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

Structure complaints

43 reports

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Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2002

Structure

THERE HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH ABNORMAL NOISE IN THE TWO FRONT DOORS OF THE VEHICLE. SO FAR THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO OR WANT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. NLM

NHTSA ODI #767169

Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2002

Structure

FRONT BUMPER ASSEMBLY TORE OFF VEHICLE WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. BUMPER SKIPPED ON TOP OF PORTABLE CONCRETE CURB AT EXTREMELY LOW REVERSE SPEED (LESS THAN 1 MPH).*AK

NHTSA ODI #765594

Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2002

EquipmentExterior LightingStructure

NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS!!! THE DAY I WAS TO PICK MY CAR UP, DRIVER WINDOW NEEDED REPLACEMENT. SINCE THEN IT HAS FALLEN INTO DOOR 3 TIMES. AIR CONITIONER LEAKED INTO INTERIOR, SOAKING CARPETS AND SMELLS BAD. BRAKE LIGHTS STUCK ON WHEN CAR IS OFF, ARM REST AND GLOVE BOX BROKE. RECEIVED ZERO HELP FROM DEALERSHIP OR VOLKS.OF AMERICA. …

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NHTSA ODI #764857

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2002

Structure

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THE FRONT BUMPER IS TOO LOW TO THE GROUND. WHEN PARKING, THE FRONT BUMPER PASSES OVER STANDARD CONCRETE 'TIRE STOPPERS'. WHEN REVERSING OUT OF THE STALL (EVEN AT VERY SLOW SPEEDS), THE FRONT BUMPER ASSEMBLY DETACHES FROM THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. VOLKSWAGEN'S SUGGESTED SOLUTION IS "NOT TO PULL SO FAR INTO THE PARKING SPACE". UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL IF YOU ARE TOO "FAR IN" UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE AND THE DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED. I HAVE PERSONALLY OBSERVED THIS PROBLEM OCCUR ON AT LEAST FOUR OTHER JETTAS (BOTH HERE IN HONOLULU AND ON THE MAINLAND). ON OUR JETTA ALONE, THIS HAS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. ALTHOUGH THE DEALER HAS BEEN HELPFUL IN MAKING COSMETIC REPAIRS TO THE BUMPER, COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE BUMPER ASSEMBLY WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $1,000. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT WHICH THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO CORRECT. I AM CONCERNED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, A PARTIALLY DETACHED BUMPER ASSEMBLY COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD.*AK

NHTSA ODI #764780

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2002

Structure

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I HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS REPEATEDLY WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE CONCERNING THE INFERIOR MATERIAL USED TO UPHOLSTER THE JETTA TDI (GLS). I STATED TO THEM THAT IT WAS LIKE DRIVING A GIANT LINT BRUSH! ANY CLOTHING YOU WEAR STICKS TO THE SEATS AND DOORSAND ON A GOOD DAY, EVEN THE CEILING! THE OPERATOR I SPOKE WITH WAS VERY POLITE WHEN HE ASKED ME WHAT I THOUGHT THE RESOLUTION SHOULD BE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM? I STATED TO HIM THAT THE CAR SHOULD BE COMPLETELY REUPHOLSTERED AT VW'S EXPENSE!AT WHICH POINT, HE OFFERED TO SEND ME A KIT TO HELP DEAL WITH THE LINT PROBLEM. I ASKED IF THEY HAD RECEIVED A VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE, AND THE OPERATOR STATED, NO. I ASKED HIM, WHY DO YOU CONVENIENTLY HAVE A KIT AVAILABLE FOR A PROBLEM YOU SAY DOES NOT EXIST? WELL NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE CALL WAS VERY SILENT FOR A MINUTE OR TWO. THE KIT CONSISTED OF (1) LINT BRUSH, (EXACTLY LIKE THE ONE I PURCHASED PREVIOUSLY), AND (1) 3M CLOTH. IT IS TRULY A MYSTERY WHAT VW EXPECTS ME TO DO WITH THE 3M CLOTH...I SUPPOSE I COULD USE IT TO MUFFLE MY SCREAMS OF FRUSTRATION!*AK

NHTSA ODI #761169

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2002

Structure

WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE DRIVER'S DOOR WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN OR BY WASHING. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8008387

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2002

Electrical SystemEquipmentStructure

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CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE ALARM SOUNDS AND HORN GOES OFF AND LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN OPENING DOORS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. ALSO THE ILLUMINATED ENTRY AND THE POWER DOOR LOCKS WERE NOT WORKING. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED WIRING AND RELAY IN THE DOORS, THE RADIO IGNITION SWITCH, AND DOOR LOCK, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE DEALER NOW STATES THAT THERE IS NOTHING FURTHER THEY CAN DO. NLM FRONT BUMER PULLED LOOSE. BUMPER AND LOWER FACIA REINSTALLED. *TT

NHTSA ODI #8007905

Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2002

Structure

TRUNK ON VEHICLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCK BY ITSELF WHETHER CONSUMER IS DRIVING OR NOT. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8003582

Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2002

Structure

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FRONT BUMPER GROUND EFFECTS ARE OBVIOUSLY DESIGNED TOO LOW. BESIDES SCRAPING IN DRIVEWAYS, THE BUMPER HAS BEEN PULLED OFF SEVERAL TIMES WHEN LEAVING A PARKED SPACE WITH A CONCRETE 'TIRE BUMPER'. THESE WERE OBVIOUSLY MEANT TO STOP THE TIRES OF THE CAR, AND NOT PULL THE WHOLE BUMPER OFF. THE DEALER CHARGED ME TO REPLACE THE PLASTIC LINING, WHICH WAS PULLED FROM THE BUMPER AND HAD WORN AGAINST THE TIRE. THE BUMPER IS NO LONGER SECURELY FASTENED AS THE PARTS ARE WEARING DOWN. CORPORATE WAS OF NO HELP AND WOULD NOT REIMBURSE OR SUGGEST A COURSE OF ACTION TO AVOID FUTURE PROBLEMS. I WILL NOT BE KEEPING THIS CAR THROUGH THE TERM I EXPECTED AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND ONE TO ANYONE SHOPPING. TOO BIG OF A HASTLE TO DEAL WITH. FORTUNATELY I DIDN'T GET THE SPORT SUSPENSION, WHICH WOULD HAVE THE BUMPER EVEN LOWER TO THE GROUND. IT'S NOT A FARRARI, FOR PETE'S SAKE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #757552

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2001

Structure

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WHEN I PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE WITH A CONCRETE TIRE BUMPER, THE BUMPER GOT CAUGHT WHEN I PULLED OUT AND CAUSED THE PARKING LIGHT GRILL COVERS TO POP OUT. THE SERV. DEPT. REPLACXED THEM, NO CHARGE. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED THEY ACCUSED ME OF "RUNNING OVER THE TOP" OF SOMETHING, AND DAMAGING THE CAR, WHICH I DID NOT DO. THE MANUFACTURERS REFUSE TO FIX IT SAYING IT IS AN INSURANCE ISSUE, EVEN THOUGH THE SER. DEPT. TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT WITH OTHER CARS, AND EVEN THE MANAGER OF THE SERV. DEPT. SAID IT HAPPENED TO HER JETTA! I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD FIX IT WITHOUT CHARGE, SINCE IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN DEFECT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #754488

Official recalls

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

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

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

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

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

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.