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: visibility
71 reports, newest first. Show all
Visibility, Feb 3, 2004
RIGHT WINDOW ON PASSENGER SIDE WOULD NOT GO UP REPLACED REGULATOR. *AK
Visibility, Jan 15, 2004
VW 20001 WOLFSBURG EDITION JETTA: PASSENGER WINDOW FAILED TO GO BACK UP. APPEARS THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED AND NOW THE WINDOW IS DOWN. I WILL BE REPLACING THE PART MYSELF, BUT I KNOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON VW PROBLEM. *CB
Visibility, Structure, Nov 5, 2003
2001 VW JETTA WOLFSBURG 40K MILES - WATER LEAKS INTO THE CAR FROM UNDERNEATH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE DRAIN CHANNEL FROM THE SUNROOF. WEEK LATER THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED. DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA AS TO WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THEY'RE IN PROCESS OF TAKING THE CAR APART. VW CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT BEING HELPFUL AT ALL. I'VE SEEN AT LEAST TWO COMMENTS ON THE WEB ABOUT SIMILAR PROBLEM, BUT THE DEALER AND THE VW CUSTOMER SERVICE CLAIMS THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. ANY ADVISE BEFORE MY CAR GETS TOTALLY DISASSEMBLED? NOT TO MENTION WATER DAMAGE TO THE CARPETING...*AK
Visibility, Nov 5, 2003
FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW BROKE. I WAS UNABLE TO PUT MY WINDOW BACK UP WHILE I WAS ON MY WAY TO MY NIGHT JOB. *LA
Visibility, Sep 3, 2003
FRONT PASSENGER POWER WINDOW, PART FAILURE RESULTING IN WINDOW FALLING INTO DOOR. CONTACTED NEAREST DEALER, WAS INFORMED THAT THEY ARE PERFORMING LABOR FREE OF CHARGE, BUT I MUST PURCHASE THE PARTS. IF THE PROBLEM IS THAT WIDE SPREAD, THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THE PART ALSO.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Visibility, Aug 21, 2003
2001 VW JETTA - NUMEROUS BUILD ISSUES. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - 1 QUART IN 1000 MILES. VEHICLE RE-RINGED AT 19K. CURRENT MILEAGE 47K - LAST OIL CHANGE DOWN 2 QUARTS IN 5OOO MILES. WINDOW REGULATORS - RECALL. SHIFTER SHAFT REPLACED FOR SERIOUS VIBRATION IN 2ND AND 5TH GEARS. BOTH FRONT SEATS FEEL LIKE THEY AREN'T LOCKED IN PLACE! DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY WELD AT TIME OF MANUFACTURE.*AK
Visibility, Jul 31, 2003
WINDOWS ON VW JETTA'S SEEM TO BE FALLING DUE TO A DEFECT IN PLASTIC CLIPS THAT HOLD THE WINDOWS. VOLKSWAGEN IS COVERING THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE CLIPS WITH REDESIGNED METAL ONES. THE DEALER TOOK CARE OF EVERYTHING JUST FINE FOR ME, THOUGH I'M SURPRISED THAT THERE IS NO MENTION OF THIS COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS WEB SITE. *PH
Visibility, Jul 25, 2003
THE FRONT DRIVER/PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW GLASS CAME OFF TRACK AND FELL INTO THE DOOR. *AK THE PLASTIC TRACK CLAMPS HAD BROKEN AND CAUSED THE WINDOW TO GET STUCK IN THE OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION AND ALLOWED THE WINDOW(S) TO FALL DOWN IN THE DOOR PANEL(S). PER BULLETIN, THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE 1988. *SCC *JB
Visibility, Jun 9, 2003
THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WHEN ROLLED UP MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE NEXT TIME I ATTEMPTED TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN IT FELL ALL THE WAY INTO THE DOOR AND DIDN'T COME BACK UP. I FEEL THIS PROBLEM IS A LITTLE RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING MY CAR IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD.*AK
Visibility, May 31, 2003
WHEN MY WIFE WENT TO CLOSE THE TRUNK, THE REAR WINDOW LITERALLY EXPLODED AND THE BIGGEST PART OF THE GLASS WENT INTO THE CAR. *TT
Electrical system, Visibility, Seats, May 23, 2003
I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH MY 2001 JETTA. ONE WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUG 2001 THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE SEATS STARTED TO MOVE EVERYTIME I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. A FEW MONTHS LATER I NOTICED THAT FLOOR PADDING ON THE BACK SEAT AREA (BOTH SIDES) STARTED BULGING. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT IS NORMAL FOR ALL 2001 JETTAS. I HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS WHO DRIVES VW AND THEY NEVER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR FLOOR PADDINGS. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE. ALL IN ALL MY DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED 5 TIMES. IN ADDITION TO ALL THESE PROBLEMS, THE TEMP GAUGE ALSO MALFUNCTIONED. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD MOVE FROM EXTREMENME HEAT TEMP TOCOLD TEM AND VICE VERSA. WHAT UPSET ME IS THAT THERE ARE TWO CURRENT RECALLS FOR 2001 JETTAS AND I HAVENT HEARD FROM VW. I WASN'T EVEN INFORMED ABOUT THE WINDOW REGULATOR PROBLEM.
Visibility, Feb 27, 2003
FRONT RIGHT WINDOW JUST FELL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AFTER A POP SOUND. THIS IS A POWER WINDOW SYSTEM. *JB
Visibility, Dec 19, 2002
CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLES' DEFROSTER ON , AND THE BACK WINDSHIELD IMPLODE, WITHOUT BEING HIT BY AN OBJECT OR VEHICLE BEING IN AN ACCIDENT, AND WENT INTO THE BACK SEAT. NO ONE WAS INJURED, CAUSE SEAT WAS NOT OCCUPIED AT THE TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Dec 4, 2002
NO SUMMARY. DT
Visibility, Sep 17, 2002
FIRST MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FAILED WHEN USING THE AUTO DOWN BUTTON. THREE MONTHS LATER THE DRIVERS SIDE HAS NOW FAILED. THE CAR IS ONLY 1 1/2 YEARS OLD.*AK
Visibility, Sep 10, 2002
WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED TWICE LEAVING WINDOW STUCK IN DOWN POSITION. THIS IS CLEARLY A COMMON DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE, ONE THAT OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING OUT OF WARRANTY. I WINDOW STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION POSES A SAFETY HAZZARD IN POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND ALSO IMPACTS THE PERSONAL SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. *AK
Visibility, Sep 6, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WINDOW IS STUCK IN THE DOWN POSITION AND HAS HAD 3 OF THE 4 WINDOW REGULATORS FAIL. ONE OF WHICH FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, WHICH COULD CAUSE A DIRECT SAFETY HAZARD. CONSUMER ADDS THAT SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN VERY TIMELY AND EFFECTIVE. *TT
Visibility, Sep 2, 2002
THESE PARTS ARE ON ALLOCATION, VW OWNERS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ARE FACED WITH THESE FAILURES. A QUICK SEARCH OF THE WEB WILL ILLUSTRATE JUST HOW WIDESPREAD THE PROBLEM REALLY IS. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Visibility, Aug 24, 2002
KNOWN TO BE A DEFECTIVE PART CAUSING A VERY POSSIBLE SAFTY ISSUE, WHEN WINDOW COMES CRASHING DOWN A DISTRACTION CAN CAUSE A CRASH AND BESIDES VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD FIX THESE WINDOW REGULATORS FOR FREE SINCE THEY MADE DEFECTIVE PARTS REGAURDLESS OF WARRANTY STATUS. *AK
Visibility, Aug 23, 2002
2ND TIME. NOW PASSENGER WINDOW. I JUST GOT THE FIRST WINDOW FIXED AFTER A MONTH AND A HALF.*AK
Visibility, Aug 21, 2002
I HAVE HAD 3 OF THE 4 WINDOW REGULATORS FAIL ON MY 2001 VW, JETTA. ONE OF WHICH FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, WHICH POSES A DIRECT SAFETY HAZARD.*AK
Visibility, Aug 12, 2002
THIRD FAILURE OF WINDOW REGULATOR. PASSENGER SIDE ONCE, DRIVERS SIDE TWICE.*AK
Visibility, Aug 5, 2002
FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S POWER WINDOWS WILL NOT COME UP INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES, PART WILL ONLY BE REPLACED IF IT FAILS COMPLETELY.*AK
Visibility, Jul 31, 2002
WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED- DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FELL INTO DOOR- 4 WEEKS LATER STILL WAITING TO BE FIXED. KNOWN PROBLEM- DANGEROUS- WINDOW TAPED SHUT- BUT DOES NOT REALLY CLOSE WINDOW- STILL OPEN PARTIALLY AND TONS OF WIND NOISE- VERY DISTRACTING
Exterior lighting, Visibility, Structure, Equipment, Jul 29, 2002
NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS!!! THE DAY I WAS TO PICK MY CAR UP, DRIVER WINDOW NEEDED REPLACEMENT. SINCE THEN IT HAS FALLEN INTO DOOR 3 TIMES. AIR CONITIONER LEAKED INTO INTERIOR, SOAKING CARPETS AND SMELLS BAD. BRAKE LIGHTS STUCK ON WHEN CAR IS OFF, ARM REST AND GLOVE BOX BROKE. RECEIVED ZERO HELP FROM DEALERSHIP OR VOLKS.OF AMERICA. WHAT IS NEXT???