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: hydraulic
41 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Aug 6, 2003
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE ( EGR VALVE). VEHICLE WON'T ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH SHE WA S STEPPING ALL THE WAY ON THE GAS PEDAL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTORS AT 35000 MILES, WHICH SHE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS NOT USUALLY NORMAL ON ANY VEHICLE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 16, 2003
2000 JETTA - VIN [XXX] WHEN REPLACING MY BRAKE DISC PADS I NOTED THAT THE FRONT DISCS PADS ARE IN SHOW ROOM QUANTITY. IT APPEARS THAT ONLY THE REAR BRAKES ARE WORKING. TO HAVE 40000 MILES ON A CAR AND HAVE VIRTUALLY NO WEAR ON THE FRONT DISC PADS GIVES ME CAUSE FOR CONCERN. WHAT IS THE BRAKE DESIGN BASIS FOR THE 2000 JETTA? IS THE OPERATION OF ONLY THE REAR BRAKES A SAFETY CONCERN? CAN THE 2000 JETTA MEET THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) STANDARDS FOR ALLOWABLE STOPPING DISTANCE WITH ONLY REAR DISC BRAKE OPERATION? VW INTERNATIONAL RESPONDED BY PHONE CALL NOTING THAT THEY WERE NOT CONCERNED IF THE FRONT WHEEL BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING. OUR FAMILY PURCHASED TWO 2000 JETTA'S AT THE SAME TIME. THE SECOND JETTA HAD THE REAR BRAKES REPLACED AT 30000 MILES AT DEALER COST. THEY CALLED IT PREMATURE WEAR. ALSO AT 40000 MILES THE SECOND JETTA FRONT BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER CALLED THIS NORMAL WEAR. I'M NOT SURE WHAT IS CONSIDERED NORMAL BASED ON WHAT VW SAYS. I DO KNOW I AM CONCERNED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES ARE NOT WORKING. *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 18, 2003
THE BRAKES LOCKED UP CAUSING EXTEND STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 17, 2003
PREMATURE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PADS.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Visibility, Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2002
DATE OF FIRST KNOWN PROBLEM PROVIDED. HAVE ALREADY BEEN THROUGH BBB AUTOLINE REGARDING MOST OF THE DEFECTS LISTED AND THOUGHT MANUFACTURER HAD FIXED THEM. NOW VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS PLUS MORE. ALL WORK BEING DONE AT DEALERSHIP IS AT MANUFACTURER'S EXPENSE, HOWEVER, THIS CAR IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE DUE TO UNRELIABILITY. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AREN'T SOLVED WITH REPLACED WIRING HARNESSES, UNSAFE DOOR HINGES AND WINDOW REGULATORS MAKE FOR HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS, AIRBAG SENSOR PROBLEMS, AND QUICK TO WEAR OUT REAR BRAKES ARE ALL VERY DANGEROUS DEFECTS FOR A NEW CAR OWNER TO SUFFER WITH. DT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Jul 12, 2002
MY CAR IS NIGHTMARE OF FAILURES. CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT (DEALER CLAIMS THE CAR DOESNT HAVE ONE - BUT YOU CAN SEE IT IF YOU USE A FLASHLIGHT AT AN OBLIQUE ANGLE) FAILURE, ABS MODULE SWITCH FAILURE (ACCORDING TO DEALER) CAUSING CRUISE CONTROL TO UNEXPECTEDLY DISENGAGE. I ALSO LEARNED FROM OTHER MOTORISTS THAT THE SAME SWITCH CONTROLS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATION (ALL BULBS AND OTHER SIGNAL LIGHTS WORK). FUEL INJECTION MODULE OVER INJECTED GAS CAUSING EXCESSIVE PRESSURE. RELIEF VALVE FAILED TO OPEN CAUSING TURBO OVERPRESSURE TO +120PSI. FAILURE CAUSED HOSES TO BLOW SENDING HOSE CLAMPS AS PROJECTILES. THIS WEEK, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED INTO THE DOOR. DEALER HAS LITERALLY TAPED THE WINDOW UP UNTIL A PART ARRIVES. DEALER ADMITS TO MFG DESIGN DEFECT - NO VOLUNTARY RECALL. NO DEALERS WILL VOLUNTARILY REPLACE CLIPS UNTIL THEY FAIL. VOLKSWAGEN POSITION IS THAT THEY KNOW THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW, BUT WONT REPLACE KNOWN BAD CLIPS UNTIL THERE IS A FAILURE. WINDOW FAILURE COULD CAUSE OBJECTS (STONES KICKED UP BY TIRES OF OTHER CARS) TO HIT PASSENGERS. INFANT / CHILD SAFETY RISK. WINDOW INTEGRITY QUESTIONABLE IN AN ACCIDENT IF IT FAILS WHEN DRIVING 15MPH. HELP!*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jul 12, 2002
CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. LINKED TO ABS BRAKE MODULE - SWITCH FAILURE WHICH ALSO CAUSED REAR BRAKE LIGHTS TO STOP FUNCTIONING.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 12, 2002
MODULE CONTROLLING ABS BRAKES- SWITCH FAILED, CAUSING REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND ABS TO STOP FUNCTIONING. NORMAL LIGHTS (NOT BRAKE LIGHTS) CONTINUED TO FUNCTION. BULBS (INCLUDE BRAKE LIGHTS) WERE FINE. BRAKES WORKED (NO ABS) BUT NO ONE BEHIND ME COULD TELL IF I WAS BRAKING. LEARNED OF ISSUE FROM PASSING MOTORIST.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 10, 2002
DURING REGULAR SERVICE DEALER ASK FOR REPLACE REAR BRAKE. THEY SAID - REAR ROTOR WARPED AND PADS WORN. THEY CHARGE - BRAKPADSET $55, BRAKE DISC $100 AND LABOR $210. SO TOTAL $370.95. AND THIS IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. I USE CAR IN NOT MOUNTAIN AREA AND AVERAGE SPEED ABOUT 35-50 MILES PER HOUR. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 17, 2002
CALLIPER LEFT FROZEN, CALLIPER RIGHT, WOULD NOT RETRACT WARRANTY UP @24000. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 8, 2002
1. THE REAR BRAKE LINE SNAPPED OFF WHILE INSTALLING NEW PADS. THE BRAKE LINE SNAPPED A CLEAN CUT, NO BENDS ETC. THE BRAKE LINE APPEARED TO BE VERY BRITTLE AND WAS PROBABLY A RESULT OF METAL FATIGUE OR FAULTY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT AT JUST 33964 MILES WHILE THE FRONT PADS APPEARED TO BE NEARLY NEW. THIS IS A REVERSE IN NORMAL WEAR OUT PATTERNS AND WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY THE CALIPERS OVERHEATING/LOCKED UP ETC. 2. THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT AFTER ONLY 33964 MILES OF WHICH MOST OF THE TRAVEL WAS ON NON-STOP ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. EITHER THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE DEFECTIVE OR THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE DESIGN OF THE VW JETTA, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR PADS TO WEAR OUT LONG BEFORE THE FRONT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2001
REAR BRAKES/ROTORS WORN OUT AT 23,000 MILES (NO EXPLANATION GIVEN). *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 30, 2001
REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED 5 TIMES, REAR ROTORS REPLACED 3 TIMES, NEW COMPOUND PADS REPLACED 2 TIMES- CAR IS HAVING ADDITIONAL CHANGES PERFORMED JULY 30,2000 . MANUFACTURER CALLED 12/5/2000, LETTERS(CERTIFIED MAIL) ON MARCH 23 2002 AND JUNE 9,2001- JULY 25 2001, MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZES THAT 'THE PARTICULAR NON-CONFORMITY THAT WXISTS IN YOUR VEHICLE PRESENTS A POTENIAL SAFETY CONCERN'.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 6, 2001
BACK REAR BRAKES GRINDED TO A STOP NEEDED NEW PADS & ROTORS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Aug 17, 2000, crash
WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ACCELERATE AND REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT DEALER/ MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED AND RECEIVED A CASE NUMBER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 13, 2000
ROTORS BEGAN MAKING NOISE AROUND 6000 MILES. DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RUST BUILDUP DESPITE THE CAR BEING DRIVEN DAILY. THE NOISE HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED WITH INCREASED MILEAGE.