NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
148 reportsClear category filter933 miles · Oct 5, 2004
Electrical System
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, COOLANT LEAKED IN MECHANICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER. REQUIRING REWIRING OF ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *BF THE COIL SPRING FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO POWER, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FAILED, THE CONSUMER DID HOWEVER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE MATTER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAD ALREADY…
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ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, COOLANT LEAKED IN MECHANICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER. REQUIRING REWIRING OF ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *BF THE COIL SPRING FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO POWER, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FAILED, THE CONSUMER DID HOWEVER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE MATTER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAD ALREADY OCCURRED. THE REAR PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT WAS OUT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10096727
14,795 miles · Aug 17, 2004
Air BagsElectrical System
AFTER I WAS PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE DOORS CLICKED AS IF THEY WERE GOING TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AS THEY NORMALLY DO AT 10 MPH. THE CLICK SOUNDED FUNNY, SO I LOOKED AT THE DOOR LOCKS AND NOTICED THAT THEY HADN'T LOCKED. SOON THEREAFTER, THE BATTERY ON THE CAR STOPPED, WHICH I NOTICED BECAUSE I COULDN'T ACCELERATE AND I CO…
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AFTER I WAS PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE DOORS CLICKED AS IF THEY WERE GOING TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AS THEY NORMALLY DO AT 10 MPH. THE CLICK SOUNDED FUNNY, SO I LOOKED AT THE DOOR LOCKS AND NOTICED THAT THEY HADN'T LOCKED. SOON THEREAFTER, THE BATTERY ON THE CAR STOPPED, WHICH I NOTICED BECAUSE I COULDN'T ACCELERATE AND I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN, WITHOUT A PROBLEM. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND STAYED ON AND I NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS IN THE BACK SEAT OVER THE DOORS STAYED ON THOUGH. I TRAVELED TO MY NEXT STOP AND THE LIGHTS IN THE BACK SEAT WENT OUT. I THEN STARTED TOWARD MY NEXT STOP AND HAD REACHED 25 MPH WHEN THE SIDE AIRBAG IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT EXPLODED. I CALLED THE DEALER TO SEE IF THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, THEY SAID IT WAS. I THEN STARTED DRIVING TO THE DEALER WHEN THE BATTERY CUT OUT AGAIN; I COULD TELL BECAUSE I COULD NOT STEER AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER TO A SAFE SPOT AND CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. WHILE I WAS SITTING IN THE PARKED CAR WITH THE A/C ON WAITING FOR THE TOW TO ARRIVE, THE PASSENGER-SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER SO THEY CAN INVESTIGATE IF THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION. NO, I'M NOT KIDDING, THAT'S WHAT THEY SAID. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10088081
13,880 miles · Jun 3, 2004
Electrical SystemFire
I HAD A VW JETTA 2002 MODEL WITH 13880 MILES. PRIOR TO THAT INCIDENT, I HAD NO ACCIDENT OR TROUBLE. I HAD SERVICE CHECK UP DONE AND THE LAST ONE WAS DONE ON MAR.16, 2004. ON APR.5, I PARKED THE CAR IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARKING LOT. I TOOK OUT THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE CAR WAS STILL SHAKING AND VIBRATING AND THE SOUND WAS GET…
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I HAD A VW JETTA 2002 MODEL WITH 13880 MILES. PRIOR TO THAT INCIDENT, I HAD NO ACCIDENT OR TROUBLE. I HAD SERVICE CHECK UP DONE AND THE LAST ONE WAS DONE ON MAR.16, 2004. ON APR.5, I PARKED THE CAR IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARKING LOT. I TOOK OUT THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE CAR WAS STILL SHAKING AND VIBRATING AND THE SOUND WAS GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER. I CALLED OUT FOR HELP AND THE JANITOR CAME TO OPEN UP THE HOOD. BY THE TIME, THE BURNING SMELL WAS ALL OVER AND THE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT. THE CABLES ATTACHED TO THE BATTERY WAS ON FIRE AND THE BATTERY WAS MELTING. THE JANITOR HAD TO CUT OFF THE CABLES IN ORDER TO STOP THE FIRE. IT WAS TOWED AWAY TO VW SUNNYVALE. AFTER THE INSPECTION, VW SAID THAT THE PROBABLE CAUSE WAS THE SAFETY KEY DEVICE WHICH WAS INSTALLED AT THE BOB LEWIS DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR. THEN THE STARTER DISENGAGED. VW SAID IT WAS AN AFTERMARKET PRODUCT THAT THEIR BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY WON'T COVER THE REPAIR. WHEN WE BOUGHT THIS CAR, IT WAS NEW AND WE REFUSED TO HAVE AN EXTRA SAFETY DEVICE, BUT BOB LEWIS HAD LEFT IT THERE WITHOUT OUR KNOWLEDGE. THEY ALSO DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT MODIFICATION WAS DONE NOR AFTER ANY MODIFICATION. THE CAR WILL NOT BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. NOW THE SUNNYVALE DEALER ESTIMATED THE COST OF REPAIR FOR $14500. MY INSURANCE HAD SENT 2 APPRAISERS AND I AM WAITING FOR THEIR REPORTS. I TRIED TO REACH BOB LEWIS, BUT THEY HAVE NEVER CALLED ME BACK. *LA THE POINT OF ORIGIN WAS IN THE WIRING. THE STARTER DISENGAGED AND THE PROBABLE CAUSE WAS THE AFTER MARKET PRODUCT DUE TO A MODIFICATION ON THE ORIGINAL WIRING. (THE DAMAGE APPEARED TO BE DIRECTLY BELOW THE BATTERY) *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10072373
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
1) TRANSMISSION SLIPS, AND CAUSES A THUD. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 2) LED DISPLAY DISAPPEARS. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM TWICE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 3) BRAKES ARE MUSHY. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE AND NOTHING HAS …
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1) TRANSMISSION SLIPS, AND CAUSES A THUD. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 2) LED DISPLAY DISAPPEARS. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM TWICE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 3) BRAKES ARE MUSHY. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 4) VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH WHEN ACCELERATING. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE. 5) ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON, AND THERE IS PECULIAR SMELL. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10073219
22,334 miles · May 17, 2004
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
MY 2002 VW JETTA, VIN# [XXX] HAS APPROXIMATELY 22,334 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN AT PACIFIC VW SINCE MARCH 18, 2004. THE CONCERN WITH THE VEHICLE, WHICH THE DEALER/FACTORY REPS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REMEDY IS WITH A COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION. *AK WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WILL SLIGHTLY ACCELERATE TO A…
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MY 2002 VW JETTA, VIN# [XXX] HAS APPROXIMATELY 22,334 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN AT PACIFIC VW SINCE MARCH 18, 2004. THE CONCERN WITH THE VEHICLE, WHICH THE DEALER/FACTORY REPS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REMEDY IS WITH A COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION. *AK WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WILL SLIGHTLY ACCELERATE TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH AND THEN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PROPEL FORWARD AT ANY FASTER RATE, EVEN WITH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. ACCELERATION IS RESUMED WHEN THE PEDAL IS BROUGHT UP TO THE TOP AGAIN AND DEPRESSED YET AGAIN TO GET ANY NORMAL TYPE OF ACCELERATION. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT POOR ACCELERATION BUT RATHER AN INABILITY FOR THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN ATTEMPTED TO BE REMEDIED BY MY DEALERSHIP BY REPAIRING/REPLACING THE ECM, TCM, FUEL PUMP, WIRING HARNESS AND A RADIATOR HOSE - THE HOSE WAS DAMAGED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND IS UNRELATED TO THE VEHICLES TRUE CONCERNS. ALL OTHER ITEMS WERE UNSUCCSESSFUL. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN MERGING OR TURNING ONTO TRAFFIC AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THERE IS A HUGE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT IF THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE, EVEN WITH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I FEAR THAT A REAR END ACCIDENT MAY ENSUE IF THIS CONDITION IS NOT FIXED BY VW. I HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE DESPITE MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS AND AN EMAIL NOTIFICATION TO VW. KIND REGARDS, [XXX]. *AK UPDATED 07/30/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #10072758
19,647 miles · Apr 5, 2004
Electrical System
COIL PACK HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES BUT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LOSE POWER AND DRIVE ROUGH. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN AN ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. THIS IS A LEASE. I OFFERED VW THE OPTION OF LETTING ME MAKE ONE CASH PAYMENT TO PAY OUT THE LEASE BUT VW REFUSED TO DO THIS. VW SAI…
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COIL PACK HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES BUT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LOSE POWER AND DRIVE ROUGH. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN AN ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. THIS IS A LEASE. I OFFERED VW THE OPTION OF LETTING ME MAKE ONE CASH PAYMENT TO PAY OUT THE LEASE BUT VW REFUSED TO DO THIS. VW SAID I HAVE TO KEEP THIS CAR UNTIL 90 DAYS BEFORE DUE DATE. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED IN 3 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND DRIVEN IN THREE OTHER TIMES. I NEVER KNOW WHEN I WILL HAVE TO WALK. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10064553
Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
I HAVE A 2002 1.8T VOLKSWAGEN JETTA - I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES. 1)RADIO HAS FAILED TWICE - IN EACH INSTANCE FAULT WAS TRACED TO A FUSE - FOLLOWING RADIO FAILURE I EXPERIENCED REPEATED DEAD BATTERIES UNTIL THE RADIO WAS REPAIRED. 2) ABS FAILURE DETECTED WHEN I WAS GETTING MY RADIO FIXED THE SECOND TIME …
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I HAVE A 2002 1.8T VOLKSWAGEN JETTA - I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES. 1)RADIO HAS FAILED TWICE - IN EACH INSTANCE FAULT WAS TRACED TO A FUSE - FOLLOWING RADIO FAILURE I EXPERIENCED REPEATED DEAD BATTERIES UNTIL THE RADIO WAS REPAIRED. 2) ABS FAILURE DETECTED WHEN I WAS GETTING MY RADIO FIXED THE SECOND TIME 3)VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO START ON TWO OCCASIONS - I WAIT A MINUTE AND TRY AGAIN - IT WORKED 4)MY WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR 5)I EXPERIENCED AN ACTIVATION OF NUMEROUS ENGINE FAULT LIGHTS THAT RESET FOLLOWING ENGINE RESTART 6)THE COATING ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SURFACES PEELS OFF EASILY 7)THE CHROME RING AROUND THE SHIFT KNOW IS PEELING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10048808
34,000 miles · Nov 24, 2003
Electrical SystemPower Train
EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION I PARKED MY CAR AS USUAL. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR, IT STARTED, BUT I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NUMBER. THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO HIT THE BRAKE WIT…
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EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION I PARKED MY CAR AS USUAL. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR, IT STARTED, BUT I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NUMBER. THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO HIT THE BRAKE WITH MY FOOT AS HARD AS POSSIBLE. THIS ALLOWED ME TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR SERVICE. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10047493
6,000 miles · Oct 29, 2003
Electrical SystemSeatsFire
SINCE BUYING MY JETTA NEW IN 2002. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. TWICE THE IGNITION COILS FAILED, AND I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. THEY WOULDN'T REPLACE ALL THE DEFECTIVE COILS THE FIRST TIME. SO, NOW THAT I KNOW MY CAR IS UNRELIABLE, I WON'T BE USING IT FOR LONG TRIPS, WHICH WAS MY MAIN REASON FOR BUYING THE CAR. THEN LAS…
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SINCE BUYING MY JETTA NEW IN 2002. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. TWICE THE IGNITION COILS FAILED, AND I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. THEY WOULDN'T REPLACE ALL THE DEFECTIVE COILS THE FIRST TIME. SO, NOW THAT I KNOW MY CAR IS UNRELIABLE, I WON'T BE USING IT FOR LONG TRIPS, WHICH WAS MY MAIN REASON FOR BUYING THE CAR. THEN LAST NIGHT ON MY WAY DOWN THE ROAD, THE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED A WHOLE IN MY SEAT, NOT TO MENTION WHAT IT DID TO ME AS I WAS DRIVING. THIS CAR JUST SEEMS TOTALLY UNSAFE. FIRST THERE IS NO POWER WHEN THE IGNITION COILS FAIL, THEN THE DRIVER SEAT CATCHES ON FIRE AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. OF COURSE THE DEALER CAN'T GET ME IN UNTIL LATER THIS WEEK.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10043866
61,000 miles · Oct 24, 2003
Electrical System
VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. AFTER PULLING OVER, CAR RESTARTED. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE NOTICED. UPON RETURNING HOME, GLOW PLUG LIGHT LIT TWICE WITH ENGINE BUCKING. DEALER REPLACED GLOW PLUG WIRING HARNESS WITH A NEW PART THAT WAS RELEASED BY VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IN OCTOBER, 2003. VW WOULD NOT WARRANT …
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VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. AFTER PULLING OVER, CAR RESTARTED. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE NOTICED. UPON RETURNING HOME, GLOW PLUG LIGHT LIT TWICE WITH ENGINE BUCKING. DEALER REPLACED GLOW PLUG WIRING HARNESS WITH A NEW PART THAT WAS RELEASED BY VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IN OCTOBER, 2003. VW WOULD NOT WARRANT REPLACEMENT PART OR LABOR. DEALER STATED THIS IS NOT AN UNUSUAL FAILURE. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10043501
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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