NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Equipment complaints
17 reportsClear category filter14,817 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
THIS CAR HAS HAD TOO MANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS TO BE LIMITED TO THIS SMALL SPACE. IT IS CLEARLY A LEMON. THESE PROBLEMS SUBSTANTIALLY IMPAIR THE USE AND VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR RECEIVED A NEW TRANSMISSION YESTERDAY AFTER WE HAD REPORTED 3 PREVIOUS TIMES THAT THERE IT REMAINED IN REVERSE AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. EACH TIME WE…
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THIS CAR HAS HAD TOO MANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS TO BE LIMITED TO THIS SMALL SPACE. IT IS CLEARLY A LEMON. THESE PROBLEMS SUBSTANTIALLY IMPAIR THE USE AND VALUE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR RECEIVED A NEW TRANSMISSION YESTERDAY AFTER WE HAD REPORTED 3 PREVIOUS TIMES THAT THERE IT REMAINED IN REVERSE AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE. EACH TIME WE WERE TOLD IT WAS UNREPRODUCEABLE AND THE COMPLAINT WAS NEVER NOTED ON THE WORK ORDERS. FINALLY, THE DEALERSHIP DID RELENT AND REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. WE ENCOUNTERED THE SAME TYPE OF TREATMENT WITH THE ENGINE BURNING OIL, AND IT WASN'T UNTIL THE ENGINE RAN COMPLETELY OUT OF OIL, THAT THE DEALER WOULD ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME WE HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT THE OIL WAS 2 MONTHS AFTER WE HAD BOUGHT THE CAR!!!
NHTSA ODI #10070890
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
1,000 miles · May 17, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
I HAD BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AND THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FALL INTO THE DOOR FRAME WITHIN A MATTER OF MONTHS. BOTH TIMES THE WINDOWS WERE FIXED, HOWEVER, THEY WERE RELUCTANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS IF IT HAD BEEN MY FAULT. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD AND I DON'T THINK HE APPRECIATES ASPHYXIATION FROM SO MUCH WIND IN HIS FACE ON TH…
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I HAD BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AND THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FALL INTO THE DOOR FRAME WITHIN A MATTER OF MONTHS. BOTH TIMES THE WINDOWS WERE FIXED, HOWEVER, THEY WERE RELUCTANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM AS IF IT HAD BEEN MY FAULT. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD AND I DON'T THINK HE APPRECIATES ASPHYXIATION FROM SO MUCH WIND IN HIS FACE ON THE LONG DRIVES TO THE DEALER TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE PROBLEMS ON THIS CAR, THE CLUTCH GETS STUCK (REPAIRED TWICE), THE SUNROOF TRIM BROKE OFF AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE ENGINE MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING (FIXED TWICE), STEREO SYSTEM SWALLOWED MY CD (TWICE BEFORE NEW SYSTEM INSTALLED), AND AIR CONDITIONING RELEASES AN AWFUL MOLDY SMELL WHEN TURNED ON WHICH DEALER REFUSES TO ATTEMPT TO FIX. BOUGHT CAR IN VALENCIA VOLKSWAGEN IN VALENCIA, CA. SOLUTION SIMPLE, TRADED IN MY 1YR OLD CAR FOR A BETTER CAR, ONE THAT WORKS! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10018863
9,000 miles · Feb 13, 2003
Electrical SystemEquipmentSteering
THE COILS ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS 1.8T ARE BURNING OUT. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA HAS INFORMED ME THAT RATHER THAN REPLACE ALL 4 COILS, I MUST WAIT UNTIL EACH COIL BURNS OUT BEFORE THEY WILL REPLACE IT. I HAVE A LETTER FROM THEM AS WELL STATING THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT CAN NOT DO ANYTHING MORE ABOUT IT DUE TO A LACK…
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THE COILS ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS 1.8T ARE BURNING OUT. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA HAS INFORMED ME THAT RATHER THAN REPLACE ALL 4 COILS, I MUST WAIT UNTIL EACH COIL BURNS OUT BEFORE THEY WILL REPLACE IT. I HAVE A LETTER FROM THEM AS WELL STATING THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT CAN NOT DO ANYTHING MORE ABOUT IT DUE TO A LACK OF COILS IN STOCK. I GUESS THE LETTER IS A WAY TO SHUT THE CUSTOMERS UP. APPARENTLY THIS IS HAPPENING TO OVER 500,000 PEOPLE LAST I HEARD. I WANT THIS COMPLAINT LOGGED AND A PERSONAL NOTE ADDED AND DIRECTED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA (IF POSSIBLE), "I WILL NOT RENEW MY LEASE ON THIS LEMON AND I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN." THE COIL ISSUE IS JUST ONE OF THE ISSUES I'M HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE DATE BELOW IS THE LAST TIME I WENT IN FOR COIL REPLACEMENT AND GOT TO WORK LATE.
NHTSA ODI #10005789
Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2003
EquipmentParking Brake
I STARTED MY CAR TO LEAVE WORK AND WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE THE CAR WOULD NOT BACK UP. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION? I HAD VEHICLE TOWED IN FOR REPAIR TO LOCAL DEALER, THEY REPLACED A SWITCH IN THE ABS SYSTEM THAT WAS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO STICK. AS OF TODAY THE CAR IS BACK AT THE DEALER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IN AUGUST OF …
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I STARTED MY CAR TO LEAVE WORK AND WHEN I PUT IT IN REVERSE THE CAR WOULD NOT BACK UP. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION? I HAD VEHICLE TOWED IN FOR REPAIR TO LOCAL DEALER, THEY REPLACED A SWITCH IN THE ABS SYSTEM THAT WAS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO STICK. AS OF TODAY THE CAR IS BACK AT THE DEALER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IN AUGUST OF 2002 THE SWITCH IN THE BRAKE PEDAL THAT ALLOWS YOU TO PUT THE CAR INTO GEAR HAD WENT OUT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SWITCH AND WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR THE BRAKES WERE GRABING AS I LEFT THE DEALER, I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT BACK AND TOLD THEM IT WAS NOT RIGHT. A MECHANIC AND I ROAD TESTED THE CAR AND HE STOPPED AND PHYSICALLY PULLED UP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE THE BRAKES RELEASE. HE STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THAT EVENING THE CAR DID THE SAME THING WHILE I WAS ON THE INTERSTAE AND CAUSED SUCH A DRAG ON THE WHEELS THAT YOU COULD NOT GO OVER 40MPH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF AT AN EXIT AND PULLED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE IT RELEASE. THE NEXT DAY ON MY WAY TO WORK I HAD THE CAR IN CRUISE CONTROL AND WHEN I TAPPED THE BRAKE FOR CRUISE TO RELEASE, THE BRAKES LOCKED ON THE CAR AGAIN AND I HAD TO PULL UP ON THE BRAKE WITH MY FOOT TO TRY TO GET THEM TO TURN LOOSE. THE CRUISE DID NOT RELEASE, IT GOT STUCK, I HAD TO TURN IT OFF WITH THE SWITCH ON THE STEERING MECHANISIM. I TOLD THE DEALER THAT I WOULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE I FELT THIS PROBLEM WAS DANGEROUS AND THEY HAD IT TOWED FOR SERVICE. THEY STATED THE SWITCH THEY HAD JUST REPLACED THE DAY BEFORE WAS FAULTY. I ASKED THEM TO CHECK THE BEARINGS AND ROTARS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE DUE TO THE BRAKES STICKING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I FEEL ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED TO EACH OTHER AND ONE MAY HAVE BEEN PRECLUDED THE OTHERS. AS I STATED PREVIOUSLY THE CAR IS BACK AT THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND I JUST HAPPEN TO BE 2,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS HAD A WARRANTY RECALL FOR A PART IN THE ABS SYSTEM WHICH WAS DONE AT THE DEALER. THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED AFTER THE RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10005593
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2002
Equipment
OWNERS MANUAL INDICATES THAT SEAT BELT WARNING ON DASHBOARD WILL ILLUMINATE IF SEAT BELTS ARE NOT WORN. HOWEVER, IF SEAT BELTS AREN'T WORN NOTHING WILL FLASH AS A REMINDER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8015892
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2002
Equipment
THIS IS FOLLOW-UP TO A TELEPHONE COMPLAINT FILED 5/13/02 . I WAS TOLD BY CAROLYN THAT I WOULD BE RECEIVING A FORM IN THE MAIL TO SIGN. IT HAS BEEN NEARLY 2 WEEKS AND I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM ANYONE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL #02V031000 FREE OF CHARGE. THEY CLAIM THAT I HAVE TO PAY $78.00 FOR THEM TO CUT A "K-WIRE" SINC…
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THIS IS FOLLOW-UP TO A TELEPHONE COMPLAINT FILED 5/13/02 . I WAS TOLD BY CAROLYN THAT I WOULD BE RECEIVING A FORM IN THE MAIL TO SIGN. IT HAS BEEN NEARLY 2 WEEKS AND I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM ANYONE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL #02V031000 FREE OF CHARGE. THEY CLAIM THAT I HAVE TO PAY $78.00 FOR THEM TO CUT A "K-WIRE" SINCE THE ORIG. RADIO WAS REPLACED WITH A CD PLAYER/RADIO. THE SERVICE MANAGER (ERIC AXFORD) CONFIRMED THIS ON 5/13. I THEN CALLED VOLKSWAGON OF AMERICA WHERE I WAS TOLD BY KARI STADLER THAT THE DEALER COULD CHARGE FOR THE "FREE OF CHARGE" RECALL. THAT IS WHEN I FILED THE COMPLAINT WITH YOU. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE I WHEN I CAN EXPECT THE RECALL TO BE HONORED. THANKS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #762232
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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