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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
Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

FIRST WE WOULD LIKE TO START BY SAYING WE LOVE THIS CAR, WE ARE AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE LOYAL VW CUSTOMERS. THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE TENSIONER ON THE REAR BRAKE PADS. WE HAD THE TENSIONER FALL OFF CAUSING THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE TO CLUNK AND THE BRAKES TO BE TOUCHY TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS SCARY. WE DISCOVERED THIS …

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FIRST WE WOULD LIKE TO START BY SAYING WE LOVE THIS CAR, WE ARE AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE LOYAL VW CUSTOMERS. THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE TENSIONER ON THE REAR BRAKE PADS. WE HAD THE TENSIONER FALL OFF CAUSING THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE TO CLUNK AND THE BRAKES TO BE TOUCHY TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS SCARY. WE DISCOVERED THIS WHEN WE DECIDED TO PUT NEW PADS ON BECAUSE THE LOCATION OF THE NOISE WERE BOTH PADS ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. JUST WANTED TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THE POSSIBLE DANGERS. THANKS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10171473

94,000 miles · Oct 16, 2006
Seat Belts

ENTERED MY 2000 VW JETTA GLS, WENT TO PUT THE SEAT BELT ON AND THE SEAT BELT WAS BROKEN. THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT. THIS WAS WORKING FINE WHEN I HAD ENTERED THE VEHICLE 30 MINUTES BEFORE ON THE SAME DAY. IN READING THE MANUAL FOR MY VEHICLE IT STATED THAT THIS IS A THREE-POINT SAFETY BELT AND THAT THEY ARE EQUIPPED WITH …

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ENTERED MY 2000 VW JETTA GLS, WENT TO PUT THE SEAT BELT ON AND THE SEAT BELT WAS BROKEN. THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT. THIS WAS WORKING FINE WHEN I HAD ENTERED THE VEHICLE 30 MINUTES BEFORE ON THE SAME DAY. IN READING THE MANUAL FOR MY VEHICLE IT STATED THAT THIS IS A THREE-POINT SAFETY BELT AND THAT THEY ARE EQUIPPED WITH BELT TENSIONERS. SENSORS ACTIVATE THE BELT TENSIONERS IN FRONTAL COLLISIONS. THIS TENSIONER CAN ONLY BE ACTIVATED ONCE AND THEN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT BY ME OR ACCORDING TO THE CARFAX REPORT. UNLESS IT WASN'T REPORTED. THIS HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED AS IT WILL COST $300 TO REPLACE THIS PART. ONLY AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIPS CAN REPLACE THIS AS IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED WITHOUT USING SPECIAL PROCEDURES THAT ARE REQUIRED. THIS CAR IS TOO NEW TO BE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH AN IMPORTANT SAFETY DEVICE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10170963

55,000 miles · Sep 12, 2006
Electrical System

MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR & WIRING HARNESS FAILURE ON 2000 JETTA TDI WITH 55,000 MILES. CAR LOST ACCELERATION AND AUTOMATIC SHIFTING ABILITY ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY CREATING VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN FAILURE PROBLEM WITH VW SINCE I WAS TOLD IT IS COVERED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY & "IT'S HAPPENED TO A LOT OF …

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MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR & WIRING HARNESS FAILURE ON 2000 JETTA TDI WITH 55,000 MILES. CAR LOST ACCELERATION AND AUTOMATIC SHIFTING ABILITY ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY CREATING VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN FAILURE PROBLEM WITH VW SINCE I WAS TOLD IT IS COVERED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY & "IT'S HAPPENED TO A LOT OF OTHERS". WE HAD TO LEAVE CAR WITH A DEALER IN NJ & RENT A CAR TO GET HOME TO MASSACHUSETTS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10168081

68,480 miles · Aug 16, 2006
Structure

I HAD RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM "SKYLINE" DEALER IN COLORADO , I'VE OWNED IT FOR,ONE YEAR HIT A SPEED BUMP AND THE ENGINE FELL FORWARD(BREAK-AWAY ENGINE) THE ENGINE HAD BROKE OFF THE ENGINE BOLTS(MOUNTS) AND THE ONLY THING TO HOLD PART OF IT UP IS THE TRANSMISSION ARM. I HAVE JUST NOW FOUND SOMEONE TO MAKE THE 8/15/06 REPAI…

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I HAD RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM "SKYLINE" DEALER IN COLORADO , I'VE OWNED IT FOR,ONE YEAR HIT A SPEED BUMP AND THE ENGINE FELL FORWARD(BREAK-AWAY ENGINE) THE ENGINE HAD BROKE OFF THE ENGINE BOLTS(MOUNTS) AND THE ONLY THING TO HOLD PART OF IT UP IS THE TRANSMISSION ARM. I HAVE JUST NOW FOUND SOMEONE TO MAKE THE 8/15/06 REPAIRS ITS A SLOW GO,AND STILL OWE OVER 17,000 ON IT THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULDN'T HELP THEY SAID THAT SOMEONE HAD WELD THE BOLTS BACK ON INCORRECTLY SO THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, I DIDN'T NOTICE, NEITHER DID THE DEALERSHIP FOR THAT MATTER IN THERE MANY POINT INSPECTION. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10165661

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2006
SeatsFireInjury

(2) THE SEAT WARMER ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED AND BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT COVERING. THE HEATER LEFT A BURN ON MY PANTS THE SIZE OF A DIME. THIS ALSO CAUSED ME SOME DISCOMFORT. (3) I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA AND THEY INSTRUCTED ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BRING THE CAR IN AND HAVE IT FIXED AT MY EXPENSE. I OWN A 2000 VW JETTA. …

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(2) THE SEAT WARMER ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT FAILED AND BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT COVERING. THE HEATER LEFT A BURN ON MY PANTS THE SIZE OF A DIME. THIS ALSO CAUSED ME SOME DISCOMFORT. (3) I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA AND THEY INSTRUCTED ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BRING THE CAR IN AND HAVE IT FIXED AT MY EXPENSE. I OWN A 2000 VW JETTA. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10164655

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES AS I WAS DRIVING UPHILL THE ENGINE FELT AS IF IT WAS FAILING AND LOSING POWER. IT REGAINED POWER, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC, AND FOUND MANY CODES ON IT, BUT NOTHING WRONG. HE CLEARED OUT THE COMPUTER AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I NOW HAVE 87,00…

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AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES AS I WAS DRIVING UPHILL THE ENGINE FELT AS IF IT WAS FAILING AND LOSING POWER. IT REGAINED POWER, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTIC, AND FOUND MANY CODES ON IT, BUT NOTHING WRONG. HE CLEARED OUT THE COMPUTER AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I NOW HAVE 87,000 MILES AND HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM CONTINUOUSLY. NOW, I HAVE TO TAKE MY CAR REGULARLY BY MY MECHANIC TO HAVE THE COMPUTER CLEARED OUT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 2 DAYS AFTER HE CLEARED IT LAST TIME. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, BUT THAT THEY HAVE HAD THIS COMPLAINT BEFORE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10164219

70,750 miles · Jul 24, 2006
Exterior Lighting

NO EVENT LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF ANY RECALLS RELATING TO MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NO LONGER FUNCTIONS RELIABLY ON '00 JETTA WITH 70,000+ MILES; CAR DOES NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK UNTIL BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED REPEATEDLY AND THEN ONLY WORKS INCONSISTENTLY, CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS…

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NO EVENT LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF ANY RECALLS RELATING TO MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NO LONGER FUNCTIONS RELIABLY ON '00 JETTA WITH 70,000+ MILES; CAR DOES NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK UNTIL BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED REPEATEDLY AND THEN ONLY WORKS INCONSISTENTLY, CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM IS INOPERABLE- THERE IS AN APPARENT MALFUNCTION WITH BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND RELATES TO DESCRIPTIONS OF RECALLS ON 99-02 JETTA / NEW BEETLES. I CALLED VW REGARDING OPEN RECALLS FOR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH DEFECTS AND I WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT SUBJECT TO ANY RECALLS. WILL FOLLOW UP WITH LOCAL DEALER WHO WILL REPAIR THE PROBLEM- I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY NHTSA CUSTOMER SERVICE TO RETAIN MY RECEIPTS AND DOCUMENTATION FOR MATTERS RELATING TO THIS ISSUE AS IT SEEMS TO RELATE TO RECALLS: 03V-265 OR 04V-096 AND VW RECALL NO. N4. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10163342

70,140 miles · May 16, 2006
Power Train

CLUTCH PROBLEMS ON JETTA 2000. CLUTCH FAILED ON ME WHY DRIVING ON THE FL TURNPIKE ON SATURDAY 14, 2006. I WAS AT THE TOLL PLAZA AND WHEN I LEFT MY CAR WENT INTO GEAR AS NORMAL, WHEN I PUT IT IN 4TH GEAR I HEARD THE ENGINE REV HIGH BUT MY CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. I COASTED OFF THE FIRST EXIT I SAW AND LUCKILY, KEPT COASTING RIG…

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CLUTCH PROBLEMS ON JETTA 2000. CLUTCH FAILED ON ME WHY DRIVING ON THE FL TURNPIKE ON SATURDAY 14, 2006. I WAS AT THE TOLL PLAZA AND WHEN I LEFT MY CAR WENT INTO GEAR AS NORMAL, WHEN I PUT IT IN 4TH GEAR I HEARD THE ENGINE REV HIGH BUT MY CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. I COASTED OFF THE FIRST EXIT I SAW AND LUCKILY, KEPT COASTING RIGHT INTO AN APARTMENT COMPLEX. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND THEY SENT OUT A TOW COMPANY TO PICK MY CAR UP. ON MONDAY, MAY 15, 2006 I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM ESSERMAN INTERNATIONAL AND I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPT THAT I HAD SOMEHOW ACTIVATED THE ANTI-THEFT ON MY CAR AND THEY HAD DISABLED IT AND IT WAS FIXED. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR, I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE WHEN THEY TOOK MY CAR TO GET WASHED THE CLUTCH FAILED AGAIN. I WAS TOLD IT WAS EITHER THE TRANSMISSION OR THE CLUTCH. TURNS OUT THEY ARE CHARGING ME 1800 DOLLARS BECAUSE THE CLUTCH NEEDS TO REPLACED, WHICH IS NOT COVERED UNDER THEIR WARRANTY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10157632

78,205 miles · Apr 9, 2006
Air Bags

TODAY I TOOK MY DAUGHTERS 2000 JETTA IN FOR SERVICE. I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND I TAKE IT TO VW DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND RECALLS. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND WAS CHARGED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THE COMPUTERIZED CHECK-UP. I WAS THEN INF…

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TODAY I TOOK MY DAUGHTERS 2000 JETTA IN FOR SERVICE. I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND I TAKE IT TO VW DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND RECALLS. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND WAS CHARGED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THE COMPUTERIZED CHECK-UP. I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVERS'' SIDE AIR BAG. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE PROBLEM COULD CONSIST OF ANYTHING FROM AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO THAT OF A MALFUNCTIONING AIR BAG UNIT. HE STATED THAT THE PRICE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE WELL OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS. HE ALSO SAID THAT SINCE THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG WAS MALFUNCTIONING THE CARS INTERNAL COMPUTER HAD SHUT OFF ALL THE OTHER AIR BAGS WITHIN THE CAR. THE CAR IS IN THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW AWAITING SERVICE. YOU ARE THE THIRD PERSON I HAVE TALKED TO AT THE DEALERSHIP REGARDING THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY ANSWERS. SAFETY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN CARS TODAY AND THAT IS WHY I PURCHASED THIS JETTA. YOUR ADVERTISEMENTS STATE THAT THIS CAR IS ONE OF THE SAFEST ON THE MARKET. IT IS DEFINITELY NOT A SAFE CAR NOW AND VW COMPANY REFUSES TO HELP ME FIX A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. ALL OF THEM AGREED THAT THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM AND ABSORB THE PRICE WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY. I'LL TAKE THIS MATTER AS FAR AS IT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN FOR A FAIR RESOLUTION. MY DAUGHTERS SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME AND WILL NOT LET HER DRIVE IN AN UNSAFE CAR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10154899

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2006
Exterior Lighting

REAR BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON AFTER VEHICLE PARKED AND NO KEYS IN IGNITION CAUSING BATTERY TO DRAIN. PURCHASE NEW BATTERY WITHIN 2 DAYS NEW BATTERY DEAD. NOTICED BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STAYING ON WHEN CAR PARKED. THERE IS RECALL NHTSA ID #04V096000 FOR 2000 VW JETTA'S FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT I AM TOLD IT DOESN'T APPLY TO…

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REAR BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON AFTER VEHICLE PARKED AND NO KEYS IN IGNITION CAUSING BATTERY TO DRAIN. PURCHASE NEW BATTERY WITHIN 2 DAYS NEW BATTERY DEAD. NOTICED BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STAYING ON WHEN CAR PARKED. THERE IS RECALL NHTSA ID #04V096000 FOR 2000 VW JETTA'S FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT I AM TOLD IT DOESN'T APPLY TO THIS VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10153182

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.