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
451 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Sep 30, 2001
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AT 15,500 MILES NINE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE AIRBAG CIRCUITRY UNDER WARRANTY, NINE MONTHS LATER THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. *JB
Tires, Sep 28, 2001
TIRE INITIALLY PUNCTURED MID TREAD. RAPID LOSS OF AIR OCCURRED FOLLOWED BY THE IMMEDIATE SEPARATION OF THE SIDE WALLS (BOTH SIDES) FROM BOTH THE BEAD AND TREAD (TIRE IN 3 PIECES). FAILURE CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL ON HIGHWAY. CAUSED DAMAGE TO STRUT, ANTILOCK BREAK CABLE AND VARIOUS AREAS BODY PARTS.*AK (DOT NUMBER: M3TACXYX46 TIRESIZE: 195/65R15)
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2001
THE ENGINE FAILED AFTER LEAKING OIL SEVERAL TIMES, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPLACEMENT ENGINES ARE ALSO HAVIG SIMILIAR PROBLEMS.*YH
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2001
THIS JETTA, LIKE MANY OTHER OWNERS REPORT, BURNS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. CONTACTED DEALER, MANUFACTURER. BURNS 1 QT PER 1000 MILES. RIDICULOUS. THE MANUFACTER REPORTS THIS IS "NORMAL". THIS IS A COVER-UP FOR A BIGGER DEFECT IN THIS MODEL.*AK
Power train, Sep 5, 2001
AFTER A 60 MILE HIGHWAY TRIP, THE CLUTCH WENT TO THE FLOOR AND HAD TO BE MANUALLY RETURNED TO HOME POSITION. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OUT OF GEAR, BUT UNABLE TO PUT IT IN GEAR. I NOTICED THE CLUTCH PEDAL HEIGHT WAS LOWER THAN THE BRAKE SO I PULLED THE CLUTCH PEDAL BACK OUT WITH MY FOOT. AFTER THAT, THE CLUTCH BEHAVED RELATIVELY NORMALLY THOUGH A LITTLE SOFT. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN ON MY RETURN TRIP 9/3/01. THE CLUTCH PERFORMS ACCEPTABLY DURING NORMAL CITY DRIVING.*AK
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 16, 2001
MY FRUSTRATION AND FEAR AT THE FACT THAT MY BRAKE SWITCH HAS FAILED TWICE, MY BATTERY HAS DIED 3 TIMES WHILE WITH THE DEALER, AND MY BRAKES SEIZED WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD AND MY ALARM GOES OFF CONSTANTLY, IS ONLY COMPOUNDED BY THE FACT THAT VW HAS NOT ONE EXPLAINATION FOR WHY ANY OF THIS IS HAPPENING. TO TELL ME EVERYTHING IS "TESTING" FINE CERTAINLY ADDS TO THIS FRUSTRATION BECAUSE THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN FIX WHEN NOTHING IS "WRONG." TO THAT I SAY, O.K. THEN, GIVE THIS CAR TO YOUR LOVED ONE TO DRIVE AND WE'LL SEE HOW SAFE YOU FEEL. ABSURD -- WILL IS TAKE DEATHS FOR SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING?
Suspension, Aug 15, 2001
VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT ON DATE OF PURCHASE,AFTR 3 ATTEMPTS TO ALIGN FRONT END WITH NO REMEDY MFG REPLACED VEHICLE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2001
THE ENGINE COOLANT SYSTEM ON THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN RIGHT. ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASE WE BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED POORLY WHEN THE CAR BECAME HOT. IT WOULD UP SHIFT AND DOWNSHIFT FOR NO REASON. THEY TOLD US THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THAT THIS IS HOW THEY SHIFT. THE TRANSMISSION STILL SHIFTS IN THIS MANNER. THEN IN OCTOBER OF 2000 THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE RESET. THEY RESET THE SENSOR AND ON 10/27/2000, JUST TWO WEEKS LATER, THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. THEN ON 7/16/2001 THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND WE NEEDED TO HAVE THE SECONDARY WATER PUMP REPLACED. NOW ON 8/9/01 THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER AGAIN BECAUSE THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I AM WRITING A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER. ANY FURTHER ADVICE OR ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.*AK
Air bags, Aug 8, 2001
CONSUMER STATES SHE WAS REAR ENDED ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND PUSHED INTO THE SIDE OF AN 18 WHEELER, THE FRONT OF VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGED AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2001, fire
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2001
REAR BRAKES/ROTORS WORN OUT AT 23,000 MILES (NO EXPLANATION GIVEN). *AK
Tires, Aug 1, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (TIRESIZE: 195/65R15) (TIRESIZE: 195/65R15)
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
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 23, 2001
ENGINE MOUNTS FAILED. *YH
Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 19, 2001
A WAX MELTED OUT OF THE DOORS OF THE CAR, THEN A FEW DAYS LATER THE RIGHT PASSENGER WINDOW MADE A SCREACHING NOISE THEN DROPPED DOWN INTO THE DOOR WHILE ELECTRICALLY ROLLING IT UP. ALL OTHER WINDOWS ARE MAKING THE SAME NOISE SO I CAN'T USE THEM IN FEAR I THEY TOO WILL FALL DOWN INTO THE DOOR. SUN ROOF COVER CAME OFF THE TRACK WHILE SHUTTING IT. THE LEVER THAT YOU PUSH TO OPEN THE ARM REST POPPED OFF WHILE OPENING IT. THE DRINK HOLDER FIRST KEPT STICKING INSIDE THE CONSUL, THEN IT SLOWLY BROKE APART. THE DEALERSHIP IS GOING TO CHARGE ME HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THESE THINGS THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE BROKE IN THE FIRST PLACE. MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AFTER ONLY 24000 MILES. MY COOLANT (WATER) PUMP JUST BROKE LAST WEEK, BUT THEY FIXED IT BECAUSE IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED REPAIR EITHER. I'M IN NEED OF HELP AND I DON'T LIKE THE WAY THIS DEALERSHIP IS TREATING ME. THIS CAR IS AN EXPENSIVE PIECE OF JUNK. I'M WAITING FOR THE NEXT PROBLEM TO HAPPEN. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
Visibility, Jul 19, 2001
MY PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW FAILED. THE WINDOW COLLAPSED INTO THE DOOR AND WOULDN'T OPERATE CORRECTLY AGAIN. THIS IS A DRIVING HAZARD, PARTICLUARLY WHEN COVERED BY PLASTIC UNTIL REPAIRED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 18, 2001
DEALERS OPENLY ACKNOWLEGE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR MAP SENSORS ON GAS AND DIESEL ENGINES, BUT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA INTERNALLY REFUSES TO RECALL THIS ITEM. THE SAME COMPLAINTS ARE MADE ABOUT THE VERY COMMON RELAY 109 FUSE FAILURES, WHICH VOLKSWAGENW IS LIKEWISE PUTTING OFF. PLEASE FORCE THEM TO RECALL THESE TWO ITEMS THAT HAVE COST ME PLENTY OF OUT OF POCKET MONEY, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A RIP-OFF OF ALL CONSUMERS BY VW OF AMERICA AND THEY NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR IGNORANCE OF THESE OBVIOUS PROBLEMS! *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jul 17, 2001
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 23 MPH, PASSING A COMBINE, SHIFTED TO SECOND GEAR AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. APPLIED BRAKES AND STOPPED PASSING PROCESS. DEALER REPLACED MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR. DEALER HAD REPLACED NUMEROUS SENSORS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Structure, Equipment, Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2001
BOTH REAR DOOR PANELS VIBRATE--DEALER UNABLE TO FIX. ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED--TEMP. SENSOR REPLACED BY DEALER. PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED TWO DAYS LATER--DEALER REPLACED TEMP. SENSOR. PASSANGER FRONT WINDOW WENT DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO UP--DEALER FIXED. THREE MONTHS LATER, WINDOW WENT DOWN AGAIN--DEALER FIXED. AIR CONDITIONER EMINATES MUSTY SMELL--DEALER SAYS PROBLEM IS DUE TO A PLUGGED DRAIN HOLE IN A/C UNIT--WILL NO FIX. REAR PASSANGER DOOR LEAKS A THICK, GREASY SUBSTANCE. B-PILLAR TRIM VIBRATES ON DRIVER SIDE.*AK
Visibility, Jul 11, 2001
FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW CABLE BROKE ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, CAUSING GLASS TO BREAK. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. BUT, UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION FOR THESE INCIDENTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Power train, Jul 6, 2001
WHILE DRIVING 45 TO 50 MPH AND WITH NO PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE LOST SPEED TO AROUND 20 MPH. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION TWICE BUT THE CONSUMER THINKS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. *YH
Steering, Visibility, Jul 3, 2001
POWER STEERING BEGAN MAKING A WHEEZING, STRAINED NOISE AFTER THE 20000 MILE SERVICE. PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE AND WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR; REGULATOR WAS REPLACED BY WARRANTY.*AK
Visibility, Jul 3, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Visibility, Jul 3, 2001
THE FIRST DEFECT WAS AT NIGHT, BUT WHEN THE DRIVERS WINDOW BROKE, IT WAS POURING DOWN RAIN. VERY HARD TO SEE AND DRIVE WHEN THE RAIN IS SOAKING YOU.
Visibility, Jul 2, 2001
POWER WINDOW REGULATOR BREAKS PREMATURELLY CAUSING WINDOW TO FALL DOWN INTO DOOR. PROBLEM OCCURS WITH EITHER DOOR ON BOTH THE TWO DOOR AND FOUE DOOR JETTA AND GOLF. THERE IS A LONG LIST OF OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE RECIEVED VERY LITTLE ASSISTANCE FROM DEALER OR VW ABOUT ISSUE. MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS CAN BE VIEWED ON THE INTERNET AT, "WWW.VWVORTEX.COM." LOOK FOR THE FOROUM SECTION, THEN PROCEED TO JETTA AND GOLF IV. DO A SEARCH FOR WINDOW REGULATORS AND VOLLA YOU WILL FIND A LONG LIST OF OWNERS HOW HAVE MADE COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALERS AND TO VWOA ABOUT ISSUE. VWOA STANCE HAS NOT BEEN SET AS A WHOLE AS OF YET, IT SEEMS THAT THEY WILL STRADDLE THE GATE ON THIS ISSUE UNTIL SOMEONE MAKES THEM ACCOUNTABLE. AND WITHOUT VWOA ADDMITTING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, THE DEALERSHIPS WILL CONTINUE TO DENY THAT THERE IS A DEFECT AND MAKE THE OWNER LIABLE. PLEASE, CAN YOU INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER AND GIVE THE MAJORITY OF UUS VW OWNERS SOME RELIEF. THANK YOU