NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
104 reportsClear category filter33,000 miles · Jul 7, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE TUBO POWER IN MY VW JETTA 2002 TDI MODEL FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER A TWO YEAR PERIOD. VW DEALER IN MANCHESTER, NH WAS NOT COMPIDENT ENOUGH TO GO BEYOND WHAT THE DIAGNOSIS MACHINE WAS TELLING THEM TO FIX. VW MANUFACTURING WAS MORE THAN RELUCTANT TO COVER COSTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEMS STARTED BEFORE THE …
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THE TUBO POWER IN MY VW JETTA 2002 TDI MODEL FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER A TWO YEAR PERIOD. VW DEALER IN MANCHESTER, NH WAS NOT COMPIDENT ENOUGH TO GO BEYOND WHAT THE DIAGNOSIS MACHINE WAS TELLING THEM TO FIX. VW MANUFACTURING WAS MORE THAN RELUCTANT TO COVER COSTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEMS STARTED BEFORE THE WARRANTY WAS UP
NHTSA ODI #10127842
22,997 miles · Jun 17, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
2002 JETTA WAGON, BOUGHT WITH 16K MILES; NOW HAS 23000. INSPECTION REPORT PROVIDED BY SALES DEALER NOTED THERE WERE NO SIGHTS OF OIL LEAKS, NO VISIBLE SMOKE, NORMAL OIL PRESSURE READINGS, ETC. THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND THE LEVEL CHECKED JUST PRIOR TO PURCHASE. CAR HAS USED 4 QUARTS OF OIL IN 7000 MILES, WITH NO LEAKS OR SP…
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2002 JETTA WAGON, BOUGHT WITH 16K MILES; NOW HAS 23000. INSPECTION REPORT PROVIDED BY SALES DEALER NOTED THERE WERE NO SIGHTS OF OIL LEAKS, NO VISIBLE SMOKE, NORMAL OIL PRESSURE READINGS, ETC. THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND THE LEVEL CHECKED JUST PRIOR TO PURCHASE. CAR HAS USED 4 QUARTS OF OIL IN 7000 MILES, WITH NO LEAKS OR SPRAY AND NO VISIBLE SMOKE. VW DEALERSHIP SAYS TO HAVE THE WARRANTY COVER THIS PROBLEM (60000 MI/4 YEAR WARRANTY), THAT THEY WOULD HAVE CHANGE THE OIL, THEN I MUST BRING IT IN EVERY 1000 MILES FOR THE NEXT FEW THOUSAND MILES TO GET OIL CHECKED, DESPITE THE FACT THAT I HAVE RECEIPTS THAT ESTABLISH THAT THE CAR BURNED 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN APPROXIMATELY 3500 MILES OF DRIVING. THEY SAY IT IS "NORMAL" FOR THIS VEHICLE TO BURN 1 QUART EVERY 3000 MILES. NO VEHICLE WITH ONLY 22000 MILES ON IT SHOULD BE BURNING OIL. I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY OTHER JETTAS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THAT OWNERS ARE ROUTINELY TOLD BY VW IT IS "NORMAL" TO BURN AS MUCH AS 1 QUART PER 1000 MILES. EVEN IF THE CAR WAS "ONLY" BURNING 1 QUART EVERY 3000 MILES, I WOULD CONSIDER THIS A DEFECT, NOT "NORMAL." IT'S BURNING TWICE THAT. MY CONCERN IS THAT VW HAS MANUFACTURED AN ENGINE THAT IS INHERENTLY DEFECTIVE, AND IS TELLING CUSTOMERS THAT IT IS "NORMAL" FOR LOW-MILEAGE JETTAS TO BE BURNING OIL TO AVOID HONORING THE WARRANTY. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THIS PROCESS OF BRINGING IT IN EVERY 1000 MILES IS JUST DESIGNED TO DELAY ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. I ONLY HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES; I WANTED TO HAVE A RECORD OF THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM DEVELOPED PRIOR TO THE END OF THE WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #10125628
Mileage unknown · May 8, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
SEPTEMBER 2002 - LEASED 2002 VW JETTA 1.8T. JULY 2003 - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED PER RECALL. NOVEMBER 2003 - PLUMES OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF TAILPIPE - THEY DETERMINED THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. NOVEMBER 2003 - (A DAY LATER) SMOKE STILL COMING OUT OF TAILPIPE, THEY DETERMINED TH…
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SEPTEMBER 2002 - LEASED 2002 VW JETTA 1.8T. JULY 2003 - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED PER RECALL. NOVEMBER 2003 - PLUMES OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF TAILPIPE - THEY DETERMINED THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. NOVEMBER 2003 - (A DAY LATER) SMOKE STILL COMING OUT OF TAILPIPE, THEY DETERMINED THERE WAS OIL IN THE TURBO, THEY HAD TO REMOVE AND INSTALL NEW TURBO CHARGER AND THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK, THEY HAD TO REMOVE AND INSTALL OIL LINE. NOVEMBER 2003- CAR MAKING WHOOSING NOISE, HAD TO RESCURE LOOSE INTAKE HOSE. MAY 2004 - REPLACE BREAKLIGHT SWITCH PER RECALL. JULY 2004 - DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FELL - HAD TO HAVE BOTH WINDOWS AND CLAMPS REPLACED PER RECALL. (IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AFTER HOURS, MY CAR COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN VANDILIZED, FORTUNATELY IT WAS DURING THE DAY AND I WAS NEAR THE DEALER SO THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THEM WEDGED SHUT BEFORE THEY COULD GET THE CAR IN TO BE FIXED.) JULY 2004 (A DAY LATER) - BATTERY DIED, GOT JUMPED AND WAS TOWED TO SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. NO PROBLEMS FOR ALMOST A YEAR, THOUGHT I WAS HOMEFREE... MAY 2005 - CLACKING NOISE IN ENGINE, SLUDGE ON DIPSTICK AND IN OIL FILL CAP. NO OIL LIGHT OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAME ON. HAD TO ALSO HAVE HAZARD SWITCH REPLACED PER RECALL. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING TO SEE IF THEY WILL COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER MY WARRANTY. MY CAR NEEDS TO HAVE THE OIL PAN REMOVED TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. I WAS NEVER TOLD TO YOU USE SYNETHIC OIL IN MY CAR AND THAT APPARENTLY IS THE CAUSE OF THE SLUDGE PROBLEM. FROM LOOKING ONLINE, IT SEEMS MANY MORE PEOPLE THAN JUST MYSELF HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. VW NEEDS TO RECALL THIS.
NHTSA ODI #10120216
34,000 miles · Apr 17, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE VEHICLE IS A USED 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T, STANDARD TRANSMISSION, 1) THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 08/2004 AND WAS DRIVEN NORMALLY FOR TRANSPORTATION OF MY FAMILY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE.*AK 2) THE CAR BEGAN STALLING FREQUENTLY AT ALL POINTS OF OPERATION. THE ENGINE WOULD SIMPLY …
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THE VEHICLE IS A USED 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T, STANDARD TRANSMISSION, 1) THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 08/2004 AND WAS DRIVEN NORMALLY FOR TRANSPORTATION OF MY FAMILY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE.*AK 2) THE CAR BEGAN STALLING FREQUENTLY AT ALL POINTS OF OPERATION. THE ENGINE WOULD SIMPLY STALL AT SUCH POINTS AS COMEING TO A STOP, ACCELERATING, SLOWING FOR TURN, OR REGULAR DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND SURFACE STREETS. 3) WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE FOUR TIMES OVER FIVE MONTHS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT IS COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY. PARTS REPLACED (FROM EARLIEST TO MOST RECENT VISITS): 1) MASS AIR-FLOW SENSOR, TRANSMISSION RESET; 2) PIPE FROM PCV TO 3-WAY HOSE BY VALVE COVER, 1/2 MOON SEAL BELOW CHAIN ADJUSTER, CAM SEALS, BREATHER VALVE; 3) TURBO RECIRC VALVE; 4) MASS AIR-FLOW METER.
NHTSA ODI #10117993
123,000 miles · Apr 7, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE OIL CRANK CASE DEVELOPED A CRACK, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10117622
59,150 miles · Jan 28, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
(VR6) MY CAR IS A COMMUTER CAR, AND AS I APPROACHED 60000 MILES THE HOSE#1J0121086 THAT PROVIDES WATER TO THE WATER SYSTEM BLEW. MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY, AND HAD TO BE TOWED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. THE HOSE THAT WAS NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH VW IN US OR CANADA. I ORDERED THE HO…
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(VR6) MY CAR IS A COMMUTER CAR, AND AS I APPROACHED 60000 MILES THE HOSE#1J0121086 THAT PROVIDES WATER TO THE WATER SYSTEM BLEW. MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY, AND HAD TO BE TOWED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. THE HOSE THAT WAS NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH VW IN US OR CANADA. I ORDERED THE HOSE FROM GERMANY, AND HAD THE COILS (WHICH WERE DEFECTIVE) REPAIRED BY A VW DEALER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS HAPPENED. ONE WEEK LATER OF DRIVING OFF THE LOT THE HOSE BLEW AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME THE HOSE BLEW I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. I AM PAYING FOR A CAR THAT I HAVE ONLY USED TWO WEEKS IN THE PAST 2-1/2 MONTHS. VW CLAIMS THIS IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS NO DEFECT TO THE ORIGINAL HOSE THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED. HELP!! THIS LAST TIME MY CAR BROKE DOWN I WAS TOLD BY VW TO TOW TO THE NEAREST VW DEALER TO DIAGNOSE. BEING THE NEAREST WAS NOT THE DEALER I ALWAYS SERVICED MY CAR THEY CLAIM THAT THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE SAME SERVICE CENTER FOR THE HISTORY TO BE APPLIED AND CONSIDERED FOR MY ISSUES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10108167
50,000 miles · Dec 29, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteering
THE TORQUE ARM SHEARED OFF. AS A RESULT, AXLE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT BOLTED TO THE FRAME. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND IT STARTED BUCKING AND MAKING A LOT OF NOISE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM GEAR TO GEAR WITHOUT BUCKING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT STEERING COR…
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THE TORQUE ARM SHEARED OFF. AS A RESULT, AXLE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT BOLTED TO THE FRAME. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND IT STARTED BUCKING AND MAKING A LOT OF NOISE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM GEAR TO GEAR WITHOUT BUCKING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT STEERING CORRECTLY. EXHAUST BECAME LOUD. *TC
NHTSA ODI #10103191
6,000 miles · Dec 13, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
VW JETTA 2002. CAR IS 21/2 YRS OLD AND HAS BEEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES. THE IGNITION COIL HAS FAILED 2 TIMES. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE SELONIOD ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALL WERE UNDER WARRANTY. VW NEEDS TO GET THE QUALITY OF THEIR CARS UP TO PAR. ONCE MY LEASE IS DONE I AM TURNING THE CAR IN AND WILL NOT GET …
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VW JETTA 2002. CAR IS 21/2 YRS OLD AND HAS BEEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES. THE IGNITION COIL HAS FAILED 2 TIMES. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE SELONIOD ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALL WERE UNDER WARRANTY. VW NEEDS TO GET THE QUALITY OF THEIR CARS UP TO PAR. ONCE MY LEASE IS DONE I AM TURNING THE CAR IN AND WILL NOT GET ANOTHER VW. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10102851
54,900 miles · Dec 9, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
REPEAT INCIDENTS LEADING TO CONSUMER'S LONG TERM DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. WORRISOME PANEL INDICATOR LIGHTS -- FLASHING: ENGINE WARNING AND GLOW PLUG (DIESEL) LIGHTS WITHIN CURRENT LEASE PERIOD. AFTER FIRST TWO INCIDENTS, THE THIRD (THEN UNDER WARRANTY) WAS FOUND TO BE DUE TO A FACTORY DEFECT. AND REPAIRED?...DEC 7 '04, AT ABOUT 5…
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REPEAT INCIDENTS LEADING TO CONSUMER'S LONG TERM DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. WORRISOME PANEL INDICATOR LIGHTS -- FLASHING: ENGINE WARNING AND GLOW PLUG (DIESEL) LIGHTS WITHIN CURRENT LEASE PERIOD. AFTER FIRST TWO INCIDENTS, THE THIRD (THEN UNDER WARRANTY) WAS FOUND TO BE DUE TO A FACTORY DEFECT. AND REPAIRED?...DEC 7 '04, AT ABOUT 55K -- BLINKING LIGHTS AGAIN. DEALER DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED NO ENGINE PROBLEM (THIS WAS THE SAME RESULT OF THE TWO PREVIOUS BEFORE THE THIRD RESULTED IN A MAJOR WARRANTY REPAIR). THIS HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS AN ACCELERATOR SENSOR FAILURE. (THE PART WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR THREE (3) DAYS; WE ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE "CAREFULLY UNTIL THE PART CAN BE REPLACED.) THIS SENSOR FAILURE IS THEN ONE OF SEVERAL OTHERS IN THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE: THE FUEL GUAGE HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE OR TWICE; THE SEAT HEATER SENSOR JUST, AND OUT-OF-WARRANTY, BURNED A HOLE IN THE FRONT SEAT (THREE WEEKS AWAITING FACTORY REPS 'GET-BACK.'). AN AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEM (LEAK) WAS ALSO NOTED AND REPAIRED AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10102438
6,000 miles · Dec 1, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentVisibility
ENGINE FAILURE, RADIO FAILURE, WINDOW WOULDN'T ROLL BACK UP, VIBRATING SPEAKERS. W SERVICE SHOP FAILED TO CORRECT CONDITIONS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10100842
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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