NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
117 reportsClear category filter70,000 miles · Oct 8, 2007
Electrical System
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6 1. COIL PACK. MODELS BEFORE THIS HAD INDIVIDUAL COIL PACKS THAT WERE RECALLED DUE TO CRACKING. THIS COIL PACK IS ENDURING THE SAME PROBLEMS IN MANY JETTA'S AND HAS YET TO QUALIFY AS A RECALL. WHY?? 2. WIPER BLADES STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE ENCOUNTERED MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE ENDURED THE SAME PROBLEM WHERE …
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2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6 1. COIL PACK. MODELS BEFORE THIS HAD INDIVIDUAL COIL PACKS THAT WERE RECALLED DUE TO CRACKING. THIS COIL PACK IS ENDURING THE SAME PROBLEMS IN MANY JETTA'S AND HAS YET TO QUALIFY AS A RECALL. WHY?? 2. WIPER BLADES STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE ENCOUNTERED MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE ENDURED THE SAME PROBLEM WHERE THE MOTOR STOPS WORKING. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10205196
45,000 miles · May 31, 2007
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 15 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, BUT THE VEHICLE SPEED FAILED TO INCREASE. AFTER THREE MINUTES, THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED TO 35 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 15 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, BUT THE VEHICLE SPEED FAILED TO INCREASE. AFTER THREE MINUTES, THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED TO 35 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PERFORMED THE REPAIR. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PERFORMED THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE IGNITION COIL, BUT THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 150,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10192164
132,500 miles · May 25, 2007
Electrical System
I HAVE RECENTLY HAD THE IGNITION COIL ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGON JETTA GLS VR6 GO BAD AGAIN FOR THE THIRD TIME. THIS CAUSES SUDDEN POWER LOSS WHILE ON THE ROAD AND COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAYS OR OTHER HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS.
NHTSA ODI #10191762
Mileage unknown · May 15, 2007
Electrical System
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CUSTOMER WANTS TO KNOW IF IT HAS RECALLS ON IT**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED 3 TIMES FOR A LIGHT THAT KEEPS GOING OUT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10191123
58,000 miles · Mar 9, 2007
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
CONTINUING PROBLEM-RANDOM OCCURRENCES: ALL DOORS WILL LOCK UNEXPECTEDLY AND ALARM SYSTEM ARMS ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS UNEXPECTED OCCASIONS WITHOUT ANY ACTIVATION BY REMOTE LOCKING KEY FOB. DOORS WILL LOCK WITH DRIVER OR PASSENGER(S) INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE OR OPEN DOORS WILL…
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CONTINUING PROBLEM-RANDOM OCCURRENCES: ALL DOORS WILL LOCK UNEXPECTEDLY AND ALARM SYSTEM ARMS ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS UNEXPECTED OCCASIONS WITHOUT ANY ACTIVATION BY REMOTE LOCKING KEY FOB. DOORS WILL LOCK WITH DRIVER OR PASSENGER(S) INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE OR OPEN DOORS WILL TRIGGER THE ALARM AFTER THE DOORS HAVE AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED AND ARMED. STARTER IS DISABLED WHEN ALARM IS TRIGGERED. SAFETY CONCERN FROM BEING LOCKED OUT OF CAR UNEXPECTEDLY. CAR HAS LOCKED WITH KEYS IN THE CAR AND DRIVER OUTSIDE OF CAR, SUCH AS AT GAS STATION FILLING TANK. PANIC IS INDUCED WHEN DRIVER INADVERTENTLY TRIGGERS THE ALARM WHEN TRYING TO START THE ENGINE WHILE UNAWARE THAT THE CAR HAS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED ITSELF AND ARMED THE ALARM. FEAR OF SMALL CHILD BEING TRAPPED INSIDE CAR WHEN AUTO LOCKING/AUTO ARMING OCCURS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10184615
46,205 miles · Jan 31, 2007
Electrical System
WHILE LEAVING TO RUN ERRANDS WITH MY 1 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE CARMY 2001 JETTA GLX VR6 STARTED LOSING POWER AS IF IT WOULD STALL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND EMISSIONS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCKENNA VW THEY SAID I HAD A BAD IGNITION COIL, WIRES, AND SPARK PLUGS. WHILE RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOU…
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WHILE LEAVING TO RUN ERRANDS WITH MY 1 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE CARMY 2001 JETTA GLX VR6 STARTED LOSING POWER AS IF IT WOULD STALL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND EMISSIONS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCKENNA VW THEY SAID I HAD A BAD IGNITION COIL, WIRES, AND SPARK PLUGS. WHILE RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THIS IS AN EPIDEMIC LEVEL ISSUE WITH 2001 JETTAS. A VW PRESS RELEASE CONTAINED INFORMATION THAT THEY WERE ISSUING A RECALL, HOWEVER VW REFUSED TO INCLUDE MY CAR IN THE RECALL FOR REASONS THEY WILL NOT DISCLOSE. THEY ARE SELECTIVELY CHOOSING WHICH CARS TO FIX, ALTHOUGH THIS PROBLEM IS VERY WIDE SPREAD AMONG ALL THEIR VEHICLES. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AS CONSUMERS ARE GETTING FACED WITH $1100 BILLS FOR EACH IGNITION COIL DEFECT - I BELIEVE MINE HAS 6. THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST ONE, HOWEVER I'VE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT MULTIPLE COILS ARE FAILING CAUSING NEAR-ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA ODI #10181241
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2007
Electrical SystemFire
OWNER WAS DRIVING THE VOLKSWAGEN AND OBSERVED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH VENTS AND FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASH. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND FD RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED FIRE. FIRE THEN ERUPTED AGAIN AND FD PERSONNEL CUT THE BATTERY CABLES. FIRE ORIGINATED AT CENTER OF DASH BEHIND RADIO AND CLIMATE CONTROL PANEL. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10178195
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2007
Electrical SystemFire
OWNER WAS DRIVING VOLKSWAGEN AND NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE GLOVEBOX AREA. HE PULLED OVER, OPENED THE GLOVEBOX, BUT SAW ONLY SMOKE. HE THEN OPENED THE HOOD AND OBSERVED FLAMES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BULKHEAD/FIREWALL. FIRE BURNED THROUGHOUT THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, THE FRONT UNDERCARRIAGE, AND PART OF THE ENGINE COMPARTME…
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OWNER WAS DRIVING VOLKSWAGEN AND NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE GLOVEBOX AREA. HE PULLED OVER, OPENED THE GLOVEBOX, BUT SAW ONLY SMOKE. HE THEN OPENED THE HOOD AND OBSERVED FLAMES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BULKHEAD/FIREWALL. FIRE BURNED THROUGHOUT THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, THE FRONT UNDERCARRIAGE, AND PART OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE UNDETERMINED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10178189
149,880 miles · Oct 12, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE SPARK IGNITION COIL AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000, REGA…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE SPARK IGNITION COIL AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000, REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. *AK UPDATED 10/30/2006 - *NM
NHTSA ODI #10170623
38,000 miles · Sep 25, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
WE PURCHASED OUR 2001 JETTA 1.8L TURBO WOLFSBURG EDITION IN JAN OF 2003 FROM A CERTIFIED USED VW DEALER. WHEN WE DROVE OFF THE LOT, NOT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE TURBO SEEMED TO FAIL AND WE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, EPC LIGHT CAME ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER AND THEY FIXED PROBLEM. EVERYTHING …
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WE PURCHASED OUR 2001 JETTA 1.8L TURBO WOLFSBURG EDITION IN JAN OF 2003 FROM A CERTIFIED USED VW DEALER. WHEN WE DROVE OFF THE LOT, NOT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE TURBO SEEMED TO FAIL AND WE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, EPC LIGHT CAME ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER AND THEY FIXED PROBLEM. EVERYTHING RAN FINE UNTIL SEPT 2003 OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SHORTLY AFTER WE RECEIVED NOTICE THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL REGARDING IGNITION COILS. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE COILS FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SOLVED THE LIGHT ISSUE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, THEN IT CAME BACK ON AGAIN, THIS TIME WHEN IDLING FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 700 RPM AND ABOUT 1500 RPM AND STALLING ON OCCASION. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTICS, CLEARED THE FAILURES TO SEE IF THAT SOLVED THE PROBLEM, WHICH IT DID TEMPORARILY...EVER SINCE WE HAVE BEEN RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS TRYING TO DETERMINE WHY OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, EACH TIME THE PROBLEM IS TEMPORARILY SOLVED. AT FIRST THE MECHANIC THOUGHT IT WAS THE AIRFLOW SENSOR, BUT ONCE THEY LOOKED CLOSER DETERMINED IT WAS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD CORROSION REMOVED, CONNECTIONS CLEANED, AND OUR LAMBDA SENSOR REPLACED. NOW OUR CAR CONTINUES TO RUN AND IDLE POORLY AND SPORADICALLY, THE CAR STALLS WHEN YOU SLOW, THE TURBO WORKS ON OCCASION, LOSSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING, WHEN CAR FIRST STARTS IT BARELY MOVES WITH ACCELERATOR FLOORED, BRAKES ARE VERY SLUGGISH, SOMETIMES REALLY HAVING TO PUSH TO GET CAR TO STOP. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. EVERYTIME WE TAKE IT IN MULTIPLE ERRORS POP UP, LAST TIME THERE WAS 17 FAULT CODES, MECHANIC KEEPS GOING DOWN THE LIST OF WHAT TO CHECK HOPING TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THE BILL JUST KEEPS GETTING BIGGER AND NOTHING HAS BEEN SOLVED. RECENTLY THINK THAT THE ORIGINAL ISSUE AND CURRENT ISSUES ARE ONE IN THE SAME AS SYMPTOMS ARE BECOMING MORE SIMILAR. HELP! *NM
NHTSA ODI #10169233
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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