2001 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 677 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 41 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 51 people were injured and 1 person 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, switchFeb 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.
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 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.
Campaign 07V063000 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipJan 31, 2002
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 02V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
98 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
CONSUMER RAN OVER AN OBJECT, AND THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE MOUNT OF THE REAR AXLE BEAM.(STATE FARM INSURANCE, CLAIM NUMBER, 47-4308-227)*JB
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, UPON INSPECTION CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND PERFERATION OF THE FLOORBOARD WHICH CAUSED THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY.(STATE FARM INSURANCE, CLAIM NUMBER, 13-7602-854)*JB
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THE SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED DUE TO A SCRAPE ON THE TIRE.(STATE FARM INSURANCE, CLAIM NUMBER, 27-7080-537)*JB
Air bags, Jul 3, 2002, crash
CONSUMER STATES DURING A REAR END COLLISON, NONE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED ON IMPACT.CAUSING MAJOR INJURIES.*JB
Air bags, Jul 2, 2002, crash
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MPH ON HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T COME OUT.*AK JLG
Air bags, Jun 27, 2002
I HAD A CLIENT, WHO IS AN 11 YEAR OLD BOY WITH AUTISM, IN THE LEFT REAR SEAT OF MY CAR. WE WERE SEVERAL FEET FROM A STOP SIGN WHILE TRAVELING ON A BUMPY ROAD. IN THE PROCESS OF SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO THE STOP SIGN, I HEARD A VERY LOUD POPPING SOUND TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST STOPPED BECAUSE OF THE STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF AND THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN I LOOKED TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR, THE AIR BAGS ALONG THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR WERE DEFLATING. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO SEE IF SOMETHING FELL ON THE CAR TO CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CLIENT SITTING ON THAT SIDE WAS OKAY. THERE WAS NOTHING THAT HIT THE CAR. THE CLIENT WAS SCARED BUT PHYSICALLY OKAY. THE CAR STARTED RIGHT BACK UP SO I TUCKED THE AIRBAGS IN AND DROVE TO THE CLIENT'S HOME. MY CONTACT WITH VOLKSWAGEN HAS BEEN VERY UNSUCCESSFUL. THEY ARE CLAIMING PROPER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS DUE TO LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THE CAR. THEY ARE SHOWING WEAR ON THE OUTSIDE OF FRONT RIGHT AND REAR LEFT TIRES AS EVIDENCE OF PROPER DEPLOYMENT DUE TO LATERAL SKID. MY CONTENTION IS THAT THERE WAS NO LATERAL SKID ,AND THAT THE TRIGGERS MISFIRED OR ARE DANGEROUSLY TOO SENSITIVE.*AK
Air bags, May 6, 2002
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, BOTH THE DRIVERS SIDE AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO CAUSE FOR THE DEPLOYMENT SUCH AS ACCIDENT OR COLLISION. THE CAR WAS STOPPED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIODENT. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND IS BEING EVALUATED BY VW AT THIS TIME FOR A CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT. *AK
Air bags, Apr 24, 2002, crash
OLLISION AT 35 MPH , ANDUPON IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO DRIVER. MANUFACTURE WILL BE NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Air bags, Seats, Mar 28, 2002
CONSUMER STATE WHILE TRAVELING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION AIR BAG INDICATION LIGHT STARTED FLASHING THROUGH OUT TRAVEL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *NLM THE AIR BAG LIGHT DID NOT REMAIN ON ANY MORE AFTER THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED. THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK COVER WAS REPLACED SINCE THE ORIGINAL ONE WAS STAIN. *YH
Air bags, Mar 27, 2002
THE CONSUMER HIT A POTHOLE WHILE DRIVING, AFTER HITTING THE POTHOLE THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD BAG AND SAW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR AG DEPLOYED ALONG WITH THE SEAT AIR BAG. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLRM. NLM IE04-078*PO
Air bags, Mar 12, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, INJURING PASSENGER. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE PRIOR TO DEPLOYMENT, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND SIDE CURTAIN DEPLOYED, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMERS WIFE.*JB IE04-078*PO
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 31, 2001, crash
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 50MPH FRONT END COLLISION. FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK ONE PERSON WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
Air bags, Dec 26, 2001, crash
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISOIN AT 50MPH, UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULING IN MINOR INJURIES TO DRIVER. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK
Air bags, Nov 15, 2001
PASSENGER "WINDOW CURTAIN" AIRBAG AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, LOSS OF CONTROL IN DRIVING VEHICLE, OR ANYOTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. *AK IE04-078*PO
Air bags, Sep 12, 2001, crash
WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. NO DETERMINATION HAS BEEN MADE FOR REASON OF THIS FAILURE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS.*AK
Air bags, Aug 22, 2001, crash
THIS JETTA WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. IT WAS TOTALED. ANOTHER CAR MADE A LEFT-HAND TURN AND T-BONED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE THE CAR SPUN AROUND INTO A DITCH. AT SOME POINT, THE PASSENGER REAR CORNER UNDERSIDE WAS SEVERLY DENTED UP INTO THE TRUNK. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER FRONT DASH AIR BAG DEPLOYED. BUT THE DRIVER'S STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SINCE ALL OTHER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, EXCEPT THIS ONE, I AM REQUESTING THAT THIS BE ANALYZED AND TESTED. IT WAS NOT A FRONTAL COLLISON, BUT SINCE THE PASSENGER FRONT DASH AIRBAG DEPLOYED, I THINK IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY DAMAGED, SO WHY SHOULD ONE FRONT AIRBAG GO OFF BUT NOT THE OTHER.*AK
Air bags, Aug 15, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK IE04-078*PO
Air bags, Jun 25, 2001, crash
VEHICLE WAS HIT DIRECTLY ON DRIVERS SIDE AT 50 MPH BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER FELT THAT SIDE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED INSTEAD OF STEERING WHEEL AND THE DASH BOARD DEPLOYING. CONSUMER MAY NOT HAVE BROKEN A RIB IF SIDE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED. CONSUMER HAS YET TO CONTACT DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFOMATION. *AK
Air bags, May 29, 2001, crash
CONSUME RWAS TRAVELING 25MPH ON A SIDE STREETAND HIT A DRAINAGE GATE, AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAG WENT OFF. HE HAS CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. *AK IE04-078*PO
Air bags, Nov 29, 2000, crash
ACCIDENT, IMPACT AT 40 MPH, DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER STATED THAT WAS DUE TO LOCATION OF THE SENSORS. *AK
Air bags, Nov 13, 2000, crash
CONSUMER WAS STRUCK ON PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEN BEING HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.*AK
Air bags, Oct 8, 2000, crash
SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY A MINIVAN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. PASSENGER SIDE, SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO SIDE IMPACT. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER 1 AND 3/4 TIMES. THE PASSENGER SIDE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVERS SIDE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG DID DEPLOY, PASSENGER SUSTAINED PERSONAL INJURY, ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT, UPDATED 1/4/01. NLM
Air bags, Sep 7, 2000, crash
THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THAT THE VW SERVICE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THE AIR BAG CONTROL SYSTEM. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE 2 AIRBAGS WHICH WERE USED (FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER), THEN REPLACED THE FRONT SEAT BELTS, THEN REPLACED THE COMPLETE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. STILL: THEY CANNOT GET THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO FUNCTION PROPERLY.