NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
439 reportsMileage unknown · Mar 16, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
AFTER COMING UP A STEEP HILL IN A HEAVY SNOWSTORM, THE ENGINE OF MY 2000 GLS V6 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP. THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND WELL SERVICED. I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AND THERE WAS NO SIGN OR SMELL OF SMOKE. AFTER THE THIRD TRIP OUT TO THE CAR TO UNLOAD GROCERIES, SMOKE BEGAN TO COME …
Read full complaint
AFTER COMING UP A STEEP HILL IN A HEAVY SNOWSTORM, THE ENGINE OF MY 2000 GLS V6 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP. THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND WELL SERVICED. I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE AND THERE WAS NO SIGN OR SMELL OF SMOKE. AFTER THE THIRD TRIP OUT TO THE CAR TO UNLOAD GROCERIES, SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT FROM THE HOOD. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE OR MY HOME WOULD HAVE BURNED TO THE GROUND. DESPITE THE COLD TEMPERATURES AND SNOWSTORM OUTSIDE, FLAMES SOON BEGAN TO DROP BELOW THE CAR FROM THE ENGINE AND FLAMES 8 FEET HIGH ENGULFED THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD PUT OUT THE FIRE. JUST BEFORE ARRIVING HOME, BY LOW GAS LIGHT CAME ON (IT WAS EXPECTED), BUT NO WARNING APPEARED ABOUT THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ENGINE. I WOULD HAVE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER HAD THERE BEEN A HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING. THE COOLANT LEVEL WAS NORMAL. BECAUSE OF THE UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, I BELIEVE THE COOLING SYSTEM IS FAULTY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10152865
24,900 miles · Feb 23, 2006
Visibility
DRIVING ALONG AND PASSENGER WINDOW FROM THE UP POSITION DROPS INTO THE DOOR!!!!! THE MECHANIC SAID THE PLASTIC CLIPS THAT HOLD THE WINDOW BROKE. THE NEW PART HAS ALUMINUM CLIPS. THIS IS A REAL ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN!!! I ALMOST HAD ONE AS A RESULT OF THIS HAPPENING!!!!!*NM
NHTSA ODI #10151044
24,900 miles · Feb 23, 2006
Visibility
DRIVING ALONG AND PASSENGER WINDOW FROM THE UP POSITION DROPS INTO THE DOOR!!!!! THE MECHANIC SAID THE PLASTIC CLIPS THAT HOLD THE WINDOW BROKE. THE NEW PART HAS ALUMINUM CLIPS. THIS IS A REAL ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN!!! I ALMOST HAD ONE AS A RESULT OF THIS HAPPENING!!!!!*NM
NHTSA ODI #10151043
98,361 miles · Feb 23, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Diesel
1) I PURCHASED A VW TDI WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF A BAD TURBO AND AN INTERMITTENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I HAD THE CAR SEVEN MONTHS AND PUT 12,984 MILES ON IT WITH NO PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE CAR DIAGNOSED AS TO WHY THE C.E. LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN ASKED ABOUT REPAIRING THE TURBO BY THE COUNTER MAN I TOLD HIM I IN…
Read full complaint
1) I PURCHASED A VW TDI WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF A BAD TURBO AND AN INTERMITTENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I HAD THE CAR SEVEN MONTHS AND PUT 12,984 MILES ON IT WITH NO PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE CAR DIAGNOSED AS TO WHY THE C.E. LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN ASKED ABOUT REPAIRING THE TURBO BY THE COUNTER MAN I TOLD HIM I INTEND TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT BREAKS THEN HAVE IT REPAIRED. I ASKED HIM IF THERE WOULD BE A PROBLEM DOING THAT HE EXPLAINED TO ME THE CAR WOULD BE SLUGGISH THEN NOT RUN. VW DIAGNOSED MY CAR AS HAVING A "TURBO WASTE GATE BLOWN" I DEFERRED THE REPAIR INTENDING TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE TURBO WENT. 2) ON THE WAY HOME, SIX MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR RAN SLIGHTLY ROUGH. I OBSERVED LIGHT SMOKE COMING FROM MY CAR IN THE HEAD LIGHTS OF THE CARS BEHIND ME. I DEDUCTED MY CAR WAS BURNING CARBON SINCE CARBON BUILD UP WAS NOTED ON THE REPORT. I SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR RACED FORWARD. I IMMEDIATELY REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE CAR RACED FORWARD SO QUICKLY AND WITH SUCH FORCE I WOULD COMPARE IT TO A MUSCLE CAR BEING FLOORED. THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. I LOOKED AT THE TACHOMETER AND IT WAS GOING BY 4,000 RPM. THIS DIESEL ENGINE WAS SCREAMING. INSTINCTIVELY I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. THE ENGINE REVVED THEN BLEW. I WAS 7 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP. SERVICE MANGER STATED THAT A GASKET IN THE TURBO LET GO CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SUCK OIL FROM THE CRANKCASE FUELING THE ENGINE. HE TOLD ME THAT NOTHING COULD STOP THE ENGINE FROM REVVING NOT EVEN TURNING OFF THE KEY. HE TOLD ME THAT ALL DIESEL ENGINES WERE MADE THIS WAY. THERE IS NOTHING VW COULD DO FOR ME. I CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE, LEVEL 2 OPERATOR TOLD ME SINCE I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE TURBO BEING BROKEN THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. 3) MY CAR IS SITTING WITH A BLOWN ENGINE AND A BLOWN TURBO. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10151007
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2006
Seats
I STARTED NOTICING A BURNING SMELL IN THE CAR WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATED SEATS AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WOULD GET VERY HOT, EVEN WHEN SET ON A LOW SETTING. ONE DAY I DECIDED TO TRY IT OUT TO SEE IF IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY OR NOT AND THE HEAT BURNT HOLES THROUGH THE MATERIAL COVERING THE SEAT . *JB
NHTSA ODI #10149170
79,000 miles · Jan 18, 2006
Exterior Lighting
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LIGHTS COMES ON RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE RUNNING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000 REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10148053
234,508 miles · Dec 21, 2005
Exterior Lighting
DT: THE CONTACT HAD RECALL 04V096000 REPAIRS ON BRAKE LIGHTS COMPLETED OVER A YEAR AGO, AND NOW THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FREE REMEDY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10145780
Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2005
SeatsFire
1) I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, SEE #2 AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHY. 2) TODAY I FOUND THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. IT LEFT A PEA-SIZED BURN IN THE UPHOLSTERY. LUCKILY, I USE A SMALL DRIVING PILLOW FOR MY LOWER BACK WHICH BORE THE BRUNT OF THE FIRE INSTEAD OF MY BUTT.…
Read full complaint
1) I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, SEE #2 AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHY. 2) TODAY I FOUND THAT THERE WAS SOME KIND OF SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. IT LEFT A PEA-SIZED BURN IN THE UPHOLSTERY. LUCKILY, I USE A SMALL DRIVING PILLOW FOR MY LOWER BACK WHICH BORE THE BRUNT OF THE FIRE INSTEAD OF MY BUTT. I HAD FOUND THE PILLOW WAS STUCK TO THE SEAT, AND WHEN I PULLED IT OFF THE BURN WAS REVEALED. THE PILLOW WAS DAMAGED. 3) I HAVE DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE FAILURE AS OF YET. I AM RESEARCHING MY OPTIONS TO DETERMINE IF THE MANUFACTURER WILL REPLACE IT FOR ME. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10145557
65,000 miles · Dec 10, 2005
Power Train
2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6 WAS IN THE SHOP FOR NEW TIRES AROUND 12/7 - AN ALIGNMENT TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 65000 MILES. IT WAS PURCHASED AS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE AT ABOUT 20000 FROM VOLKSWAGEN AND WAS RECENTLY OUT OF WARRANTY. NOTHING UNUSUAL AROSE DURING THIS WORK. THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY DRIVING HOME, AS…
Read full complaint
2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6 WAS IN THE SHOP FOR NEW TIRES AROUND 12/7 - AN ALIGNMENT TEST WAS PERFORMED. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 65000 MILES. IT WAS PURCHASED AS A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE AT ABOUT 20000 FROM VOLKSWAGEN AND WAS RECENTLY OUT OF WARRANTY. NOTHING UNUSUAL AROSE DURING THIS WORK. THE CAR BEHAVED NORMALLY DRIVING HOME, AS IT HAD FOR YEARS PRIOR. ONE DAY LATER, THE CLUTCH ON THE VEHICLE FAILED SUDDENLY. FORTUNATELY, THE FAILURE WAS FIRST NOTICED BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AND THERE WAS NO HAZARD. THE CAR WAS JUST BARELY DRIVABLE, AND LIMPED TO THE SHOP. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE PART SHOULD HAVE LASTED FOR AT LEAST 100K MILES, AND THAT THE CLUTCH PARTS "FELL APART IN PIECES" ON OPENING THE CLUTCH. HE DESCRIBED IT AS A DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC, FAILURE. COST TO REPAIR WAS $900. DID NOT TAKE THE CAR TO VW BECAUSE OF THE VERY HIGH COST OF POST-WARRANTY REPAIRS. MY WIFE AND I (SOLE DRIVERS) BOTH HAVE LONG EXPERIENCE DRIVING STICK SHIFT VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED CLUTCH FAILURES ON PRIOR STICK SHIFT VEHICLES. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY HAD THE CLUTCH GO OUT ABOUT THE SAME TIME ON A '95 JETTA III GLS. I SUSPECT THE PART IS OF POOR QUALITY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10144913
5,000 miles · Oct 18, 2005
SteeringSuspension
1) SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2000, THERE HAS BEEN A SOUND MADE AT THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. 2) LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING ON REGULAR ROADS. PERSISTENT LOUD THUMP SOUND. 3) I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR SOUNDS AND HAVE ASKED OTHER JETTA OWNERS AND THEY TOO AGREED THAT THEIR CAR HAD A LOU…
Read full complaint
1) SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2000, THERE HAS BEEN A SOUND MADE AT THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. 2) LOUD SOUND WHEN DRIVING ON REGULAR ROADS. PERSISTENT LOUD THUMP SOUND. 3) I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR SOUNDS AND HAVE ASKED OTHER JETTA OWNERS AND THEY TOO AGREED THAT THEIR CAR HAD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT END. I WAS EVEN CHARGED SEVERAL TIMES BY THE DEALER WERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO RE-TORQUE AND TEST THE FRONT END. THEY AGREED THAT THEY COULD DEFINITELY HEAR THE SOUND BUT COULD NOT TROUBLE SHOOT THE PROBLEM. ALL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR OR FIND PROBLEM ARE DOCUMENTED IN MY SERVICE THROUGH VOLKSWAGEN. I ALSO HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO APPROXIMATELY 8 ADDITIONAL SHOPS TO TROUBLE SHOOT NOISE. ALL AGREED THAT THE NOISE WAS UNBEARABLE BUT NO SOLUTION WAS FOUND. NOW I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 4.5 YEARS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE MY FRONT END IS GOING TO FALL APART. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10140103
Official recalls
4May 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.
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.
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.
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
6RQ06004 · 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.
Illustration