NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
117 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 22, 2006
Electrical System
I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGAN JETTA. AT LEAST 2 OR 3 TIMES, I HAD MY EPC LIGHT SWITCH CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD. EACH TIME, I HAD TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKETS TO GET IT FIX. WHEN THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON, I CANNOT GET THE GEAR OUT OF PARK. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PUMP ON MY BRAKES TO GET IT OUT OF PARK. THIS CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 3 MINUT…
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I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGAN JETTA. AT LEAST 2 OR 3 TIMES, I HAD MY EPC LIGHT SWITCH CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD. EACH TIME, I HAD TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKETS TO GET IT FIX. WHEN THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON, I CANNOT GET THE GEAR OUT OF PARK. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PUMP ON MY BRAKES TO GET IT OUT OF PARK. THIS CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 3 MINUTES TO AN HOUR. I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THIS PRODUCT. I ASK OTHER VOLKSWAGAN OWNERS AND THEY ALSO SAID THAT THEIR EPC LIGHT COMES ON OCCASIONALLY. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10166202
66,100 miles · Jul 15, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
I'VE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX. I STILL WONDER WHY IT'S NOT A LEMON. HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH WHICH WAS A RECALL. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TECHNICIANS MADE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND SAID I NEEDED THE HEAT SENSOR CHANGED SO I DID. AFTER A WEEK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT L…
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I'VE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX. I STILL WONDER WHY IT'S NOT A LEMON. HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH WHICH WAS A RECALL. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TECHNICIANS MADE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND SAID I NEEDED THE HEAT SENSOR CHANGED SO I DID. AFTER A WEEK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT UP AGAIN SO I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK WHICH I PAID FOR AGAIN 78 BUCKS. THIS TIME THE TECH'S SAID I NEEDED THE SPARKS AND WIRES CHANGED BECAUSE IT WAS SHOOTING BLANKS. PRE-PAID FOR THE PARTS AND WHEN THE PARTS ARRIVED, I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO GET IT FIXED SO I DID. LATER, I GOT CALL FROM THE SERVICE REPS AND SAID MY IGNITION COIL BROKE SO THEY HAD TO ORDER THAT AGAIN. AFTER EVERYTHING WAS SAID AND DONE. I JUST WANTED TO LET MY FINANCER TO JUST VOLUNTARILY REPO THE PIECE OF TRASH. ONE MORE BREAK DOWN AND I'M HIRING A LEMON ATTORNEY. THIS IS TOO MUCH. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10162446
47,000 miles · Jun 26, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
CEL LIGHT WOULD TURN ON AND OFF. CAR STARTED TO IDLE BAD, SOMETIMES IT WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN COLD EVEN WITH GAS FULLY DEPRESSED. THEN THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE MAF BUT THE SYMPTOMS ARE STILL HERE AND THE CAR IS RETURNING TO THE SHOP TODAY. I HAVE READ MANY, MANY ACCOUNTS OF…
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CEL LIGHT WOULD TURN ON AND OFF. CAR STARTED TO IDLE BAD, SOMETIMES IT WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN COLD EVEN WITH GAS FULLY DEPRESSED. THEN THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE MAF BUT THE SYMPTOMS ARE STILL HERE AND THE CAR IS RETURNING TO THE SHOP TODAY. I HAVE READ MANY, MANY ACCOUNTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10160816
67,000 miles · May 17, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT NO FAILURE CODES DISPLAYED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THERE WAS A COOLANT MIGRATION PROBLEM. THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WAS CORRODED DUE TO THE COOLANT L…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT NO FAILURE CODES DISPLAYED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THERE WAS A COOLANT MIGRATION PROBLEM. THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WAS CORRODED DUE TO THE COOLANT LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO AWAIT REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #10157717
69,400 miles · Apr 5, 2006
Electrical System
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX VR6. IN OCTOBER OF 2004 NOTICED THE ENGINE SURGING EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN ACCELERATING. EVENTUALLY, THE MIL WENT ON AND THERE WAS A DRASTIC LOSS OF POWER. AFTER BRINGING IT INTO THE DEALER, IT WAS DEEMED TO BE A $700 IGNITION COIL PACK. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET FOUND THAT VW RELEASED A RECALL IN …
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2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX VR6. IN OCTOBER OF 2004 NOTICED THE ENGINE SURGING EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN ACCELERATING. EVENTUALLY, THE MIL WENT ON AND THERE WAS A DRASTIC LOSS OF POWER. AFTER BRINGING IT INTO THE DEALER, IT WAS DEEMED TO BE A $700 IGNITION COIL PACK. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET FOUND THAT VW RELEASED A RECALL IN FEBRUARY OF 2003 STATING A RECALL ON ALL 2001 COIL PACKS. I MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. I LOGGED A COMPLAINT WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY DID NOTHING. IN MARCH OF 2006, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED AND ONCE THE MIL LIGHT WENT ON, I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER. THIS TIME IT WAS THE IGNITION COIL PACK, WIRES AND SPARK PLUGS AND THEY CHARGED $1200. WHEN I EXPLAINED I HAD THE SAME ISSUE 14K MILES AND 17 MONTHS EARLIER, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING, AS THE COIL PACK WAS PAST ITS 12K MILE WARRANTY. THE DEALER STATED THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME AND AGAIN REFERRED ME TO VW CUSTOMER CARE, WHO COULD CARE LESS AS MY VIN # WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY DUE TO LOSS OF POWER AND SURGING. I AM IN PROCESS OF WRITING A DEMAND LETTER TO VW, WHICH WILL MOST LIKELY NOT DO MUCH AND WILL FORCE ME TO TAKE VW TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT TO REPAY ME FOR ALL OF THE REPAIRS MADE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10154650
54,786 miles · Feb 20, 2006
Electrical System
I PURCHASED A 01 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IN JULY OF 04 AND IN LES THAN A MONTH IT BEGAN TO STALL AS I WAS DRIVING, SO I PULLED OVER AND IT COULD NOT START AGAIN. I GOT IT TOWED WAS TOLD IT WAS MY BATTERY AND GOT THAT REPLACED, THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY ALTERNATOR AND GOT THAT CHANGED. A FEW MON…
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I PURCHASED A 01 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IN JULY OF 04 AND IN LES THAN A MONTH IT BEGAN TO STALL AS I WAS DRIVING, SO I PULLED OVER AND IT COULD NOT START AGAIN. I GOT IT TOWED WAS TOLD IT WAS MY BATTERY AND GOT THAT REPLACED, THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY ALTERNATOR AND GOT THAT CHANGED. A FEW MONTH AGO THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN, I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY SENSORS AND GOT THAT CHANGED, WITHIN 2 MONTHS IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES AND I'VE HAD 3 DIAGNOSTIC TESTS THAT REVEAL NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO, AL LEAST IF I KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS I CAN FIX IT. BUT MY CAR KEEPS REFUSING TO START( FOR HOURS AT A TIME) AND EVERYONE TELLS ME THE CAR IS OK.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10150690
49,500 miles · Feb 9, 2006
Electrical System
THE EVENING OF JANUARY 12, 2006 I WAS ON MY WAY HOME WHEN A LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY VEHICLE STARTED FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FALTER WHEN IDLE. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUAL AND FOUND OUT THAT THE LIGHT INDICATED A MALFUNCTION WITH THE EMISSIONS OF THE VEHICLE. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE …
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THE EVENING OF JANUARY 12, 2006 I WAS ON MY WAY HOME WHEN A LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY VEHICLE STARTED FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FALTER WHEN IDLE. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUAL AND FOUND OUT THAT THE LIGHT INDICATED A MALFUNCTION WITH THE EMISSIONS OF THE VEHICLE. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE MY CAR SERVICED ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2006. I RECEIVED A CALL TUESDAY AFTERNOON FROM VIC AT VICTORY VOLKSWAGEN, WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE IGNITION COIL IN MY CAR WAS BAD AND WOULD NEED REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $500.00. VIC TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD THE PARTS IN STOCK AS "THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME". I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED AND THE TOTAL COST WAS $761.40. UPON SEARCHING THE WEB I FOUND A PRESS RELEASE FROM VOLKSWAGEN/AUDI IN WHICH THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL MAKES AND MODELS. WITHIN THE PRESS RELEASE IT WAS STATED THAT VW/AUDI WILL BEGIN REPLACING ALL IGNITION COILS IN CARS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED. I ALSO FOUND A DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE (#DP05004) WHICH STATED THAT VW ISSUED A CSC TO INSTRUCT THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE THE COIL PACKS IN THE VEHICLES AT NO COST, REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERFORMANCE. AS I DID NOT RECEIVE THIS INFORMATION FROM VW I SENT A LETTER TO VW ASKING THEM TO HONOR THE CSC AND COVER THE COSTS FOR THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE. I SPOKE WITH CRAIG PETERS AND DON MORITZ, BOTH WITH VW AND THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE CSC. THEY INFORMED ME THAT EVEN THOUGH THE PRESS RELEASE STATES THAT "ALL VW'S EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.8 LITER VR6" WERE AFFECTED, IT WAS IN FACT, AN ERROR AND ONLY CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10149903
25,000 miles · Jan 20, 2006
Electrical System
I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 2001 VW JETTA GLX VR6 WITH APPROXIMATELY 45K MILES. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN A PRIVATE SALE WITH 25K MILES. INITIALLY, WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD COIL PACK, WHICH DID NOT BECOME PROBLEMATIC UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AGO. LAST WEEK, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD A NEW COIL…
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I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 2001 VW JETTA GLX VR6 WITH APPROXIMATELY 45K MILES. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN A PRIVATE SALE WITH 25K MILES. INITIALLY, WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD COIL PACK, WHICH DID NOT BECOME PROBLEMATIC UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AGO. LAST WEEK, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD A NEW COIL PACK INSTALLED FOR $836, WHICH INCLUDES A $99 DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND $560 FOR THE PART. DURING THE PAST WEEK, I HAVE HAD A CASE OPEN WITH VW CUSTOMER ADVOCACY REGARDING THE COIL PROBLEM AND YESTERDAY I RECEIVED THEIR RESPONSE. THEY HAVE STATED THAT MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE WG COIL REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN CONTRARY TO THE WORDING OF THEIR ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE. PLEASE REFERENCE TSB 10005665. AS A RESULT OF THIS COIL PROBLEM, I HAVE HAD MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED AT 25K MILES AND HAVE HAD EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE BACK FIRE ON THE HIGHWAY TWICE. AT THIS POINT, I HAVE PAID THE $836 TO RETRIEVE THE CAR FROM THE DEALER AND I HAVE POSSESSION OF THE FAULTY IGNITION COIL THAT WAS REMOVED FROM THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO ASKED VW CUSTOMER ADVOCACY TO SEND ME A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO MY CLAIM. I AM SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY 2001 JETTA VR6 OWNER WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM, ONLY TO FIND THAT VW IS UNWILLING TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PROMISE TO REPLACE FAULTY COIL PACKS IN 2001-2003 VR6 ENGINE CARS. THE ORIGINAL CUSTOMER SERVICE ACTION WAS INTENDED TO PREEMPT THE ISSUING OF A FORMAL RECALL AND VW IS NOT HONORING WHAT THEY ORIGINALLY PROMISED IN HAVING ISSUED ONLY 15 TSB'S WITH A MUCH NARROWER SCOPE THAN ORIGINALLY INTENDED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10148215
85,100 miles · Jan 13, 2006
Electrical System
I HAVE A 2001 VW JETTA. IN THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH MY BRAKE LIGHTS 8 TIMES. INCLUDING MY HEADLIGHTS 3 TIMES. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK AND THEN THEY DON'T. I KNOW I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT ONCE BY THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I MUST HAVE BOUGHT A BAD BULB! YESTERDAY WAS THE 8TH TIME MY…
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I HAVE A 2001 VW JETTA. IN THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH MY BRAKE LIGHTS 8 TIMES. INCLUDING MY HEADLIGHTS 3 TIMES. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK AND THEN THEY DON'T. I KNOW I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT ONCE BY THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I MUST HAVE BOUGHT A BAD BULB! YESTERDAY WAS THE 8TH TIME MY BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10147748
47,000 miles · Dec 1, 2005
Electrical System
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6. IGNITION COIL FAILURE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH IN THE FAST LANE OF THE FREEWAY - NEAR COMPLETE POWER FAILURE. JUST ENOUGH POWER TO STRUGGLE OVER TO THE HARD SHOULDER. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FROM READING THE WEBSITE 'VW VORTEX' A FORUM SITE DEDICATED TO VW OWNERS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM …
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2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6. IGNITION COIL FAILURE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH IN THE FAST LANE OF THE FREEWAY - NEAR COMPLETE POWER FAILURE. JUST ENOUGH POWER TO STRUGGLE OVER TO THE HARD SHOULDER. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FROM READING THE WEBSITE 'VW VORTEX' A FORUM SITE DEDICATED TO VW OWNERS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS VW AND AUDI MODELS AND ONE WHICH COULD CAUSE (IF IT HASN'T ALREADY) A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE CAR COST $1,200 TO REPAIR. MY WIFE'S NERVES WILL TAKE A LOT LONGER TO FIX!!!! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10144188
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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