MULTIPLE WATER DAMAGE AND LEAKS DUE TO CLOGGED TUBES AND POOR DESIGN OF VEHICLE. LEAKS OCCUR IN THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND REAR FOOT WELLS. CLEARING DRAINAGE HOLES ONLY HELPED SLIGHTLY. *NM
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
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.
Structure complaints
43 reportsOPENED DRIVERS DOOR AND THE LOWER OF THE TWO BOLTS ON THE LOWER DOOR SECURE HINGE SHEARED OFF. THE DOOR HAS NEVER BEEN REMOVED OR REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY. THE ONLY WAY THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED IS IF THE BOLT WERE OVER TIGHTENED UPON INSTALLATION. THE VEHICLE IS PAST WARRANTY AND VW AMERICA WILL NOT PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT. THIS…
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OPENED DRIVERS DOOR AND THE LOWER OF THE TWO BOLTS ON THE LOWER DOOR SECURE HINGE SHEARED OFF. THE DOOR HAS NEVER BEEN REMOVED OR REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY. THE ONLY WAY THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED IS IF THE BOLT WERE OVER TIGHTENED UPON INSTALLATION. THE VEHICLE IS PAST WARRANTY AND VW AMERICA WILL NOT PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IF MORE BOLTS SHEAR BECAUSE OF IMPROPER TIGHTENING. WE BASE THE OVER TIGHTENING SUGGESTION ON THE OPINION OF THREE INDEPENDENT BODY REPAIR SHOPS, ONE OF WHICH SPECIALIZES IN VOLKSWAGEN REPAIRS. *JB
FOR SOME TIME NOW I'VE BEEN AWARE THAT IF I PULL TO FAR UP TO A TIRE BUMPER ANYWHERE, MY FRONT END WILL CATCH AND PULL PART OF MY FRONT BUMPER OFF. AS I LIVE 120 MILES FROM A VW DEALERSHIP, I LET MY FIANCE FIX THE BUMPER EACH TIME IT FELL OFF. RECENTLY, I MADE THE MISTAKE OF PULLING UP TO FAR AGAIN AND MY BUMPER PULLED OFF PARTI…
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FOR SOME TIME NOW I'VE BEEN AWARE THAT IF I PULL TO FAR UP TO A TIRE BUMPER ANYWHERE, MY FRONT END WILL CATCH AND PULL PART OF MY FRONT BUMPER OFF. AS I LIVE 120 MILES FROM A VW DEALERSHIP, I LET MY FIANCE FIX THE BUMPER EACH TIME IT FELL OFF. RECENTLY, I MADE THE MISTAKE OF PULLING UP TO FAR AGAIN AND MY BUMPER PULLED OFF PARTIALLY ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF CAR. I WAS ON MY WAY OUT OF TOWN. WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE AND PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE. FOUND THAT FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS RUBBING ON PLASTIC TIRE GUARD DUE TO BUMPER PROBLEM. I TURNED AROUND AND HEADED SLOWLY BACK HOME AS THIS COULD CAUSE CAR TO LOOSE CONTROL IF TIRE PUSHED TO HARD. TIRE HAS SINCE WORN THROUGH TIRE GUARD AND BUMPER STILL HANGING AS SCREWS ARE STRIPPED! THE LOW BUMPER GUARD IS OBVIOUSLY A MISJUDGEMENT IN THE MANUFACTUERS MAKE ON THIS PARTICULAR MODEL AND SHOULD BE FIXED AT NO CHARGE AS IT HAPPENS TO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE.
2001 JETTA- MAKES WINDING NOISE AT 40 MPH, EAR PIERCING, TECHNICIANS CLAIM THIS IS NORMAL BUT OVERPOWERS RADIO? UNACCEPTABLE. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS ERRATICALLY ALL THE TIME, CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD WHEN AT A STOP WHEN FOOT TAKEN OFF BRAKE PEDAL. CAR MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. *NM
PARKING ON A CURB STONE OR PARKING CEMENT BLOCK WITH FRONT OF CAR NEAR THE CEMENT STOP. (2) PLASTIC FRONT BUMBER CLIPS OVER ANY BLOCK HIGHER THAN 4 INCHES AND LIKE A LOBSTER TRAP, WHEN REVERSING, RIPS THE BUMPER FROM IT'S FASTENING. BUMPER COULD FALL OFF AND GO UNDER THE MOVING CAR CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. (3) REMOVE FRONT BUMPER. …
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PARKING ON A CURB STONE OR PARKING CEMENT BLOCK WITH FRONT OF CAR NEAR THE CEMENT STOP. (2) PLASTIC FRONT BUMBER CLIPS OVER ANY BLOCK HIGHER THAN 4 INCHES AND LIKE A LOBSTER TRAP, WHEN REVERSING, RIPS THE BUMPER FROM IT'S FASTENING. BUMPER COULD FALL OFF AND GO UNDER THE MOVING CAR CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. (3) REMOVE FRONT BUMPER. *AK
ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING MY 2001 JETTA, MY FRONT BUMPER WAS ALMOST ENTIRELY RIPPED OFF AFTER BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. IT CAUGHT ON THE PARKING CURB AND SUBSEQUENTLY RIPPED OFF. UPON CONTACTING VW I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY DRIVING AND IT WOULD COST OVER $300 TO REPAIR. IT TURNS OUT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS AND TH…
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ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING MY 2001 JETTA, MY FRONT BUMPER WAS ALMOST ENTIRELY RIPPED OFF AFTER BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. IT CAUGHT ON THE PARKING CURB AND SUBSEQUENTLY RIPPED OFF. UPON CONTACTING VW I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY DRIVING AND IT WOULD COST OVER $300 TO REPAIR. IT TURNS OUT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES. TWO YEARS LATER, NOW MY CAR IS PAID OFF AND I WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER VW DEALERSHIP TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD FIX THE BUMPER. I DID AND TO MY SURPRISE THEY WANTED $237.00 TO FIX IT. THEN THEY ASKED WHAT I DID TO IT. I EXPLAINED THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE PARTICULAR VEHICLES. THEY STATED THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. UPON PICKING UP MY CAR I BROUGHT AN ARTICLE REGARDING THE BUMPERS, THEY DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT IT, THEY STATED, "WE KNOW, WE HAVE SEEN ALL THE ARTICLES, BUT WE HAVE NO CLOUT WITH VW, ONLY THE CONSUMER". SO, I NEED TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER DEFECTS, BUT THIS IS A MAJOR ONE THAT VW IS NOT WILLING TO REPAIR. THE OTHERS THEY HAVE AT LEAST ATTEMPTED TO FIX. *NM
I HAVE AN ONGOING WATER LEAK IN MY 2001 VW JETTA. EVERYTIME IT RAINS, WATER LEAKS FROM A SPOT NEAR MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. WITHOUT FAIL, A 3-5 INCH POOL OF WATER COLLECTS EVERYTIME IT RAINS. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO PAY THE $70/HOUR COST AND STATES THAT IT IS MY PROBLEM AND NOT A MANUFACTURER'…
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I HAVE AN ONGOING WATER LEAK IN MY 2001 VW JETTA. EVERYTIME IT RAINS, WATER LEAKS FROM A SPOT NEAR MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. WITHOUT FAIL, A 3-5 INCH POOL OF WATER COLLECTS EVERYTIME IT RAINS. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO PAY THE $70/HOUR COST AND STATES THAT IT IS MY PROBLEM AND NOT A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK
THE CENTER ARM REST LOCK KEEPS BREAKING ON MY 2001 VW JETTA. IT HAS BROKEN THREE (3) TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE.*AK
FRONT BUMPER OF VEHICLE HAS BEEN PULLED OFF 10 TIMES DUE TO WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT BUMPER GETS STUCK ON ANY PARKING BLOCK WHICH RESULTS IN THE BUMPER BEING PULLED AWAY FROM THE CAR AND HAVING TO BE REPLACED OR REATTACHED. WE HAVE SPOKE TO OTHER JETTA TDI OWNERS AND HAVE FOUND THAT THEY HAVE EXPER…
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FRONT BUMPER OF VEHICLE HAS BEEN PULLED OFF 10 TIMES DUE TO WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT BUMPER GETS STUCK ON ANY PARKING BLOCK WHICH RESULTS IN THE BUMPER BEING PULLED AWAY FROM THE CAR AND HAVING TO BE REPLACED OR REATTACHED. WE HAVE SPOKE TO OTHER JETTA TDI OWNERS AND HAVE FOUND THAT THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERS WE HAVE SPOKE TO ARE ALSO AWARE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE BUT BECAUSE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL NOTHING THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING AND WE CONTINUALLY HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. 8JB
WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH FRONT AIR BAGS INCLUDING THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK WATER WAS ON THE FLOOR DUE TO A LEAKING SUNROOF. *SC
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.
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