NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
108 reportsClear category filter129,900 miles · Apr 10, 2007
Air Bags
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG/ CURTAIN ON 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, DEPLOYED WHILE TURNING RIGHT ON A WINDING ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING UNDER 20 MPH. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND BECAUSE IT WAS ON A BLIND TURN I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR BEHIND ME. AFTER 30 SECONDS I TURNED THE ENGINE ON, AND PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA TO INSPECT THE CAR. …
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THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG/ CURTAIN ON 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, DEPLOYED WHILE TURNING RIGHT ON A WINDING ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING UNDER 20 MPH. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND BECAUSE IT WAS ON A BLIND TURN I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR BEHIND ME. AFTER 30 SECONDS I TURNED THE ENGINE ON, AND PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA TO INSPECT THE CAR. I TRAVEL THE ROAD EVERYDAY AND NO POT HOLES EXIST. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE COMPUTER DID NOT REGISTER AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER, ENGINEER, LOOKED AT PICTURES SENT BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND SAID THAT THERE WERE SCRAPES UNDER THE CAR WHICH MUST HAVE CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT. ASKED THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER IF THE SIDE AIR BAG/CURTAIN WAS NOT REPLACED WOULD THE OTHER AIR BAGS BE EFFECTED. THEY TOLD ME THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY PUBLIC INFORMATION ON THE EFFECT ONE DEPLOYMENT HAS ON THE REST OF THE SYSTEM, AND I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT FOR THE OTHER AIR BAGS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO NOW REPORTED THAT THE COMPUTER READ AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10187482
6,261 miles · Apr 3, 2007
Air Bags
TL*-THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GLS WAGON 1.8 TURBO WITH FAILURE MILEAGE: 6,261 TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO PROBLEMS DEALING WITH THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PARTICULAR PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO DIAGNOSE THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. HE PAID A GREAT DEAL OF MONE…
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TL*-THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GLS WAGON 1.8 TURBO WITH FAILURE MILEAGE: 6,261 TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO PROBLEMS DEALING WITH THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PARTICULAR PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO DIAGNOSE THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. HE PAID A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY FOR THE SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE MAY BE AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT PROBLEM, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT SURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVER SINCE NOVEMBER 9, 2001 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON HIS DASHBOARD. HE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO VOLKSWAGEN NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED HIM ANY EXPLANATION FOR THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS 82,500 MILES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10186926
60,000 miles · Feb 7, 2007
Air Bags
LEFT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ON 1/30/07. VW CLAIMS THERE IS CRASH DATA IN THE ONBOARD COMPUTER. HOWEVER NO ACCIDENT / CRASH OCCURRED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN. I SEE ACCORDING TO NHTSA #PE04081 THAT THE INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED ON THIS. I'LL BET THIS INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYM…
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LEFT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ON 1/30/07. VW CLAIMS THERE IS CRASH DATA IN THE ONBOARD COMPUTER. HOWEVER NO ACCIDENT / CRASH OCCURRED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN. I SEE ACCORDING TO NHTSA #PE04081 THAT THE INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED ON THIS. I'LL BET THIS INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AND ONLY AFTER SOMEONE GETS KILLED AND LAW SUITS FLY WILL SOMETHING GET DONE ABOUT IT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10181921
37,000 miles · Nov 2, 2006
Air Bags
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SEND…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SEND A TECHNICIAN FOR INSPECTION HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NEVER KNEW IF SUCH INSPECTION EVER HAPPENED. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED THAT AN UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. 1/31/2007 - *NM
NHTSA ODI #10172501
83,000 miles · Oct 23, 2006
Air Bags
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10171583
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2006
Air Bags
I WAS DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN BOSTON IN A CONSTRUCTION AREA TRAVELING ABOUT 10-15 MPH, WHEN MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I CONTACTED VW, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS AN ACCIDENT THAT I HIT SOMETHING AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH MY INSURANCE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AS THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATE, …
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I WAS DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN BOSTON IN A CONSTRUCTION AREA TRAVELING ABOUT 10-15 MPH, WHEN MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I CONTACTED VW, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS AN ACCIDENT THAT I HIT SOMETHING AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH MY INSURANCE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AS THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATE, I WOULD HAVE TO LOOK IT UP IN MY RECORDS AS IT HAPPENED 4 YEARS AGO. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10168967
48,000 miles · Jun 6, 2006
Air BagsCrashInjury
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT SLOWED WITHOUT WARNING, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID THE VEHICLE. THE LEFT FRONT IMPACTED WITH THE RIGHT REAR OF THE SLOWED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH EXTREME FORCE CAUSING THE CONTACTS HANDS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE STEERING WHEE…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT SLOWED WITHOUT WARNING, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID THE VEHICLE. THE LEFT FRONT IMPACTED WITH THE RIGHT REAR OF THE SLOWED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH EXTREME FORCE CAUSING THE CONTACTS HANDS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN MOTION. THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG ALSO OBSCURED THE CONTACTS VIEW. THE VEHICLE THEN BECAME AIRBORNE OVER A DITCH AND CAME TO REST IN A FIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE BY BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER HOWEVER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED AT THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WAS NORMAL FOR THIS TYPE OF IMPACT.
NHTSA ODI #10159141
24,000 miles · Jun 6, 2006
Air Bags
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE DRIVER AND SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DETERMINED BY COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC THAT A CRASH OCCURRED ALTHOUGH NO CRASH ACTUALLY OCCURRED. THE DEALER CAN GIVE NO OTHER REASON FOR THE DEPLOYMENT.
NHTSA ODI #10159109
28,000 miles · Apr 18, 2006
Air BagsCrashInjury
THE FRONT, SIDE AND SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAGS IN MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ALL FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN I WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A TRUCK TRAVELING AT 40-50 MILES PER HOUR. THE PARAMEDICS AND RESPONDING OFFICER ENCOURAGED ME TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT, SAYING THAT I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE RIDING ALONE BECAUSE A PASSENGER WOULD NOT H…
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THE FRONT, SIDE AND SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAGS IN MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ALL FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN I WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A TRUCK TRAVELING AT 40-50 MILES PER HOUR. THE PARAMEDICS AND RESPONDING OFFICER ENCOURAGED ME TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT, SAYING THAT I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE RIDING ALONE BECAUSE A PASSENGER WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED THE ACCIDENT WITHOUT AIRBAG PROTECTION. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED VW AND SUBMITTED THE FORMS AND PHOTOGRAPHS THEY REQUESTED FOR VALIDATION OF MY CLAIM, BUT - AS EXPECTED - THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. I HAVE NO INTENTION OF SUING, BUT I AM DISTURBED BY VOLKSWAGENS' RECENT CAMPAIGN TO MARKET THE JETTA BASED ON ITS SAFETY. IN THE 3 1/2 YEARS I OWNED THE CAR, I HAD TO RETURN IT FOR RECALLS/REPAIRS 14 TIMES, SO I BELIEVE THE AIRBAG FAILURE TO BE YET ANOTHER SYMPTOM OF THE JETTA'S POOR MANUFACTURING. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION AND PHOTOGRAPHS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10155649
50,000 miles · Mar 14, 2006
Air BagsCrashInjury
THE '02 JETTA 1.8T 4-DOOR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE JETTA PROCEEDED INTO INTERSECTION. JETTA WAS HIT (T-BONED) ON DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR BY 1995 GRAND MARQUIS, MERCURY IN EXCESS OF 45 MPH. TICKET WAS ISSUED FOR FAILING TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, NO BRAKING ON PART OF THE MERCURY. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE JET…
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THE '02 JETTA 1.8T 4-DOOR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE JETTA PROCEEDED INTO INTERSECTION. JETTA WAS HIT (T-BONED) ON DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR BY 1995 GRAND MARQUIS, MERCURY IN EXCESS OF 45 MPH. TICKET WAS ISSUED FOR FAILING TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, NO BRAKING ON PART OF THE MERCURY. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE JETTA - THE FRONT DOOR WAS DRIVEN INTO THE DRIVERS CAGE WHICH MOVED THE FRONT SEAT AND BENT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FORMED A LARGE CRACK, PROBABLY FROM A SIDE STRESS POINT AND DID NOT SHATTER, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOWS IN BOTH DOOR SHATTERED. SEVERE FRAME DAMAGE COULD BE SEEN AND NONE OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOORS COULD OPEN, NOR THE PASSENGER SIDE EITHER AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAGS (2), LOCATED BETWEEN THE TWO DAMAGED DOORS AND ALSO THE AIRBAG BETWEEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD FAILED TO DEPLOY. VW CLAIMS THAT THE CAR DECIDED BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT WAS IN USE, THE CAR MADE AN INTELLIGENT DECISION NOT TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS. THIS IS EITHER FALSE OR AN ERROR IN HOW THE CAR IS DESIGNED. AIRBAGS SHOULD DEPLOY AND NOT DECIDE THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS SUFFICIENT - IT WAS NOT SUFFICIENT, AS THERE WERE MEDICAL INJURIES. JETTA IS TOTALED, BUT BEING HELD BY USAA, PENDING ANYONE WHO WILL INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE ON MY BEHALF. OTHERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SUFFER IF A PROBLEM CAN BE IDENTIFIED HERE AND RESOLVED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10152649
Official recalls
5Feb 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.
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
7RQ06004 · 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.
EA04010 · Driver Side Front Seat Overheats
Opened Mar 30, 2004 · Closed Oct 21, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
THIS INVESTIGATION CONCERNS THE ELECTRIC SEAT HEATER INSTALLED IN SOME MY 2002-2003 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) JETTA VEHICLES.CONSUMERS ALLEGE THAT THE SEAT HEATER MAY OVERHEAT, RESULTING IN BURN DAMAGE TO THE SEAT COVER AND TO THE DRIVER'S CLOTHING AND/OR SKIN.THIS EA ADDRESSES WHETHER SUCH FAILURES MAY POSE A RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.ODI CONCLUDES THAT THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT HEATER MAY FAIL OR MALFUNCTION DUE TO NORMAL VEHICLE USE, (I.E., DRIVER INGRESS AND EGRESS FROM THE VEHICLE).THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT SUCH FAILURES DO NOT POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR FIRE.ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THEREFORE, THIS EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.THE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT PROVIDES FURTHER DETAIL CONCERNING THIS EA.
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.
PE03052 · Driver Seat Overheats/burns
Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Mar 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ELECTRICALLY HEATED DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS.INFORMATION RECEIVED DURING PE03-052 DISCLOSED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF INCIDENTS OF MALFUNCTIONING/OVERHEATING OF THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS MAY OCCUR DURING THE FINAL MONTHS OF THE WINTER SEASON.THIS MATTER IS ALSO CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED BY TRANSPORT CANADA.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-010)IN ORDER TO FULLY INVESTIGATE THESE OCCURRENCES AND THEIR SAFETY IMPLICATIONS.
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