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: exterior lighting
80 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 1, 2004
THIS SUMMER MY LEFT REAR DOOR BECAME INOPERABLE. IN LATE OCTOBER THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY. ON A COLD AND RAINY DAY THIS NOVEMBER MY 2001 JETTA WITH 37000 MILES STALLED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. I RESTARTED AND COMPLETED MY TURN, THINKING I HAD JUST LET OUT THE CLUTCH TOO FAST. THE CAR WAS A BIT SLUGGISH AND A 1/2 MILE DOWN THE ROAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON NOVEMBER 30 AND WAS SHOCKED NOT ONLY AT THE PROBLEMS BUT THAT THEY WERE NOT COVERERED BY ANY WARRANTY. THE TOTAL REPAIR BILL WAS OVER $1000 DOLLARS. THE IGNITION COIL PACK NEEDS REPLACED FOR $740. THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH NEEDS REPLACED FOR $77. JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE DOOR REQUIRES A CHARGE OF $188 DOLLARS. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES ON YOUR WEBSITE. I GUESS I JUST HIT THE TRIFECTA.*AK
Exterior lighting, Nov 19, 2004
TURN SIGNALS AND FLASHER OPERATION IMPACTED BY COLD WEATHER. WITH THE FIRST COLD WEATHER OF THE SEASON THE TURN SIGNAL/FLASHER UNIT FAILED TO OPERATE UNTIL WARMED BY THE HEATER (30 MINUTES OF HIGH HEATER OPERATION). MY REPORT MATCHES NHTSA ACTION # PE04073. THE VW DEALER REPLACED PART # 1J0-953-235-J-01C AT A COST OF $72. I HAVE THE OLD PART IN MY POSSESSION IF EXAMINATION OF IT IS REQUESTED.*AK
Exterior lighting, Nov 9, 2004
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Exterior lighting, Nov 9, 2004
DESPITE HAVING A MALFUNCTION EXACTLY AS DEFINED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN 04VO96000 ON THE SAME MODEL (01 JETTA) - VOLKSWAGEN INSISTED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE MY VIN WAS FROM A DIFFERENT PLANT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BE "A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT CAUSED THE EPC LIGHT TO STAY ON, AND YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT WORK." *AK
Exterior lighting, Nov 5, 2004
THE TURN SIGNALS, ONCE ACTIVATED, WOULD STOP WORKING EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE IN THE ACTIVE MODE. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON NOVEMBER 5, 2004 AND ONE OF THE MECHANICS IN THE SERVICE BAY SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE THE HAZARD SWITCH RELAY AND THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THAT. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE OVER $100 TO REPLACE-- BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I ONLY HAVE JUST OVER 33,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I LOOKED ONLINE AND IT APPEARS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. FURTHERMORE, THE PART WILL COST ME $19 AT A LOCAL AUTO PART STORE AND IS APPARENTLY VERY EASY TO REPLACE. *AK
Exterior lighting, Oct 6, 2004
CAR GET STUCK IN PARK. THIS IS ABOUT THE FIFTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR. NORMALLY YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKE AND THE SAFE SWITCH WILL RELEASE SO YOU CAN MOVE YOUR CAR FROM PARK. TODAY THIS HAPPENED TWICE, AND I WAS ABOUT AN HOUR LATE TO WORK, BECAUSE I HAD TO WAIT FOR MY CAR TO DECIDE WHEN I COULD DRIVE IT. LAST YEAR I TOOK THE CAR IN BECAUSE THE SPOILER LIGHT DID NOT WORK, THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKE LIGHT ALTOGETHER DID NOT WORK, SO THEY DECIDED TO CHARGE ME $75. TO FIX THAT. NOW THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AGAIN AND $75 IS NOT GOING TO BE PAID THIS TIME. I HAD THAT PART A LITTLE OVER A YEAR.I'VE RESEARCHED IN OTHER VW FORUMS AND MANY ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. WHEN THE CAR WAS ON WARRANTY THEY CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG, BUT NOW EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAS A LITTLE OVER 35,000 MILES ON IT, AND IT IS A 2001 MODEL IT IS HAVING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Oct 6, 2004
REGULAR USAGE OF CAR RESULTED IN HAVING TO REPAIR AND REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG CABLES ON MY CAR. *AK
Exterior lighting, Sep 21, 2004
MY BLINKERS ON MY JETTA BLINKED SLOWLY FOR A SECOND OR TWO THEN STOPPED WORKING, CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE AS I COULDN'T SIGNAL MY TURNS. I TOOK IT TO A VW DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE EMERGENCY HAZARD SWITCH.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jul 15, 2004
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AFTER PURCHASING MY BRAND NEW 2001 V.W JETTA. I HAD VEHICLE ONLY 6 MONTHS AND IT LEFT ME STRANDED DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF EMISSION CONTROL SENSOR. 5 MONTHS AFTER THAT, IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS INOPERABLE, NEEDING THEM TO REPAIR. 2 MONTHS LATER, OWNED FOR 1 YR 1 MONTH, CAR WAS BURNING A LOT OF OIL SO CONSUMPTION TEST WAS DONE AND DETERMINED TO BE TRUE,THAT THE CAR WAS IN FACT CONSUMING ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF OIL. AS "A COURTESY TO ME, THE CUSTOMER" VOLKSWAGEN REPLACED PISTON RINGS, ROD BEARINGS AND DEGLAZED CYLYNDER WALLS. THEY HAD MY CAR 6 DAYS TO REBUILD ENGINE. 6 MONTHS LATER CAR WAS SHAKING REALLY BAD WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, TOOK IT IN AND SERVICE TECHNITION DISCOVERED THAT REAR BRAKES WERE WARPED AND REAR BRAKE PADS HAD "PREMATURE WEAR." THOSE WERE REPLACED. THROUGHOUT THIS COURSE OF TIME THE PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT HAD BEEN REPLACE 2 TIMES,AIR CONDITION VENT WAS NOT WORKING AND HAD TO BE REMOVE AND INSTALL NEW CENTER AIR OUTLET,ARMREST BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, GLOVE COMPARTMENT LATCH BROKE, AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT AND BEEN REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT ARE STILL FAULTY,NOT WORKING AT THIS TIME. VOLKSWAGEN HAS TREATED ME AS THOUGH I WAS THE ONE INCONVIENCING THEM!! I REGRET PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE AND WILL CONTINUE DISCOURAGING ANYONE FROM EVER BUYING A VOLKSWAGEN! I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR!! AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I SEE NOW THAT I AM NOT ALONE. KNOWING THERE ARE MANY OTHER VW'S ON THE ROAD WITH THE SAME MECHANICAL PROBLEMS MY CAR, I'M CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AS WELL AS MYSELF! *LA
Exterior lighting, Jun 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING BRAKE LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED OF THIS BY A PASSING MOTORIST. THERE WAS A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH RECALL 04V090000 ISSUED, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Exterior lighting, May 27, 2004
THE TURN SIGNALS OF MY 2001 JETTA GAVE OUT AND I'VE SEEN ON FORUMS WHERE IT SAYS THAT THE EMERGENCY LIGHT SWITCH IS AT FAULT. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND I AM NOT A FAN OF PAYING MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT MY FAULT.*MR
Exterior lighting, May 18, 2004
I HAVE NOW REPLACED BY BRAKE SWITCH AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY ARE THE SAME THING BUT I HAVE REPLACED THEM BOTH. THE FIRST ONE WAS THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THIS WAS REPLACED BECAUSE MY LIGHTS WOULD RANDOMLY TURN ON. EVEN WHEN PARKED THE LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ON. I GOT IT TO TURN OFF BY WEDGING SOMETHING BEHIND THE BRAKE SO IT WOULD NOT GO ON. HOWEVER, I PAID $59 FOR IT TO GET FIXED. THE OTHER SWITCH, THE BRAKE SWITCH WAS REPLACED TODAY. THE CHARGE WAS $137. THIS REPAIR WAS DUE TO THE SHIFTER BEING STUCK IN PARK. I HAVE SPENT DAYS WITH THIS PROBLEM AND I FEEL MY CAR SHOULD BE UNDER THE RECALL. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT MY CAR DID NOT COME UP AS A RECALL VEHICLE. IF SO MANY JETTAS NEED REPAIRS FOR THIS PROBLEM WHY IS NOT MY CAR INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHERS AND I AM NOT BEING TREATED FAIRLY. IF VW IS TO KEEP ITS GOOD REPUTATION THEY SHOULD REIMBURSE EVERYONE WHO HAS SIMILAR OR EXACT PROBLEMS. IN BOTH INSTANCES THE BRAKE SWITCH AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WERE REPLACED. IF THESE ARE THE SAME ITEM THEN PEOPLE SHOULD BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE LIABLE TO PAY FOR SERVICE ON THEIR VEHICLES! *AK
Exterior lighting, May 17, 2004, crash
IN JANUARY OF 2003 WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT MY CAR WAS REAR-ENDED. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE DONE TO MY BUMPER AND THAT WAS REPLACED. IN APRIL 2004 MY CAR WAS AGAIN REAR-ENDED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. IN THIS INCIDENT THE LADY BEHIND ME WAS ALSO STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT AND SHE SAID HER FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE AND SHE HIT ME. WE THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS SHE SAW THE TURN LANE LIGHT TURN GREEN AND SHE WENT. BECAUSE THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR THIS TIME WAS 4000 DOLLARS. AFTER THE ACCIDENT I FOUND OUT THAT NONE OF MY BRAKE LIGHTS WORKED, EVEN THOUGH ONLY ONE TAIL LIGHT HAD BEEN BUSTED. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND ALL WORKED PROPERLY. I BELIEVE THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY CAUSING THE ACCIDENTS. I HADNT THOUGHT OF THIS POSSIBILITY UNTIL I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN MAY 2004. I HAVE LOST TIME AT WORK, MINOR INJURIES & MY CAR WILL NEVER BE AS IT WAS PRIOR TO THIS. AS OF THIS TIME NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AS I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT HOW TO DETERMINE IF THIS IS RELATED TO MY 2 ACCIDENTS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seats, Equipment, Apr 6, 2004
SINCE I HAVE HAD MY JETTA I HAVE HAD TO KEEP OIL IN THE TRUNK BECAUSE THE CAR BURNS OIL, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR A CAR TO USE THAT MUCH OIL, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKE SWITCH REPLACED, THE ARM REST LATCH REPLACED, CD PLAYER REPLACED TWICE, MY PASSENGER REAR BRAKE LIGHTS BURN OUT REGULARLY (ONLY PASSENGER SIDE), MY KEY IN THE IGNITION ALARM AND LIGHTS LEFT ON ALARM TURNED AND STAYED ON EVERYTIME I DROVE MY CAR. THE DEALER'S SOLUTION TO ALL THESE PROBLEMS WAS TO DOWNGRADE MY CAR AND BUY A VW BEETLE. I PURCHASED A 2002 USED BEETLE - DEALER ALLOWED ME TAKE CAR AND PROMISED TO FIX ANYTHING ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. THERE WAS A LIGHT ON THE DASH THAT WAS LIT UP CALLED EPC - I ASKED THE DEALER WHAT THE LIGHT WAS FOR AND THEY SAID THAT THE ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED NO BIG DEAL THEY WOULD FIX IT WHEN I RETURNED ON MONDAY. I DROVE THE CAR OFF THE LOT GOT ABOUT 20 MILES FOR THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CAR DIED ON THE FREEWAY!!!!! WHILE WAITING FOR THE TOW TRUCK I READ IN THE CAR MANUAL THAT EPC STOOD FOR ELECTRIC POWER CONTROL - IT SAID IF THIS LIGHT GOES ON DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE - TOW TO DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY - AFTER THAT I MARCHED RIGHT BACK TO THE DEALER AND GOT MY JETTA BACK - HOWEVER I STILL HAVE ALL OF THE ABOVE PROBLEMS AND FEW TO ADD TO THE LIST DEFECTIVE ELECTRIC WINDOW, NOISY BRAKES WHEN IN REVERSE EVEN AFTER BRAKES WERE REPLACED. I CAN'T WAIT TO TURN THE PIECE OF @#$%# IN TO THE DEALER WHEN MY LEASE IS UP AND WALK AWAY - I JUST FEEL SORRY FOR THE FOOL THEY TURN AROUND AND SELL IT TO! *LA
Exterior lighting, Apr 6, 2004
MY PASSENGER REAR BRAKE LIGHT HAS BURNT OUT APROXIMATELY FIVE TIME SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE - I ASKED THE DEALER TO INSPECT TO SEE IF THERE WAS A SHORT CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BURN OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. FUNNY THING IS THAT MY DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT HAS NEVER BURNT OUT IN THREE YEARS AND I HAVE TWO FRIENDS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM SAME SIDE AND EVERYTHING. *LA
Exterior lighting, Apr 6, 2004
MY BRAKE LIGHTS WENT ON WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AND STAYED ON - I HAD TO HAVE IT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE SWITCH AND WAS OUT A CAR FOR THREE DAYS. *LA
Exterior lighting, Mar 31, 2004
IN NOV 2003, OUR 2001 JETTA TDI WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK, CAUSING MYSELF AND MY SONS NUMEROUS TIMES TO BE STRANDED. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. AL SANCHEZ VW IN GILROY, CA, DIAGNOSED A SHIFTER PROBLEM AND REPLACED IT. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. I CONTINUED TO DISCUSS IT WITH AL SANCHEZ VW, EVEN LEAVING IT WITH THEM FOR ONE WEEK TO DRIVE. I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, THE PROBLEM AGAIN OCCURRED. I PHONED A TOW COMPANY WHO NOTED THE VEHICLE STUCK IN PARK AND MENTIONED THE BRAKE INVOLVEMENT. AFTER TURNING OFF THE CAR AND FUSSING WITH THE BRAKE/SHIFTER, IT ENGAGED. THE NEXT MORNING, I PHONED AL SANCHEZ AND WAS TOLD THAT IT SHIFTED FINE. LATER THAT DAY, I WAS TOLD THAT IT GOT A LITTLE STICKY.THEY DIAGNOSED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. I HAVE SPOKE TO SERVICE ADVISORS AND THE SERVICE MANAGER. THEY MAINTAIN THE POSITION THAT THE SHIFTER NEEDED REPLACING IN NOV 2003, AND NOW THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDS REPLACING. I AM OF THE OPINION THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED. SINCE THE PROBLEM CONTINUED TO PERSIST, THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN UNREASONABLE ASSESSMENT. ON 2/21/04, I DOWNLOADED INFO FROM YOUR SIGHT. THERE WERE TWO RECALLS FOR MY CAR. TODAY, 3/31/04, THERE ARE THREE, INCLUDING AN EXTERIOR LIGHTING;BRAKE LIGHTS;SWITCH. I DECIDED TO CHECK THIS SITE TODAY ONLY BECAUSE DURING DURING ONE OF MY MORE RECENT CONVERSATIONS TO NHTSA, I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE THREE RESULTS. I HAVE NOT CONFIRMED IF MY VEHICLE IN ONE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. IF MY VIN IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, THIS IS TOO MUCH OF A COINCIDENCE TO OVERLOOK. ALSO, THE LACK OF COOPERATION OF AL SANCHEZ VW AND VOLKSWAGON ADVOCATES CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED AS WELL. IDEALLY, I WOULD LIKE THE REPAIR COST OF THE SHIFTER REFUNDED TO ME AND THE RECALL TO COVER MY SHIFTING PROBLEM. *AK
Exterior lighting, Feb 26, 2004
I NOTICED ON THE INCIDENT DATE THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED. I TRIED TO GET THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO GO OFF BY GENTLY TAPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THEY WOULD NOT. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. AND THAT MANY OF THEIR JETTA CUSTOMERS WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT THEIR BRAKES LIGHTS BEING ON. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS ITEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARANTY. THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM. IF THIS IS A COMMON OCCURENCE THEN VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD PICK UP THE COST TO REPAIR THIS MALFUNCTION. THERE SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS OCCURRENCE. *AK
Power train, Exterior lighting, Jan 7, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. ALSO, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT.*AK WATER INTRUSION FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE LEAVING 1/2" OF WATER ON FLOORBOARD. CONSUMER REPORTING THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN SLIPPERY PEDALS AND WINDOWS FOGGING UP. *MJJ
Exterior lighting, Oct 9, 2003, crash
BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT REPEATEDLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP A NUMBER OF TIMES, YET THE PROBLEM KEEPS RECURRING. VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE.*AK
Exterior lighting, Aug 26, 2003
MY 2001 VW JETTA'S BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON AND DO NOT TURN OFF. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE DEALER WHO SAID THE LIGHT SWITCH WAS BAD. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THE 2001 VW BEETLE IS BEING RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BUT NOT THE JETTA. THE PARTS ARE THE SAME AS PER THE PARTS DEPARTMENT AT HALTERMANS VW IN PA. *NLM
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Aug 25, 2003
I PURCHASE A 2001 JETTA NEW AND IN ABOUT 3 YRS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TWICE FOR AN AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCE OF 19 MONTHS. TALKING WITH THE DEALER, I WAS INVORMED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BASE NO AVAILABLE SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND IS NOW STARTING TO BECOME AVAILABLE AGAIN. CURRENTLY MY MECHANIC HAS FOUND ONLY 1 BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THE EAST COAST. HE HAS CALL THE LOCAL DEALERS IN A 100 MILE RADIUS AND THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY, CONTACTED VW REGIONAL AND THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY. INTERESTED TO KNOW IF OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. TO ME 19 MONTHS BETWEEN SWITCHES IS A LITTLE EXCESSIVE TO REPLACE. *AK
Exterior lighting, Aug 5, 2003
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH DOESN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY WHICH CAUSES BRAKE LIGHTS TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
Exterior lighting, Aug 1, 2003, crash
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT IT IN THE REAR. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS DUE TO BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILING. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jul 19, 2003
I OWN A 2001 VW JETTA GLS AND THE GEAR SHIFT LOCKED UP. I COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. SINCE THE WARRANTY IS 24,000 MILES, I CURRENTLY HAVE 30200 AND THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. VW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MISHAP DUE TO THE FAULTY PART. THE LEVEL OF SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNACCEPTABLE IN GETTING THE PROBLEM FIX. *AK