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2000 Volkswagen Jetta

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Jetta years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

180 reports with mileage · 259 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.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 121 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports14 fire reports24 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

121 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2000 JETTA AND ITS A GOOD CAR BUT IT HAS PROBLEMS LIKE OTHER JETTA OWNERS THAT I HAVE TALKED TO. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A SHOP AND ASKED THEM ABOUT MY PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE KINDS OF JETTAS. THE COMPLAINT IS WHEN I CHANGE THE OIL OR HAVE A GOOD AMOUT OF OIL IN THE ENGINE IT GETS EATEN AT…

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I HAVE A 2000 JETTA AND ITS A GOOD CAR BUT IT HAS PROBLEMS LIKE OTHER JETTA OWNERS THAT I HAVE TALKED TO. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A SHOP AND ASKED THEM ABOUT MY PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE KINDS OF JETTAS. THE COMPLAINT IS WHEN I CHANGE THE OIL OR HAVE A GOOD AMOUT OF OIL IN THE ENGINE IT GETS EATEN AT A QUICKER RATE THAN IT SHOULD. IT TAKES LIKE 2-3 DAYS THEN I HAVE TO REPLACE A QUART OF OIL OR MORE TO MAKE IT A GOOD LEVEL. THE AMOUNT OF OIL BEING CONSUMED IS NOT GOOD FOR THE ENGINE OR FOR THE EVIRONMENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10088982

95,000 miles · Aug 31, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

FAILURE OF DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW - FIRST TIME, HOWEVER I EXPECTED IT TO HAPPEN SINCE I FOUND 53 COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEB SITE ALONE. THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME TO ENCOUNTER MAJOR REPAIRS ON THIS CAR. JUST 4 WEEKS AGO PAID 1,100 DOLLARS TO REPLACE OIL PUMP AND MASS AIRFLOW METER. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL YET? *AK

NHTSA ODI #10088921

45,453 miles · Aug 30, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

FROM STOP THE VEHICLE WOULD SOMETIME STALL. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD A BAD MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR (MAF) AND WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK DID NOT ALWAYS LOCK AUTOMATICAL…

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FROM STOP THE VEHICLE WOULD SOMETIME STALL. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD A BAD MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR (MAF) AND WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK DID NOT ALWAYS LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AND WOULD CAUSE THE ALARM TO SOUND. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. THE VEHICLE ALARM WOULD SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10087488

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

2000 VW JETTA 1.8 TURBO. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 35,000 MILES, REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FOR $99.00 AFTER CALLING CORPORATE VW. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 45,000 MILES. REPLACE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AGAIN FOR FREE, REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, REPLACED TURBO SENSOR AND SEVERAL RELAYS FOR $280.00. REPLACED CLU…

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2000 VW JETTA 1.8 TURBO. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AROUND 35,000 MILES, REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FOR $99.00 AFTER CALLING CORPORATE VW. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 45,000 MILES. REPLACE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AGAIN FOR FREE, REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, REPLACED TURBO SENSOR AND SEVERAL RELAYS FOR $280.00. REPLACED CLUTCH AT 51,000 MILES, FOUND OUT THEY USE THE SAME PARTS AS THE TDL ON THE TURBO CAR. CURRENTLY HAVE A BLOWN HEAD GASKET, MORE THAN LIKELY DUE TO THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND TURBO SENSOR CAUSING ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE. ESTIMATED REPAIR COSTS $1200.00. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10080964

49,725 miles · Jun 24, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSeats

MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILED AT LEAST 6 TIMES IN THE PAST 60,000 MILES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER DISCUSSED THIS WITH VOLKSWAGEN, AND ASKED MANUFACTURER FOR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER, VOLKSWAGEN WAS NOT LISTENING. *AK THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT UP/DOWN LEVER SPRING BROKE. THE MICRO SWITCH FAILED AND AS A RESULT THE…

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MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILED AT LEAST 6 TIMES IN THE PAST 60,000 MILES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER DISCUSSED THIS WITH VOLKSWAGEN, AND ASKED MANUFACTURER FOR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER, VOLKSWAGEN WAS NOT LISTENING. *AK THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT UP/DOWN LEVER SPRING BROKE. THE MICRO SWITCH FAILED AND AS A RESULT THE TRUNK LIGHT AND GAS LIGHT ON THE DASH WERE INOPERATIVE. THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10074153

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

TOOK CAR FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY A VW DEALER, HOWEVER, NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY THE ENGINE BLOCK WOULD GET A CRACK. IN FACT, THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD ONLY EVER SEEN THIS INCIDENT ONCE BEFORE. …

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TOOK CAR FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY A VW DEALER, HOWEVER, NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY THE ENGINE BLOCK WOULD GET A CRACK. IN FACT, THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD ONLY EVER SEEN THIS INCIDENT ONCE BEFORE. MY CAR HAD NEVER OVERHEATED OR ANYTHING PRIOR TO THIS. THE CAR IS NOW SITTING IN MY GARAGE BECAUSE I CANNOT DO ANYTHING WITH IT. IT CANNOT BE SOLD AND I CAN'T AFFORD $7100 FOR A NEW ENGINE. IN FACT THE CAR IS NOT EVEN WORTH THAT MUCH. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THE CAR...THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OTHER THINGS (SUCH AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, FUEL TANK HAD TO BE REPLACE TWICE, THE TRUNK LATCH BROKE ONE DAY, THE REAR BREAKS HAD PREMATURE WEAR, GLOVE BOX LATCH BROKE). THESE ARE POORLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLES. I WISH I COULD GET RID OF IT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10074796

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHEN DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD,THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER HAD INFORMED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10075520

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

I THOUGHT MY FIRST NEW CAR PURCHASE (A 2000 JETTA VR6 GLS) WAS A LEMON. I, LIKE MANY OTHERS, HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS. PROBLEMS SUCH AS: - REAR CUP HOLDERS BROKEN - MIDDLE/REAR SEATBELT LOCKED, CANNOT BE USED - 02 SENSORS BOTH REPLACED SINCE MIL LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING - MAS SENSOR REPLACED (AND LATER RECALLED) …

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I THOUGHT MY FIRST NEW CAR PURCHASE (A 2000 JETTA VR6 GLS) WAS A LEMON. I, LIKE MANY OTHERS, HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS. PROBLEMS SUCH AS: - REAR CUP HOLDERS BROKEN - MIDDLE/REAR SEATBELT LOCKED, CANNOT BE USED - 02 SENSORS BOTH REPLACED SINCE MIL LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING - MAS SENSOR REPLACED (AND LATER RECALLED) - BOTH FRONT WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN TO THE "BLACK HOLE" (AND LATER RECALLED; INCLUDING A RECALL TO THE RECALL B/C THEY WENT FROM METAL CLIPS TO PLASTIC OR VICE VERSA) - PAINT PEELING FROM INSIDE DOOR HANDLES - ALARM SYSTEM FAULTY ON PASSENGER SIDE DOOR (DEALER TOLD ME THAT UNLESS THE CAR BEEPS AT ME, THE ALARM IS NOT SECURED. SO, I MUST LOCK THE DOOR. STAND BY FOR 15 SECONDS, LOCK THE DOOR AGAIN AND THIS TIME WHEN THE CAR BEEPS, THE PASSENGER DOOR IS SECURED. AND, FURTHERMORE, (THIS IS GOOD - KEEP READING) I WAS TOLD THAT IF I DRIVE TOO CLOSE TO A JEA BUS, THEIR BUS COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARE RUN ON THE SAME CHANNEL AS MY JETTA'S COMPUTER SYSTEM AND SOMETIMES BEING TOO CLOSE TO A JEA BUS WILL CAUSE MY CARS COMPUTER SYSTEM TO SCRAMBLE). COMPUTER SYSTEM CAN BE RESET, AND DID YOU KNOW THAT WHILE RESETTING, VW CAN MAKE YOUR CAR BEEP IN DIFFERENT PATTERNS? THAT'S PROBABLY A "FEATURE"! - CENTER CONSOLE/ARMREST LATCH BROKEN - LARGE SPRING SITS UNDERNEATH MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT - SEAT BELT NO LONGER CLICK, INDICATING LOCKED IN POSITION (DEALER TOLD ME IT STILL WORKS. SO, NOW I HAVE TO PUSH IT DOWN AND THEN TUG ON IT, HOPING THAT IT REALLY IS LOCKED -- IF NOT, I MAY FLY OUT THAT RECALLED WINDOW.) - CHILD RESTRAIN SEAT LOCKS RECALLED - TRUNK LOCK WOULDN'T STAY LATCHED - FRONT FENDER SEPARATING FROM BODY OF CAR - GRINDS GOING INTO SECOND GEAR (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) - WHEN CAR IS PUT INTO 1ST GEAR, IT WAITS A FEW SECOND BEFORE IT GETS ENOUGH POWER TO FULLY ACCELERATE - BRAKE DUST COVERS ALLOY WHEEL, IN JUST HOURS OF CLEANING DRIVERS WANTED...BUT THEY'RE ALL IN THE DEALER WAITING ROOM! *AK

NHTSA ODI #10072871

60,000 miles · May 6, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, AND TECHNICIAN DETERMINED ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10072234

81,000 miles · Apr 20, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

I AM EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF POWER ON HILLS AND WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AN INTERMITANT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. I OWN A VW JETTA TDI 2000. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM 1ST AS A TURBO CONTROL MODULE, $252.00. SOME INCREASE IN POWER BUT NOT VERY MUCH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OFF. 2ND TRIP TO DEALER AFTER AN 1-1/2 HOUR DISCUSSIO…

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I AM EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF POWER ON HILLS AND WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AN INTERMITANT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. I OWN A VW JETTA TDI 2000. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM 1ST AS A TURBO CONTROL MODULE, $252.00. SOME INCREASE IN POWER BUT NOT VERY MUCH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OFF. 2ND TRIP TO DEALER AFTER AN 1-1/2 HOUR DISCUSSION ABOUT CHARGING ME ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND MY CONSENTING THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS CARBON IN INTAKE AND EGR VALVE REPLACEMENT. I ASKED 4 QUESTIONS :HOW DOES CARBON GET IN AN AIR INTAKE?, HOW DID THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINE THIS WAS PROBLEM? WHY WASN'T IT IDENTIFIED THE 1ST TIME I TOOK CAR IN AND WHAT GUARANTEE WOULD I GET? THE DEALER WOULD NOT OR COULD NOT ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AT VW AMERICA HAS NOT ANSWERED THEM BUT HAS OFFERED TO PAY 100% PARTS AND LABOR FOR THE REPAIR AFTER TWO DAYS OF CALLING AND TRYING TO GET AN ANSWER FROM BOTH OF THEM. DON, IS THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP WHO OFFERED TO PAY FOR REPAIR UPON MY GOING TO ANOTHER DEALER AND PAYING FOR ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC TO VERIFY THE PROBLEM, AS THE FIRST DEALER HAS REFUSED SERVICE TO THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I INSISTED ON ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS BEFORE OK'ING REPAIR. THE NUMBER I CALLED FOR VW AMERICA IS 1-800- 822-8987. I HAVE ABOUT 81,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THIS PROBLEM CREATES A SERIOUS SAFTEY HAZARD ON THE INTERSTATE OR ANY HIGHWAY WHERE A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE MAY BE A HAZARD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10066579

Official recalls

4

06V183000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

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.

04V584000 · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

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.

04V096000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

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.

02V244000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Sep 12, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA 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

6

RQ06004 · 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.

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.

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.