NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
109 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Oct 14, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingSeats
SAFETY ISSUE WITH 2001 VW JETTA. *BF THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BECAME UNUSUALLY HOT THAN NORMAL AND THE INTERIOR LEATHER COVERING DEVELOPED A METALLIC APPEARANCE. A VW REPRESENTATIVE LOOKED AT THE SEAT AND STATED IT LOOKED LIKE EXTERNAL DAMAGED, BUT THE SEAT HAD TO BE FULLY INSPECTED FIRST. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE SHE WOULD BE…
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SAFETY ISSUE WITH 2001 VW JETTA. *BF THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BECAME UNUSUALLY HOT THAN NORMAL AND THE INTERIOR LEATHER COVERING DEVELOPED A METALLIC APPEARANCE. A VW REPRESENTATIVE LOOKED AT THE SEAT AND STATED IT LOOKED LIKE EXTERNAL DAMAGED, BUT THE SEAT HAD TO BE FULLY INSPECTED FIRST. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR IF WAS DETERMINED IT WAS NOT THE HEATING ELEMENT, BUT IF IT WAS THE HEATING ELEMENT VW WOULD COVER ALL COSTS. AFTER THE INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD A BEVERAGE WAS SPILLED ON THE SEAT WHICH CAUSED THE HEATING SEAT TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL, IN WHICH THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10097355
25,000 miles · Oct 11, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
AFTER OWNING THIS CAR FOR 3 YEARS, A STRONG, TOXIC SMELL BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THE VENTS / FRONT OF THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY I CAN DESCRIBE IT IS THAT IT SMELLS LIKE BURNING CRAYONS. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANICS AND SAID HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. HE OFFERED TO LOOK INTO IT FURTHER, BUT I DIDN'T WANT TO PAY THE LABOR CHARGES WI…
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AFTER OWNING THIS CAR FOR 3 YEARS, A STRONG, TOXIC SMELL BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THE VENTS / FRONT OF THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY I CAN DESCRIBE IT IS THAT IT SMELLS LIKE BURNING CRAYONS. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANICS AND SAID HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. HE OFFERED TO LOOK INTO IT FURTHER, BUT I DIDN'T WANT TO PAY THE LABOR CHARGES WITHOUT KNOWING THE PROBLEM. I'VE SEARCHED THE INTERNET EXTENSIVELY AND HAVE FOUND AT LEAST 25 PEOPLE CITING THE SAME "CRAYON SMELL." VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES SAY THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I FIND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE. THE ONLY EXPLANATION I'VE FOUND THAT MAKES SOME SENSE IS THAT THERE IS SOME SORT OF INSULATION BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE DASHBOARD AND IT MAY MELTING AND CAUSING FUMES TO ENTER THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10093948
77,822 miles · Oct 6, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment Adaptive/mobility
REGULAR USAGE OF CAR RESULTED IN HAVING TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG CABLES ON MY CAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10093687
31,346 miles · Sep 24, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND THEY HAVE MADE MANY ATTEMPTS TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. CONSUMER HAD TO CALL THE DEALER BACK JUST 35 MINUTES AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER BECAUSE THE ENGINE CHECK LIG…
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ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND THEY HAVE MADE MANY ATTEMPTS TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. CONSUMER HAD TO CALL THE DEALER BACK JUST 35 MINUTES AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER BECAUSE THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME RIGHT BACK ON. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10094268
45,000 miles · Sep 2, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING TOO MUCH OIL. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE OF DESIGN VEHICLE WILL BURN THE AMOUNT OF OIL ALLOTTED PER 1,000 MILES. *AK CONSUMER NOTICED A CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION WHEN TRAVELING BACKWARDS. *TC
NHTSA ODI #10090290
19,000 miles · Aug 31, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, Hydraulic
I OWN A VW JETTA 2001 VR6. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY REAR BRAKE PADS AT ONLY 20,000 MILES TO ME A VERY PREMATURE WEAR PROBLEM. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THEM AT NO COST TO ME DUE TO THE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS. THE REPAIRS TO THE BRAKE PADS COST ME $200.00. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON ON THE SAME VW JETTA…
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I OWN A VW JETTA 2001 VR6. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY REAR BRAKE PADS AT ONLY 20,000 MILES TO ME A VERY PREMATURE WEAR PROBLEM. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THEM AT NO COST TO ME DUE TO THE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS. THE REPAIRS TO THE BRAKE PADS COST ME $200.00. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON ON THE SAME VW JETTA. TO FIND OUT I KNOW HAVE TO PAY $292.20 TO HAVE THE MAF SENSOR REPLACED ON A CAR THAT HAS ONLY 22,500 MILES. I AM TRYING TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FROM VW OF AMERICA FOR THESE EXPENSES. IN ADDITION THIS YEAR I ALSO HAD TO PAY $300.00 TO HAVE THE PASSENGER DOOR LATCH REPAIRED AS THE SPRING BROKE THAT ALLOWED ME TO OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE DOOR HANDLE. REGARDLESS, MY CAR IS KEPT IN PRISTINE CONDITION, AND IN NO WAY SHOULD I BE INCURRING THESE TYPE OF REPAIRS ON A VEHICLE THAT HAS ONLY 20K MILES ON THE ODOMETER. PLEASE HELP ME. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10088896
17,000 miles · Aug 23, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingSeats
THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILED FOUR TIMES AND WAS REPLACED. A RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED, AND CONSUMER WAS NOT SATISFIED. FUEL MIXTURE IN THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DEFECTIVE. ALSO, FRAME ON THE SEATS BROKE ON SEVEN OCCASIONS AND REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10089464
25,900 miles · Aug 4, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
LOSS OF 3.5 QUARTS OF OIL IN 17 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. OIL CONSUMPTION TEST SHOWED NOTHING. THIS VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2001 IS USING ABOUT A QUART OF OIL UNDER 1,000 MILES OF DRIVING. I AM TOLD THIS IS "NORMAL". MY QUESTION TO THE SERVICE PEOPLE, WHERE HAS THE OIL GONE, IT'S NOT ON THE GROUND. IT IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE THIRD TIME …
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LOSS OF 3.5 QUARTS OF OIL IN 17 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. OIL CONSUMPTION TEST SHOWED NOTHING. THIS VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2001 IS USING ABOUT A QUART OF OIL UNDER 1,000 MILES OF DRIVING. I AM TOLD THIS IS "NORMAL". MY QUESTION TO THE SERVICE PEOPLE, WHERE HAS THE OIL GONE, IT'S NOT ON THE GROUND. IT IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. I WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THE OIL CONSUMPTION TSB BULLETIN. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ENGINE DAMAGE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10086154
68,000 miles · Jul 30, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE MAF SENSOR WAS REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. I REPLACED PART MYSELF AFTER THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS PART WAS BAD. I DID NOT RECEIVE A SERVICE REPORT FOR THIS TROUBLESHOOTING. I PURCHASED AND REPLACED THE PART MYSELF. 1.5 YEARS LATER I RECEIVED A WARRENTY EXTENSION LETTER FROM VW, STATING REIMBURSMENT WITH RECE…
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THE MAF SENSOR WAS REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. I REPLACED PART MYSELF AFTER THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS PART WAS BAD. I DID NOT RECEIVE A SERVICE REPORT FOR THIS TROUBLESHOOTING. I PURCHASED AND REPLACED THE PART MYSELF. 1.5 YEARS LATER I RECEIVED A WARRENTY EXTENSION LETTER FROM VW, STATING REIMBURSMENT WITH RECEIPT OF CHARGES, INCLUDING VIN # AND MILEAGE. AT THE TIME I PURCHASED THE PART, FROM A VW DEALER, THIS INFO WAS NOT REQUIRED TO BE ON A PART ORDER. I SUPMITTED THIS INFO IN DEC 2003. IN JUNE 2004, I RECEIVED A REJECT FOR CLAIM BECAUSE THE RECEIPT DID NOT HAVE THIS INFO ON IT. I BELIEVE THAT VW HAS DONE THE WARRENTY EXTENSION TO PREVENT AN OFFICAL RECALL, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN DONE IN GOOD FAITH. THEY SET A REQUIREMENT THAT THEIR OWN DEALERS DID NOT START ON VIN AND MILEAGE ON PART ORDERS, ONLY ON SERVICE ORDERS, AT THE TIME. THEY HAVE DESIGNED THE SYSTEM TO FAIL. UNDER A WARRANTY EXTENSION THEY DO NOT HAVE TO REPORT THE NUMBER OF REJECTED CLAIMS TO YOU AND IT CAN APPEAR THAT THEY ARE ADDRESSING THE ISSUE. I CAN UNDERSTAND THIS REQUIREMENT FOR CLAIMS DATED AFTER THE LETTER, BUT NOT 1.5. YEARS BEFORE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10083005
5,689 miles · Jul 15, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AFTER PURCHASING MY BRAND NEW 2001 V.W JETTA. I HAD VEHICLE ONLY 6 MONTHS AND IT LEFT ME STRANDED DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF EMISSION CONTROL SENSOR. 5 MONTHS AFTER THAT, IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS INOPERABLE, NEEDING THEM TO REPAIR. 2 MONTHS LATER, OWNED FOR 1 YR 1 MONTH, CAR WAS BURNING A …
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I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AFTER PURCHASING MY BRAND NEW 2001 V.W JETTA. I HAD VEHICLE ONLY 6 MONTHS AND IT LEFT ME STRANDED DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF EMISSION CONTROL SENSOR. 5 MONTHS AFTER THAT, IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS INOPERABLE, NEEDING THEM TO REPAIR. 2 MONTHS LATER, OWNED FOR 1 YR 1 MONTH, CAR WAS BURNING A LOT OF OIL SO CONSUMPTION TEST WAS DONE AND DETERMINED TO BE TRUE,THAT THE CAR WAS IN FACT CONSUMING ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF OIL. AS "A COURTESY TO ME, THE CUSTOMER" VOLKSWAGEN REPLACED PISTON RINGS, ROD BEARINGS AND DEGLAZED CYLYNDER WALLS. THEY HAD MY CAR 6 DAYS TO REBUILD ENGINE. 6 MONTHS LATER CAR WAS SHAKING REALLY BAD WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, TOOK IT IN AND SERVICE TECHNITION DISCOVERED THAT REAR BRAKES WERE WARPED AND REAR BRAKE PADS HAD "PREMATURE WEAR." THOSE WERE REPLACED. THROUGHOUT THIS COURSE OF TIME THE PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT HAD BEEN REPLACE 2 TIMES,AIR CONDITION VENT WAS NOT WORKING AND HAD TO BE REMOVE AND INSTALL NEW CENTER AIR OUTLET,ARMREST BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, GLOVE COMPARTMENT LATCH BROKE, AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT AND BEEN REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT ARE STILL FAULTY,NOT WORKING AT THIS TIME. VOLKSWAGEN HAS TREATED ME AS THOUGH I WAS THE ONE INCONVIENCING THEM!! I REGRET PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE AND WILL CONTINUE DISCOURAGING ANYONE FROM EVER BUYING A VOLKSWAGEN! I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR!! AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I SEE NOW THAT I AM NOT ALONE. KNOWING THERE ARE MANY OTHER VW'S ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME MECHANICAL PROBLEMS MY CAR, I'M CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AS WELL AS MYSELF! *LA
NHTSA ODI #10081156
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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