IllustrationABS/BRAKE LIGHT ON WITH NO ENGINE CODE. 1600 REPLACEMENT. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Jetta years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
590–25K
11525–50K
7150–75K
5075–100K
46100–150K
18150K+
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
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
67 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND THE SECOND FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN SMOKE. HE WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NOTICE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND THE SECOND FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN SMOKE. HE WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL NOTICE # 02V031000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTILOCK). SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, HE HAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER TWICE DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 127,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT REPORTED TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REMEDIED THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND ONE MONTH LATER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPC LIGHTS BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. WHEN THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED THE CURRENT SPEED IN WHICH THE CONTACT WAS D…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT REPORTED TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REMEDIED THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND ONE MONTH LATER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPC LIGHTS BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. WHEN THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED THE CURRENT SPEED IN WHICH THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING, REDUCED DRASTICALLY. THE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS BAD WIRING AND PERFORMED THE REMEDY, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUES TO PERSIST. THE CONTACT THEN STATED FAILURE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH, HOWEVER IT WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED BY THE DEALER. THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH FAILURE ALSO CONTINUED TO PERSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 52,908 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.AK
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 VW JETTA AND I BRAKED SUDDENLY. BRAKE LIGHT AND AUDIO ALARM CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR INTO GARAGE FOR REPAIR. WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED NEW ABS CONTROL UNIT. THE GARAGE CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND FOUND THAT THIS SAME PART HAD BEEN RECALLED ON OTHER VW MODELS. *NM
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
I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY. HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. BROUGHT CAR TO MECHANIC. WAS TOLD REAR CALIPER FROZE DUE TO WEARING OF BRAKE PADS. THE CALIPERS HAD DAMAGED THE REAR ROTORS. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER. ROTORS WERE REPLACED FOR A COST OF $500, AND I WAS TOLD NONE OF THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDE…
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I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY. HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. BROUGHT CAR TO MECHANIC. WAS TOLD REAR CALIPER FROZE DUE TO WEARING OF BRAKE PADS. THE CALIPERS HAD DAMAGED THE REAR ROTORS. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER. ROTORS WERE REPLACED FOR A COST OF $500, AND I WAS TOLD NONE OF THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
I WAS DRIVING ON I-87 NORTH IN THE BRONX IN STOP AND GO ROLLING TRAFFIC AND I SMELLED SOMETHING AFTER A WHILE, ALSO FELT A LITTLE BIT OF DRAGGING. THE SPEED PICKED UP AND WHEN I NEEDED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WAS MUSHY AND WENT DOWN ALMOST ALL THE WAY BARELY STOPPING ME! I STOPPED AND SAW THAT THE BRAKES WERE SUPER HOT, SO I OPEN…
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I WAS DRIVING ON I-87 NORTH IN THE BRONX IN STOP AND GO ROLLING TRAFFIC AND I SMELLED SOMETHING AFTER A WHILE, ALSO FELT A LITTLE BIT OF DRAGGING. THE SPEED PICKED UP AND WHEN I NEEDED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WAS MUSHY AND WENT DOWN ALMOST ALL THE WAY BARELY STOPPING ME! I STOPPED AND SAW THAT THE BRAKES WERE SUPER HOT, SO I OPENED THE HOOD TO CHECK OUT THE LINES. A GUY PULLED OVER AND HELPED ME CHECK TO SEE IF I HAD TO BLEED THE LINES AT THE ABS CONTROLLER AND WE SAW NO EXCESS PRESSURE. I HAD THE BRAKE SWITCH REPLACED UNDER RECALL, AND GREASED THE CYLINDER THAT FEEDS THE BRAKE BOOSTER, BUT STILL IT GRABS SOMETIMES AND I HAVE TO PULL THE PEDAL UP. ON HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM , THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE BOOSTER ON JET. I WANT A REPLACEMENT, AND CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY 200 + INSTALL FOR SOMETHING THAT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE BOOSTERS.*AK
THE BRAKES STARTED GRINDING. AFTER DEALER INSPECTED THE BRAKES THE ROTORS AND CALIPERS WERE REPLACED. *AK
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001, VW JETTA TDI. I TOOK MY CAR TO WEST BROAD VOLKSWAGEN, RICHMOND VA, TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED BECAUSE I HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE (JUST ONCE). THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY REAR BRAKES NEED TO BE CHANGED VERY SOON AND THE COST WOULD BE $427.00! I ASKED, HOW COULD IT JUST BE THE REAR BRAKES? …
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I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001, VW JETTA TDI. I TOOK MY CAR TO WEST BROAD VOLKSWAGEN, RICHMOND VA, TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED BECAUSE I HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE (JUST ONCE). THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY REAR BRAKES NEED TO BE CHANGED VERY SOON AND THE COST WOULD BE $427.00! I ASKED, HOW COULD IT JUST BE THE REAR BRAKES? THE SERVICE ADVISER COULD NOT EXPLAIN. I STATED TO HIM THAT EVERY CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED WAS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AND IN ALL MY YEARS, IT WAS ALWAYS THE FRONT WHEELS TO GO FIRST! I ASKED HIM DIDNT HE THINK IT STRANGE THAT JUST ONE SET OF BRAKES HAVE GONE BAD?&AGAIN, NO ANSWER. BASED ON WHAT I HAVE READ, IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THE BRAKE PADS ARE DEFECTIVE AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS DEALERSHIP IS PRICE GOUGING!*AK
MY BRAKES WOULD SLOW THE CAR DOWN ON A STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, WHERE I WILL BE DRIVING SLOWLY (WITHOUT ME STEPPING ON THE BRAKES), MY CAR WOULD EVENTUALLY STOP AND WILL REQUIRE HEAVY ON THE GAS PEDAL TO ALLOW THE CAR TO MOVE. (WHILE THE CAR CAR IS IN THIS STAGE:ON A SMALL SLOPE THE CAR PLACED ON NETURAL WOULD NOT MOVE) THIS WOULD B…
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MY BRAKES WOULD SLOW THE CAR DOWN ON A STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, WHERE I WILL BE DRIVING SLOWLY (WITHOUT ME STEPPING ON THE BRAKES), MY CAR WOULD EVENTUALLY STOP AND WILL REQUIRE HEAVY ON THE GAS PEDAL TO ALLOW THE CAR TO MOVE. (WHILE THE CAR CAR IS IN THIS STAGE:ON A SMALL SLOPE THE CAR PLACED ON NETURAL WOULD NOT MOVE) THIS WOULD BRING THE RPM TO A HIGH RATE TO GO AT TWENTY KM PER HOUR (AROUND 3,000 TO 4,000 RPM). MY REAR DISC BRAKES WOUL HAVE HEAVY SMOKE ONCE I HAVE COME TO A FULL STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR. I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO THE BREAK IN OF THE ENGINE THAT WAS THE CAUSE. I HAVE CHANGED MY REAR BRAKE DISC PADS A COUPLE OF TIMES. THERE IS HEAVY SIGNS OF THE PADS BURNING(SMOKING), PEOPLE WITH SIMLAR CARS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY CHANGED THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE.*AK
Official recalls
607V063000 · 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
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.