WINDOWS DO NOT WORK AND WILL NOT ROLL DOWN. THEY WERE STUCK. ALSO, LEFT REAR SIDE WINDOW FELL IN, AND WILL COME BACK OUT.CONSUMER HAS BEEN TO DIFFERENT DEALERS, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. REGULATOR AND MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #892631
Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2001
Visibility
DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSNGER SIDE WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN DOWN INTO DOOR DUE TO A FAULTY CABLE RETRACTOR. DEALER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #891963
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2001
Visibility
DRIVER/PASSENGER AND RIGHT REAR POWER WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN WITHIN DOOR FRM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #891889
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2001
Visibility
DRIVER'S/ PASSENGER'S AND RIGHT REAR POWER WINDOWS HAVE ALL FALLEN FROM TRACKS INTO DOOR FRAME. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
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.
1999 Volkswagen Jetta Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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