NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
103 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jul 5, 2007
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages
2002 JETTA WITH A SAFETY RECALL- REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIXED THE RECALL**CC THE VW SERVICE CENTER AND CUSTOMER CARE INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY HAD NO OBLIGATIONS TO PAY FOR TOWING OR ANY OTHER COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING TH…
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2002 JETTA WITH A SAFETY RECALL- REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIXED THE RECALL**CC THE VW SERVICE CENTER AND CUSTOMER CARE INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY HAD NO OBLIGATIONS TO PAY FOR TOWING OR ANY OTHER COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE LAST RECALL REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER HAD EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE LOCKING UP AS A RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE SWITCH. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS UNABLE TO READ THE PANEL. THE CONSUMER STATED IN THE PAST, THE TRUNK LATCH FAILED AS WELL AS A BROKEN BOLT ON THE TRANSMISSION, THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND THE EGR ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DOOR LATCH FAILED BECAUSE THE LOCK SIGNAL WAS NOT WORKING. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR HIS DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE, THIS IS THE 3RD BRAKE SWITCH NOT TO MENTION OVER $800 IN UNWARRANTED CHARGES FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS HOPING THAT THIS CLASSIFIES THE VEHICLE AS A LEMON. THE CONSUMER STATED WOULD LIKE DEALERSHIP TO REVIEW THE OVER CHARGES OR BUYING THE VEHICLE BACK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10195875
61,250 miles · Apr 1, 2007
Power Train
I OWN A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T, SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 2 YEARS AGO I USED TO GET A MINIMAL KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, I ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT AND TRY TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS NORMAL. AFTER THE 1ST YEAR I NOTICED THE KNOCK A LITTLE HARDER BUT PAID NO MIND TO IT BECAUSE DEALER SAID IT WAS NO…
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I OWN A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T, SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 2 YEARS AGO I USED TO GET A MINIMAL KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, I ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT AND TRY TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS NORMAL. AFTER THE 1ST YEAR I NOTICED THE KNOCK A LITTLE HARDER BUT PAID NO MIND TO IT BECAUSE DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL AND VW SAID IT WAS NORMAL, UNTIL THE DAY I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM I WAS HAVING, MOMENTS LATER INSTEAD OF JUST CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION TO ITS FULLEST THEY REPLACED A RECALLED BRAKE SWITCH AND SAID THAT THIS WAS CAUSING THE KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION WITH A BILL OF ALMOST 2,000 DOLLARS I FIGURED FINALLY I GET MY TRANSMISSION TO WORK BETTER BECAUSE I WAS GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF GETTING WHIPLASHED BY THE KNOCK THAT'S HOW BAD IT IS TILL THIS DAY. IN APPROXIMATE TWO DAYS I GET THE SAME KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION AND IM LIKE OH MAN I THOUGHT THEY FIXED THIS PROBLEM, I SPOKE WITH A SERVICE MANAGER WHO SAID "WELL BRING IT IN AGAIN AND IF WE MISSED ANYTHING WE WILL TAKE CARE OF IT AT NO EXTRA CHARGE". I SAID "OK" WELL A FEW HOURS PASSED AND THE DEALER CALLS ME UP AND TELLS ME WELL WE FOUND YOUR PROBLEM BUT IT IS A HEFTY PRICE ON FIXING IT!, I AM THINKING PROB 1,000 BUCKS MORE! WRONG!, HE TELLS ME MY TRANSMISSION IS NO GOOD WE NEED TO REPLACE IT WITH A REBUILT WHICH WILL COST AROUND $3,800 DOLLARS I'M LIKE JESUS CHRIST! IF THEY WOULD'VE STOPPED UP-SELLING ME BS FIXES IN MY CAR I WOULD'VE HAD THE MONEY TO FIX IT! BUT SINCE THIS DAY I HAVEN'T GOT ANY RESOLUTION FOR MY CAR IM STUCK WITH IT UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION BLOWS ON IT! PLEASE FOLLOW LINK TO READ OTHER PEOPLES ISSUES THAT ARE SIMILAR TO MINE AT HTTP://WWW.LEMONLAWCLAIMS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN%20 TOUAREG 20% TRANSMISSION 20% PROBLEMS.HTM (THAT'S THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING WITH MY CAR WHY ISN'T VW DOING ANY RECALLS ON THIS????) COUNTING DUE TO OWNING WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A LEMON!, VW NEEDS TO RECALL FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10186653
74,900 miles · Jan 19, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
IN APRIL 2006 WE PURCHASED A 2002 VW JETTA FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. THE CAR HAD 65,000 MILES. SHE WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR AND HAD TAKEN METICULOUS CARE OF THE CAR. WE HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS DATING BACK TO IT'S ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IT HAD BEEN IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED TUNEUPS. VW OFFERS A 60,000 MILE OR 5 YEAR WARRANTY O…
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IN APRIL 2006 WE PURCHASED A 2002 VW JETTA FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. THE CAR HAD 65,000 MILES. SHE WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR AND HAD TAKEN METICULOUS CARE OF THE CAR. WE HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS DATING BACK TO IT'S ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IT HAD BEEN IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED TUNEUPS. VW OFFERS A 60,000 MILE OR 5 YEAR WARRANTY ON THE DRIVE TRAIN. IN NOVEMBER 2006 THE RADIATOR WARNING APPEARED ON THE DASH. WE TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIMED THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WERE MIXING AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO HE TRANSMISSION. ESTIMATED COST OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION $5,890. THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC NEVER STATED WHAT CAUSED THE MIXING FLUIDS AND WOULD NOT SPECULATE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC. HE WAS ABLE TO ISOLATED THE PROBLEM WITHIN 20 MINUTES. THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS LEAKING ALLOWING THE TWO FLUIDS TO CO-MINGLE. AS A RESULT OF THE MIXING FLUIDS, THE BELTS, HOSES, RADIATOR, AND TRANSMISSION ARE ALL SEVERELY DAMAGED. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS SEALED WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND IS NEVER MEANT TO BE CHANGED. IT'S POSITION IS PROTECTED FROM ANY ROAD DEBRIS AND NO QUALITY OF HOW THE CAR WAS DRIVEN WOULD EFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS PART. IT'S HIS OPINION THAT THE PART HAD A MANUFACTURED DEFECT. SINCE THE CAR WAS ORIGINALLY DIAGNOSED IN NOVEMBER IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN. WE ARE CURRENTLY AWAITING AN APPEAL TO THE VW AMERICA.
NHTSA ODI #10179105
53,400 miles · Aug 31, 2006
EquipmentPower Train
I OWN A 2002 VW JETTA GLI, AND IT HAS MERELY 54,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS COME IN STANDARD TRANSMISSION, AND WE BOUGHT IT WHEN IT WAS ISSUED AS NEW. AS I WAS ON MY WAY HOME HEADING TOWARDS NEW JERSEY, FROM NEW YORK. MY CLUTCH PEDAL BEGAN TO LOOSEN UP. I TRIED SWITCHING FROM 3RD GEAR TO 4TH, AND THE CLUTCH LOOSELY WENT TO THE FLOOR…
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I OWN A 2002 VW JETTA GLI, AND IT HAS MERELY 54,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS COME IN STANDARD TRANSMISSION, AND WE BOUGHT IT WHEN IT WAS ISSUED AS NEW. AS I WAS ON MY WAY HOME HEADING TOWARDS NEW JERSEY, FROM NEW YORK. MY CLUTCH PEDAL BEGAN TO LOOSEN UP. I TRIED SWITCHING FROM 3RD GEAR TO 4TH, AND THE CLUTCH LOOSELY WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND IT WOULD NOT POP BACK UP. AS MY CAR ROLLED ON THE BRIDGE, IT STAYED IN NEUTRAL. HENCE, I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. NOW I HAVE BEEN READING OTHER FORUMS AND THEY HAVE GOTTEN THE SAME ISSUE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10167127
97,347 miles · Aug 18, 2006
Power Train
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THE SHIFTER BECAME STUCK IN PARK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LOCK SHIFT TWICE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS AND THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI #10165910
65,000 miles · Apr 26, 2006
Power Train
2002 JETTA GLS AUTOMATIC CARS. THE SIDE BUTTON YOU PUSH ON THE SHIFT HANDLE GETS STUCK IN AND DOESN'T POP OUT. THIS CAUSES ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY OR CAN ACCIDENTALLY SHIFT INTO ANOTHER GEAR IF IT DOESN'T POP OUT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10156108
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2006
Power Train
OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, IT DOES NOT FULLY RETURN TO IT NORMAL POSITION. THIS OFTEN OCCURS WHEN SITTING AT A LONG RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN AND I ATTEMPT TO RELEASE THE CLUTCH IT REMAINS DEPRESSED, RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL. THIS POSSES A DANGER BECAUSE STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE CAN…
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OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, IT DOES NOT FULLY RETURN TO IT NORMAL POSITION. THIS OFTEN OCCURS WHEN SITTING AT A LONG RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN AND I ATTEMPT TO RELEASE THE CLUTCH IT REMAINS DEPRESSED, RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL. THIS POSSES A DANGER BECAUSE STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS, BY PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM ACCELERATING TO AVOID COLLISION. I HAVE TAKEN THE MY AUTO IN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR ON 4 OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED, THE SECOND TIME THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER WAS RE-BLED, AND THE 3RD & 4TH TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT THE CLUTCH WAS PERFORMING WITHIN VW SPECIFICATIONS BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10151082
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2006
Power Train
EARLY CLUTCH FAILURE. WE JUST REPLACED THE CLUTCH ON 2002 JETTA AT 51,000 MILES. SHE OWNED OTHER MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS AND DID NOT REPLACE THE CLUTCH THIS EARLY WITH ONE EXCEPTION, A VOLKSWAGEN, FOX. WAS THIS A PATTERN, MAYBE . *AK
NHTSA ODI #10148520
66,500 miles · Jan 13, 2006
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION BROKE ON MY 2002 JETTA TDI (AUTOMATIC) WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE U.S. MARINE CORPS BASE, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA. IT ONLY HAS 66,500 MILES ON IT. I BELIEVE THE DESERT VW DEALERSHIP IS RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE THEY DID NOT CHECK THE TRANSMISSION THOROUGHLY AS I REQUESTED TWO MONTHS AGO. VW AMERICA IS NOT HELPI…
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THE TRANSMISSION BROKE ON MY 2002 JETTA TDI (AUTOMATIC) WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE U.S. MARINE CORPS BASE, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA. IT ONLY HAS 66,500 MILES ON IT. I BELIEVE THE DESERT VW DEALERSHIP IS RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE THEY DID NOT CHECK THE TRANSMISSION THOROUGHLY AS I REQUESTED TWO MONTHS AGO. VW AMERICA IS NOT HELPING ME AT ALL WITH MY REQUEST TO HAVE THIS REVIEWED BY THEM. THE DEALERS TELL ME TO CALL VW AMERICA AND VW AMERICA TELLS ME TO CALL THE DEALERS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10147673
20,241 miles · Oct 13, 2005
Power Train
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8L TURBO. MY FIRST CLUTCH STARTED SLIPPING AT 17K MILES, FINALLY REPLACED AT 20K. I FOUGHT WITH VW AND THEY ACTUALLY PAID FOR IT BECAUSE I HAD BROUGHT IT IN ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND NO ONE COULD FIND OR ADMIT TO A PROBLEM. NOW AGAIN AT 39K IT HAS STARTED SLIPPING AND IS NOW AT 41K.…
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I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8L TURBO. MY FIRST CLUTCH STARTED SLIPPING AT 17K MILES, FINALLY REPLACED AT 20K. I FOUGHT WITH VW AND THEY ACTUALLY PAID FOR IT BECAUSE I HAD BROUGHT IT IN ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND NO ONE COULD FIND OR ADMIT TO A PROBLEM. NOW AGAIN AT 39K IT HAS STARTED SLIPPING AND IS NOW AT 41K. I AM DUE TO CHANGE IT ANY TIME. I AM ONCE AGAIN CALLING VW TRYING TO ARRANGE THEM TO TAKE CARE OF THE COST. I AM HOPING THEY WILL PAY FOR IT AS THE HAVE QUOTED ME $2200 TO FIX. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET & FOUND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AND REPLACING THE CLUTCH ISN'T A PERMANENT FIX AND MOST PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR IT. THEY HAVE BEEN BLAMING THE DRIVERS FOR POOR DRIVING SKILLS. MEANWHILE THEY ARE PUTTING MANY PEOPLE IN DANGER BECAUSE ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR WHEN YOUR CLUTCH DECIDES TO POP/ FAIL. ESPECIALLY ON THE FREEWAY. INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. ANYWAYS, MOST PEOPLE SAY THAT OIL IN THE FLYWHEEL IS LEAKING OUT SATURATING THE CLUTCH DISK CAUSING IT TO SLIP & EVEN BREAK UP. THEREFORE VERY EARLY BREAKDOWN AND SOMETIMES IMMEDIATE/ UNEXPECTED CLUTCH FAILURE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10139536
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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