NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
668 reports109,895 miles · May 11, 2005
Exterior LightingVehicle Speed Control
I SIGNALED WITH MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL FOR A RIGHT-HAND TURN, SUDDENLY THE TURN SIGNAL STOPPED FLASHING (NOT THE QUICK FLASHING & CLICKING FOR A BURNT OUT BULB), THE LIGHT STAYED ON. TRIED THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. KEPT TRYING THEM AND WOULD NOT WORK. SUDDENLY BEGAN OPERATING. THE HAZARD LIGHTS DID NOT WORK…
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I SIGNALED WITH MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL FOR A RIGHT-HAND TURN, SUDDENLY THE TURN SIGNAL STOPPED FLASHING (NOT THE QUICK FLASHING & CLICKING FOR A BURNT OUT BULB), THE LIGHT STAYED ON. TRIED THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. KEPT TRYING THEM AND WOULD NOT WORK. SUDDENLY BEGAN OPERATING. THE HAZARD LIGHTS DID NOT WORK EITHER. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS, THE LIGHTS UNEXPECTEDLY BEGAN WORKING. I CONTINUED DRIVING, WHEN I SIGNALED ANOTHER RIGHT-HAND TURN THE AGAIN THE SIGNAL REPEATED THE PREVIOUS FAILURE. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP THAT I USE AND SETUP AN APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE THREE DAYS LATER. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED INTERMITTENLY BETWEEN THE FIRST OCCURRANCE AND THE SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY BUT THE HEADLAMPS WOULD NOT GO TO BRIGHT. HE DID EVENTUALLY HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNALS. THE END RESULT WAS TO REPLACE THE SWITCH: HEADLAM DIMMER/TURN SIGNAL/CRUISE SWITCH 8L0953513J01C (PART #). THIS IS AN INTEGRATED SWITCH. I HAVE LISTED THE THREE COMPONENTS SEPARATELY ON THE COMPLAINT LIST. THIS SAME SHOP HAD CHANGED THE SAME SWITCH ON AN AUDI. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE REPLACED PART WOULD STILL BE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10120653
50,000 miles · May 10, 2005
Power Train
2001 VW JETTA VR6 TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT SMOOTHLY FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. ENGINE RPMS SPIKE/SURGE BEFORE ENGAGING NEXT HIGHEST GEAR, AT WHICH POINT THE GEAR IS SLAMMED INTO AS THE RPMS ARE TOO HIGH TO ENGAGE THE GEAR PROPERLY. HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT VW DEALERS TWO DIFFERENT TIMES (FOUR VISITS…
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2001 VW JETTA VR6 TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT SMOOTHLY FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. ENGINE RPMS SPIKE/SURGE BEFORE ENGAGING NEXT HIGHEST GEAR, AT WHICH POINT THE GEAR IS SLAMMED INTO AS THE RPMS ARE TOO HIGH TO ENGAGE THE GEAR PROPERLY. HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TWO DIFFERENT VW DEALERS TWO DIFFERENT TIMES (FOUR VISITS TOTAL) AND DEALERS SAY THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR THAT THEY RESET THE SHIFTING POINTS IN THE FUZZY LOGIC. INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP CALLS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE VALVE BODY, ALL ELECTRONICS AND HARD COMPONENTS IN VALVE BODY FOR A COST OF $3425. VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM EXITS UNLESS DIAGNOSED BY A VW DEALER AND WILL NOT PAY FOR DIAGNOSIS BY A THIRD PARTY MECHANIC. THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED FOR OVER 15 MONTHS AND 30,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10120578
84,973 miles · May 10, 2005
Exterior Lighting
DT: TURN SIGNALS WOULD NOT WORK, TAKEN TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE HAZARD FLASHER. THEY REPLACED THIS PART. THIS IS NOW WORKING. CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE AND SEND IN PAPER WORK FOR REFUND. NOW THEY INSIST THAT SHE TAKE HER CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BEFORE THEY WILL REFUND HER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10120563
Mileage unknown · May 5, 2005
Electrical System
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HAS A FAULTY IGNITION COIL WIRING HARNESS.*MR THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ENGINE IDLE FLUCTUATION AND A MISS IN THE ENGINE WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10121491
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2005
Structure
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.
NHTSA ODI #10118832
45,000 miles · Apr 18, 2005
Air Bags
WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. OWNER SAYS THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD CAME ON AND STAYED ON SINCE MONDAY 02/07/2005. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SEEN FOR THIS DEFECT UNTIL 02/23/2005. *JB *BF *NM
NHTSA ODI #10111398
40,000 miles · Apr 14, 2005
Electrical System
(1) AT START UP (GENERALLY COOLER, OREGON NIGHTS) IS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS, AND RANDOMLY; (2) CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. HAVE BEEN IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR TRYING TO CLEAR INTERSECTION WHEN CAR STALLS FOR NO REASON. *AK (3) HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER MANY TIMES - THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. CAR REMAIN…
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(1) AT START UP (GENERALLY COOLER, OREGON NIGHTS) IS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS, AND RANDOMLY; (2) CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. HAVE BEEN IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR TRYING TO CLEAR INTERSECTION WHEN CAR STALLS FOR NO REASON. *AK (3) HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER MANY TIMES - THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. CAR REMAINS DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #10117891
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment
THE AIR COMING OUT OF MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA'S AIR CONDITIONING UNIT STARTED TO SMELLING LIKE MELTED CRAYONS AND ENGINE FUMES. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE AIR CONDITIONER BROKE DOWN, AND I TOOK IT TO GET REPAIRED AT DEEL VOLKSWAGEN IN MIAMI. I TOLD THE SERVICE AGENT THAT THE CAR ALSO HAD A TERRIBLE SMELL OF CAR FUMES AND TO PLEAS…
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THE AIR COMING OUT OF MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA'S AIR CONDITIONING UNIT STARTED TO SMELLING LIKE MELTED CRAYONS AND ENGINE FUMES. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE AIR CONDITIONER BROKE DOWN, AND I TOOK IT TO GET REPAIRED AT DEEL VOLKSWAGEN IN MIAMI. I TOLD THE SERVICE AGENT THAT THE CAR ALSO HAD A TERRIBLE SMELL OF CAR FUMES AND TO PLEASE CHECK THAT. THE NEXT DAY, I RECEIVED A SERVICE REPAIR QUOTE FOR $1,300 THAT INCLUDED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BATTERY FUSE BOX, MAIN FAN, A/C FAN AND FAN MODULE. THE PARTS WERE REPLACED IN THE CAR ON 10/22/2004. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT THE A/C HAD THE SAME ENGINE FUMES SMELL, AND TOLD THE SERVICE PERSON, RICARDO WILDER, THAT THE A/C STILL SMELLED THE SAME. HE TOLD ME THAT ALL JETTA'S SMELLED THE SAME, AND THAT I SHOULD DRIVE IT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS TO LET THE NEWLY REPLACED PARTS DO THEIR JOB. IT IS NOW APRIL, 2005 AND THE CAR STILL STRONGLY SMELLS LIKE ENGINE FUMES. AT THE END OF MY DRIVING DAY, MY CLOTHES AND THE INSIDE OF THEE CAR SMELL LIKE ENGINE FUMES. I NOW DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS AND MOON ROOF OPEN AND WITH THE A/C OFF IN ORDER TO FIGHT THE STRONG SMELL. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WHATEVER THIS SMELL IS, IT IS DETRIMENTAL TO MY HEALTH. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10117886
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2005
Air BagsExterior Lighting
TURN SIGNAL/EMERGENCY FLASH LIGHT FAILED, AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON AND STAYED ON.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10116896
23,000 miles · Apr 13, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAVE HAS MY OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT I AM NOT SURE HOW MANY. I LOST TRACK AFTER 6 TIMES. THE DEALER (FAULKNER VOLKSWAGEN), HAS TOLD ME EVERYTIME THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CAUSED BY THE OXYGEN SENSORS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OTHER MECHANICS THAT THIS FAUL…
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MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I HAVE HAS MY OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT I AM NOT SURE HOW MANY. I LOST TRACK AFTER 6 TIMES. THE DEALER (FAULKNER VOLKSWAGEN), HAS TOLD ME EVERYTIME THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CAUSED BY THE OXYGEN SENSORS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OTHER MECHANICS THAT THIS FAULT IN THE SENSORS CAN CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE AT ANYTIME. WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, I LOOSE POWER IN MY CAR AND SOMETIMES IT STALLS EVEN WHEN I AM DRIVING IT. WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING, THIS IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD AS WELL AS MYSELF. I HAVE BEEN READING MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING WITH MY 2001 JETTA. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS OR RESULTED IN ANY INJURIES DUE TO THIS YET, HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MATTER THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10116847
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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