NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
19 reportsClear category filter172,000 miles · Apr 5, 2016
Electrical SystemStructureFireInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE WINDOWS WERE STEAMING. IN ADDITION, THE DASHBOARD WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURNED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE WINDOWS WERE STEAMING. IN ADDITION, THE DASHBOARD WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURNED HAND INJURY, BUT DID NOT NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
NHTSA ODI #10853472
145,000 miles · Jun 17, 2013
Structure
I PARKED MY CAR AT THE BWI AIRPORT AND THERE WAS A CONCRETE STOP APPROXIMATELY 10" TALL AND THE FRONT BUMPER WAS CAUGHT ON IT AND WHEN I REVERSED IT TORE THE BUMPER FROM THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED 8 YEARS AGO AND I REPLACED THE FENDER FOR ABOUT $400,NOW VW WANTS $1188.50. I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. [XXX…
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I PARKED MY CAR AT THE BWI AIRPORT AND THERE WAS A CONCRETE STOP APPROXIMATELY 10" TALL AND THE FRONT BUMPER WAS CAUGHT ON IT AND WHEN I REVERSED IT TORE THE BUMPER FROM THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED 8 YEARS AGO AND I REPLACED THE FENDER FOR ABOUT $400,NOW VW WANTS $1188.50. I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520057
Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2008
Structure
MY 2002 VW JETTA 4 DOOR HAS THIS SUBSTANCE WHICH THEY USED TO BLOCK HEAT AND DEADEN THE NOISE FROM OUTSIDE, HOWEVER WHEN IT GETS HOT IT RUNS OUT OF THE HOLES IN THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND HAS AN AWFUL SMELL SOMETHING LIKE THAT OF MELTED CRAYONS, AND THE ODOR ATTACHES TO THE OCCUPANTS IN A MATTER OF MINUTES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10232196
88,100 miles · Dec 8, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
VOLKSWAGENS USE OF CHEAP PLASTICS ON THE OIL STICK OF MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CAUSED PLASTIC FROM THE OIL STICK TO FALL INTO MY MOTOR AND CAUSE MOTOR DAMAGE INCLUDING AN OIL LEAK AND EURASIAN AUTO SERVICE IN PANAMA CITY ALREADY HAS A VW PRODUCT THAT IS BROKEN DOWN IN THEIR SHOP, AND EVEN VOLKSWAGENS OWN SERVICE MANAGER IN PANAM…
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VOLKSWAGENS USE OF CHEAP PLASTICS ON THE OIL STICK OF MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CAUSED PLASTIC FROM THE OIL STICK TO FALL INTO MY MOTOR AND CAUSE MOTOR DAMAGE INCLUDING AN OIL LEAK AND EURASIAN AUTO SERVICE IN PANAMA CITY ALREADY HAS A VW PRODUCT THAT IS BROKEN DOWN IN THEIR SHOP, AND EVEN VOLKSWAGENS OWN SERVICE MANAGER IN PANAMA CITY, MIKE BOATWRIGHT, TOLD VW THEY SHOULD AUTHORIZE HIM TO MAKE THE REPAIRS BUT THEY REFUSED, THE OSTENSIBLY LOWEST BID PLASTICS USED FOR THE 2002 VW'S ALSO CAUSED MIKE BOATWRIGHT TO ASK THAT VW REPLACE MY HEADLIGHT LENSES AS THEY ARE CREATING A TRAFFIC HAZARD, AND NOT ONLY IS THIS NATIONWIDE, BUT MALLORY HORNE OF THE FLORIDA DMV WHO REFERRED ME TO YOU WROTE TO ME THAT " YOUR COMPLAINT HAS NOT FALLEN ON DEAF EARS, I JUST GOT RID OF MY VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FOR THE SAME HEADLIGHT PROBLEM" AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO MAIL YOU A COPY IN SUPPORT OF MY COMPLAINT, ALSO WALMART'S SERVICE MANAGER IN CALLAWAY FLORIDA IS THE PERSON WHO FOUND THAT MY CAR IS NOW LEAKING OIL DUE TO VOLKSWAGEN FAILING TO REPAIR THE MOTOR AND HE SAYS THAT HE SAW THE SAME VOLKSWAGEN PROBLEM IN NEW ENGLAND AT HIS PREVIOUS JOB (SCOTT). ALSO THE CHEAP PLASTICS USED ON MY CAR THAT CAUSED THESE SAFETY TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS, WERE USED ON THE GLOVE BOX LOCK WHICH IS BROKEN AND THE RADIO AERIAL WHICH IS BROKEN. THE FIRST 2002 VW I WAS GIVEN BROKE DOWN IN TRAFFIC IN THE DARK AND WAS EXCHANGED THE FOLLOWING DAY. SO THERE ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH WITNESSES THAT THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTAS SHOULD BE RECALLED, ME, JERRY P CARROLL, MIKE BOATWRIGHT, REGGIE AT EURASIAN, MALLORY HORNE, AND SCOTT AT WALMART, IN ADDITION THERE ARE MANY STUDENTS AT MY COLLEGE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WHO ARE IN HOPE THAT YOU WILL HELP THEM ALSO. BREAKING DOWN IN TRAFFIC WITH LIMITED HEADLIGHTS IS A NATIONAL SAFETY CRISIS, AS FAR AS DEATHS AND INJURIES, ENTERING ZERO ONLY MEANS THAT VW HAS MANAGED SO FAR TO CONCEAL ANY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10211227
65,000 miles · Nov 8, 2007
StructureUnknown Or Other
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE VEHICLE DOOR, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SMELLED LIKE MELTED CRAYONS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE SMELL ORIGINATED FROM THE CARPETING AND THE SOUNDPROOFING MATERIAL IN THE DOOR AND THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE VEHICLE DOOR, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SMELLED LIKE MELTED CRAYONS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE SMELL ORIGINATED FROM THE CARPETING AND THE SOUNDPROOFING MATERIAL IN THE DOOR AND THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ODOR. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK AND WASHED THE COILS; HOWEVER, THEY TOO COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,800 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA ODI #10208432
75,000 miles · Nov 6, 2007
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SEEMINGLY SHUT PROPERLY WHEN AT A STOP. ASIDE FROM THE LOUD ROAD NOISE, THE "DOOR'S AJAR" DING WOULD STARTLE ME, PARTICULARLY WHEN AT HIGH SPEED ON THE (RELATIVELY SMOOTH) HIGHWAYS. I HAVE TO SLAM THE DOOR SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO GET THE DINGING TO STOP. …
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THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CAME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING AND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SEEMINGLY SHUT PROPERLY WHEN AT A STOP. ASIDE FROM THE LOUD ROAD NOISE, THE "DOOR'S AJAR" DING WOULD STARTLE ME, PARTICULARLY WHEN AT HIGH SPEED ON THE (RELATIVELY SMOOTH) HIGHWAYS. I HAVE TO SLAM THE DOOR SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO GET THE DINGING TO STOP. WHENEVER THE DOOR RATTLED LOOSE ON THE HIGHWAY (WHICH WAS UNPREDICTABLE), I WAS WORRIED THAT IT WAS GOING TO FLY OPEN. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO ATTEMPT TO CLOSE IT. I PAID $550 TO HAVE THE DOOR LOCK REPLACED (IT WAS THE HARDWARE, NOT THE ELECTRONIC LOCKS, WHICH FUNCTIONED NORMALLY THROUGHOUT THE ORDEAL). NOW, ONLY 2 YEARS LATER, I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THE DEALER SAYS THAT NEITHER THEIR REPAIRS NOR THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10208067
20,000 miles · Aug 16, 2007
Structure
THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE, YET EVERY TIME I BRING IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN HONOLULU, THEY FAIL TO LOCATE THIS LEAK. WHEN IT RAINS, THE FRONT RIGHT FLOOR OF MY JETTA FILLS WITH WATER THAT SEEPS DOWN INTO THE FRAME FROM THE ROOF. IF I PARK THE VEHICLE FACING UPHILL, THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN, NOR IF THE VEHICLE IS P…
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THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE, YET EVERY TIME I BRING IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN HONOLULU, THEY FAIL TO LOCATE THIS LEAK. WHEN IT RAINS, THE FRONT RIGHT FLOOR OF MY JETTA FILLS WITH WATER THAT SEEPS DOWN INTO THE FRAME FROM THE ROOF. IF I PARK THE VEHICLE FACING UPHILL, THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN, NOR IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A LEVEL SURFACE, ONLY WHEN FACING A DOWNHILL SLOPE. I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS ISSUE CANNOT BE RESOLVED BY VW, BUT THE PAST 10 TIMES I'VE HAD MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE, IT HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10199767
120,000 miles · Jul 16, 2007
Structure
2002 JETTA ROOF LEAKS WATER WHEN HEAVY RAIN. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT MAY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10196416
64,500 miles · May 15, 2007
Structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE BONDO IS RIPPING OF THE BACK PANELOF THE RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. THERE IS ALSO A CRACK BETWEEN THE BONDO AND THE DOOR. IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH NEAR THE DOOR, THE PASSENGER SITTING IN THE RIGHT BACK PASSENGER SEAT A SERIOUS INJURY COULD OCCUR. THE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE BONDO IS RIPPING OF THE BACK PANELOF THE RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. THERE IS ALSO A CRACK BETWEEN THE BONDO AND THE DOOR. IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH NEAR THE DOOR, THE PASSENGER SITTING IN THE RIGHT BACK PASSENGER SEAT A SERIOUS INJURY COULD OCCUR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 64,500.
NHTSA ODI #10190840
Mileage unknown · May 25, 2005
StructureUnknown Or OtherVisibility
2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA LEAKS DURING THE RAIN, CONSOLE VENT BROKE, CENTER AC VENT BROKEN, SUNROOF COVER JAMMED, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT.*MR THE LEAK HAS CAUSED THE CARPERT TO BECOME MOLDED. THE DEALER REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE TOE ORIGIN OF THE LEAK. THE C…
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2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA LEAKS DURING THE RAIN, CONSOLE VENT BROKE, CENTER AC VENT BROKEN, SUNROOF COVER JAMMED, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT.*MR THE LEAK HAS CAUSED THE CARPERT TO BECOME MOLDED. THE DEALER REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE TOE ORIGIN OF THE LEAK. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT REPLACING THE VEHICE BUT THE REFUSED.
NHTSA ODI #10124757
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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