NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
702 reports85,333 miles · Sep 18, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I BOUGHT A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS FROM A USED CAR DEALER LAST APRIL. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE PROBLEMS THAT I THOUGHT WAS UNIQUE TO MY SPECIFIC CAR, HOWEVER, AFTER HOURS OF RESEARCH I'VE FOUND THAT NUMEROUS OTHER JETTA OWNERS ARE HAVING SOME OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. 1. THE VEHICLE SMELLS LIKE CRAYONS 2. THE HEATER STOPS WORKING …
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I BOUGHT A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS FROM A USED CAR DEALER LAST APRIL. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE PROBLEMS THAT I THOUGHT WAS UNIQUE TO MY SPECIFIC CAR, HOWEVER, AFTER HOURS OF RESEARCH I'VE FOUND THAT NUMEROUS OTHER JETTA OWNERS ARE HAVING SOME OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. 1. THE VEHICLE SMELLS LIKE CRAYONS 2. THE HEATER STOPS WORKING AND ONLY BLOWS OUT HOT AIR. 3. THE ENGINE EATS OIL AND HAS A PROBLEM WITH SLUDGE. THIS IS INAPPROPRIATE AND NO ONE IS TAKING ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR HAS A REMEDY FOR THESE PROBLEMS. I'M AFRAID THE FUMES FROM THE VEHICLE MAY BE TOXIC AND AM UNABLE TO GET RID OF THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10284564
82,928 miles · Sep 9, 2009
Electrical System
1. 2002 VW JETTA WAGON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE ON EXPRESSWAY CAUSED VEHICLE TO STOP & UNABLE TO START 9/6/09. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. 2. VW DEALER FAILURE DESCRIPTION, WIRE HARNESS CORROSION CAUSED RESTRICTION IN POWER FLOW IN LINE WHICH CAUSED ALTERNATOR TO OVERWORK AND OVERHEAT WIRE HARNESS AND FUSE PANEL. THIS EXTENSIVE …
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1. 2002 VW JETTA WAGON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE ON EXPRESSWAY CAUSED VEHICLE TO STOP & UNABLE TO START 9/6/09. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. 2. VW DEALER FAILURE DESCRIPTION, WIRE HARNESS CORROSION CAUSED RESTRICTION IN POWER FLOW IN LINE WHICH CAUSED ALTERNATOR TO OVERWORK AND OVERHEAT WIRE HARNESS AND FUSE PANEL. THIS EXTENSIVE ENOUGH TO CAUSE MELTING OF BOTH WIRE HARNESS AND FUSE PANEL OVER TOP OF BATTERY. 3. VW DEALER REPAIR AND REPLACE WIRE HARNESS AND FUSE BODY. 4. VW CUSTOMER CARE TOOK INFORMATION ON MY COMPLAINT ABOUT DEFECT AND POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE BUT WOULD DO NOTHING REFERRING ME BACK TO THE DEALER. MY QUESTION WAS WHY DID VW HAVE SUCH A DEFECT WHERE THERE WAS NO FUSIBLE LINK THAT WOULD FAIL FIRST PREVENTING THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE THAT OCCURRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10283460
86,004 miles · Sep 5, 2009
Power Train
2000 TO 2002 VOLKSWAGEN TIPTRONIC OWNERS NOT PROVIDED CORRECT INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION SERVICING SCHEDULING. VOLKSWAGEN STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS A "SEALED" UNIT AND THEREFORE SERVICE IS NOT NEED UNLESS LEAKS ARE VISIBLE. KNOWING THIS, I DID NOT TRY TO DO TRANSMISSION SERVICE ON MY CAR WHEN IT REACHED ABOU…
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2000 TO 2002 VOLKSWAGEN TIPTRONIC OWNERS NOT PROVIDED CORRECT INFORMATION REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION SERVICING SCHEDULING. VOLKSWAGEN STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS A "SEALED" UNIT AND THEREFORE SERVICE IS NOT NEED UNLESS LEAKS ARE VISIBLE. KNOWING THIS, I DID NOT TRY TO DO TRANSMISSION SERVICE ON MY CAR WHEN IT REACHED ABOUT 86,000 MILES. - GEARS SLIP FROM 1ST TO 2ND AT COLD STARTS AND JERKS AT 3RD GEAR. I HAVE TO WARM THE VEHICLE IN 10 MINUTES TO GO BACK TO NORMAL OPERATING MODE. - TODAY I WAS TAKING MY WIFE AND MY 1-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO LAKE GEORGE NY FROM QUEENS NY FOR A HOLIDAY WEEKEND. THE CAR SUDDENLY SLIPPED FROM 5TH TO 4TH GEAR WHILE WE ARE DRIVING 65 MPH. HOWEVER, I DID NOT FIND THE PROBLEM UNTIL I NOTICED THAT OUR SPEED ALMOST FEELS THE SAME EVENTHOUGH I DEPRESS THE PEDAL A LITTLE LOWER. I PLACED IT ON MANUAL MODE AND THE CAR SHIFTED FINE. WE PULLED OVER AT THE REST AREA AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK. WE COULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT IF THE GEAR WOULD HAVE SLIPPED TO 2ND; ALMOST LIKE SLAMMING THE BREAKS WHILE DOING 65 MPH. - TOMORROW, I WILL HAVE VW REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. MOST LIKELY IS THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT OR THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOIDS. - SIMILAR ISSUES IN DSG TRANSMISSION WAS REPORTED AT "GOOD MORNING AMERICA" ON AUGUST 28 2009. - PLEASE SEE SIMILAR TIPTRONIC OWNER'S COMPLAINTS ON THIS FORUM: VWVORTEX.COM. THIS IS A PUBLIC WEB FORUM AND NO PERSONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282926
56,000 miles · Aug 15, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
2002 VW JETTA VR6 WITH CYLINDER NO. 5 MISFIRING, ROUGH IDLE AND CHECK ENGINE STAYS ON. VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, THEY REPLACED THE COIL PACK INJECTORS AND THE CAR HAS BEEN TUNED, HOWEVER, THE TECH'S AT THE DEALER CAN NOT PINPOINT THE PROBLEM AND THE CAR WILL NOT PASS THE STATE INSPECTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10280506
105,000 miles · Aug 3, 2009
Air BagsCrash
2002 VW SEDAN WA BROAD SIDED BY A MOTORCYCLE. IT HIT THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR AND BUCKLED THE CENTER POST AND BENT THE ROOF AND THE DASH WAS PUSHED IN. THE VW HAS FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. MY SON WAS COVERED WITH GLASS AND THE RIGHT HAND MIRROR JUST MISSED HIM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279236
103,256 miles · Jul 28, 2009
Air Bags
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA THIS MORNING WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK IN HOUSTON TEXAS ON INTERSTATE 59 SOUTH MY DRIVERSIDE WINDOW AIRBAG DEPLOYED AS WELL AS THE SEAT AIRBAG. AFTER GETTING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD MY CAR CRANKED BACK UP AND I GOT OUT TO INSPECT IF THERE WAS ANY DAMAGES. I FOUND NO DAMAGES ON THE CAR AND THE AI…
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I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA THIS MORNING WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK IN HOUSTON TEXAS ON INTERSTATE 59 SOUTH MY DRIVERSIDE WINDOW AIRBAG DEPLOYED AS WELL AS THE SEAT AIRBAG. AFTER GETTING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD MY CAR CRANKED BACK UP AND I GOT OUT TO INSPECT IF THERE WAS ANY DAMAGES. I FOUND NO DAMAGES ON THE CAR AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I AM LUCKY I DID NOT SWERVE OR THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A HUGE WRECK. I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ALL OF THESE 2002 JETTA SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY OCCURRENCES OF THIS HAPPENING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10278518
72,200 miles · Jul 19, 2009
Power Train
I PURCHASED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T WITH A 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION FROM A PRIVATE SELLER ON 07/18/2009 AT 12:00PM. 12 HOURS LATER, AT 12:00AM ON 07/19/2009 I AM ON MY WAY HOME WHEN I REALIZED MY JETTA WAS NOT DELIVERING POWER TO THE WHEELS. THE ENGINE WAS PRODUCING POWER, BUT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION.…
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I PURCHASED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T WITH A 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION FROM A PRIVATE SELLER ON 07/18/2009 AT 12:00PM. 12 HOURS LATER, AT 12:00AM ON 07/19/2009 I AM ON MY WAY HOME WHEN I REALIZED MY JETTA WAS NOT DELIVERING POWER TO THE WHEELS. THE ENGINE WAS PRODUCING POWER, BUT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING (TRANSMISSION FLUID, MOST LIKELY) AND PARKED IT IMMEDIATELY. WHEN I GOT HOME, I SEARCHED ONLINE FOR WHAT IT COULD BE AND IT TURNS OUT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. THERE ARE COUNTESS OTHERS WHO HAVE POSTED THIS SAME PROBLEM ON VARIOUS MESSAGE BOARDS AND FORUMS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. I AM ASSUMING THAT THE REPAIR SHOP IS GOING TO TELL ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT AND THAT I WILL NEED TO REPLACE IT. HOW CAN MY PREVIOUS CAR, A JUNKER HYUNDAI ACCENT WITH 101,000 MILES AT TIME OF PURCHASE LAST 36,000 MORE MILES WITH A 5-SPEED MANUAL, AND A JETTA CAN'T EVEN LAST ONE DAY? I AM INFURIATED BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND HAVE TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON IT AS WELL AS REPAIR THE THING. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY VW AS A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10277360
73,000 miles · Jul 13, 2009
SeatsFireInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT HEATER BURNED HIS BODY THROUGH HIS PANTS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND AN AGENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND CALL HIM BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA ODI #10276549
79,000 miles · Jun 4, 2009
Power Train
2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T TRANSMISSION SHIFTS IRREGULAR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10272881
65,000 miles · May 26, 2009
Power Train
AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES MY CAR WOULD SOMETIMES GET STUCK IN PARK. IT FELT LIKE I WAS TRYING TO DRIVE WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON. THEN IT STOPPED GOING IN REVERSE. THE SHOPS IN MY AREA DON'T WORK ON VW'S DUE TO THEIR COMPLICATED TRANS. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY DON'T REPAIR ANY TRANSMISSIONS, THAT THEY CAN ONLY REPLACE IT AT A COS…
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AT ABOUT 65,000 MILES MY CAR WOULD SOMETIMES GET STUCK IN PARK. IT FELT LIKE I WAS TRYING TO DRIVE WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ON. THEN IT STOPPED GOING IN REVERSE. THE SHOPS IN MY AREA DON'T WORK ON VW'S DUE TO THEIR COMPLICATED TRANS. THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY DON'T REPAIR ANY TRANSMISSIONS, THAT THEY CAN ONLY REPLACE IT AT A COST OF $4500. I TOOK A LOAN FROM MY 401K, PAID IT THINKING IT WOULD LAST, AND SURE ENOUGH THIS ONE IS GOING TOO! IT ONLY HAD A WARRANTY OF 12000 MILES... SEEMS FISHY SINCE IT'S NEW. NEVER WILL I BUY A VW AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10270006
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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