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: service brakes
77 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 5, 2003
NAR 06/05/2003 *MR THE CONSUMER HAS HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR ROTORS AND BRAKES PADS ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS. * CB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, May 22, 2003
THE GEAR WAS HARD TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND THE BRAKE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 7, 2003
MY 2001 VW JETTA JUST ROLLED 30000 ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE PADS ON THE REAR OF THE CAR. I HAD TO PAY $350 TO GET THE PADS REPLACED AND GET THE ROTORS REFINISHED. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR UNUSUALLY HARD AND DID NOT EXPECT THE BRAKES TO GO SO QUICKLY. ALSO, THIS PAST WINTER, ALL OF THE SPARK PLUGS WERE SHOT. THIS NOT SURPRISINGLY OCCURRED RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS LITTLE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I AM LEANING TOWARD NEVER LOOKING TO PURCHASE A VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Equipment, Apr 5, 2003
BACK BRAKES AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON MY 2001 JETTA GLX V6 WHICH WAS PURCHASED 08/01. I ONLY HAD 23,000 MILES ON THE CAR! AT MY 20,000 MILE SERVICE NO PROBLEMS WERE MENTIONED. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TOO. I HAD TO HAVE MY O2 SENSOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THE BRAKES. I DO NOT RIDE THE BRAKES. 1 MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR I NOTICED THAT WHEN I START IT IN THE MORNING IT MAKES A SOUND LIKE AND OLD JUNKY CAR WOULD. I HAD IT TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR THIS AND THEY SAID ITS NOTHING AND THAT'S THE WAY A V6 SOUNDS! IT ONLY DOES IT ON THE FIRST START OF THE DAY. I AM AFRAID IT WILL END UP BEING SOME VERY EXPENSIVE PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE. 9 MONTHS AFTER I HAD THE CAR THE ARM REST CAME APART AND HAD TO BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VOLKSWAGEN AGAIN AND I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO MY FRIENDS WHO ARE MD'S AND RN'S AND CAN AFFORD NICE CARS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 14, 2003
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA KNOWS ABOUT A BRAKE PROBLEM WITH 2001 JETTA'S. THEY ARE SOFT BRAKE PADS, WEARING OUT BEFORE IT'S TIME WITH NO INDICATION WHAT SO EVER. THE BRAKES GRIND INTO THE ROTORS, WHICH NEED TO BE REPLACED. VW HAS REPLACED BOTH PADS AND BRAKES WITH SOME CUSTOMERS (OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PROBLEM) BUT CONTINUES TO DENY IT IN OTHERS - SUCH AS MYSELF. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 29, 2002
@ 20000 MILES DESERT VW PERFORMED WARRENTY SERVICE (5 WEEKS AGO) WHICH INCLUDED A COMPLETE BREAK INSPECTION. AT THE TIME NO PROBLEM WAS SEEN. @ 22000 MILES BOTH PADS ON THE BACK WERE TOTALLY GONE. I UNDERSTAND VW USED A THINNER PAD ON THE 2001 JETTA'S. THIS WAS TO CUT DOWN ON NOISE NOTED ON THE 2000 MODELS IN 2002 VW WENT BACK TO THE OLD PADS. I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA, AND DESERT VW. BOTH TOLD ME CHANGING THE BACK BRAKES @ 22000 MILES WAS NORMAL. HOW WAS MY PADS BEING WORN DOWN TO NOTHING MISSED AT 20000? @ 22000 I'M DOING A BRAKE JOB ON THE BACK BRAKES ONLY? IT WOULD SEEM THAT BRAKES, (ON THE BACK), SHOULD LAST 2 TO 1 FROM THE FRONT. THE SHOP THAT DID THE REPAIR SAID HE HAS NEVER ENCOUNTED THIS BEFORE AND THIS SHOP HANDLES IMPORTS ONLY. PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL FORWARD ALL INFORMATION TO YOUR OFFICE. I FEEL THIS IS UNSAFE, COSTLY AND CAN BE CORRECTED. DT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 17, 2002
HAD PROBLEMS PRIOR WITH BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATING WHEN DEPRESSED SLIGHTLY AND ALSO DURING TURNS WITH LOSS OF BRAKE POWER. ABS SYSTEM REPLACED BY LOCAL DEALER. HAD AN INCIDENT AFTER REPLACEMENT. GOING DOWN A HILL AT 45 MPH WITH A RIGHT BEND, APPLIED BRAKES. SAME VIBRATION IN BRAKE PEDAL, NO BRAKING POWER AND STEERING KICKED CAR SHARPLY TO LEFT AND ENDED UP OFF THE ROAD. THEN EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK AGAIN BUT STILL EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS CAR GOING IN FOR MORE SERVICE YET AGAIN. DT
Service brakes, Air, Nov 4, 2002
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE ABS CONTROL UNIT IN MARCH 2002. AN APPOINTMENT COULD NOT BE MADE UNTIL JULY 10, 2002. THE ABS LIGHT & BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE CAR UNTIL JUNE 25. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY WERE APPALLED THAT UNDER THE SEVERITY OF THE ABS UNIT CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO KEEP DRIVING. *JG
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 25, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE INTO HER DRIVE WAY SHE PROCEED TO STOP AND BRAKES FAIL.CONSUMER SAYS THAT THERE IS A RECALL OUT BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE HER VIN NUMBER.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 19, 2002
BACK BRAKES WERE GRINDING AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT ROTORS WERE WARPED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jul 14, 2002, fire
SMOLDERING FIRE PUT OUT WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER. MAY BE RELATED TO ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL. WILL CONTACT DEALER AND MANUFACTURER.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 21, 2002
RECEIVED RECALL 02V031000 NOTICE AND HAD REPAIR WORK DONE. WHEN REPAIRS WERE FINISHED PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN. DID NOT HAVE PROBLEM WITH BRAKES UNTIL RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, May 13, 2002
WHILE DRIVING WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT. ALSO, ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 4, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 2, 2002
CONSUMER STATES HIS DAUGHTER 2001 JETTA HAS 17000 MILES ON IT AND THE REAR BRAKES ARE GONE.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 2, 2002
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A BURNING WIRE SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE, PRIOR TO THE RECALL # 02 V 031 000. ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED.*JBCONSUMER WAS TOLD BY DEALER THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SERIOUS AND DID NOT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, HOWEVER THE ABS FAILURE EVENTUALLY DRAINED THE BATTERY. *JG
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 23, 2002
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN SNOW OR ICY CONDITIONS IT CAUSES BRAKES TO LOCK UP OR FREEZES UP. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY THING WRONG, BUT THE PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Exterior lighting, Feb 25, 2002
I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THIS JETTA FROM THE FIRST DAY I TOOK OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED. NOW I HAVE JUST RECEIVED A NEW TRANSMISSION IN MY TEN MONTH OLD CAR. THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION WAS RESET THREE TIMES BEFORE VOLKSWAGEN REPLACED THE VALVE BODY. THIS PROCEDURE DID NOT WORK AND IN TURN ENDANGERED MY LIFE. I WAS TRYING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT AND WAS SHUDDERING. I WAS ALMOST HIT BY AN ONCOMING 18 WHEELED TRUCK. I AM SCARED EVERY TIME I HAVE TO GET BACK IN THIS CAR. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN FIXED, BUT NOT MY TRUST. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 18, 2001
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. BRAKE PADS WERE WORN OUT. THERE WAS METAL TO METAL NOISE, AND ROTORS WERE RUINED. DEALER SAID THAT REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDEDTO BE REPLACED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 30, 2001
VW DEALER REFUSES TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM, NOR DO THEY RECOGNIZE THE BRAKE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE'S FUEL INJECTORS HAVE NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND WAS SERVICED ON 11-28-01 BY THE DEALER. THEY REFUSE TO COOPERATE WITH ME IN WORKING THESE MATTERS OUT IN A FAIR MANNER. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 2, 2001
I'VE COME TO MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE FOUND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON. AFTER DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES, THEY COME OFF, BUT MANAGED TO COME ON AGAIN AFTER CLOSING THE DOOR. MORE DISTURBING, HOWEVER, IS THE FACT THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON, YOUR FOOT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK; IT ASSUMES YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT GOOD; NOT TO MENTION THE DRAIN ON THE BATTERY. HAVE THERE BEEN SIMILAR PROBLEMS REPORTED?*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Oct 1, 2001, fire
ABS LIGHT CAME ON AT STARTUP, CONTACTED DEALER SERVICE AND TOLD THEM OF THE PROBLEM, ASKED IF SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY REPLIED YES WITHOUT ABS. DROVE 30MI HOME, STOPPED AND SHUTOFF CAR, 1MINUTE LATER, LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD AND IN CABIN. FIRE DEPT RESPONDED. NO VISIBLE FLAME, BUT BURNED WIRING WAS EVIDENT. DEALER HAS ONLY CONFIRMED SO FAR THAT THE ABS CONTROLLER, PUMP AND WIRING HARNESS HAS SHORTED OUT.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 30, 2001
BRAKE DO NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED ON THE FIRST VISIT THAT THERE WAS AN AIR POCKET IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM, NEW BRAKE FLUID WAS ADDED AND THE BRAKES WERE REBLEED, HOWEVER CONSUMER BEGAN EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM AGAIN AND THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING WHICH WAS REPLACED, CONSUMER IS AGAIN EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 10, 2001
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. THE PEDAL OFFERED LITTLE RESISTANCE, AND SANK TO THE FLOOR. AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED BY EMERGENCY PROCEDURES. THE THROTTLE WAS ALSO INOPERATIVE. AFTER BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO A EVENTUAL STOP, THE BRAKES SLOWLY RETURNED TO NORMAL, MUSHY AT FIRST, THEN TO ORIGINAL FEEL. NOT AN EXPERT AT DIAGNOSIS, BUT IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE "BRAIN" THAT CONTROLS THROTTLE AND THE ABS SYSTEMS EXPERIENCED A TEMPORARY FAILURE. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE DISPALYED TO INDICATE ANY FORM OF FAILURE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THIS WAS AN "EXCITING" EXPERIENCE FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES!!!. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 19, 2001
WHILE DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY. NLM