NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
702 reports59,150 miles · Jan 28, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
(VR6) MY CAR IS A COMMUTER CAR, AND AS I APPROACHED 60000 MILES THE HOSE#1J0121086 THAT PROVIDES WATER TO THE WATER SYSTEM BLEW. MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY, AND HAD TO BE TOWED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. THE HOSE THAT WAS NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH VW IN US OR CANADA. I ORDERED THE HO…
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(VR6) MY CAR IS A COMMUTER CAR, AND AS I APPROACHED 60000 MILES THE HOSE#1J0121086 THAT PROVIDES WATER TO THE WATER SYSTEM BLEW. MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY, AND HAD TO BE TOWED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. THE HOSE THAT WAS NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH VW IN US OR CANADA. I ORDERED THE HOSE FROM GERMANY, AND HAD THE COILS (WHICH WERE DEFECTIVE) REPAIRED BY A VW DEALER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS HAPPENED. ONE WEEK LATER OF DRIVING OFF THE LOT THE HOSE BLEW AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME THE HOSE BLEW I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. I AM PAYING FOR A CAR THAT I HAVE ONLY USED TWO WEEKS IN THE PAST 2-1/2 MONTHS. VW CLAIMS THIS IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS NO DEFECT TO THE ORIGINAL HOSE THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED. HELP!! THIS LAST TIME MY CAR BROKE DOWN I WAS TOLD BY VW TO TOW TO THE NEAREST VW DEALER TO DIAGNOSE. BEING THE NEAREST WAS NOT THE DEALER I ALWAYS SERVICED MY CAR THEY CLAIM THAT THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE SAME SERVICE CENTER FOR THE HISTORY TO BE APPLIED AND CONSIDERED FOR MY ISSUES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10108167
37,500 miles · Jan 27, 2005
Steering
THE POWER ASSIST FOR THIS TDI VEHICLE HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. MOST OFTEN, IT OCCURS WHEN APPLYING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 70MPH AND ALSO WHEN HAVING TO RAPIDLY DECELLERATE OR MOVE ALONG WITH CITY RELATED TRAFFIC. MOST OFTEN, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT BY THE …
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THE POWER ASSIST FOR THIS TDI VEHICLE HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. MOST OFTEN, IT OCCURS WHEN APPLYING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 70MPH AND ALSO WHEN HAVING TO RAPIDLY DECELLERATE OR MOVE ALONG WITH CITY RELATED TRAFFIC. MOST OFTEN, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT BY THE TIME IT DOES, I ALREADY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE NO PASSING GEAR, AND TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP TO 60 MPH TAKES A MINUTE OR MORE. TYPICALLY, WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, IF I STOP THE VEHICLE, TURN IT OFF, AND CRANK IT AGAIN, THE PROBLEM IS RESOLVED UNTIL THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH BRING ABOUT THE PROBLEM ARE RE-ENACTED. IT WILL USUALLY TAKE SEVERAL CYCLES OF THE ENGINE BEING CRANKED AND TURNED OFF BEFORE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL TURN ITSELF OFF. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED WITH ABOUT 35,000 MILES ON IT AND THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT 100 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPEATED REPAIRS, I'VE SINCE COME TO LEARN THAT SIMILAR PROBLEMS WERE OCCURRING WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO MY PURCHASING IT (WERE NOT DISCLOSED AT PURCHASE), ACCORDING TO SERVICE RECORDS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10108061
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2005
Electrical System
I HAVE A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2002 WAGON. TWICE I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE FACTORY INSTALLED RADIO HAD STOPPED WORKING. TWICE THEY REPAIRED THE RADIO BY READJUSTING THE WIRING. I WAS TOLD IF IT HAPPENS A THIRD TIME, THEY WILL REPLACE THE RADIO.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10108015
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUMP THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED, HOWEVER THEY WERE UNABLE DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10108771
60,000 miles · Jan 21, 2005
Seats
2002 VW JETTA TDI WITH HEATED CLOTH SEATS. DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER OVERHEATS IN A SMALL SPOT, CAUSING BURNING (BROWN COLORATION) OF THE SEAT AND THE START OF A BURNT LEG ON THE WIFE (JUST WHAT I NEED...ONE MORE THING TO HEAR ABOUT...). PASSENGER SEAT WORKS FINE. DRIVER SEAT HEATER NO LONGER USED AS PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10107690
31,289 miles · Jan 21, 2005
Electrical System
REPEATED FAILURE OF BREAK LIGHTS IN 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA OVER 2 AND 1/2 YEAR PERIOD. INCIDENT #1 ? DATE: 10.29.02 OD READING 5226 MILES RO# 776322 INCIDENT #2 ? DATE: 07.18.03 OD READING 15765 MILES RO# 817328 * INCIDENT #3 ? DATE: 12.15.03 OD READING 19219 MILES RO# 843079 INCIDENT #4 ? DATE: 07.14.04 OD READING 24000 M…
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REPEATED FAILURE OF BREAK LIGHTS IN 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA OVER 2 AND 1/2 YEAR PERIOD. INCIDENT #1 ? DATE: 10.29.02 OD READING 5226 MILES RO# 776322 INCIDENT #2 ? DATE: 07.18.03 OD READING 15765 MILES RO# 817328 * INCIDENT #3 ? DATE: 12.15.03 OD READING 19219 MILES RO# 843079 INCIDENT #4 ? DATE: 07.14.04 OD READING 24000 MILES RO# 877075 INCIDENT #5 ? DATE: 01.13.05 OD READING 31291 MILES RO# 26004548/1 * THIS WAS WHEN THE RECALL BREAK LIGHT SWITCH WAS INSTALLED PER NHTSA RECALL NO. 04VO96. WE HAVE NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLISIONS IN THE LAST TWO OF THESE INCIDENTS OF FAILURES AND HAVE ASKED THAT VOLKSWAGEN TAKE THE CAR BACK FROM US AS AFTER THE FOURTH ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THEY CANNOT ENSURE OUR SAFETY IN THE VEHICLE. VOLKSWAGEN HAS REFUSED OUR REQUEST AND INSISTED THAT THEY REPAIR THE CAR UNDER THE TERMS OF THE WARRANTY FOR THE FIFTH TIME DESPITE THE TRACK RECORD OF FAILURES. THE COMMENT MADE TO ME IS IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN TO BE SURE TO CONTACT THEM WITH MY CONCERNS? *NM
NHTSA ODI #10107676
60,890 miles · Jan 18, 2005
Seats
2002 VW JETTA TDI WITH LEATHER HEATED SEATS. GOT SO HOT IN LEFT HIP CORNER THAT I ALMOST WAS BURNED THROUGH MY CLOTHES. BURNING SMELL ALSO NOTED. IMMEDIATELY SHUT SEAT HEATER TO OFF. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10106553
62,000 miles · Jan 9, 2005
SeatsFireInjury
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER CAUGHT SEAT CUSHION ON FIRE. BURNED MY PANTS AND BUTTOCKS. DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT TIME OF INCIDENCE. HAVE NOT CONTACTED DEALER YET. WILL DO SO TOMORROW.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10106029
26,100 miles · Jan 4, 2005
Fuel System, GasolineFireInjury
MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS TURBO, 26,000 MILES CAUGHT ON FIRE IN WASHINGTON STATE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. I SMELLED GAS WHILE DRIVING AND PULLED OVER OPNED HOOD AND A FE SECONDS LATER A FIRE STARTED. WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH 911 THERE WAS A MINOR EXPLOSION AND I RECEIVED MINOR BURNS TO THE FACE AND HANDS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED 20 …
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MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS TURBO, 26,000 MILES CAUGHT ON FIRE IN WASHINGTON STATE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. I SMELLED GAS WHILE DRIVING AND PULLED OVER OPNED HOOD AND A FE SECONDS LATER A FIRE STARTED. WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH 911 THERE WAS A MINOR EXPLOSION AND I RECEIVED MINOR BURNS TO THE FACE AND HANDS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED 20 MILES TO KARMART VW IN BURLINGTON, WA. THE NEXT VW OF AMERICA CALLED AND SAID THEY WERE INVESTIGATING IT. THREE WEEKS LATER THEY CALLED AND DENIED THE CLAIM FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. ABOUT $10,000 IN DAMAGES. MY INSURANCE COMPANY ALLSTATE IS INVOLVED AND HIRED AN ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE IT. HE DETERMINED IT IS MOST LIKELY A FACTORY DEFECT. VW DENIED TO FIX OR REPLACE THE CAR BECUASE THERE NO CLAMPS PRESENT WHERE THE FIRE OCURED. THE HOSES BURNED OFF ABOUT 3-6 INCHES. ALLSTATE FOUND THE ONE OF THE CLAMPS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I THINK IT REDICULOUS THAT VW WILL NOT COVER THE DAMGES OR REPLACE THE CAR. WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO WITH A 2 YEAR CAR WITH MAJOR FIRE DAMAGE. I HAVE LOST TOTAL FAITH IN THE VEHICLE AND DON'T WANT. I WILL HAVE A HARD TIME SELLING IT WITH THIS KIND OF PROBLEM, WHO WOULD WANT TO BUY CAR TWO OLDS KNOWING IT WAS IN A SERIOUS FIRE? WHAT PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE DUE TO THIS? I FEEL WITH MY MINOR INJURY AND BEING A NEW CAR VW SHOULD DO SOMETHING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10105742
34,700 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
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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