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.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 12, 2001
WHENEVER DRIVING ENGINE WOULD BURN AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE AT LEAST 2 TIMES TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC INDICATED THAT OIL BURNING WAS PERFECTLY NORMAL FOR JETTA. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM.*AK THERE WAS GEL-LIKE BUILDUP ON THE OIL CAP AND DIPSTICK DUE TO ANTIFREEZE OR MOISTURE MOUNTING WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER INTENDS TO PURSUE LEMON LAW IF DEFECTS WERE NOT CORRECTED. *YH
Power train, Feb 12, 2001
SECOND QUESTIONNAIRE COMPLETED, SEE ODI ID #737218... NO RESPONSE OR ACTION TO DATE 02/12/2000. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 8, 2001
WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUTDOWN, AND BEGAN TO COAST BACKWARDS INTO A DITCH. CONSUMER GOT OUT OF VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT ALL FUEL HAD BEGAN TO LEAK FROM FUEL LINE IN REAR. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*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
Power train, Jan 26, 2001
WHILE DRIVING COULD HEAR NOISE COMING FROM BOTTOM OF VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED TRANSMISSION. THEN AGAIN THE, REVERSE WAS NOT WORKING AT THIS TIME, AND TWO TRANSMISSIONS HAD BEEN REPLACED.*AK
Seats, Jan 25, 2001
DRIVER'S SEAT HAS DEFECTIVE ROLLERS, CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING 3 MONTHS FOR NEW ROLLERS TO COME INTO DEALER. IN MEANTIME, CONSUMER IS DRIVING VEHICLE WITH AND UNSAFE SEAT. *AK *SLC
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 25, 2001
I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH OIL CONSUMPTION WITH MY VOLKSWAGEN, JETTA 2000. I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL WARRANTY SCHEDULED CHECKUPS, AND HAVE TAKEN CARE OF TEH CAR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. SPECIFICALLY, AT ONE POINT, I DISCOVERED, BETWEEN THE WARRRANTY CHECKUPS, THAT MY CAR'S, OIL DIP STICK WAS ABSOLUTELY DRY. I REPORTED THIS EVENT TO ATAMIAN VOLKSWAGEN WHO TOLD ME THAT "2000 VOLKSWAGEN ARE WELL KNOWN TO CONSUME OIL". SINCE THEN I HAVE UNDERGONE OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT MY CAR CONSUMES OIL AT A RATE OF 1 QUART EVERY 1500 MILES. WV SAYS THAT THIS COMPLIES WITH THEIR SPECIFICATIONS (THE OIL CONSUMPTION RATE IS NOT STATED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL).*AK
Vehicle speed control, Jan 16, 2001
WHEN COMING TO A STOP LIGHT APPLIED BRAKES VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD. PROBLEM OCCURRED DUE TO CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE GAS PEDAL. IT IS POSSIBLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL SIMULTANEOUSLY AND ACCELERATE WHILE TRY TO STOP. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2001
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WAS 14 MONTHS OLD, BUT OUT OF WARRANTY BY MILEAGE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COOLANT SENSOR FOR $175.00!! NOW TWO MONTHS LATER THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. THERE APPEARS TO BE WATER/COOLANT IN THE OIL! NOW THE CAR IS ABOUT 16 MONTHS OLD. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE PRIOR REPAIR, AND DID NOT PAY FOR THE FAILED INTERIOR LIGHTS, EITHER.*AK
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2001
WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST INTO 2ND GEAR, TRANSMISSION GRINDS, 1ST,2ND,& 3RD GEAR SINCRO'S HAVE BEEN REPLACED W/ ONLY 5000 MILES ON NEW CAR. STILL SHIFTS HARD INTO 2ND GEAR & SOMETIMES WILL NOT SHIFT AT ALL INTO 2ND GEAR. APPERANTLY VOLKSWAGEN IS NOW SAYING THAT SYNTHETIC TRANSMITION FLUID IS GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS WILL SOMETIMES GO BRIGHT AND THEN DIM, MAKES IT HARD TO SEE INSTURMENT PANEL AT NIGHT*AK
Power train, Jan 3, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH TRANSMISSION SHIFTED DOWN TO 20 MPH. THEN, CONSUMER HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF ROAD, AND TURN OFF ENGINE. THEN, IT RESTARTED AND WORKED AGAIN . THIS CAUSED ROAD RAGE DUE TO DECELERATION OF TRANSMISSION. *AK
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2001
EACH ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WAS ANNOYING FOR A BRAND NEW CAR BUT THEY WERE FIXED. MY CONCERN IS THE OIL BURNING FOR NO APPARENT REASON. NO ONE AT THE DEALERSHIP TOOK ME SERIOUSLY UNTIL I THREATENED THEM WITH LEGAL ACTION BUT MY CAR IS STILL BURNING OIL. I CAN'T SEEM TO MAKE ANYONE UNDERSTAND THAT A CAR ONLY ONE YEAR OLD SHOULD NOT CONSUME OIL LIKE THIS CAR IS DOING NOW. TWICE I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH MY 9 MONTH OLD SON IN THE COLD WEATHER BECAUSE THE RED WARNING LIGHT FOR LOW OIL HAS COME ON AND BOTH TIMES I HAD NO OIL IN THE ENGINE. THERE IS OBVIUOSLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS CAR BUT THE DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THAT THEIR MECHANICS SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 26, 2000
THE CAR CONSUMES AN OUTRAGEOUS 700-800 MILES PER QUART OF OIL, WHICH THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS IS NORMAL DUE TO ENGINE DESIGN. MY COMPLAINT IS THE FACT THAT THIS WAS NOT EVEN HINTED TO THE USER OR IS WRITTEN IN THE USER'S MANUAL AT THE TIME OF THE SALES. THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE FOR CUSTOMER, OR ON LONG DISTANCE TRIP, BE A SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
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
Power train, Dec 3, 2000
TWO TRANSMISSION MOUNT BOLTS HAVE SNAPPED OFF & BEEN REPLACED TO DATE, REASON UNKNOWN? *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
Equipment, Nov 14, 2000
JACK FAILED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO DRIVERS SIDE SKIRT. THE JACK PUNCHED THROUGH THE METAL. *AK
Visibility, Oct 10, 2000
LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT POWER WINDOWS FAILED, POWERED DOWN THE FRONT WINDOWS AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE, WHEN CONSUMER TRIED TO ROLL THEM UP NOTING HAPPENED.*ET
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.
Equipment, Sep 26, 2000
CAR WAS BEING TOWED ON A FLAT BED TOW TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS SECURED BY 2 FRONT HOOKS/STRAP WHICH WERE ATTACHED TO A WINCH. THE REAR WAS SECURED BY A STRAP ATTACHED TO THE REAR TOW LOOP ON MY VEHICLE. AS THE TOW TRUCK WAS MOVING AT ABOUT 10 MPH, THE TOW LOOP BROKE (IN ABOUT 3 SPOTS)( THE LOOP IS ROLLED STEEL, NOT THE SOLID FORGED PEICE UTILIZED ON OTHER VEHICLES). THE RESULTING CRACK/BREAKAGE RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING FORWARD, DROPPING THE 2 OTHER HOOKS AND NEARLY ROLLING BACK OFF OF THE TOW TRUCK. THIS ALL HAPPENED AT LESS THAN 15 MPH. IMAGINE IF IT HAD BEEN AT 60 MPH!!!!!. IF THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR, IT WILL HAPPEN TO OTHERS. THE LOOP IS TOO WEAK TO SERVE ITS FUNCTION OF BEING ABLE TO SECURE THE VEHICLE.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Sep 25, 2000
FROM STOP DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR, ENGINE RPM RUNS TO 3,000 TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE THEN JUMPS INTO GEAR CAUSING UNCONTROLLED JACK-RABBIT START. *AK
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
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2000
JETTA RAN OUT OF OIL. CONTINUOUSLY BURNS OIL AT A RATE AT OR ABOUT 1 TO 1 AND 1/2 QUARTS PER 1000 MILES. DEALER SAYS PROBLEM IS WITHIN THE ENGINE SPECS. FROM VOLKSWAGEN. NO SUCH SPECS. CAN SEEM TO BE PRODUCED BY EITHER THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER INSISTS THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND THAT I SHOULD EXPECT TO BURN AND REPLACE 10 QUARTS OF OIL IN BETWEEN SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES. CAR PRODUCES BLACK SMOKE AND NOW HAS 13,500 MILES ON IT. *AK