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.
Air bags, Oct 27, 2006, crash
AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT INVOLVING TRACTOR TRAILER. CAR WAS HIT DIRECTLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, REAR AND FRONT END OF VEHICLE. ACCIDENT SPEED WAS 65 MPH. TWO FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DID NOT. THE AIR BAG MAY HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT HEMISPHERE OF HEAD. REPORTED TO VW BUT HAVE HAD NO RESPONSE. *NM
Exterior lighting, Oct 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING ANY MALFUNCTIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 06V183000 NOR IN # 04V096000 DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE RECALLS MATCHED THE PROBLEM THE VEHICLE PRESENTED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 20, 2006
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 VW JETTA AND I BRAKED SUDDENLY. BRAKE LIGHT AND AUDIO ALARM CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR INTO GARAGE FOR REPAIR. WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED NEW ABS CONTROL UNIT. THE GARAGE CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND FOUND THAT THIS SAME PART HAD BEEN RECALLED ON OTHER VW MODELS. *NM
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE SPARK IGNITION COIL AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000, REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. *AK UPDATED 10/30/2006 - *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 25, 2006
WE PURCHASED OUR 2001 JETTA 1.8L TURBO WOLFSBURG EDITION IN JAN OF 2003 FROM A CERTIFIED USED VW DEALER. WHEN WE DROVE OFF THE LOT, NOT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE TURBO SEEMED TO FAIL AND WE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, EPC LIGHT CAME ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER AND THEY FIXED PROBLEM. EVERYTHING RAN FINE UNTIL SEPT 2003 OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SHORTLY AFTER WE RECEIVED NOTICE THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL REGARDING IGNITION COILS. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE COILS FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SOLVED THE LIGHT ISSUE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, THEN IT CAME BACK ON AGAIN, THIS TIME WHEN IDLING FLUCTUATING BETWEEN 700 RPM AND ABOUT 1500 RPM AND STALLING ON OCCASION. WE TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTICS, CLEARED THE FAILURES TO SEE IF THAT SOLVED THE PROBLEM, WHICH IT DID TEMPORARILY...EVER SINCE WE HAVE BEEN RUNNING DIAGNOSTICS TRYING TO DETERMINE WHY OUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, EACH TIME THE PROBLEM IS TEMPORARILY SOLVED. AT FIRST THE MECHANIC THOUGHT IT WAS THE AIRFLOW SENSOR, BUT ONCE THEY LOOKED CLOSER DETERMINED IT WAS A DIFFERENT PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD CORROSION REMOVED, CONNECTIONS CLEANED, AND OUR LAMBDA SENSOR REPLACED. NOW OUR CAR CONTINUES TO RUN AND IDLE POORLY AND SPORADICALLY, THE CAR STALLS WHEN YOU SLOW, THE TURBO WORKS ON OCCASION, LOSSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING, WHEN CAR FIRST STARTS IT BARELY MOVES WITH ACCELERATOR FLOORED, BRAKES ARE VERY SLUGGISH, SOMETIMES REALLY HAVING TO PUSH TO GET CAR TO STOP. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. EVERYTIME WE TAKE IT IN MULTIPLE ERRORS POP UP, LAST TIME THERE WAS 17 FAULT CODES, MECHANIC KEEPS GOING DOWN THE LIST OF WHAT TO CHECK HOPING TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THE BILL JUST KEEPS GETTING BIGGER AND NOTHING HAS BEEN SOLVED. RECENTLY THINK THAT THE ORIGINAL ISSUE AND CURRENT ISSUES ARE ONE IN THE SAME AS SYMPTOMS ARE BECOMING MORE SIMILAR. HELP! *NM
Air bags, Sep 22, 2006
PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH OUT ANY REASONS AT ALL. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD, AT 20 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR FILLED UP WITH BLACK SMOKE AND THE PASSENGER CURTAIN, SEAT AND DASHBOARD AIRBAG ALL DEPLOYED. I QUICKLY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. AND WAS ASTONISHED TO LEARN THAT NOT ONLY WAS I NOT SHOT AT ( BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT SOUNDED LIKE) BUT I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO PROVOKE THIS. I CALLED VW THEY TOLD ME THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE FAULTY WIRING, AND TO BRING IT IN ASAP, THEY WOULD GIVE ME A LOANER CAR, AND IT WOULD TAKE 3-5 DAYS TO FIX. I DID SO, AND 3 HRS AFTER DROPPING OFF THE CAR, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE MANAGER SAYING, PLEASE COME PICK UP YOUR CAR, WE WILL NOT FIX IT, YOUR CAR HAS BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT, YOU NEED TO CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE. NW MIND YOU I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 WEEKS, AND THERE IS NOT A DENT ON IT! I WAS FURIOUS AND CONFUSED. I ARGUED WITH THE GUY STATING THAT I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING, HE SAID THAT THE BLACK BOX CONTAINED A HIT CODE OF SOME KIND. THAT IT REGISTERED THAT I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT. WELL DUH! ITS DEFECTIVE! TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, I SUED VW, AND LOST! THEY INSISTED THAT ITS "NORMAL" FOR IT TO GO OFF, SAID EVEN IF YOU HAPPEN TO HIT A SMALL ROCK ON THE ROAD AND IT HITS JUST RIGHT, IT WILL CAUSE IT TO DEPLOY! HOW SAFE IS THAT!? ITS BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE THAT DAY AND VW HAS REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE, STATING ITS MY PROBLEM NOT THEIRS. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 19, 2006
CATALYTIC CONVERTOR FAILURE AT 82,000 REPLACED CONVERTOR. *JB
Exterior lighting, Sep 18, 2006
MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WENT OUT IN MY 2001 VW JETTA GLS 2.0L. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH GOES OUT THERE IS NO WARNING IN THE DASH TO LET ME KNOW IT WAS OUT. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY BREAK LIGHTS UNTIL SOMEONE AT A STOP LIGHT YELLED OUT THEIR WINDOW TO TELL ME. I TOOK MY CAR TO VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW BREAK LIGHT SWITCH. IT TURNS OUT THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM FOR VW'S OF ALL YEARS AND MAKES. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, VW HASN'T RELEASED INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AND IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. I DON'T WANT TO SEE MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE GET KILLED OR HURT BECAUSE OF A FAULTY PART. I'VE ALREADY SPENT THE $12 TO FIX IT SO THIS COMPLAINT IS NOT ABOUT GETTING MY MONEY BACK. IT'S ABOUT SAVING LIVES. *NM
Air bags, Aug 25, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER ON AND OFF. THEN, WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT, THE SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2006
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH MY 2001 JETTA. I HAVE REPLACED ALL THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE FRONT BEARING TWICE. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE COILS TWICE ON THIS CAR. NOW IN THE LAST 2-3 WEEKS THE CLEAR COAT HAS STARTED TO PEEL OFF THE CAR. THE PAINT IS NOT COMING OFF JUST THE CLEAR COAT. I CALLED THE VW CARE CENTER AND THEY RAN ME AROUND HAVING ME TAKE THE CAR TO A VW BODY SHOP, AND HAVING THE SERVICE MANAGER LOOK AT IT AND NEITHER ONE OF THEM COULD TELL ME WHY THE CLEAR COAT WAS PEELING. THEY BOTH DID RESPOND BY SAYING THE COULD BE SURE BUT IN MAY HAVE BEEN OVER BAKED AT THE FACTORY AFTER IT WAS PAINTED BUT OF COURSE NOBODY WANT TO ADMIT THAT BECAUSE THEN VW WOULD BE LIABLE TO FIX IT. SO IN CALLING THE VW CARE CENTER BACK THE PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME THE CAR WAS 5 YEAR OLD AND IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM ANY MORE BUT MINE. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. I'VE OWNED OTHER CARS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CLEAR COAT. GRANTED THEY WERE NOT VW CARS. I RECOMMEND NOT TO BUY A VW OF ANY KIND BECAUSE THIS COMPANY WILL NOT STAND BY THEIR FAULT. I MEAN 5 YEARS OLD THAT THE CLEAR COAT IS PEELING OFF. THAT ISN'T RIGHT. THANKS FOR NOTHING VW. DON'T BUY A VW. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2006
I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGAN JETTA. AT LEAST 2 OR 3 TIMES, I HAD MY EPC LIGHT SWITCH CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD. EACH TIME, I HAD TO PAY OUT OF MY POCKETS TO GET IT FIX. WHEN THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON, I CANNOT GET THE GEAR OUT OF PARK. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PUMP ON MY BRAKES TO GET IT OUT OF PARK. THIS CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 3 MINUTES TO AN HOUR. I SERIOUSLY BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THIS PRODUCT. I ASK OTHER VOLKSWAGAN OWNERS AND THEY ALSO SAID THAT THEIR EPC LIGHT COMES ON OCCASIONALLY. *NM
Exterior lighting, Aug 21, 2006
THE BRAKE SWITCH LIGHT IN MY VW JETTA HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES. WHEN THIS SWITCH IS NOT WORKING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS OF MY CAR ARE INOPERABLE, LEADING TO A GREAT RISK OF ACCIDENT. MY JETTA IS NOT CURRENTLY IN THE RECALL THAT HAS BEEN ISSUED, BUT I CONTINUE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *JB
Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2006
I HAVE HAD MY 2001 JETTA VOLKSWAGEN FOR 3 YEARS BOUGHT IT USED IN THOSE 3 YEARS HAVE HAD THE EPC LIGHT COME ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. ONE OF THE TIME THAT HAD THE DEALERSHIP FIX FEEL UNDER THE RECALL LIST. SINCE THEN IT HAS FAILED 2 DIFFERENT TIMES THE LATEST OF THE 2 ONCE IN NOVEMBER WHEN THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC STATED WE KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM HERE IS THE PHONE TO CORPORATE TO COMPLAIN THAT IS ALL WE CAN DO. NOW IN AUGUST IT HAS FAILED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR NO REASON. WHEN THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON THE BRAKE FAIL TO WORK AT ALL. LUCKILY MY WIFE WAS NOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT THAT DAY BUT COULD HAVE BEEN SINCE THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. *NM
Suspension, Aug 2, 2006
CONDITIONS: NORMAL DRIVING, APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY STREET. FAILURE: FRONT LEFT DRIVERS SIDE COIL SPRING FRACTURED THROUGH. THE LEFT CORNER OF THE CAR DROPPED, THE CAR JERKED SUDDENLY TO THE LEFT. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR IF OTHER VEHICLES WERE PRESENT. VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN IT'S CURRENT STATE DUE TO THE LEFT CORNER BEING NOT LEVEL, SPRING MISSING PART OF IT'S LENGTH, STEERING (STRUT) BINDING. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WILL NOT REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART AND IS NOT INTERESTED IN THE POTENTIAL LIFE SAFETY CONCERNS REGARDING THIS FAILURE. I DIRECTLY CONTACTED THE O.E.M. SPRING MANUFACTURER (EIBACH). THIS MAY RESULT IN A REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE SPRING AND FAILURE ANALYSIS OF THE PART, TO BE DETERMINED. *JB
Visibility, Jul 31, 2006
I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVE BEEN DETERIORATING IN THE PAST MONTHS. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A VW DEALER BACK IN APRIL TO SEE WHY MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE STUTTERING. THEY SAID THE WINDSHIELD MIGHT BE ON TOO TIGHT OR SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE BLADES. I CHANGED THE BLADES AND GOT A NEW WINDSHIELD SINCE I HAD A CRACK IN IT ANYWAYS. BOTH DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND I WAS NEVER TOLD IT COULD BE THE WIPER MOTOR. I HAVE HAD A FEW INSTANCES WHERE I WAS DRIVING NOW ON THE HIGHWAY OR JUST ON A SIDE STREET AND IT WAS RAINING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY WIPERS WOULD JUST STOP!!! I ALMOST GOT INTO A FEW ACCIDENTS NOW, AND I FEEL IT IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD THAT I SHOULDN'T BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. *NM
Service brakes, Air, Jul 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEED, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKES MAKE A RATTLING NOISE, AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER WAS ALSO UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL # 02V031000 WHICH PERTAINS TO THE HYDRAULIC ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2006
FAULTY COOLANT TEMP SENSOR DETECTED ON VEHICLE. *NM
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 15, 2006
I'VE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX. I STILL WONDER WHY IT'S NOT A LEMON. HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH WHICH WAS A RECALL. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TECHNICIANS MADE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND SAID I NEEDED THE HEAT SENSOR CHANGED SO I DID. AFTER A WEEK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT UP AGAIN SO I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK WHICH I PAID FOR AGAIN 78 BUCKS. THIS TIME THE TECH'S SAID I NEEDED THE SPARKS AND WIRES CHANGED BECAUSE IT WAS SHOOTING BLANKS. PRE-PAID FOR THE PARTS AND WHEN THE PARTS ARRIVED, I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO GET IT FIXED SO I DID. LATER, I GOT CALL FROM THE SERVICE REPS AND SAID MY IGNITION COIL BROKE SO THEY HAD TO ORDER THAT AGAIN. AFTER EVERYTHING WAS SAID AND DONE. I JUST WANTED TO LET MY FINANCER TO JUST VOLUNTARILY REPO THE PIECE OF TRASH. ONE MORE BREAK DOWN AND I'M HIRING A LEMON ATTORNEY. THIS IS TOO MUCH. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jul 4, 2006
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS FAILED FOR THE 2ND TIME IN 2 YEARS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THERE IS NO INDICATION IN THE CAR TO INDICATE THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 26, 2006
CEL LIGHT WOULD TURN ON AND OFF. CAR STARTED TO IDLE BAD, SOMETIMES IT WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN COLD EVEN WITH GAS FULLY DEPRESSED. THEN THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE MAF BUT THE SYMPTOMS ARE STILL HERE AND THE CAR IS RETURNING TO THE SHOP TODAY. I HAVE READ MANY, MANY ACCOUNTS OF THE SAME ISSUE. *NM
Power train, Jun 21, 2006
WHILE DRIVING IN SLOW ROAD REPAIR TRAFFIC ON I90 NEAR KIRTLAND/MENTOR OHIO, MY CLUTCH SYSTEM FAILED. WAS DRIVING JUST FINE KEEPING CAR IN 1ST GEAR AND AT A STOP IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR WAS STAYING IN GEAR EVEN WHEN REMOVING FOOT FROM CLUTCH PEDAL. CLUTCH PEDAL WAS STUCK IN FULL DOWN POSITION. -- COULD NOT EASILY SHIFT GEARS OR GET CAR OUT OF GEAR ONCE THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED, AND WAS FORCED TO KEEP STARTING AND SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE FOR APPROX. 2 MILES UNTIL I COULD EXIT. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO CLASSIC VW ON TYLER BLVD IN MENTOR. HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS THE CLUTCH MASTER AND SLAVE CYLINDERS MUST BE REPLACED AND THEN THE BRAKE LINES MUST BE BLED AND REFILLED. REPAIR COSTS WILL BE BETWEEN $700 AND $1000. *NM
Exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2006
NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE UNTIL THE FAILURE OCCURRED. NO INCIDENTS AS OF YET. BOTH TAIL LIGHTS AND WINDOW BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE. CAR WAS SERVICED ON A PREVIOUS RECALL. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Equipment, Jun 9, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS INOPERABLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND DETERMINED THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V183000, REGARDING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 6/27/2006 - THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER UNDER RECALL ON 4/26/05 WITH 44653 MILES. THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH FAILED ONE YEAR LATER AT 52675 MILES. THE COOLANT PUMP FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE FRONT WOOFER IN THE DOOR FAILED INTERNALLY CAUSING THE SOUND TO BE DISTORTED. *NM
Structure, Jun 9, 2006
MULTIPLE WATER DAMAGE AND LEAKS DUE TO CLOGGED TUBES AND POOR DESIGN OF VEHICLE. LEAKS OCCUR IN THE PASSENGER SIDE, AND REAR FOOT WELLS. CLEARING DRAINAGE HOLES ONLY HELPED SLIGHTLY. *NM
Visibility, Jun 5, 2006
OVER THE WEEKEND THE INSIDE OF MY CAR FILLED WITH RAIN WATER. IT WAS A PUDDLE ON THE BOTTOM OF MY CAR. I DRIED IT OUT WITH THE HELP OF MY FATHER. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S NOT COVERED AS PART OF MY WARRANTY. THEY SAID THAT THEY KNOW IT'S THE SUNROOF CAUSING THE LEAK WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT. I ASKED IF HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW I RECENTLY HAD REPAIRED AND THEY SAID NO. THEY HAD A BUNCH OF PEOPLE COME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY ARE ALL DUE TO THE SUNROOF CAUSING A LEAK. THEY SAID IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BECAUSE IT'S MAINTENANCE WHEN I HAD NO IDEA THIS IS A PROBLEM AND VW IS VERY WELL AWARE THE PROBLEM. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE TYPE OF COMPLAINT YOU HANDLE BUT I FEEL THAT VOLKSWAGEN IS GETTING AWAY WITH A FAULTY PROBLEM WITH THE SUNROOF AND THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THEY ABSORB THE PRICE. *JB