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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

What owners actually said

439 reports
100,000 miles · Aug 24, 2011
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HAZARD LIGHTS DID NOT FUNCTION AND THE BULBS BLEW OUT. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND PRESENT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAM…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HAZARD LIGHTS DID NOT FUNCTION AND THE BULBS BLEW OUT. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND PRESENT INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V584000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10421348

206,000 miles · Jun 21, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE DRIVING AND LIGHTLY BRUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BEGIN SLOWING, THE BRAKE PEDAL AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGES FULLY, SLAMMING ON BRAKES UNEXPECTEDLY. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY A SOUND OF AIR PRESSURE BEING RELEASED. IF YOU PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER THE AIR IS RELEASED, THE PEDAL WILL RETURN TO REST AND THE BRAKES WILL FREE UP. N…

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WHILE DRIVING AND LIGHTLY BRUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BEGIN SLOWING, THE BRAKE PEDAL AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGES FULLY, SLAMMING ON BRAKES UNEXPECTEDLY. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY A SOUND OF AIR PRESSURE BEING RELEASED. IF YOU PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER THE AIR IS RELEASED, THE PEDAL WILL RETURN TO REST AND THE BRAKES WILL FREE UP. NO EXISTING DEALER RECALLS AND VW (AND VW SERVICE DEPARTMENTS) HAVE NO RECORD OF THIS BEING A COMMON PROBLEM. MY LOCAL VW SPECIALTY REPAIR SHOP SAYS THIS IS COMMON ON 2000 JETTA TDI'S. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOU EXPERIENCE A SIMILAR ISSUE, PLEASE REPORT IT! THERE ARE THREE OTHER ISSUES POSTED THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED: 10116640, 10139585, 10052281.

NHTSA ODI #10407781

42,000 miles · Jun 3, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK ABNORMALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE MASS FLOW AIR SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A VOLUNTARY MANUFACTURERS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK ABNORMALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE MASS FLOW AIR SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A VOLUNTARY MANUFACTURERS RECALL IN REGARDS TO PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. LESS THAN FOUR YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CONTACTED YET THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ THE SENSOR LIGHT FOR THE MASS AIR FLOW REPLACED TWICE IN DECEMBER 2007 AND AGAIN IN JUNE 2011. UPDATED 07/25/11

NHTSA ODI #10404303

100,000 miles · Mar 1, 2011
Visibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRAINING SYSTEM FOR THE SUNROOF WOULD BECOME CLOGGED AND ALLOW WATER TO DRAIN INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS O…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRAINING SYSTEM FOR THE SUNROOF WOULD BECOME CLOGGED AND ALLOW WATER TO DRAIN INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10386065

127,000 miles · Nov 16, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE AND THE RPMS WOULD INCREASE WHEN SHE HAD HER FEET ON THE BRAKE AND THE CLUTCH PEDALS. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OF…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE AND THE RPMS WOULD INCREASE WHEN SHE HAD HER FEET ON THE BRAKE AND THE CLUTCH PEDALS. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 127,000.

NHTSA ODI #10366382

115,241 miles · Oct 26, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

I PURCHASED A 2000 VW JETTA ON 6/16/10. TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS & SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE, IT HAS HAD TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS: 2 FANS, ABS SENSOR WOULD COME ON & LOCK UP THE WHEELS, SO THE SYSTEM HAD TO BE UNPLUGGED, COOLANT SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED, A TRANSMISSION REPLACED & A CE…

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I PURCHASED A 2000 VW JETTA ON 6/16/10. TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS & SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE, IT HAS HAD TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING REPAIRS: 2 FANS, ABS SENSOR WOULD COME ON & LOCK UP THE WHEELS, SO THE SYSTEM HAD TO BE UNPLUGGED, COOLANT SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED, A TRANSMISSION REPLACED & A CERTIFIED TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST FOUND IT HAD BEEN TAKEN OUT PRIOR & 4 CYL PARTS WERE USED IN A 6 CYL VEHICLE, & THERMOSTAT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE COST OF REPAIRS TO DATE ARE APPROX. $5,200 & I ONLY PAID $4,995 FOR THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SOLD IN THE CONDITION IT WAS IN. THE SELLER FAILED TO DISCLOSE THAT THE VEHICLE HAD UNDERLYING PROBLEMS AFTER I INQUIRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE BUSINESS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES THE BUSINESS HAS SOLD LIKE THIS. I HAVE THIS VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS MORE THAN I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT & WHEN I PURCHASED IT, THE SELLER WAS AWARE I NEEDED A RELIABLE VEHICLE TO GET TO THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT VERY QUICKLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10362521

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING FAULTY DESIGNED SYSTEM IN JETTA *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS A DEFECTIVE BRAKE SYSTEM AND THE DEALER TRIED TO COVER IT UP BY PUTTING NEW BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10354314

71,230 miles · Aug 27, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

2000 VW JETTA BELONGING TO MY FRIEND [XXX], QUIT RUNNING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. SHE COASTED OUT OF THE WAY AND HAD OTHER DRIVERS HELP PUSH IT TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. ON INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM, IT WAS FOUND THAT A SWITCH IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED, SHUTTING OFF THE FUEL PUMP. THE DOOR SWITCH NORMALLY TURNS ON THE FUEL PUMP WHEN…

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2000 VW JETTA BELONGING TO MY FRIEND [XXX], QUIT RUNNING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. SHE COASTED OUT OF THE WAY AND HAD OTHER DRIVERS HELP PUSH IT TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT. ON INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM, IT WAS FOUND THAT A SWITCH IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED, SHUTTING OFF THE FUEL PUMP. THE DOOR SWITCH NORMALLY TURNS ON THE FUEL PUMP WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED AND IF THE CAR IS STARTED WITHOUT OPENING THE DRIVER'S DOOR THE "IMMOBILIZER" SECURITY SYSTEM SHUTS OFF THE FUEL PUMP. THE SWITCH FAILED WHILE [XXX] DROVE HOME FROM WORK AND FUEL WAS SHUT OFF TURNING OFF THE ENGINE.[XXX] AND THE PEOPLE THAT HELPED PUSH THE CAR WERE ENDANGERED BY HAVING TO GET OUT OF THEIR CARS IN THE HEAVY TRAFFIC. CAR DESIGNS NEED TO BE REVIEWED FOR FAULT TOLERANCE SO THAT MINOR COMPONENTS LIKE DOOR SWITCHES DON'T CAUSE THE CAR ENGINE TO STOP. ALSO IF THE CAR WERE HIT IN THE DOOR, IT WOULD OPEN THE SWITCH CAUSING FUEL PUMP TO TURN ON POSSIBLY FEEDING LARGE QUANTITIES OF GASOLINE UNDER A DAMAGED CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10352400

82,000 miles · Aug 2, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ADVISED HAVING IT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND ADVISED HAVING IT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10346895

114,000 miles · Jan 22, 2010
Visibility

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. WINDOW FELL SUDDENLY, DROPPING INTO DOOR. ALREADY HAPPENED TO PASSENGER SIDE DOOR YEAR BEFORE. THE CAR IS A 2000 VW JETTA. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH VW'S. HOW DOES A RECALL HAPPEN? HOW MANY TIMES DOES IT TAKE TO GET A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10301847

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.