NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
97 reportsClear category filter88,323 miles · Sep 26, 2008
Air BagsInjury
TODAY, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS 1.8T DOWN THE ROAD. THE RIGHT SIDE WHEELS WENT A FEW INCHES OFF THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. SHE REMAINED STRAIGHT AND GUIDED THE CAR BACK ONTO THE ROAD. ONCE BACK ON THE ROAD FULLY, THE SIDE AIRBAG (DRIVER'S SIDE) DEPLOYED. SHE WAS ABLE TO GUIDE THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TO TH…
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TODAY, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS 1.8T DOWN THE ROAD. THE RIGHT SIDE WHEELS WENT A FEW INCHES OFF THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. SHE REMAINED STRAIGHT AND GUIDED THE CAR BACK ONTO THE ROAD. ONCE BACK ON THE ROAD FULLY, THE SIDE AIRBAG (DRIVER'S SIDE) DEPLOYED. SHE WAS ABLE TO GUIDE THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TO THE SHOULDER. THERE WAS NO IMPACT WITH ANYTHING. THERE IS NO DAMAGE. THE TIRES AREN'T EVEN DIRTY. SHE RECEIVED A WELT ON HER LEFT ARM, (PROBABLY SOON TO BE A BRUISE.) SHE HAS A RINGING IN HER LEFT EAR AND A REDUCTION IN HEARING (PROBABLY TEMPORARY.) A VERY SCARY SITUATION. IT JUST HAPPENED TODAY AND I'M NOT CERTAIN WHAT STEPS TO TAKE FROM HERE. I KNOW IT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR TO REPLACE AN AIRBAG AND I WILL BE VERY NERVOUS ABOUT MY DAUGHTER DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY IF A MINOR BUMP IN THE ROAD MIGHT SET HER AIRBAG OFF AND CAUSE HER TO CRASH AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10243588
156,000 miles · Aug 12, 2008
Air BagsCrash
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 JETTA HOME AFTER DROPPING MY FRIEND OFF AT THE AIRPORT, WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE DEER JUMPED OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WAS DRIVING AT 80 MILES AN HOUR AND DID NOT HAVE ANY TIME TO REACT. I HIT THE DEER, DESTROYING THE FRONT OF MY CAR. THE CAR WASN'T IN ANY CONDITION TO BE DRIVEN, FOR THE RADIATOR HAD BEEN DESTROY…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 JETTA HOME AFTER DROPPING MY FRIEND OFF AT THE AIRPORT, WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE DEER JUMPED OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WAS DRIVING AT 80 MILES AN HOUR AND DID NOT HAVE ANY TIME TO REACT. I HIT THE DEER, DESTROYING THE FRONT OF MY CAR. THE CAR WASN'T IN ANY CONDITION TO BE DRIVEN, FOR THE RADIATOR HAD BEEN DESTROYED. I WAS UPSET AT THE FACT THAT MY AIRBAGS WEREN'T DEPLOYED. I'M GLAD THAT I WAS WEARING A SEATBELT, FOR I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I WANT TO KNOW IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE, OR SHOULD I CONTACT A LAWYER? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10237926
140,000 miles · Apr 15, 2008
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
ON A CLEAR DAY, DRY PAVEMENT, WENT TO BRAKE IN CITY TRAFFIC AND BRAKES FAILED CAUSING ME TO REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT ( CAUSING $2600 DAMAGES) AND TOTALLING MY CAR. NO INJURIES. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, POSSIBLY DUE TO THE LOW SPEED I WAS TRAVELLING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10224597
88,000 miles · Jul 2, 2007
Air Bags
INADVERTENT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT: WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON THE EXPRESS WAY (I-495 W, LONG ISLAND, NY), MY PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I DID NOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE NOR DID I NOTICE ANY DEBRIS HITTING MY VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE IMPACT. BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR CURTAIN AND PA…
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INADVERTENT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT: WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON THE EXPRESS WAY (I-495 W, LONG ISLAND, NY), MY PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I DID NOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE NOR DID I NOTICE ANY DEBRIS HITTING MY VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE IMPACT. BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR CURTAIN AND PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE CUT OFF. UPON PULLING OVER, I WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ISSUE, AND DRIVE HOME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10195127
Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2007
Air Bags
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD AND FLATTENED THE TIRE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THREE OR FOUR DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING 40- 45 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10188419
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2007
Air Bags
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN MY DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED 911, THE OFFICER WHO CAME OUT TOLD ME THAT NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE TIRES OR BODY OF THE CAR. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER THEY HAVE …
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN MY DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED 911, THE OFFICER WHO CAME OUT TOLD ME THAT NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE TIRES OR BODY OF THE CAR. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER THEY HAVE SENT PICTURES TO VW AND SO FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS, WHICH WAS 3 WEEKS AGO! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10177895
121,900 miles · Nov 17, 2006
Air Bags
AS I WAS DRIVING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I STOPPED TO CHECK FOR DAMAGE, DID NOT SEE ANYTHING, AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING IN THE ROAD. NOW I HAVE A CAR WITH THE HEADLINER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BLOWN APART. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FOUND A DENT AND TOLD ME THA…
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AS I WAS DRIVING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I STOPPED TO CHECK FOR DAMAGE, DID NOT SEE ANYTHING, AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING IN THE ROAD. NOW I HAVE A CAR WITH THE HEADLINER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BLOWN APART. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FOUND A DENT AND TOLD ME THAT WAS THE CAUSE AND I SHOULD REPORT IT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO BE COVERED UNDER MY COLLISION. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER FOUND THE DENT IDENTIFIED BY THE DEALER SHOWED SIGNS OF AGE AND WAS NOT THE CAUSE. MAKING A JUDGMENT THE PRESENCE OF DIRT, ROAD GRIME AND SOME SURFACE RUST SUGGESTED IT WAS OLDER DAMAGE. IT WAS MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY INCORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE LIFT WHEN WORK WAS DONE UNDER THE CAR. FINDING NO OTHER DAMAGE THAT WOULD CAUSE DEPLOYMENT THEY CLOSED THE CLAIM AND MY CAR WAS NOT REPAIRED. VW REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10173737
188,055 miles · Oct 27, 2006
Air BagsCrashInjury
AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT INVOLVING TRACTOR TRAILER. CAR WAS HIT DIRECTLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, REAR AND FRONT END OF VEHICLE. ACCIDENT SPEED WAS 65 MPH. TWO FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DID NOT. THE AIR BAG MAY HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT HEMISPHERE…
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AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT INVOLVING TRACTOR TRAILER. CAR WAS HIT DIRECTLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, REAR AND FRONT END OF VEHICLE. ACCIDENT SPEED WAS 65 MPH. TWO FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DID NOT. THE AIR BAG MAY HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT HEMISPHERE OF HEAD. REPORTED TO VW BUT HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10171973
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2006
Air BagsInjury
PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH OUT ANY REASONS AT ALL. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD, AT 20 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR FILLED UP WITH BLACK SMOKE AND THE PASSENGER CURTAIN, SEAT AND DASHBOARD AIRBAG ALL DEPLOYED. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. AND WAS ASTONISHED TO LEARN THAT NOT O…
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PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH OUT ANY REASONS AT ALL. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD, AT 20 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR FILLED UP WITH BLACK SMOKE AND THE PASSENGER CURTAIN, SEAT AND DASHBOARD AIRBAG ALL DEPLOYED. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. AND WAS ASTONISHED TO LEARN THAT NOT ONLY WAS I NOT SHOT AT ( BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT SOUNDED LIKE) BUT I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO PROVOKE THIS. I CALLED VW THEY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE FAULTY WIRING, AND TO BRING IT IN ASAP, THEY WOULD GIVE ME A LOANER CAR, AND IT WOULD TAKE 3-5 DAYS TO FIX. I DID SO, AND 3 HRS AFTER DROPPING OFF THE CAR, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE MANAGER SAYING, PLEASE COME PICK UP YOUR CAR, WE WILL NOT FIX IT, YOUR CAR HAS BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT, YOU NEED TO CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE. NW MIND YOU I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 WEEKS, AND THERE IS NOT A DENT ON IT! I WAS FURIOUS AND CONFUSED. I ARGUED WITH THE GUY STATING THAT I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING, HE SAID THAT THE BLACK BOX CONTAINED A HIT CODE OF SOME KIND. THAT IT REGISTERED THAT I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. WELL DUH! ITS DEFECTIVE! TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I SUED VW, AND LOST! THEY INSISTED THAT ITS "NORMAL" FOR IT TO GO OFF, SAID EVEN IF YOU HAPPEN TO HIT A SMALL ROCK ON THE ROAD AND IT HITS JUST RIGHT, IT WILL CAUSE IT TO DEPLOY! HOW SAFE IS THAT!? ITS BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE THAT DAY AND VW HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE, STATING ITS MY PROBLEM NOT THEIRS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10168935
96,000 miles · Aug 25, 2006
Air Bags
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF. THEN, WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, THE SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10166573
Official recalls
6Feb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
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 APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. 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.
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.
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.
Jan 31, 2002
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN 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
5RQ06004 · 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.
PE04081 · Inadvertent SIDE-AIRBAG Deployment
Opened Dec 16, 2004 · Closed Apr 1, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE-THORAX AND SIDE-HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO PROTECT THE FRONT AND REAR OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A SIDE-IMPACT CRASH.THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 499 REPORTS (482 OWNERS REPORTS AND 17 WARRANTY CLAIMS).THE CRASH SENSING SYSTEM?S ALGORITHM MAY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS (WHEEL, TIRE AND UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS) AS DEPLOYABLE EVENTS.THE 97 ALLEGED INJURIES WERE MINOR IN NATURE AND CONSIST OF ABRASIONS, BRUISES, EAR RINGING AND HEADACHES.THERE WAS NO ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL CRASH AS A RESULT OF SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.ODI ALSO OBTAINED COUNTS OF ALLEGED INADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENTS FROM PEER MANUFACTURERS.THE DATA SHOWS THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT UNIQUE IN BEING SUBJECT TO SUCH ALLEGATIONS.THE COMPLAINT RATE FOR NON-SUBJECT INDIVIDUAL MODEL VEHICLES VARIES WIDELY.THE RATE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS COMPARABLE TO THREE PEER MODELS, EACH WITH COMPACT CHASSIS/WHEELBASES.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED ANY COMPONENT FAILURE OR MANUFACTURING TREND THAT MAY RELATE TO A COMPONENT OR MANUFACTURING ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL 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.
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