NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
668 reports149,880 miles · Oct 12, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE SPARK IGNITION COIL AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000, REGA…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE SPARK IGNITION COIL AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000, REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. *AK UPDATED 10/30/2006 - *NM
NHTSA ODI #10170623
38,000 miles · Sep 25, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
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
NHTSA ODI #10169233
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2006
Air BagsInjury
PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH OUT ANY REASONS AT ALL. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD, AT 20 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR FILLED UP WITH BLACK SMOKE AND THE PASSENGER CURTAIN, SEAT AND DASHBOARD AIRBAG ALL DEPLOYED. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. AND WAS ASTONISHED TO LEARN THAT NOT O…
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PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH OUT ANY REASONS AT ALL. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD, AT 20 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR FILLED UP WITH BLACK SMOKE AND THE PASSENGER CURTAIN, SEAT AND DASHBOARD AIRBAG ALL DEPLOYED. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. AND WAS ASTONISHED TO LEARN THAT NOT ONLY WAS I NOT SHOT AT ( BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT SOUNDED LIKE) BUT I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO PROVOKE THIS. I CALLED VW THEY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE FAULTY WIRING, AND TO BRING IT IN ASAP, THEY WOULD GIVE ME A LOANER CAR, AND IT WOULD TAKE 3-5 DAYS TO FIX. I DID SO, AND 3 HRS AFTER DROPPING OFF THE CAR, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE MANAGER SAYING, PLEASE COME PICK UP YOUR CAR, WE WILL NOT FIX IT, YOUR CAR HAS BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT, YOU NEED TO CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE. NW MIND YOU I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 WEEKS, AND THERE IS NOT A DENT ON IT! I WAS FURIOUS AND CONFUSED. I ARGUED WITH THE GUY STATING THAT I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING, HE SAID THAT THE BLACK BOX CONTAINED A HIT CODE OF SOME KIND. THAT IT REGISTERED THAT I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. WELL DUH! ITS DEFECTIVE! TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I SUED VW, AND LOST! THEY INSISTED THAT ITS "NORMAL" FOR IT TO GO OFF, SAID EVEN IF YOU HAPPEN TO HIT A SMALL ROCK ON THE ROAD AND IT HITS JUST RIGHT, IT WILL CAUSE IT TO DEPLOY! HOW SAFE IS THAT!? ITS BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE THAT DAY AND VW HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE, STATING ITS MY PROBLEM NOT THEIRS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10168935
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2006
Exterior Lighting
MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WENT OUT IN MY 2001 VW JETTA GLS 2.0L. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH GOES OUT THERE IS NO WARNING IN THE DASH TO LET ME KNOW IT WAS OUT. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY BREAK LIGHTS UNTIL SOMEONE AT A STOP LIGHT YELLED OUT THEIR WINDOW TO TELL ME. I TOOK MY CAR TO VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW BREAK LIGHT SWI…
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MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WENT OUT IN MY 2001 VW JETTA GLS 2.0L. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH GOES OUT THERE IS NO WARNING IN THE DASH TO LET ME KNOW IT WAS OUT. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY BREAK LIGHTS UNTIL SOMEONE AT A STOP LIGHT YELLED OUT THEIR WINDOW TO TELL ME. I TOOK MY CAR TO VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW BREAK LIGHT SWITCH. IT TURNS OUT THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM FOR VW'S OF ALL YEARS AND MAKES. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, VW HASN'T RELEASED INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AND IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. I DON'T WANT TO SEE MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE GET KILLED OR HURT BECAUSE OF A FAULTY PART. I'VE ALREADY SPENT THE $12 TO FIX IT SO THIS COMPLAINT IS NOT ABOUT GETTING MY MONEY BACK. IT'S ABOUT SAVING LIVES. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10168548
96,000 miles · Aug 25, 2006
Air Bags
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF. THEN, WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, THE SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10166573
95,000 miles · Aug 23, 2006
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH MY 2001 JETTA. I HAVE REPLACED ALL THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE FRONT BEARING TWICE. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE COILS TWICE ON THIS CAR. NOW IN THE LAST 2-3 WEEKS THE CLEAR COAT HAS STARTED TO PEEL OFF THE CAR. THE PAINT IS NOT COMING OFF JUST THE CLEAR COAT. I CALLED THE VW CARE …
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I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH MY 2001 JETTA. I HAVE REPLACED ALL THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE FRONT BEARING TWICE. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE COILS TWICE ON THIS CAR. NOW IN THE LAST 2-3 WEEKS THE CLEAR COAT HAS STARTED TO PEEL OFF THE CAR. THE PAINT IS NOT COMING OFF JUST THE CLEAR COAT. I CALLED THE VW CARE CENTER AND THEY RAN ME AROUND HAVING ME TAKE THE CAR TO A VW BODY SHOP, AND HAVING THE SERVICE MANAGER LOOK AT IT AND NEITHER ONE OF THEM COULD TELL ME WHY THE CLEAR COAT WAS PEELING. THEY BOTH DID RESPOND BY SAYING THE COULD BE SURE BUT IN MAY HAVE BEEN OVER BAKED AT THE FACTORY AFTER IT WAS PAINTED BUT OF COURSE NOBODY WANT TO ADMIT THAT BECAUSE THEN VW WOULD BE LIABLE TO FIX IT. SO IN CALLING THE VW CARE CENTER BACK THE PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME THE CAR WAS 5 YEAR OLD AND IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM ANY MORE BUT MINE. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. I'VE OWNED OTHER CARS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CLEAR COAT. GRANTED THEY WERE NOT VW CARS. I RECOMMEND NOT TO BUY A VW OF ANY KIND BECAUSE THIS COMPANY WILL NOT STAND BY THEIR FAULT. I MEAN 5 YEARS OLD THAT THE CLEAR COAT IS PEELING OFF. THAT ISN'T RIGHT. THANKS FOR NOTHING VW. DON'T BUY A VW. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10166363
Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2006
Electrical System
I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGAN JETTA. AT LEAST 2 OR 3 TIMES, I HAD MY EPC LIGHT SWITCH CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD. EACH TIME, I HAD TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKETS TO GET IT FIX. WHEN THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON, I CANNOT GET THE GEAR OUT OF PARK. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PUMP ON MY BRAKES TO GET IT OUT OF PARK. THIS CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 3 MINUT…
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I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGAN JETTA. AT LEAST 2 OR 3 TIMES, I HAD MY EPC LIGHT SWITCH CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD. EACH TIME, I HAD TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKETS TO GET IT FIX. WHEN THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON, I CANNOT GET THE GEAR OUT OF PARK. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PUMP ON MY BRAKES TO GET IT OUT OF PARK. THIS CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 3 MINUTES TO AN HOUR. I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THIS PRODUCT. I ASK OTHER VOLKSWAGAN OWNERS AND THEY ALSO SAID THAT THEIR EPC LIGHT COMES ON OCCASIONALLY. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10166202
102,000 miles · Aug 21, 2006
Exterior Lighting
THE BRAKE SWITCH LIGHT IN MY VW JETTA HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES. WHEN THIS SWITCH IS NOT WORKING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS OF MY CAR ARE INOPERABLE, LEADING TO A GREAT RISK OF ACCIDENT. MY JETTA IS NOT CURRENTLY IN THE RECALL THAT HAS BEEN ISSUED, BUT I CONTINUE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10166088
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2006
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE HAD MY 2001 JETTA VOLKSWAGEN FOR 3 YEARS BOUGHT IT USED IN THOSE 3 YEARS HAVE HAD THE EPC LIGHT COME ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. ONE OF THE TIME THAT HAD THE DEALERSHIP FIX FEEL UNDER THE RECALL LIST. SINCE THEN IT HAS FAILED 2 DIFFERENT TIMES THE LATEST OF THE 2 ONCE IN NOVEMBER WHEN THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC STATED WE KNO…
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I HAVE HAD MY 2001 JETTA VOLKSWAGEN FOR 3 YEARS BOUGHT IT USED IN THOSE 3 YEARS HAVE HAD THE EPC LIGHT COME ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. ONE OF THE TIME THAT HAD THE DEALERSHIP FIX FEEL UNDER THE RECALL LIST. SINCE THEN IT HAS FAILED 2 DIFFERENT TIMES THE LATEST OF THE 2 ONCE IN NOVEMBER WHEN THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC STATED WE KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM HERE IS THE PHONE TO CORPORATE TO COMPLAIN THAT IS ALL WE CAN DO. NOW IN AUGUST IT HAS FAILED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR NO REASON. WHEN THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON THE BRAKE FAIL TO WORK AT ALL. LUCKILY MY WIFE WAS NOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT THAT DAY BUT COULD HAVE BEEN SINCE THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10165183
70,000 miles · Aug 2, 2006
Suspension
CONDITIONS: NORMAL DRIVING, APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY STREET. FAILURE: FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED THROUGH. THE LEFT CORNER OF THE CAR DROPPED, THE CAR JERKED SUDDENLY TO THE LEFT. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR IF OTHER VEHICLES WERE PRESENT. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO …
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CONDITIONS: NORMAL DRIVING, APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY STREET. FAILURE: FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED THROUGH. THE LEFT CORNER OF THE CAR DROPPED, THE CAR JERKED SUDDENLY TO THE LEFT. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR IF OTHER VEHICLES WERE PRESENT. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN IT'S CURRENT STATE DUE TO THE LEFT CORNER BEING NOT LEVEL, SPRING MISSING PART OF IT'S LENGTH, STEERING (STRUT) BINDING. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WILL NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART AND IS NOT INTERESTED IN THE POTENTIAL LIFE SAFETY CONCERNS REGARDING THIS FAILURE. I DIRECTLY CONTACTED THE O.E.M. SPRING MANUFACTURER (EIBACH). THIS MAY RESULT IN A REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE SPRING AND FAILURE ANALYSIS OF THE PART, TO BE DETERMINED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10164211
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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