2000 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine and engine cooling is the leading concern among 451 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2000 reports, 27 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 35 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 7, 2014
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Campaign 14E007000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchMay 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.
THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Campaign 06V183000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, hazard flashing warning lights, switchDec 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.
THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.
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.
Campaign 04V584000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchFeb 20, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
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.
Campaign 04V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, owners/service/other manualSep 12, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT MARKED OR DESCRIBED AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 02V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
41 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jun 26, 2001, crash
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION IN WHICH SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH FRONT AND REAR AIR BAGS ALL FAILED TO DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Air bags, May 15, 2001
THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR AN AIRBAG FAULT PROBLEM WITH THE TENSION SET TO HIGH IN THE AIRBAG. VWOA HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO APPROPRIATELY FIX THE PROBLEM AND IS PUTTING ME AT RISK DUE TO AIRBAG NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. THE AIRBAG UNIT NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, BUT VWOA DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WHICH IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR THOSE WITH THE PROBLEM. ROYAL MOTORS IS THE DEALER THAT THE VECHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING WORKED ON. THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO BEEN TO DUBLIN MOTORS IN DUBLIN, CA AND LOEBER MOTORS IN CHICAGO, IL.*AK
Air bags, Mar 21, 2001, crash
I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE AND STRUCK A TREE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. DOOR DEFORMATION WAS SEVERE AND NONE OF THE FOUR AIRBAGS WENT OFF. BECAUSE OF THE BLUNT TRAUMA TO MY CHEST AND LOWER BODY, I SUFFERED A COLLAPSED LEFT LUNG, A RUPTURED SPLEEN, A BROKEN SCAPULA, FOUR FRACTURED RIBS AND A SHATTERED PELVIS. MY WIFE WHO WAS IN THE PASSENGER RECIEVED A FRACTURED COLLARBONE BECAUSE OF THE FORCE OF ME COLLIDING INTO HER. I WAS IN INTENSIVE CARE FOR A WEEK AND IN CRITICAL CONDITON FOR FOUR DAYS, MY LEFT LUNG WAS 70% FILLED WITH BLOOD AND I RECIEVED TWO CHEST TUBES AS WELL AS MY RUPTURED SPLEEN WAS REMOVED. I HAVE NOT RECIEVED ALL OF MY BILLS YET AND ALLREADY ALL OF THESE PROCEDURES ARE GOING TO COST OVER $100K.
Air bags, Mar 14, 2001, crash
I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT. A CAR HIT ME ON MY LEFT SIDE AND THE AIRBAG DIDNT POP OUT THEN I HIT TO OTHER CARS BECAUSE I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IN NON OF THE HITS ANY AIR BAGS IN THE FRONT POP OUT EITHER.*AK
Air bags, Feb 20, 2001, crash
VEHICLE WAS HIT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20 MPH, AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. VEHICLE HAD SIDE AIR BAGS AS WELL. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Feb 6, 2001
I FELL THAT I HAVE HAD A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE PROBLEMS ARE ON GOING. I HAVE VOICED MY COMPLAINT TO VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER AND SALES MANAGER. I HAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT I FEEL THAT MY CAR IS A "LEMON" AS I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS THAT ARE ONGOING. I DO NOT GET CALLED BACK WHEN THEY SAY THEY ARE GOING TO CALL, THEY POINT FINGERS AT EACH OTHER AND NO RESULTS. THE SALES PERSON/VW DEALERSHIP CONSULTANT OFFERED ME A TRADE IN VALUE OF $15,500 AND A SMALL DISCOUNT ON ANOTHER CAR. I WISH TO SEEK ASSISTANCE IN MAKING MY "LEMON" CAR SITUATION RIGHT. I ALSO HAVE A WRITTEN DOCUMENTAION OF MY EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE HISTORY. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT MYSELF, AS A CONSUMER, SHOULD BE TREATED IN A MANNER, THAT DISGARDS THE INTEGRETY TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT. IF YOUR AGENY CAN HELP ME, I WOULD BE APPRECIATIVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. NO SAFETY DERFECT LISTED. *AK
Air bags, Jan 31, 2001
VEHICLE TAKEN IN FOR WARRANTY SERVICE ON THE AIRBAG SYSTEM SIX TIMES, EACH TIME PROMPTED BY THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. CJ
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Air bags, Equipment, Jan 29, 2001
AIR BAG WAS REPAIRED 5 TIMES AND SPIRAL SPRING REPLACED - LIGHT STILL INDICATES MALFUNCTIONING SYSTEM. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS WERE REPLACED, INSTALLED FRONT HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR, INSTALL 6 DISC CD CHANGER, BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND WIRING HARNESS WAR REPLACED. OWNER IS NO LONGER IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE *YD
Air bags, Dec 20, 2000, crash
MY AUTOMOBILE WAS INVOLVED IN A DRIVER SIDE IMPACT FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, MY AUTO WAS THROWEN APROXIMATELY 50 FEET INTO A WALL HITTING THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER. MY FORWARD SPEED WAS APROXIMATELY 30 MPH AT TIME OF IMPACT. ZERO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. CAUSED INJURIES TO MYSELF FROM NON-DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. *AK
Air bags, Nov 27, 2000, crash
MY VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, VEHICLE THROWN INTO A WALL50' AWAY. VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE TO FRONT LEFT SIDE DOOR/ FRONT LEFT WHEEL ASSEMBLY/ FRONT RIGHT SIDE/ REAR RIGHT SIDE AND TRUNK AREAS RECEIVED MAJOR DAMAGES.*AK
Air bags, Oct 4, 2000
1) THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN THIS CAR HAS COMPLETELY FAILED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 5000 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN VERY LIGHTLY. THE DEALER INITIALLY TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS JUST A LOOSE WIRE ON THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHTS AND THAT IT WAS ALL OK. AFTER I INSISTED THAT THEY CHECK IT FURTHER IT TURNED OUT THAT THE SYSTEM HAD INDEED FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. WHAT IS SCARY IS THAT THEY WERE GOING TO SEND ME BACK OUT ON THE ROAD WITH A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE TECHNICIAN (NOT THE SERVICE MANAGER) TOLD ME THAT AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE IS VERY COMMON IN THE 2000 JETTA. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM MY REPORT, I HAVE HAD MANY SERIOUS DEFECTS IN THIS CAR AND IT IS BARELY 8 MONTHS OLD WITH LESS THAN 5000 MILES. I JUST WANTED TO LET THE NHTSA KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEMS SO THAT THEY COULD LOOK INTO THEM.
Air bags, Sep 21, 2000, crash
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 30-35MPH A SECOND PARTY RAN THE LIGHT & DAMAGED DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, 4 PEOPLE INJURED IN ACCIDENT, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK *SLC
Air bags, Aug 28, 2000, crash
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A T-BONE FRONTAL COLLISION WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO SPIN SEVERAL TIMES AND HIT THE MEDIUM STRIP AND A POLE AT A IMPACT OF 60-65 MPH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Air bags, Jul 24, 2000
AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON 5 TIMES.DEALER ATTEMPTED 4 TIMES TO FIX PROBLEM HAVE FAILED.CONCERN THAT WILL NOT DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED OR DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Air bags, Jun 2, 2000
AIRBAG SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON WHICH ACCORDING TO THE VW OWNERS MANUAL, INDICATES A MALFUNCTION IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. I TOOK MY JETTA TO A VW SERVICE CENTER ON 5/23/2000. SERVICE CENTER IS TO DATE WAITING FOR VW ENGINEERING IN CHICAGO IL TO PROVIDE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO REPAIR VEHICLE. DUE TO AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR BEING LIT, INDICATING A SAFETY ISSUE, VW ENGINEERING HAS NOT PROVIDED A DIAGNOSES/SOLUTION TO PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS NOT IN MY POSESSION BUT AT MCNEVIN VW IN BERKELEY CA SERVICE DEPARTMENT. *AK
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 24, 2000, crash
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE HAD A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH A STALLED VEHICLE, AND DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS CRASH. ALSO, THE SEATBELT DID NOT RETRACT, CAUSING DRIVER TO FLY INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUSTAIN INJURIES. DEALER DID INSPECT THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED NO PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG SYSTEM AND SEATBELT. *AK