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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
86,900 miles · Jan 29, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE WORK. WHILE IT WAS BEING TEST DRIVEN AT 30 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT A SEAL FAILED, WHICH ALLOWED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHICH SEAL WAS AFFECTED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE WORK. WHILE IT WAS BEING TEST DRIVEN AT 30 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT A SEAL FAILED, WHICH ALLOWED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHICH SEAL WAS AFFECTED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AND INSTALLED A NEW ENGINE. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE DUE TO NUMEROUS OTHERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 03/05/09 *CN THE ENGINE HAD 2 BROKEN RODS THE #3 AND #4 AND THERE WERE LARGE HOLES IN THE BLOCK. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO HYDRAULIC LOCK OR A VOLUME OF OIL GETTING IN THE CYLINDER AND STOPPING THE PISTON. UPDATED 03/12/09. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10256832

60,000 miles · Jan 14, 2009
Electrical System

MY 2000 JETTA VR6 HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING COIL ISSUES FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS WHENEVER THE WEATHER IS WET/RAINY AND HIGH HUMIDITY. IF THE CAR SITS IDLE FOR 6-8 HOURS WITH A COLD ENGINE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO START THE ENGINE WITHOUT CONSTANT SPUTTERING. THERE IS NO POWER IN ACCELERATION UNTIL THE ENGINE WARMS UP COMPLETELY. DURIN…

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MY 2000 JETTA VR6 HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING COIL ISSUES FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS WHENEVER THE WEATHER IS WET/RAINY AND HIGH HUMIDITY. IF THE CAR SITS IDLE FOR 6-8 HOURS WITH A COLD ENGINE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO START THE ENGINE WITHOUT CONSTANT SPUTTERING. THERE IS NO POWER IN ACCELERATION UNTIL THE ENGINE WARMS UP COMPLETELY. DURING THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES AND REMAINS ON UNTIL THE NEXT TIME I START UP THE ENGINE OR UNTIL THE WEATHER BECOMES LESS HUMID. THIS ALSO OCCURS WHEN DRIVING THRU A PUDDLE OF WATER CAUSING IT TO SPLASH THE COIL AREA. I REPLACED THE IGNITION WIRES TO THE TUNE OF $145 BUT THAT DID NOT ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255084

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2009
Exterior Lighting

EXTERIOR LIGHTING DEFECTS STILL ON WHEN ENGENEE IS OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10253762

102,000 miles · Nov 27, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

I OWN A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, THE CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, I REALIZE THE CAR IS OLD AND WAS BOUGHT AS IS IT STILL SHOULD MAINTAIN TO PROPERLY RUN. IT HAS CAUSED A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN THE CARS WATER PUMP FAILED WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DOING 75MPH, IT STARTED TO STALL I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE, I PULLED OVER THREW HEAVY …

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I OWN A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, THE CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS, I REALIZE THE CAR IS OLD AND WAS BOUGHT AS IS IT STILL SHOULD MAINTAIN TO PROPERLY RUN. IT HAS CAUSED A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN THE CARS WATER PUMP FAILED WHILE I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DOING 75MPH, IT STARTED TO STALL I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE, I PULLED OVER THREW HEAVY TRAFFIC, IT WAS A 1000 DOLLAR REPAIR, I HAVE RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT A FAILED WATER PUMP, ALSO, THE CAR STARTS AND REVS AT 2000 RPMS OR IT HAS TROUBLE STARTING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY AND CANT FIND THE PROBLEM, ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS ARE NUMEROUS, I FEEL I SHOULD HAVE SOME COMPENSATION FROM THE VW CORPORATION AND ALL THE OTHER OWNERS OF A VW OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250024

107,000 miles · Nov 3, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL OF 2008, IT STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE CODE WAS LOCATED AT THE GAS THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND CURRENT MILE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL OF 2008, IT STALLS AND SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE CODE WAS LOCATED AT THE GAS THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,770.

NHTSA ODI #10247572

98,400 miles · Oct 6, 2008
Structure

I HAD JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, GOT IT SATISFIED AND WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY BACK TO SCHOOL ON A BACK HIGHWAY. THE HOOD CAME COMPLETELY UNDONE AND SWUNG ON TOP OF MY WINDSHIELD. THE WHOLE HOOD IS COMPLETELY CRACKED AND WE COULD BARELY CLOSE IT. I HAD CHECKED EVERYTHING TO MAKE SURE IT WAS CLOSED BEFORE I HAD LEFT BECAUSE I WAS SO PARAN…

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I HAD JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, GOT IT SATISFIED AND WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY BACK TO SCHOOL ON A BACK HIGHWAY. THE HOOD CAME COMPLETELY UNDONE AND SWUNG ON TOP OF MY WINDSHIELD. THE WHOLE HOOD IS COMPLETELY CRACKED AND WE COULD BARELY CLOSE IT. I HAD CHECKED EVERYTHING TO MAKE SURE IT WAS CLOSED BEFORE I HAD LEFT BECAUSE I WAS SO PARANOID THAT SOMETHING WOULD GO WRONG. I CALLED THE VW HOTLINE AND THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT THEY AREN'T GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND IT WAS ALL ON ME TO PAY. THE HOOD AND CLOSING LATCH BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WANT TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN OR IF IT WAS JUST A FLUKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244517

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2008
Electrical SystemFire

FIRE IN 2000 VW JETTA VR6, POINT OF ORIGIN AT IGNITION COIL PACK ON THE TOP LEFT-FACING SIDE OF THE ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10240064

113,000 miles · Aug 13, 2008
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER CHANGED THE BULB. AFTERWARDS, SHE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER WHO POINTED OUT THE MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT. SHE PROVIDED THE OFFICER WITH THE PAPERWORK OF HER RECENT REPAIR.…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER CHANGED THE BULB. AFTERWARDS, SHE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER WHO POINTED OUT THE MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT. SHE PROVIDED THE OFFICER WITH THE PAPERWORK OF HER RECENT REPAIR. THE OFFICER INSTRUCTED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE BULB AND REALIZED THAT IT WORKED. SHE PURCHASED NEW BULBS, BUT THEY WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. SHE ASSUMED THAT THE ISSUE WAS DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ON AUGUST 12, 2008, THE CONTACT HAD HER DAUGHTER FOLLOW HER TO A DEALER 30 MILES AWAY. HER DAUGHTER WAS INSTRUCTED TO SOUND THE HORN EVERYTIME HER BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. HER DAUGHTER SOUNDED THE HORN A TOTAL OF 13 TIMES ON THE 30 MILE TRIP TO THE DEALER. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #10237996

155,000 miles · Jul 15, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

MY 2000 VW JETTA WAS BEING DRIVEN TODAY BY MY FIANCE ON 295 SOUTH IN RHODE ISLAND. HE NOTICED THE COOLANT LIGHT COME ON, AND SO LOOKED AT THE TEMP GAUGE AND SAW THAT IT HAD NOT RISEN ANY HIGHER THAN NORMAL. AFTER KEEPING AN EYE ON THE GAUGE FOR A FEW MINUTES, HE NOTICED IT SUDDENLY DROP TO 0 AND SO HE PULLED OVER, FIGURING A H…

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MY 2000 VW JETTA WAS BEING DRIVEN TODAY BY MY FIANCE ON 295 SOUTH IN RHODE ISLAND. HE NOTICED THE COOLANT LIGHT COME ON, AND SO LOOKED AT THE TEMP GAUGE AND SAW THAT IT HAD NOT RISEN ANY HIGHER THAN NORMAL. AFTER KEEPING AN EYE ON THE GAUGE FOR A FEW MINUTES, HE NOTICED IT SUDDENLY DROP TO 0 AND SO HE PULLED OVER, FIGURING A HOSE HAD BROKEN OR SOMETHING TO THAT EXTENT. WHEN HE EXITED THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED SOME BLACK SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, AND THE HOOD ITSELF STARTING TO BUBBLE FROM THE HEAT. THE CAR ITSELF BURST INTO FLAMES AT THAT POINT AND MY FIANCE HAD TO BACK AWAY FROM IT IMMEDIATELY FOR FEAR THAT IT WOULD EXPLODE. THE CAR HAD RECENTLY BEEN INSPECTED AND WAS WORKING PERFECTLY FINE EXCEPT FOR A SMALL COOLANT LEAK UP UNTIL TODAY, SO WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED SUCH A SUDDEN COMBUSTION. NO ONE WAS HURT, THANKFULLY, BUT IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR WENT FROM OPERATING NORMALLY TO BEING COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES, SO HE COULD VERY WELL HAVE BEEN HURT OR WORSE. THE FIRE DEPT AND STATE POLICE ARRIVED AND SECURED THE AREA, WHICH INCLUDED BLOCKING TRAFFIC COMPLETELY ON THE HIGHWAY FOR FEAR OF AN EXPLOSION, AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234479

139,095 miles · Jun 7, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE A 2000 VW JETTA ALREADY HAVE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON MY 2000 VW JETTA AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN I PULLED VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE …

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I HAVE A 2000 VW JETTA ALREADY HAVE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON MY 2000 VW JETTA AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN I PULLED VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. AFTER A FEW MINUTES PARKED ON THE SHOULDER WAS ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE OPERATED AT REDUCED POWER............................ALSO MY BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN STICKING ON AND NOT WORKING ALL THE TIME AS WELL.................NOT SURE HOW TO EXPLAIN THIS ONE BUT HERE GOES RIGHT BY MY AC SWITCH ON MY CAR THERE IS A BUTTON THAT IS SUPPOSED TO CIRCULATE THE AIR THROUGH THE CAR BUT WHEN I PUSH IT IN A LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD COMES ON AND SAYS BRAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND I HAVE A LOSS OF BRAKE POWER, ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL HAS STOPPED WORKING AND MY HAZARDS HAVE STOPPED AS WELL WAS HOPING YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP ME AS THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT MY ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10230239

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.