NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Seats complaints
101 reportsClear category filter34,700 miles · Jan 2, 2005
SeatsFireInjury
ON THE MORNING OF 12/15/04, BEFORE GOING TO WORK, I STARTED MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TO WARM UP. I ALSO TURNED ON THE SEAT WARMER TO ITS HIGHEST SETTING (5). ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER I GOT IN THE CAR TO GO TO WORK. I WAS ABOUT 1.5 MILES FROM MY HOUSE WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THEN I FELT A SHARP PAIN IN MY LEFT LEG. WHEN I …
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ON THE MORNING OF 12/15/04, BEFORE GOING TO WORK, I STARTED MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TO WARM UP. I ALSO TURNED ON THE SEAT WARMER TO ITS HIGHEST SETTING (5). ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER I GOT IN THE CAR TO GO TO WORK. I WAS ABOUT 1.5 MILES FROM MY HOUSE WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THEN I FELT A SHARP PAIN IN MY LEFT LEG. WHEN I PUT MY HAND IN BETWEEN MY LEG AND THE CAR SEAT, I GOT A TAR-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON MY HAND. I THEN REALIZED THAT THE SEAT WARMER MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS MELTING MY SEAT! IT MELTED SYNTHENTIC ONTO MY WOOL COAT AND PANTS, AS WELL AS MY SKIN. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF WITHOUT HAVING TO GO TO THE ER. I CONTACTED A SERVICE MANAGER AT METRO VW IN IRVING TX. HE SAID HE COULD HELP ME FIX THE SEAT, BUT TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE REGARDING THE OTHER DAMAGES. HE ADDED THAT C.S. WOULD ACT LIKE THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, BUT HE KNEW IT WAS A REGULAR PROBLEM. C.S. DID OFFER TO HAVE MY SEAT FIXED AS WELL AS REPLACE MY COAT, BUT WHEN I MENTIONED A RECALL SO THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN TO OTHERS, THEY SAID IT WAS NOT FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE, AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT MANDATING A RECALL, SO THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10104932
46,950 miles · Dec 27, 2004
SeatsFire
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IN MY 2002 VW JETTA GLS 1.8T BEGAN SMOLDERING THIS MORNING. I STARTED MY CAR TO WARM IT UP AND BEGAN TO CLEAN THE SNOW FROM THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN I ENTERED THE CAR I NOTICED A STRONG "BURNING" SMELL. I QUICKLY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS SMOKING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE BURNING BY TUR…
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THE DRIVER'S SEAT IN MY 2002 VW JETTA GLS 1.8T BEGAN SMOLDERING THIS MORNING. I STARTED MY CAR TO WARM IT UP AND BEGAN TO CLEAN THE SNOW FROM THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN I ENTERED THE CAR I NOTICED A STRONG "BURNING" SMELL. I QUICKLY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS SMOKING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE BURNING BY TURNING OFF THE HEATED SEAT AND PUTTING SNOW ON THE AREA. I WAS SURE IT WAS THE HEATED SEAT WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO BURN BECAUSE A PORTION OF THE HEATING ELEMENT IS EXPOSED AND IT WAS SPARKING. I NOW HAVE A HOLE THE SIZE OF A PENNY ON THE SEAT.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10104536
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2004
SeatsFire
WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BURNED. ALSO, DRIVER'S COAT WAS BURNED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK ......*AK
NHTSA ODI #10105186
61,900 miles · Dec 20, 2004
SeatsFire
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. MY BOY FRIEND WAS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT FOR A MAXIMUM OF 5 MINUTES WHEN THE SEAT HEATER BURNT A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT, HIS JEANS, AND LEFT A SMOKING BLACK RING IN HIS LEATHER WALLET. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE, IT JUST HAPPENED. SO, NOW I HAVE AN EXPENSIVE CAR SEAT, JEAN…
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I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. MY BOY FRIEND WAS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT FOR A MAXIMUM OF 5 MINUTES WHEN THE SEAT HEATER BURNT A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT, HIS JEANS, AND LEFT A SMOKING BLACK RING IN HIS LEATHER WALLET. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE, IT JUST HAPPENED. SO, NOW I HAVE AN EXPENSIVE CAR SEAT, JEANS, AND A WALLET THAT ARE RUINED. THE SEAT WILL COST MORE THAN SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX AND THE JEANS AND WALLET ANOTHER COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPLACE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED TWO DEALERS, ONE WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND ANOTHER WHERE I CURRENTLY RESIDE, AND BOTH ARE SAYING THAT IT WILL NOT BE FIXED BECAUSE MY CAR IS 2,000 MILES OVER ITS WARRANTY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN'S CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AND THEY HAVE OFFERED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE JEANS AND WALLET, BUT NOTHING FOR THE SEAT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT A NORMAL "WEAR AND TEAR" PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE FULLY COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10104168
40,800 miles · Dec 14, 2004
SeatsFire
THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF MY 2002 VW JETTA VR6 BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER AND LEFT A QUARTER SIZE BURN HOLE IN THE SEAT OF MY CAR AND THE SEAT OF MY PANTS. FORTUNATELY MY WALLET FORMED A BARRIER BETWEEN ME AND THE HEAT SOURCE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A VW DEALER IN MASSACHUSETTS AND I AM CURRENTLY WAITING FOR A NE…
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THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF MY 2002 VW JETTA VR6 BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER AND LEFT A QUARTER SIZE BURN HOLE IN THE SEAT OF MY CAR AND THE SEAT OF MY PANTS. FORTUNATELY MY WALLET FORMED A BARRIER BETWEEN ME AND THE HEAT SOURCE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A VW DEALER IN MASSACHUSETTS AND I AM CURRENTLY WAITING FOR A NEW SEAT CUSHION AND HEATER ELEMENT. IF ANYONE SHOULD ASK WHAT REALLY "BURNS ME UP", I TELL THEM THE SEAT OF MY VW JETTA. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10102941
35,101 miles · Dec 12, 2004
Seats
I USED THE HEATED SEAT FEATURE ON MY 2002 VW JETTA. 12-11-04, I NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT. I PLACED MY FINGER OVER IT AND BURNT MY FINGER. I ALSO HAVE A GOOD JACKET THAT HAS A BURN MARK ON IT. I WILL BE CONTACTING MY VW DEALERSHIP ON 12-13-04 TO LET THEM KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE THEM REPLACE MY SE…
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I USED THE HEATED SEAT FEATURE ON MY 2002 VW JETTA. 12-11-04, I NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT. I PLACED MY FINGER OVER IT AND BURNT MY FINGER. I ALSO HAVE A GOOD JACKET THAT HAS A BURN MARK ON IT. I WILL BE CONTACTING MY VW DEALERSHIP ON 12-13-04 TO LET THEM KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE THEM REPLACE MY SEAT AND COAT! I THINK THE FACT THAT THE NHTSA IS WAITING FOR A FATALITY OR TWO BEFORE MAKING THIS A RECALL IS JUST RIDICULOUS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10102777
56,000 miles · Dec 12, 2004
SeatsVisibilityInjury
SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED, BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT AND BURNED ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I SAFELY PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS ALSO MALFUNCTIONED, BURNING THE LEATHER SEAT AND ONCE AGAIN, BURNED ME. ALSO, THE SUNROOF HAS PLASTIC GUIDES THAT KEEP BREAKING, I HAVE HAD THESE PLASTIC COM…
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SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED, BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT AND BURNED ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I SAFELY PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS ALSO MALFUNCTIONED, BURNING THE LEATHER SEAT AND ONCE AGAIN, BURNED ME. ALSO, THE SUNROOF HAS PLASTIC GUIDES THAT KEEP BREAKING, I HAVE HAD THESE PLASTIC COMPONENTS REPLACED THREE TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2002, AND I DON'T USE MY SUNROOF THAT OFTEN, PROBABLY LESS THAN 30 TIMES/YEAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10102765
37,000 miles · Dec 10, 2004
SeatsFireInjury
VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH HEATED SEATS WHICH MALFUNCTIONED. THE HEAT COILS BURNED STRAIGHT THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SEAT, CAUSING SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO THE DRIVER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10103544
56,000 miles · Dec 9, 2004
SeatsFire
PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVE AT WORK. I SMELT SOMETHING, LIKE BURNING. I PUT CAR IN PARK. FELT BURNING SENSATION ON UPPER LEFT THIGH/ BUTT. LOOKED DOWN AND THERE WAS A GROWING HOLE WITH SMALL FLAME. I TURNED OFF MY CAR, NOTICED MY JEANS WERE BURNT, JUMPED OUT, AND THE SMALL FLAME WAS STILL VISIBLE IN THE HOLE. ONCE I FIGURED OUT IT …
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PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVE AT WORK. I SMELT SOMETHING, LIKE BURNING. I PUT CAR IN PARK. FELT BURNING SENSATION ON UPPER LEFT THIGH/ BUTT. LOOKED DOWN AND THERE WAS A GROWING HOLE WITH SMALL FLAME. I TURNED OFF MY CAR, NOTICED MY JEANS WERE BURNT, JUMPED OUT, AND THE SMALL FLAME WAS STILL VISIBLE IN THE HOLE. ONCE I FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE SEAT HEATER I TURNED OFF THE SWITCH WICH WAS ONLY SET AT 2 OUT OF 5 LEVELS. ONLY THEN, WHEN BOTH MY CAR AND SEAT HEATER SWITCH OFF DID IT DIE OUT. TOOK DIRECTLY TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT AND USED "UPDATED PART" BUT WOULD NOT EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THIS MEANT OR WHAT THEY DID. THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME INFORMATION OR CLAIM THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10102468
28,750 miles · Dec 7, 2004
SeatsFireInjury
MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2002 JETTA GLS 1.8T WITH HEATED SEATS. WHILE DRIVING I FELT MY LEG GETTING EXTREMELY HOT AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND A HOLE IN MY PANTS AND A HOLE IN MY DRIVER'S SEAT. THE SEAT WAS STILL SMOKING WHEN I PULLED OVER. MY WIFE TURNED OFF THE HEATED SEATS AND THE SEAT STOPPED SMOKI…
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MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2002 JETTA GLS 1.8T WITH HEATED SEATS. WHILE DRIVING I FELT MY LEG GETTING EXTREMELY HOT AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND A HOLE IN MY PANTS AND A HOLE IN MY DRIVER'S SEAT. THE SEAT WAS STILL SMOKING WHEN I PULLED OVER. MY WIFE TURNED OFF THE HEATED SEATS AND THE SEAT STOPPED SMOKING. I CONTACTED TWO VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIPS AND THEY STATED THEY WERE AWARE OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENING TOVOLKSWAGENS BEFORE. THIS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE CAR, MY PANTS, A MINOR BURN TO MY LEG, AND CAUSED ME TO QUESTION THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10102321
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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