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.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 12, 2002
I WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT 1 QUART/1000 MILES IS NORMAL. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. BURNING THIS MUCH OIL IS NOT NORMAL AND IT IS NOT GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.*AK
Air bags, Sep 10, 2002
MY 2001 JETTA GLX WAS DELIVERED WITH AN AIRBAG FAULT & A SCRATCHED BUMPER. THEY SAID THEY WOULD FIX BOTH. I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK THE NEXT DAY TO HAVE THE AIRBAG FAULT FIXED. THEY FIXED IT & IT OCCURED AGAIN IN 1 OR 2 DAYS. I ALSO HAD A HOSE BREAK & ALL OF THE RATIATOR FLUID LEAK OUT. THEY FIXED THAT & THE SCRATCH & THE AIRBAG FAULT. I ASKED AT THAT TIME FOR A NEW VEHICLE. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT/WOULD NOT DO THAT. MY AIRBAG FAILED AGAIN 7/2002 & AGAIN 9/2002. I AM CURRENTLY SEEKING TO HAVE MY CAR REPLACED OR BOUGHT BACK BY THE DEALER. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP.*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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 4, 2002
SOMETHING FLEW UP FROM ROAD AND HIT FUEL LINE AND CUT IT OPEN SO FUEL WAS PUMPING OUT CONTINOUSLY BELOW THE FUEL TANK. ABOUT 2 FEET OF PLASTIC FUEL LINES ARE COMPLETELY EXPOSED ON THE BOTTOM OF CAR JUST FORWARD OF FUEL TANK. THESE LINES SHOULD BE SHIELDED BELOW WITH A METAL OR HARD PLASTIC PLATE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM HAD THE EJECTING FUEL CAUGHT FIRE.*AK
Air bags, Sep 3, 2002, crash
I RECEIVED A SEVERE RIGHT FOREARM FRACTURE, REQUIRING SURGERY, FROM A DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN A PARKING LOT AND MY CAR WAS ALMOST STOPPED AT THE TIME. TWO FINGERS WERE ALSO BROKEN/DISLOCATED. I SPENT 3 DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL AND WILL HAVE MONTHS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY TO ENDURE. I WANT THIS ON RECORD SO IF OTHERS HAVE BEEN INJURED, THE AIRBAGS WILL BE INVESTIGATED. I AM WILLING TO SHARE X-RAYS, MEDICAL RECORDS, ETC. I CONTACTED VW AND THEY SAID SINCE I WAS HONKING THE HORN AT THE TIME OF IMPACT, IT'S BASICALLY MY FAULT. I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT IF THE BODY IS IN THE WAY WHEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS, INJURY MAY OCCUR, BUT SUCH A SEVERE INJURY AS A CONSEQUENCE FOR HONKING THE HORN, SEEMS EXTREME TO ME. I THINK THE AIRBAG MAY HAVE DEPLOYED TOO FAST. PLEASE COMPARE MY CASE TO OTHERS' SO OTHER VW DRIVERS WON'T HAVE TO GO THROUGH WHAT I AM RIGHT NOW. THANK YOU.*AK
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
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2002
THE VEHICLE SPUTTERS WHEN YOU FIRST START OUT AND AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE AND IS STARTED UP AGAIN. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. ON THE LAST TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOOK IT THE THE MANUFACTURER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED IT WAS MY MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. ONCE THAT WAS REPLACED MY VEHICLE STILL EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS. ON TODAY 8/30/02 I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE WIRING THAT WENT TO THE MAF SENSOR NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. ALMOST $600.00 LATER, SPARK PLUGS, FUEL FITER, AIR FILTER , O2 SENSORS, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND WIRES...........THE PROBLEM IS NOT AS BAD, BUT STILL EXISTS. THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IS UPSET THAT THE MANUFACTER DID THE LAST REPAIRS AND GUARANTEED THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED.........AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR 3 HOURS TODAY, STARTING THE VEHICLE, BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY....AND TURNING THE WHEEL.........THE SPUTTER WAS BACK. I DO WANT TO GO BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. BUT I DO NOT WANT TO PAY $75 AN HOUR LABOR FOR THEM TO CHECK THE SAME PROBLEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN, AND PRETTY MUCH JUST REPLACE VARIOUS PARTS. HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM OR ONE SIMILAR. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED AND NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE CHECK OUT CHARGE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM?*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 29, 2002
THEREIS A VERY HEAVY CHEMICAL SMELL IN INTERIOR OF VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO VOLKSWAGEN FOR SERVICE, AND DEALER COULDN'T LOCATE A PROBLEM. CONSUMER STATED THAT SMELL WAS MAKING DRIVER SICK IN THE STOMACH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AKI
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
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2002
VEHICLE HAS A BURNING RUBBER/WAX SMELL. WHEN ENGINE GETS HOT SMELL GETS REALLY TOXIC. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO REPLACED CARPET BETWEEN FIREWALL AND DASHBOARD, SINCE THEN SMELL IS EVEN WORSE.*AK *YH
Air bags, Aug 13, 2002
ON JULY 31 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 55 MPH AND SUDDENLY I HEARD AND EXPLOSION INSIDE MY CAR AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BUT LUCKILY I DID NOT, THEN I REALIZED THAT THE AIR BAG LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER RIGHT ARM AND THE AIR BAG THAT PROTECTS THE RIGHT SIDE WINDOWS WHERE ACTIVATED WITH OUT A REASON. I WAS VERY UPSET AND WENT TO THE DEALER WITH MY CONCERN OF THE INCIDENT, BUT TO MY SURPRISE NOT ONLY DID I DID NOT GET ANY APOLOGIES BUT THEY PUT THE BLAME ON ME, ARGUMENTING THAT SOMETHING HIT THE UNDER HOOD OF MY CAR CLOSE TO THE PLACE WHERE THE RIGHT SIDE BAGS SENSOR IS LOCATED AND THAT THE GUARANTY DID NOT COVER IT. I THINK ITS A VERY DANGEROUS MATTER IF SOMETHING HITS UNDER THE CAR AND CAN DIPLOIDS THE AIRBAGS. I AM CERTAIN I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING ON THE FREEWAY AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE DEALER OWNER AND TO COSTUMER CARE AND BOTH TELL ME THEY SUPPORT THE MECHANICS DECISION. *AK
Structure, Aug 13, 2002
FRONT BUMPER ASSEMBLY TORE OFF VEHICLE WHEN BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE. BUMPER SKIPPED ON TOP OF PORTABLE CONCRETE CURB AT EXTREMELY LOW REVERSE SPEED (LESS THAN 1 MPH).*AK
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING INJURY TO THE CONSUMER, ALSO THE LEFT TIRE WAS FLAT.(STATE FARM INSURANCE, CLAIM NUMBER, 06-5516-976)*JB
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER RAN OVER A POTHOLE, THE POTHOLE WAS NOT VERY LARGE AND DID NOT DAMAGE TIRES OR UNDERCARRIAGE, HOWEVER THE JOLT FROM THE POTHOLE CAUSED BOTH AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY, LEAVING RESIDUE ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.(STATE FARM INSURANCE, CALIM NUMBER, 25-5647-797) *JB
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
CONSUMER HIT A POTHOLE AND THE ROOF AND SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.(STATE FARM INSURANCE, CLAIM NUMBER, 17-9237-404)
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
Visibility, Aug 12, 2002
THIRD FAILURE OF WINDOW REGULATOR. PASSENGER SIDE ONCE, DRIVERS SIDE TWICE.*AK
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 6, 2002
OFTEN WHEN ACCELERATING, MY AUTOMATIC JETTA WILL SEEM TO GO INTO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE WILL BE ROARING AND THE RPM WILL FLY UP INTO THE RED ZONE ON THE DAIL. THIS HAPPENS AT SPEEDS FROM 5 MPH- 75 MPH. IT ALWAYS OCCURS AS I GO TO ACCELERATE, OTHERWISE I CAN FIND NO OTHER SIMILARITIES OF OCCURRENCES.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2002
I HAVE A 2001 VW JETTA 4 CYL. WITH 25,000 MILES ON IT THAT BURNS 1 QT. OF OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR INTO SOUTH SHORE VOLKSWAGEN WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FOR ALL OF ITS 5,000-MILE SERVICE APPOINTMENTS INCLUDING OIL CHANGES. ALTHOUGH VW IS TELLING ME THIS IS 'NORMAL' FOR A JETTA I DISAGREE. PER OLKSVWAGEN POLICY I AM NOW DOING OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS WHICH IS ONLY CONFIRMING THAT THE CAR DOES GO THROUGH 1 QT. OF OIL PER 1000 MILES. THERE OBVIOUSLY IS A PROBLEM WITH THE JETTA MODEL THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AT VW'S EXPENSE.*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