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, Apr 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER YESTERDAY TO HAVE THE MASS AIR FLOW METER SERVICED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE YEARS AND HAS BECOME COSTLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 115,781.*AK
Seats, Mar 23, 2007
THIS HAPPENNED TWICE ON MY 2001 JETTA. ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A SPRING LYING ON THE FLOOR, AND I HAD NO IDEA WHERE IT CAME FROM. ALSO HAPPEND ON MY 2001 GOLF. WORST CAR EVER AND VERY UNSAFE! *AK
Seats, Mar 14, 2007
SEAT HEATER IN VW JETTA '01 BECAME VERY HOT (LIKE BURNING CIGARETTE ON BUTTOCKS) ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS - AND FINALLY STOP WORKING. PER THE DEALER THE ELEMENT DID SHORT OUT - HAS DISCOLORED FABRIC - AND IS NOW BEING REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $275 -- THE COVER WOULD COST AN EXTRA $350+ WHICH I PASSED ON REPLACING. *JB
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 9, 2007
CONTINUING PROBLEM-RANDOM OCCURRENCES: ALL DOORS WILL LOCK UNEXPECTEDLY AND ALARM SYSTEM ARMS ITSELF. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS UNEXPECTED OCCASIONS WITHOUT ANY ACTIVATION BY REMOTE LOCKING KEY FOB. DOORS WILL LOCK WITH DRIVER OR PASSENGER(S) INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE OR OPEN DOORS WILL TRIGGER THE ALARM AFTER THE DOORS HAVE AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED AND ARMED. STARTER IS DISABLED WHEN ALARM IS TRIGGERED. SAFETY CONCERN FROM BEING LOCKED OUT OF CAR UNEXPECTEDLY. CAR HAS LOCKED WITH KEYS IN THE CAR AND DRIVER OUTSIDE OF CAR, SUCH AS AT GAS STATION FILLING TANK. PANIC IS INDUCED WHEN DRIVER INADVERTENTLY TRIGGERS THE ALARM WHEN TRYING TO START THE ENGINE WHILE UNAWARE THAT THE CAR HAS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED ITSELF AND ARMED THE ALARM. FEAR OF SMALL CHILD BEING TRAPPED INSIDE CAR WHEN AUTO LOCKING/AUTO ARMING OCCURS. *JB
Exterior lighting, Feb 26, 2007
AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM AN AUTO SHOP THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I HAD THEM JUMP START IT AND THE AIRBAG DUMMY LIGHT CAME ON AS SOON AS THE CAR STARTED. IT BEEPED AND SAID AIRBAG FAULT ON THE DASH. THEN THE TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM STARTED TO SIMULATE THE SOUND OF THE TURN SIGNAL AS IF IT WAS ON. FIRST IT WAS AFTER I COMPLETED THE TURN IT WOULD STAY ON AND SPEED UP OR SLOW DOWN THE CLICKING NOISE. WITHIN A MONTH IT STARTED DOING IT WHILE I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. I AM UNSURE IF THE TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES THE FLASHERS DON'T SEEM WORK AT RANDOM AS FAR AS I CAN TELL FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT. I HAD A DEALER RESET THE AIRBAG FAULT BUT THEY SAID THAT THEY "THINK" THAT WE NEED TO REPLACE THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH ON THE SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I'M NOT ABOUT TO SPEND 500 DOLLARS ON SOMETHING THAT THE DEALER ISN'T EVEN SURE OF THEMSELVES. *JB
Power train, Feb 17, 2007
FAULTY TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE CAUSED TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. CONSEQUENCE: QUOTE OF $5135 FOR THE REPAIR. CAR WAS 6000 MILES OVER WARRANTY. *JB
Visibility, Feb 16, 2007
GIRLFRIEND GOT INTO CAR ON WEDNESDAY MORNING TO GO TO COLLEGE. SHE SHUT THE DOOR AND THE SNOW HAD BLOCKED HER VIEW THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW. SO SHE HIT THE POWER WINDOW BUTTON TO ROLL DOWN FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND THE WINDOW FELL DOWN INTO THE DOOR AND WOULD NOT ROLL BACK UP. SHE TOOK THE CAR TO MOTORVATION MOTORCARS TO HAVE THE WINDOW TAPED UP UNTIL IT COULD GET FIXED ON FRI. TEMPERATURE WAS FRIGID AND THIS WAS VERY INCONVENIENT. THIS HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE IN OCT. DURING HEAVY RAINS. HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS AN OCCURRING PROB WITH MORE THAN ONE JETTA. GOT ON THE INTERNET AND GOT CURIOUS TO WHY THIS HAD HAPPENED TWICE AND FOUND THIS WEBSITE. WHAT IF AN INFANT CHILD WAS RESTRAINED IN REAR SEAT GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. PROBLEM SHOULD BE HANDLED APP. AT VOLKSWAGENS EXPENSE. *NM
Exterior lighting, Feb 6, 2007
TURN SIGNAL ON 2001 VW JETTA OPERATES AT RANDOM OR NOT AT ALL. THIS CONDITION BEGAN OCCURRING FOLLOWING THE REPAIR OF A MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 06V183000 & 04V096000). SIGNALS FAILED TO TURN ON, OR TURNED ON WITH SPORADIC FUNCTIONING. VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE INDICATED THIS WAS CAUSED BY A SHORTED HAZARD SWITCH. HAZARD SWITCH WAS REPLACED FOR A COST OF US $131.55. DEALER INDICATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM (RECALL 04V584000) HOWEVER INDICATED VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL DESPITE HAVING AN IDENTICAL ISSUE. IF FIND IT UTTERLY RIDICULOUS THAT VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS GIVEN THAT THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM IS RECALLED FOR OTHER JETTAS. IN ADDITION I FIND IT MORALLY UNACCEPTABLE AS VOLKSWAGEN IS PUTTING DRIVERS AT RISK AS INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNALS IS A SAFETY CONCERN: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN TURNING OR PERFORMING A LATERAL MOVE COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 31, 2007
WHILE LEAVING TO RUN ERRANDS WITH MY 1 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE CARMY 2001 JETTA GLX VR6 STARTED LOSING POWER AS IF IT WOULD STALL. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND EMISSIONS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCKENNA VW THEY SAID I HAD A BAD IGNITION COIL, WIRES, AND SPARK PLUGS. WHILE RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THIS IS AN EPIDEMIC LEVEL ISSUE WITH 2001 JETTAS. A VW PRESS RELEASE CONTAINED INFORMATION THAT THEY WERE ISSUING A RECALL, HOWEVER VW REFUSED TO INCLUDE MY CAR IN THE RECALL FOR REASONS THEY WILL NOT DISCLOSE. THEY ARE SELECTIVELY CHOOSING WHICH CARS TO FIX, ALTHOUGH THIS PROBLEM IS VERY WIDE SPREAD AMONG ALL THEIR VEHICLES. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AS CONSUMERS ARE GETTING FACED WITH $1100 BILLS FOR EACH IGNITION COIL DEFECT - I BELIEVE MINE HAS 6. THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST ONE, HOWEVER I'VE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT MULTIPLE COILS ARE FAILING CAUSING NEAR-ACCIDENTS.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 22, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY AND THE DEALERS STATED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR AND THE SPARK PLUGS ARE THE CAUSE. THE CONTACT STATED THE SENSORS WERE REPAIRED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND A WEEK LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL, WHICH IT DOES NOT INCLUDE HER VIN. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT IS REQUESTING A PART MALFUNCTION INVESTIGATION WITH THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2007, fire
OWNER WAS DRIVING THE VOLKSWAGEN AND OBSERVED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DASH VENTS AND FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASH. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND FD RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED FIRE. FIRE THEN ERUPTED AGAIN AND FD PERSONNEL CUT THE BATTERY CABLES. FIRE ORIGINATED AT CENTER OF DASH BEHIND RADIO AND CLIMATE CONTROL PANEL. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2007, fire
OWNER WAS DRIVING VOLKSWAGEN AND NOTICED SPARKS COMING FROM THE GLOVEBOX AREA. HE PULLED OVER, OPENED THE GLOVEBOX, BUT SAW ONLY SMOKE. HE THEN OPENED THE HOOD AND OBSERVED FLAMES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BULKHEAD/FIREWALL. FIRE BURNED THROUGHOUT THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, THE FRONT UNDERCARRIAGE, AND PART OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAUSE UNDETERMINED. *NM
Air bags, Jan 5, 2007
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 70 MPH WHEN MY DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED 911, THE OFFICER WHO CAME OUT TOLD ME THAT NO DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE TIRES OR BODY OF THE CAR. THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER THEY HAVE SENT PICTURES TO VW AND SO FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS, WHICH WAS 3 WEEKS AGO! *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 2, 2007
2001 VW JETTA. ENGINE TUNE UP (REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, SPECIFICALLY) AT 77K; ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND IS IDENTIFIED AS MAF SENSOR. WARRANTY EXTENDED THROUGH DEALER TO 70K. THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE OPTIMUM FUEL EFFICIENCY WITHOUT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING SENSOR. SENSOR WAS CLEANED AT INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WORKED FOR 4 DAYS, LIGHT WENT OFF AGAIN. THIS PART NEEDS TO BE RECALLED RATHER THAN JUST HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY!! IT'S EXPENSIVE!*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 29, 2006
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE 2001 TDI WAS TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY GLOW PLUG. UPON TRYING TO REMOVE THE GLOW PLUG, THE DEALERSHIP BROKE THE PART. NOW, THE ONLY WAY TO REMOVE THE GLOW PLUG IS TO TEAR APART THE ENGINE, AT A COST OF OVER $1,000. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO TAKE THE CAR BACK EITHER. CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ARE FINE WITH THE DEALERSHIP HOLDING MY CAR HOSTAGE. VW MUST HATE THE CUSTOMER.
Exterior lighting, Dec 27, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED THREE TIMES . THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED AT 23,000, 40,000 & 42,000 MILES. WHEN THE FAILURE HAPPENED THE EPC LIGHT TURNED ON AND SOMETIMES IT TURNED ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK UPDATED 1/30/2007 - *NM
Exterior lighting, Dec 18, 2006
TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A RECALL LETTER CONCERNING THE BRAKE LIGHT. THERE IS NO DEALER IN THE CONTACT'S AREA, BUT THERE IS A REPAIR CENTER. THE CONTACT CURRENTLY HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY INCIDENTS WITH HIS VEHICLE; HOWEVER WANTS TO PREVENT THE INCIDDENT BEFORE IT OCCURS.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING 5-25 MPH ON A GRAVEL DRIVEWAY, THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT ANY BUMP OR POTHOLE ON 50-70 OCCASIONS. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD DISENGAGE ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT ALERTED. UPDATED 02/06/07. *JB
Exterior lighting, Dec 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. A NHTSA RECALL, #04V096000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS ALSO REPLACED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS IN ADDITION TO THE RECALL. A REVISED RECALL #06V183000 CONCERNING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN ISSUED.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 5, 2006
DRIVER SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTIONS. IT DOES NOT ALWAYS LOCK AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO WHEN DONE WITH REMOTE OR WHEN CAR REACHES SPEED FOR AUTO-LOCK FEATURE. MAY LOCK WHEN IT SHOULDN'T AS WELL-- LOCKING YOU IN VEHICLE AND/OR SETTING OFF ALARM. *JB
Tires, Nov 28, 2006
DRY ROT OF ALL 4 DOUGLAS TIRES. DURING STATE INSPECTION AT VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP/REPAIR IN NORTH GREENBUSH NY - FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO ALL 4 TIRES BEING DRY ROTTED.
Exterior lighting, Nov 27, 2006
I OWN A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WITH A 2.8 ............................................................................................................. LV6 ENGINE AND 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. ON 03 AUG 2006 (MILEAGE: 84028) I HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED AT MY OWN EXPENSE WHEN THE ECL INDICATOR CAME ON. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 19 MONTHS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SAME BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE FIRST TIME WAS 10 NOVEMBER 2004 (MILEAGE: 68184) IN WHICH THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED UNDER NHTSA RECALL #04V-09600 (20 FEBRUARY 2004). IN BOTH CASES THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED BY LITHIA VOLKSWAGEN OF THORNTON, COLORADO. THE FIRST SWITCH REPLACEMENT USED PART #1J0-945-511-D, WHICH WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE MOST RECENT REPLACEMENT USING PART #1J0-945-511-F. THIS IMPLIES A NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS DESIGNED BY VOLKSWAGEN BECAUSE OF FLAWS WITH THE DESIGN USED TO RESPOND TO THE NHTSA RECALL. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE SECOND INCIDENT OF THIS BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY EITHER THE FEBRUARY 2004 RECALL THAT REPAIRED THE FIRST INSTANCE OR THE NEW RECALL 06V183000. SINCE THE BRAKE LIGHT IS A CRITICAL SAFETY FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE IT SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO FUNCTION LONGER THAN 19 MONTHS. ITS FAILURE PLACES MY FAMILY AND I AT RISK OF INJURY OR EVEN DEATH DUE TO A REAR END COLLISION BECAUSE OF VOLKSWAGENS INABILITY TO PROPERLY DESIGN A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THIS SAFETY SYSTEM SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO OPERATE THE LIFE OF THE AUTOMOBILE TO PROTECT ITS OCCUPANTS. VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD MAKE A SERIOUS EFFORT TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM PERMANENTLY OR DEMONSTRATE THEIR COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SAFETY BY REPLACING THE SWITCH AT MANUFACTURER EXPENSE. WHEN I DISCUSSED THIS WITH VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE (1-800-822-8987, REF. #60279193) THEY CLAIMED THIS SERVICE WAS NOT COVERED BY EITHER RECALL AND SINCE THE PART HAD PERFORMED PAST THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR THE SWITCH AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *NM
Steering, Nov 17, 2006
WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN PRIOR TO HAVING A FEW DAYS OFF FOR THE 4TH, I NOTICED A SQUEAKY BELT NOISE WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL. I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL AND IT WAS ABOUT HALF FULL. I ADDED FLUID AND THE NOISE WENT AWAY. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR THE DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY. THE NEXT DAY ON THE 4TH SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. ADDING STEERING FLUID DID NOTHING SINCE IT SEEMED TO BE LEAKING OUT SOMEWHERE. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR HOME AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY. I ASSUMED IT WAS THE STEERING PUMP AND WAS NOT TOO CONCERNED. AFTER EXAMINING THE CAR THE DEALER FOUND THAT IN FACT THE STEERING RACK HAD BURNED OUT. I WAS QUOTED $2000 TO REPLACE THE STEERING RACK, TIRE ROD ENDS, AND POWER STEERING PUMP. MY SECOND OPTION SUGGESTED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS TO BUY A NEW CAR. I DEMANDED TO SPEAK WITH THE SHOP MANAGER WHO FEIGNED CONCERN AND INTEREST IN HELPING ME RESOLVE THE ISSUE. HE PASSED IT TO THE LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE WHO REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE. NOT THE FIRST TIME VWOA WAS LESS THAN HELPFUL I HAD THE WORK DONE AT A LOCAL GARAGE WITH AFTER MARKET PARTS FOR LESS THAN HALF THE DEALER QUOTE. *JB
Air bags, Nov 17, 2006
AS I WAS DRIVING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I STOPPED TO CHECK FOR DAMAGE, DID NOT SEE ANYTHING, AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING IN THE ROAD. NOW I HAVE A CAR WITH THE HEADLINER AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BLOWN APART. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FOUND A DENT AND TOLD ME THAT WAS THE CAUSE AND I SHOULD REPORT IT TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO BE COVERED UNDER MY COLLISION. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER FOUND THE DENT IDENTIFIED BY THE DEALER SHOWED SIGNS OF AGE AND WAS NOT THE CAUSE. MAKING A JUDGMENT THE PRESENCE OF DIRT, ROAD GRIME AND SOME SURFACE RUST SUGGESTED IT WAS OLDER DAMAGE. IT WAS MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY INCORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE LIFT WHEN WORK WAS DONE UNDER THE CAR. FINDING NO OTHER DAMAGE THAT WOULD CAUSE DEPLOYMENT THEY CLOSED THE CLAIM AND MY CAR WAS NOT REPAIRED. VW REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. *JB
Visibility, Oct 30, 2006
2001 JETTA 4-CYL 2.0L, DRIVER SIDE POWER WINDOW REGULATOR HAS FAILED CAUSING THE WINDOW TO GET STUCK IN DIFFERENT POSITIONS. THE WINDOW MAKES A LOUD JARRING NOISE WHEN MADE TO GO ALL THE WAY UP OR ALL THE WAY DOWN AS THE WINDOW MOTOR DOESN'T SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN. I AM THE THIRD OWNER OF THIS CAR. THE PREVIOUS OWNER ALSO HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE.*JB