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
677 reports, newest first.
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
Fuel system, Diesel, Feb 15, 2004
PURCHASED A 2001 JETTA TDI IN SEPT OF 2003 WITH 52000 KM'S. AT 64,000 KM CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. CAR WAS DUE FOR 64,000 KM SERVICE ANYWAY. GLOW PLUG BUS BAR NEED REPLACEMENT. NOT ENOUGH, OR NO CURRENT GETTING TO GLOW PLUGS TO WARM THEM FOR THE CAR TO START. THREE WEEKS AFTER 64,000KM SERVICE, PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON, CHECK OIL LIGHT FLASHES, BELL GOES OFF, GLOW PLUG LIGHT FLASHES, VEHICLE FEELS SLUGGISH WITH NO POWER. MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT (UNDER WARRENTY, $467). REPLACED NEEDLE SENSOR/INJECTOR ASSEMBLY, REPLACED FAULTY BREAK LIGHT SWITCH, TRACED AND REPAIRED WIRIING SENSOR. COST $671. IN THREE WEEKS SPENT $1250 ON SERVICE AND REPAIRS ON A THREE YEAR OLD CAR.*AK
Fuel system, Diesel, Feb 11, 2004
DIESEL FUEL GELLING IN LOW TEMPS. VW ADMITS TO HAVING NO SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM. ONE OF THE MECHANICS DID ADMIT THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS TOO SMALL. WE HAVE BEEN TOWED IN TWICE LATE AT NIGHT IN DANGEROUS TEMPERATURES. FORTUNATELY MY WIFE HAD A CELL PHONE-8 YEAR OLD BOY ON BOARD ALSO. STEPHANIEFP28@YAHOO.COM HAD SAME PROBLEM.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 3, 2004
VIBRATION AND GRINDING WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE REAR BRAKE PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE ROTORS. *AK
Structure, Feb 3, 2004
INTERIOR PARTS ARE PEELING THE PLASTIC(VINYL) COATING WAS PEELING OFF AND HAD THOSE INTERIOR PARTS HAD TO BE REPLACED *AK
Structure, Feb 3, 2004
TOW HOOK CVER FELL OUT AND HAD TOO BE REPLACED. *AK
Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 3, 2004
CENTER CONSOLE LATCH BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACEDL. *AK
Structure, Feb 3, 2004
BLEMISH ON HOOD IN PAINT.
Visibility, Feb 3, 2004
RIGHT WINDOW ON PASSENGER SIDE WOULD NOT GO UP REPLACED REGULATOR. *AK
Structure, Feb 3, 2004
BLEMISHES IN THE PAINT ON THE HOOD HAD TO TAKE TO DEALER TWICE TO GET THIS PROBLEM RECTIFIED!!!*AK
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 3, 2004
MIL LIGHT ON WITH RICH FUEL MIXTURE ODOR FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS REPLACED DRIVER SIDE MIRROR DEFROST NOT WORKING O2 SENSOR WAS REPLACED AGAIN AIR MASS METER REPLACED AGAIN. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2004
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT O2 SENSOR, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2004
VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED A MINIMUM OF 20 TIMES FOR REOCCURING PROBLEMS. SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD 800 MILES ON IT, IT HAS HAD ISSUES RUNNING PROPERLY. VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON MORE THAN A FEW OCCASIONS, AND PUT BOTH MY CHILD AND WIFE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, BY MY STANDARDS. HERE IS A SMALL SAMPLE OF WHATS BEEN REPLACED ON A 3 YEAR OLD 40500 MILE VEHICLE: THROTTLE BODY 4 TIMES SECONDARY AIR PUMP 2 TIMES DIVERTER VALVE 2 TIMES COILS 5 TIMES ENGINE WIRING HARNESS ABS CONTROL UNIT FUSE FOR SECONDARY AIRPUMP ECM 2 TIMES ARMREST ON DOOR 2 TIMES CENTER CONSOLE ARMREST 2 TIMES REAR BRAKES UNDER WARRANTY AT 10K MILES
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 28, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A REAR BRAKE PROBLEM. CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS METAL TO METAL GRINDING OF THE BRAKES. PADS AND ROTORS WERE COMPLETELY WORN OUT. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 22, 2004
AFTER ONLY 20,000 MILES ON MY 2001 JETTA, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE BEGAN FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT, AND NO SQUEEL PRIOR TO THE GRINDING. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALER, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE REAR PADS AND ROTORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST OF $375. THEY SEEM TO WANT TO BLAME IT ON ME USING THE BRAKES TOO MUCH. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I ALSO OWN A TOYOTA WITH 75,000 MILES ON IT. THE BRAKES ON IT ARE STILL THE ORIGINAL.
Fuel system, Diesel, Jan 22, 2004
I TOOK MY CAR IN TO BE SERVICED FOR WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A TURBO PROBLEM, WHICH THE DEALER PROMISED TO COVER. IT TURNS OUT THAT MY INTAKE MANIFOLD AND EGR WERE SO CLOGGED WITH CARBON THAT MY TURBO FAILED. DEALER REFUSED TO COVER SINCE IT WAS NOT THE TURBO ITSELF.
Power train, Jan 21, 2004
WHILE TRAVELING CONSUMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT. DEALERSHIP SERVICED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 21, 2004
REAR BRAKES HAVE WORN TO NOTHING AFTER ONLY 20K MILES. ROTARS ARE NOW RUINED. NO WARNING WAS GIVEN. DEALER SAID THAT ONLY THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE A WARNING LIGHT. WHY WOULDN'T THE REAR BRAKES HAVE A WARNING SYSTEM IF THEY WEAR OUT MORE QUICKLY THAN THE FRONT?*AK
Fuel system, Diesel, Jan 18, 2004
CAR STARTS POORLY. UPON INVESTIGATION, FOUND THAT EGR VALVE AND INTAKE MANIFOLD ARE PACKED WITH BLACK, NASTY CARBON BUILD-UP. I REMOVED THE EGR VALVE AND SCRAPED OUT APPROXIMATELY ONE AND ONE-HALF CUPS OF THIS BLACK 'GUNK' FROM THE EGR VALVE AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THE INTAKE PORTS LOOK LIKE IN THE CYLINDER HEAD. *CB
Power train, Jan 15, 2004
RIGHT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BECAME SLIGHTLY OUT OF ROUND BY ABOUT 30 THOUS. THIS PROBLEM CANNOT BE EXPLAINED BY ANY REGULAR MEANS EXCEPT THE DEALER SAYS WE MUST HAVE HIT SOMETHING . IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO HIT THE SHAFT BECAUSE IT IS PROTECTED . I BELIEVE THIS IS METAL FATIGUE THAT COMES FROM HIGHSPEED HIGHWAY DRIVING AS I COMMUTE DAILY ABOUT 250 KM.THE CAR IS ONLY 22 MONTHS OLD BUT I NOW HAVE 125,800 KM ON IT.I SUSPECT THIS PROBLEM WOULD HAVE NEVER OCCURED IF I WAS ONLY DRIVING THE AVERAGE 20,000KM PER YEAR AND ON THE HIGHWAY FROM TIME TO TIME. DEALER WAS NOT EVEN INTERESTED IN CONTACTING VOLKSWAGON TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY HELP AVAILABLE.
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
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2004
IGNITION COIL MALFUNCTIONED, BUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP MY CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE VW CUSTOMER SERVICE ACTION REPLACING IGNITION COILS ON OTHER 2001, 2002 JETTAS. I HAVE DIFFERENT COILS? DEFECTIVE COILS ARE DEFECTIVE COILS PERIOD! THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME WHEN IT HAPPENED. *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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 2, 2004
LAST YEAR I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER BECUASE MY BRAKES WERE GRINDING. THEY COULD FIND NO ISSUES. TODAY I TOOK THE CAR FOR A RECALL SERVICE ON MY IGNITION COIL, AND THEY TELL ME MY REAR BRAKES ARE BAD AND NEED TO BE FIXED. SO I GOT IT DONE. PROBLEM IS, I ONLY HAVE 20,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE HAD IT SINCE AUGUST OF 2000 AND I DO NOT DRIVE VERY FAR IN A YEAR.*AK
Seats, Dec 30, 2003
INJURY DUE TO HEATED SEAT IN JETTA 2001. SERIOUS INJURY TO THE SACRAL NERVE AND SCIATA NERVE RESULTING IN COMPLETE "SADDLE" NUMBNESS FOR 4-5 WEEKS AND SEVERE NUMBNESS IN THE FEET FOR 5+ WEEKS WITH LASTING NUMBNESS IN SOLES OF FEET CONTINUING NEARLY ONE YEAR LATER.