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2001 Volkswagen Jetta

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Jetta years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta are substantially higher than the model-year median of 68.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

359 reports with mileage · 309 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports12 fire reports35 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

117 reports
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39,191 miles · Jun 16, 2003
Electrical System

MYSELF AND THREE OTHER PASSENGERS WERE NEARLY HURT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY VW STARTED ACTING UP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE POWER DWINDLE. IT WAS VERY SCARY! TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECTIVE IGNITION COIL. I CALLED VW AND INFORMED THEM OF THIS AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD REVIEW…

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MYSELF AND THREE OTHER PASSENGERS WERE NEARLY HURT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY VW STARTED ACTING UP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE POWER DWINDLE. IT WAS VERY SCARY! TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECTIVE IGNITION COIL. I CALLED VW AND INFORMED THEM OF THIS AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD REVIEW IT BUT COULDN'T GUARANTEE THAT THEY WOULD COVER THE COST. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10023117

46,810 miles · Jun 11, 2003
Electrical System

2001 VW JETTA VR6 - CAR STARTED SHAKING A LOT UPON START UP AND LOST ALL POWER WHEN I TRIED TO PULL AWAY FROM AN INTERSECTION. WAS TOLD IT WAS A COIL PACK THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECENT VW SERVICE BULLETIN BECAUSE MY COIL PACK WAS FROM A SUPPLIER THAT WAS EXPERIENCING LESS PROBLEMS THAN T…

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2001 VW JETTA VR6 - CAR STARTED SHAKING A LOT UPON START UP AND LOST ALL POWER WHEN I TRIED TO PULL AWAY FROM AN INTERSECTION. WAS TOLD IT WAS A COIL PACK THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECENT VW SERVICE BULLETIN BECAUSE MY COIL PACK WAS FROM A SUPPLIER THAT WAS EXPERIENCING LESS PROBLEMS THAN THE ONES THEY ARE REPLACING (DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE PART HAD BEEN ON BACK ORDER FOR 2 WEEKS). THEIR PRESS RELEASES AND WEBSITE SAY THAT THEY ARE NOTIFYING ALL 2001 AND 2002 JETTA OWNERS WHICH IS NOT TRUE. MY CAR IS A 2001 JETTA AND I WAS TOLD THAT MY FAILURE WAS BAD LUCK AND THAT MY CAR AND OTHERS LIKE MINE WOULD NOT HAVE THE PART REPLACED BY VW EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE REPLACING THE SAME PART FROM A DIFFERENT SUPPLIER IN THE SAME YEAR AND STYLE VEHICLE AS MINE. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD EXPAND THEIR RECALL/SERVICE BULLETIN TO COVER A WIDER RANGE OF JETTAS AS IT APPEARS TO ME TO BE A PART PROBLEM NOT A SUPPLIER PROBLEM. I'VE ALSO HEARD (VIA INTERNET MESSAGE BOARDS AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT I WENT TO) THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM IN 2000, 2001, AND 2002. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS PULLING ONTO THE MERRITT PARKWAY OR A BUSY INTERSECTION INSTEAD OF OUT OF MY STREET. THE CAR JUST BOUNCES FORWARD A LITTLE BIT, SHAKES VIOLENTLY, LOSES ALMOST ALL POWER, AND DIES.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10021412

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2003
Electrical SystemSeatsVisibility

I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH MY 2001 JETTA. ONE WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUG 2001 THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SEATS STARTED TO MOVE EVERYTIME I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. A FEW MONTHS LATER I NOTICED THAT FLOOR PADDING ON THE BACK SEAT AREA (BOTH SIDES) STARTED BUL…

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I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH MY 2001 JETTA. ONE WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUG 2001 THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SEATS STARTED TO MOVE EVERYTIME I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. A FEW MONTHS LATER I NOTICED THAT FLOOR PADDING ON THE BACK SEAT AREA (BOTH SIDES) STARTED BULGING. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT IS NORMAL FOR ALL 2001 JETTAS. I HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS WHO DRIVES VW AND THEY NEVER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR FLOOR PADDINGS. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE. ALL IN ALL MY DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED 5 TIMES. IN ADDITION TO ALL THESE PROBLEMS, THE TEMP GAUGE ALSO MALFUNCTIONED. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD MOVE FROM EXTREMENME HEAT TEMP TOCOLD TEM AND VICE VERSA. WHAT UPSET ME IS THAT THERE ARE TWO CURRENT RECALLS FOR 2001 JETTAS AND I HAVENT HEARD FROM VW. I WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ABOUT THE WINDOW REGULATOR PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10019203

30,400 miles · May 7, 2003
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

MY 2001 VW JETTA JUST ROLLED 30000 ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE PADS ON THE REAR OF THE CAR. I HAD TO PAY $350 TO GET THE PADS REPLACED AND GET THE ROTORS REFINISHED. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR UNUSUALLY HARD AND DID NOT EXPECT THE BRAKES TO GO SO QUICKLY. ALSO, THIS PAST WINTER, ALL OF THE…

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MY 2001 VW JETTA JUST ROLLED 30000 ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE PADS ON THE REAR OF THE CAR. I HAD TO PAY $350 TO GET THE PADS REPLACED AND GET THE ROTORS REFINISHED. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR UNUSUALLY HARD AND DID NOT EXPECT THE BRAKES TO GO SO QUICKLY. ALSO, THIS PAST WINTER, ALL OF THE SPARK PLUGS WERE SHOT. THIS NOT SURPRISINGLY OCCURRED RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS LITTLE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I AM LEANING TOWARD NEVER LOOKING TO PURCHASE A VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10018344

16,869 miles · Apr 1, 2003
Electrical System

DEAR SIRS: COMPLAINT AGAINST: VOLKSWAGEN (VW) OF AMERICA, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI BURLINGTON VW (BVW) AND ENTERPRISE CAR RENTAL (ECR), BOTH IN BURLINGTON, NJ. "IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE INCONVENIENCE TO CUSTOMERS DURING REPAIR, (VW) WILL OFFER ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION AT NO COST." - FROM VW WEBSITE, IGNITION COIL PROBLEM. I OWN A…

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DEAR SIRS: COMPLAINT AGAINST: VOLKSWAGEN (VW) OF AMERICA, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI BURLINGTON VW (BVW) AND ENTERPRISE CAR RENTAL (ECR), BOTH IN BURLINGTON, NJ. "IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE INCONVENIENCE TO CUSTOMERS DURING REPAIR, (VW) WILL OFFER ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION AT NO COST." - FROM VW WEBSITE, IGNITION COIL PROBLEM. I OWN A 2001 VW JETTA WOLFSBERG T1.8. PURCHASED: 8/23/01. CURRENT MILEAGE: 17,200. WARRANTY: UNTIL 8/23/03. ON 3/1/03, THE 2ND ENGINE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED. ONE IGNITION COIL MALFUNCTIONED & THE CAR WAS TOWED TO VW. WHEN A NEW COIL BECAME AVAILABLE, CAR WAS REPAIRED ON 3/11/03. VW ALLOWANCE FOR RENTAL CARS IS $25/DAY. I COULDN'T FIND A RENTAL AT THIS PRICE. BVW HAS ARRANGEMENTS W/ ECR (OPEN M-F) NEXT DOOR ON RT. 130 -- VW CUSTOMERS CAN GET A CAR FOR $25/DAY. THOUGHT I HAD INSURANCE THROUGH MY CREDIT CARD, SO I TURNED DOWN LOSS DAMAGE WAIVER ($13/DAY). ECR FOUND DAMAGE ON CAR. I AM UNCERTAIN HOW OR WHEN DAMAGE OCCURRED. I TOLD THEM I WOULD CALL MY CREDIT CARD COMPANY, AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULDN'T COVER ME -- I DIDN'T PAY FOR THE RENTAL. WHY WASN'T THIS MADE CLEAR AT THE TIME OF RENTAL BY BVW OR ECR? I CONTACTED VW TO ASK THEM WHY THEY DON'T NOTIFY THEIR CUSTOMERS OF THIS PITFALL, AND THEY SAID THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO -- VW CUSTOMER CARE # 30127362. I HAVE $500 DEDUCTIBLE ON MY INSURANCE, COST OF DAMAGES TO RENTAL $548.90, INCLUDES LOSS OF USE. I WILL PAY ECR IN GOOD FAITH. ONLY ONE COIL (OF 4) REPLACED 3/11/03. ANOTHER ONE WILL LIKELY MALFUNCTION, LEAVING ME STRANDED AT ANY TIME. BECAUSE I HAD INSUFFICIENT INSURANCE, I PAID $548.90 THIS TIME. WHAT WILL I PAY NEXT TIME? WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS IN DEALING WITH VOLKSWAGEN? IF PARTS WERE READILY AVAILABLE ON MY CAR, WHICH IS UNDER WARRANTY, I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO WAIT TEN DAYS FOR CAR REPAIRS. ALL FOUR IGNITION COILS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT ONE TIME FOR MY SAFETY. RIGHT NOW I HAVE A NEW CAR THAT IS UNRELIABLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10013799

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2003
Electrical System

THE AC/HEAT TEMPERATURE CONTROL PANEL NO LONGER ILLUMINATES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10013764

Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2003
Electrical System

THE COIL PACK FAILED ON THE VEHICLE, THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER ONLY THE DEFECTIVE COILS WOULD BE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10012058

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2003
Electrical System

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER. TWO OF THE FOUR IGNITION COILS HAD FAILED AND WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER FELT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE COST EFFECTIVE IF ALL FOUR IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT WAS A…

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ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER. TWO OF THE FOUR IGNITION COILS HAD FAILED AND WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER FELT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE COST EFFECTIVE IF ALL FOUR IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT WAS AGAINST COMPANY POLICY. *TT *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10009731

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2003
Electrical System

THIS IS TO LODGE A COMPLAINT AGAINST VW...AM FORCED TO DRIVE MY 2001 JETTA DESPITE THE FACT THAT MY IGNITION COILS COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME...ALTHOUGH IT APPEARS VW DOESN'T WANT TO ADMIT IT, THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE..THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED. TS

NHTSA ODI #10005081

23,230 miles · Jan 29, 2003
Electrical System

IGNITION COILS ON NEW VOLKSWAGEN 1.8T MOTORS ARE HORRIBLE. I KNOW IT'S A NATION WIDE PROBLEMS, SO WHY HASN'T ANYTHING BEEN DONE ABOUT IT YET!!!!!!!??????? I'M TIRED OF WONDERING WHEN AND WHERE MY CAR WILL BREAK DOWN... SOMETHING NEEDS TO HAPPEN

NHTSA ODI #10004925

Official recalls

6

07V063000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Feb 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.

06V183000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

May 24, 2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

04V584000 · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Dec 16, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCCURS DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOAD FROM HIGHER WATTAGE TURN SIGNAL BULBS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

04V096000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Feb 20, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.

Remedy: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

02V244000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Sep 12, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

02V031000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

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

5

RQ06004 · Brake Light Switch Failure

Opened Feb 28, 2006 · Closed Aug 7, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

BY LETTERS DATED MAY 24, 2006 AND AUGUST 4, 2006, VOLKSWAGEN (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO 06V-183) INVOLVING MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998-2002 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE AND 1999-2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN?S RECALL COVERS 646,246 VEHICLES.PREVIOUSLY, VW RECALLED THESE VEHICLES TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096) THAT WAS UNIQUE TO VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL.VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING RECALLS 03V-265 AND 04V-096.VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.BASED ON VOLKSWAGEN'S SAFETY RECALL ACTION, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

DP05004 · Engine Stalling

Opened Aug 11, 2005 · Closed Dec 8, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module

BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON HIS 2002 VW JETTA SEDAN.AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING, THE PETITIONER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.AFTER A FEW MINUTES PARKED ON THE SHOULDER HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE OPERATED AT REDUCED POWER.VW ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) ON JANUARY 31, 2003 TO INSTRUCT THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ANY MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS AND TO REPLACE THEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.CONSUMERS WERE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERSHIPS VIA OWNER LETTERS MAILED OUT ON JUNE 6, 2003.WHILE VW INITIALLY INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIPS TO ONLY REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS, A REVISED CSC WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS IN DECEMBER 2003 AND JANUARY 2004, INSTRUCTING DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE ALL IGNITION COIL PACKS REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERFORMANCE.A REMINDER TO THE DEALERSHIPS WAS SENT BY VW ON APRIL OF 2004.ALTHOUGH THE CONCERNS OF THE PETITIONER COULD THEORETICALLY CREATE A SAFETY PROBLEM, THE RISK IS VERY SMALL, DUE TO THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING ON EITHER 3, 5, OR 7 CYLINDERS.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ONCE DRIVERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM (LOSS OF POWER DUE TO ONE OF THE IGNITION COIL PACKS MALFUNCTIONING), DRIVERS ARE ABLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY AND COMPENSATORY MEASURES AND STILL MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, FOUR FIRES WERE REPORTED TO ODI.THESE WERE IGNITION COIL BURNOUTS WITH NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND WERE LOCALIZED ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DURING THE LAST 24 MONTHS THE NUMBER OF STALL AND DRIVABILITY COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO ODI HAS GREATLY DIMINISHED FROM A PEAK OF 195 IN JANUARY OF 2003 TO ONLY 3 IN AUGUST OF 2005.THIS COINCIDES WITH THE CSC RELEASED BY VW.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

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.