NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
27 reportsClear category filter130,000 miles · Dec 8, 2006
Exterior Lighting
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NON RESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE BRAKE SWITCH FAILED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #04V096000 REGARDING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS EXHIBITING THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL …
Read full complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NON RESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE BRAKE SWITCH FAILED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #04V096000 REGARDING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS EXHIBITING THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL HOWEVER, IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA ODI #10175572
95,800 miles · Nov 13, 2006
Exterior Lighting
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED, RESULTING IN NO BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER ONLY TO FAIL AGAIN WITHIN A FEW DAYS. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILS THE BRAKES ETHER DO NOT WORK OR STAY ON WHEN THE PEDAL IS PUSHED. ALSO IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO STAY ON THE ACCELERATOR IS NON RESPONSIVE SINCE IT IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROL…
Read full complaint
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED, RESULTING IN NO BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER ONLY TO FAIL AGAIN WITHIN A FEW DAYS. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILS THE BRAKES ETHER DO NOT WORK OR STAY ON WHEN THE PEDAL IS PUSHED. ALSO IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO STAY ON THE ACCELERATOR IS NON RESPONSIVE SINCE IT IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. THIS SAME SWITCH HAS BEEN RECALLED IN PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS, THE SAME SWITCH IS BEING USED IN THIS MODEL. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10173376
142,433 miles · Oct 21, 2006
Exterior Lighting
I OWN A 2003 VW JETTA TDI. ON 10/17/2006 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 72 MPH WHEN MY GLOW PLUG LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. I HAD RECENTLY REPLACED THE GLOW PLUGS SO I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY STATED THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO WORK. …
Read full complaint
I OWN A 2003 VW JETTA TDI. ON 10/17/2006 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 72 MPH WHEN MY GLOW PLUG LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. I HAD RECENTLY REPLACED THE GLOW PLUGS SO I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY STATED THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I WAS NOT TOLD THAT THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO WORK. I LATER FOUND OUT THAT OTHER VW JETTA MODEL YEARS HAVE THE SAME DEFECT AND A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 99-02 MODELS. APPARENTLY 03 MODELS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT DEALERS ARE NOT INFORMING THEIR CUSTOMERS OF THE SAFETY ISSUES RELATED TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10171479
65,000 miles · Oct 17, 2006
Exterior LightingVisibility
2003 VW JETTA. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS BROKEN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE UNDRIVEABLE. ALSO, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS KEEPS FALLING INTO THE DOOR. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10171141
63,000 miles · Oct 16, 2006
Exterior Lighting
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT I NOTICED THAT MY CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM WHEN I GOT HOME ON A VW RELATED WEBSITE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS MOST LIKELY DUE TO A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER NEAR THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS NOT WORKING IT CAUSES THE CRUISE CO…
Read full complaint
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT I NOTICED THAT MY CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM WHEN I GOT HOME ON A VW RELATED WEBSITE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS MOST LIKELY DUE TO A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER NEAR THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS NOT WORKING IT CAUSES THE CRUISE CONTROL TO ALSO STOP WORKING. WHAT I ALSO FOUND OUT IS THAT SINCE THIS SWITCH WAS BROKEN ALL MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO WAY FOR ME TO BECOME AWARE THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING UNLESS I HAD CONNECTED THE PROBLEM BY RESEARCHING IT ONLINE. THIS POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK FOR THOSE WHO WOULD NOT ASSOCIATE A CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH AND THEREFORE BE DRIVING AROUND UNKNOWINGLY WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BY NOT HAVING THE PROPER BRAKE LIGHTS OPERATIONAL. FORTUNATELY IN MY SITUATION IT DID NOT RESULT IN A REAR END COLLISION. I UNDERSTAND THAT VWOFA HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR 1999-2002 MODELS AND I HAVE A 2003 JETTA. IT FRUSTRATES ME THAT VW IS NOT RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO EXTEND THIS WARRANTY TO LATER MODEL YEARS AS THE PART HAS NOT CHANGED. IN MY OPINION THEY WAIT UNTIL THEY GET ENOUGH COMPLAINTS FOR THE NEWER YEARS BEFORE THEY AUTHORIZE RECALLS FOR THOSE YEARS. (THE 2004'S WILL FAIL LATER AND SO ON AND SO ON). THE PART NUMBER THAT FAILED ON MY CAR IS 1J0 945 511 C (ON MY CAR, BUT CURRENT PART NUMBER IS F REVISION). I HOPE THAT THIS COMPLAINT WILL GET VWOFA TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS SERIOUS SAFETY RELATED ISSUE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10170893
38,000 miles · Sep 27, 2006
Exterior Lighting
2003 VW JETTA BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BECAME INOPERABLE. THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS A PERSON TRAVELING BEHIND BE DID NOT KNOW I WAS STOPPING. EVEN MORE CONCERNING IS THERE IS NO INDICATION LIGHT TO LET THE DRIVER OF THE JETTA KNOW THIS HAS HAPPENED. VW HAD A RECALL ON THE 2002 MODEL OF …
Read full complaint
2003 VW JETTA BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BECAME INOPERABLE. THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE NO BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS A PERSON TRAVELING BEHIND BE DID NOT KNOW I WAS STOPPING. EVEN MORE CONCERNING IS THERE IS NO INDICATION LIGHT TO LET THE DRIVER OF THE JETTA KNOW THIS HAS HAPPENED. VW HAD A RECALL ON THE 2002 MODEL OF THIS CAR FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. WHY NOT THE 2003? IT USES THE EXACT SAME PART! TO SEE JUST HOW RAMPANT THIS PROBLEM IS JUST LOOK AT HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/ZEROTHREAD?ID=1158315&PAGE=6. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10169468
61,000 miles · Sep 25, 2006
Exterior Lighting
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE EPC ENGINE PROTECTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY DEALER WHO DETERMINED WHEN THE EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED; THIS WAS INDICATING THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000, REGARDING THE BRAK…
Read full complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE EPC ENGINE PROTECTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY DEALER WHO DETERMINED WHEN THE EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED; THIS WAS INDICATING THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000, REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
NHTSA ODI #10169230
96,200 miles · Sep 17, 2006
Exterior Lighting
I PURCHASED A 2003 VW JETTA TDI WAGON ABOUT A YEAR AGO, USED. THIS CAR HAS BEEN REALLY GREAT TO ME THUS FAR, UNTIL MY GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AT ME THE OTHER DAY. AFTER CHECKING THE MANUAL, WHICH BASICALLY SAID THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ERROR, AND NOT MUCH MORE, I DECIDED TO CHECK THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION. THE S…
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED A 2003 VW JETTA TDI WAGON ABOUT A YEAR AGO, USED. THIS CAR HAS BEEN REALLY GREAT TO ME THUS FAR, UNTIL MY GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AT ME THE OTHER DAY. AFTER CHECKING THE MANUAL, WHICH BASICALLY SAID THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ERROR, AND NOT MUCH MORE, I DECIDED TO CHECK THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION. THE SEARCH RESULTS MENTIONED THAT IT IS MOST LIKELY A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH PROBLEM AND EITHER THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON, OR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. SO, AFTER MY WIFE CHECKED THE BACK OF THE CAR WHILE I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES, SURE ENOUGH, MY BRAKE LIGHTS NO LONGER WORK! I CHECKED THE WEB SOME MORE, AND IT LOOKS AS IF THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 98-02 JETTAS FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. BEING THAT MINE IS A 2003, MY CAR DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL! I DID SOME MORE SEARCHES, AND HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM I FOUND THIS THREAD, WHICH DETAILS A DIY METHOD OF REPLACING THIS $10 PART. I'D RATHER DO THIS MYSELF IF I HAVE TO PAY THE DEALERSHIP TO WHAT AMOUNTS TO AN EXTORTION FEE FOR THIS 5 MINUTE JOB. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, I THINK VW SHOULD REPLACE THIS PART, FREE OF CHARGE. I REALLY THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON MY JETTA MODEL BECAUSE THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF PEOPLE BEHIND YOU AREN'T WARNED WHEN YOU BRAKE. THE FACT THAT THE WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT MENTION WHAT TYPE OF A PROBLEM THIS IS WOULD FURTHER LEAD TO MORE CONFUSION. THE FACT THAT THIS PROBLEM MAKES MY CAR ILLEGAL TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS FURTHER COMPLICATES THE PROCESS OF BRINGING IN THIS CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10168460
33,969 miles · Jun 23, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITION PROBLEMS WERE NOTICE WITH THE TRACTION BUTTON FOR THE ESP SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE BLACK BRAKE SWITCH FAILED. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED FOR THE PURPLE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TWICE. THE BLACK BRAKE LIG…
Read full complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITION PROBLEMS WERE NOTICE WITH THE TRACTION BUTTON FOR THE ESP SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE BLACK BRAKE SWITCH FAILED. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED FOR THE PURPLE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TWICE. THE BLACK BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD A RECALL FOR 2002 MODEL BUT DOES NOT COVER THE 2003 MODELS. ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH, WHICH INCLUDES THE TRACTION BUTTON FOR THE ESP SYSTEM AND THE PARK POSITION LEVER WHICH LOCKS OFTEN. ALSO THE CONTACT ONCE BECAME STRANDED ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL. ALL REPAIRS MADE BY THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN COVERED BY THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT BRAKE LIGHTS BECAUSE REPRESENTS SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #10160626
45,000 miles · Jun 4, 2006
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM SIMILAR TO THE RECALL ON 2002 VW JETTA'S WITH FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT. EXCEPT I HAVE A 2003 MODEL. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10158926
Official recalls
2Jun 13, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.
Feb 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.
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
4DP05004 · 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.
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.
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.
Illustration