NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
46 reportsClear category filter39,000 miles · Aug 16, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING ON A SLIGHT DOWNGRADE, DURING CLEAR WETHER, ON A DRY ROAD, MY BRAKES LOCKED UP. THIS WAS PRECEEDED BY A LOUD DECOMPRESSING SOUND, IMMEDIATELY AFTER WHICH THE BRAKE PETAL WENT TO THE FLOOR OF ITS ON VOLITION. MY FOOT WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE BREAK PETAL. THIS CAUSED ME TO SKID ON THE DRY PAVEMENT AND LEFT ME EXTREMELY…
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WHILE DRIVING ON A SLIGHT DOWNGRADE, DURING CLEAR WETHER, ON A DRY ROAD, MY BRAKES LOCKED UP. THIS WAS PRECEEDED BY A LOUD DECOMPRESSING SOUND, IMMEDIATELY AFTER WHICH THE BRAKE PETAL WENT TO THE FLOOR OF ITS ON VOLITION. MY FOOT WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE BREAK PETAL. THIS CAUSED ME TO SKID ON THE DRY PAVEMENT AND LEFT ME EXTREMELY CLOSE TO A DITCH. AS SOON AS THE CAR STOPPED MOVING THE BRAKES RETURNED TO NORMAL. THIS OCCURED TWICE MORE DURING THE MILE TO MY HOME. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. "NO FAULT CODES" WERE IN THE COMPUTERS MEMORY. INITIAL DIAGNOSIS - INTERMITTENT OCCURANCE OF AN UNKNOWN NATURE. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THIS OCCURED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY I MAY HAVE BEEN STRUCK IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, INJURED OR DIED AND NO-ONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS A BRAKE MALFUNCTION. MY CONCERNS WERE HEEDED AND A TECH WAS ASSIGNED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME THAT EVE. THE BRAKE LOCK-UP OCCURED SEVERAL TIMES TO HIM WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY. IT WAS ONCE AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE REPLACING THE BRAKE BOOSTER BUT ARE NOT SURE THIS IS THE EXACT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED TO SAY THE LEAST. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE. IS THERE A RECALL OR INVESTIGATION? ARE THERE DEATHS ATTRIBUTED TO THIS FAILURE? COULD THERE BE UNREPORTED DEATHS DUE TO THIS DEFECT? WHY WAS THERE NO FAULT IN THE COMPUTER? VEHICLE BEING REPAIRED @ SPEEDCRAFT VW, WAKEFIELD, RI, (401) 783-3303. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10086927
25,000 miles · Jul 16, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. I HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED DUE TO VIBRATION. EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS 40% OF THE PADS LEFT THE FRONT ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ROTARS ON THE JETTA ARE LIGHTER/THINNER AND WITH A COMBINATION OF HARDER BRAKE PADS IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR THE ROTARS TO WARP WITH HEAVY CITY DRIVING. IT I…
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I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. I HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED DUE TO VIBRATION. EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS 40% OF THE PADS LEFT THE FRONT ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ROTARS ON THE JETTA ARE LIGHTER/THINNER AND WITH A COMBINATION OF HARDER BRAKE PADS IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR THE ROTARS TO WARP WITH HEAVY CITY DRIVING. IT IS NOT UNCOMMON TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE ROTORS WITH THE VERY FIRST BRAKE JOB. I WAS TOLD THAT WITH SUBSEQUENT BRAKE REPAIRS THE REPLACEMENT ROTORS PROBABLY COULD BE TURNED AND NOT NEED CHANGED. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS ISSUE WITH THE FACTORY ROTORS AND/OR PAD MATCH. A FIRST TIME BRAKE JOB SHOULD NOT REQUIRE ROTOR REPLACEMENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10081195
61,800 miles · Jul 8, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10081555
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
1) TRANSMISSION SLIPS, AND CAUSES A THUD. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 2) LED DISPLAY DISAPPEARS. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM TWICE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 3) BRAKES ARE MUSHY. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE AND NOTHING HAS …
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1) TRANSMISSION SLIPS, AND CAUSES A THUD. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 2) LED DISPLAY DISAPPEARS. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM TWICE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 3) BRAKES ARE MUSHY. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 4) VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH WHEN ACCELERATING. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE. 5) ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON, AND THERE IS PECULIAR SMELL. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10073219
28,000 miles · May 23, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructure
VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. DEALERSHIP SAID IT HAD TO DO WITH A BRAKE SWITCH RECALL AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. WHEN VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AFTER REPAIR, BRAKES FELT DIFFERENTLY, BUT WORKED. A WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE BRAKE PEDAL STUCK AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 50MPH. THE DEALE…
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VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. DEALERSHIP SAID IT HAD TO DO WITH A BRAKE SWITCH RECALL AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. WHEN VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AFTER REPAIR, BRAKES FELT DIFFERENTLY, BUT WORKED. A WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE BRAKE PEDAL STUCK AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 50MPH. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS BAD AND WILL REPLACE IT. OTHER PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE ARM REST BREAKING THREE TIMES, WINDOW MECHANICS NEEDED REPLACED, DOOR LEAKS, AND COVER ON PLASTIC INTERIOR PEELING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10073030
94,000 miles · Mar 10, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AT THE DESIRED STOPPING POINT. MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED TWICE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10062904
52,000 miles · Feb 13, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
IN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE USED TO STOP. AFTER PUMPING THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES PARTIAL BRAKING WAS RESTORED. UPON EXAMINATION BY THE LOCAL DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VACCUM PUMP HAD FAILED AND THE VACCUUM HOSES WERE FULL OF HOLES. THE CAR IS A 2002 VW JETTA …
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IN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE USED TO STOP. AFTER PUMPING THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES PARTIAL BRAKING WAS RESTORED. UPON EXAMINATION BY THE LOCAL DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VACCUM PUMP HAD FAILED AND THE VACCUUM HOSES WERE FULL OF HOLES. THE CAR IS A 2002 VW JETTA TDI (DEISEL) AND HAD 52000 MILES AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. AT 50000 MILES THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AT THE DEALER ACCORDING TO VW SPECIFICATIONS AND THE DEFECT WAS OVERLOOKED. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA FAILS TO UNDERSTAND THE SERIOUS NATURE OF THIS PROBLEM AND FAILS TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE MANY OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD FACING THE SAME SERIOUS DANGEROUS CONDITION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10058106
Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2004
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SKID INTO A TREE. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10053496
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
30,000 miles · Aug 7, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, THE PEDAL "SHOT" ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, WHICH LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH NO BRAKING ABILITY. THE PEDAL EVENTUALLY RECOVERED AND CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT FOR SAFETY. WHILE PARKING, THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THE PEDAL "SHOT" TO THE FLOOR A SECOND…
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WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, THE PEDAL "SHOT" ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, WHICH LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH NO BRAKING ABILITY. THE PEDAL EVENTUALLY RECOVERED AND CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT FOR SAFETY. WHILE PARKING, THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THE PEDAL "SHOT" TO THE FLOOR A SECOND TIME. DEALER HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. ON THE WAY HOME, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER RAN INTO THE DITCH. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10027294
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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