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, May 26, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL #04V096000 CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, HOWEVER THE RECALL DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE DEALER HAS BEEN ALERTED WHO SUGGESTED ALERTING THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 01/09/07. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT NO FAILURE CODES DISPLAYED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THERE WAS A COOLANT MIGRATION PROBLEM. THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS WAS CORRODED DUE TO THE COOLANT LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO AWAIT REPAIR.
Equipment, Apr 22, 2006
MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FELL OFF THE JACK WHILE MY SON WAS CHANGING A TIRE THIS MORNING. THE JACK, PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER WITH THE VEHICLE, APPEARS TO HAVE SOME SORT OF DESIGN DEFECT. I WAS ABLE TO RAISE THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE TIRE USING THE JACK PROVIDED WITH A 1994 VOLVO 940. *JB
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2006
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX VR6. IN OCTOBER OF 2004 NOTICED THE ENGINE SURGING EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE WHEN ACCELERATING. EVENTUALLY, THE MIL WENT ON AND THERE WAS A DRASTIC LOSS OF POWER. AFTER BRINGING IT INTO THE DEALER, IT WAS DEEMED TO BE A $700 IGNITION COIL PACK. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET FOUND THAT VW RELEASED A RECALL IN FEBRUARY OF 2003 STATING A RECALL ON ALL 2001 COIL PACKS. I MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. I LOGGED A COMPLAINT WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY DID NOTHING. IN MARCH OF 2006, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED AND ONCE THE MIL LIGHT WENT ON, I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER. THIS TIME IT WAS THE IGNITION COIL PACK, WIRES AND SPARK PLUGS AND THEY CHARGED $1200. WHEN I EXPLAINED I HAD THE SAME ISSUE 14K MILES AND 17 MONTHS EARLIER, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING, AS THE COIL PACK WAS PAST ITS 12K MILE WARRANTY. THE DEALER STATED THEY COULD DO NOTHING FOR ME AND AGAIN REFERRED ME TO VW CUSTOMER CARE, WHO COULD CARE LESS AS MY VIN # WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY DUE TO LOSS OF POWER AND SURGING. I AM IN PROCESS OF WRITING A DEMAND LETTER TO VW, WHICH WILL MOST LIKELY NOT DO MUCH AND WILL FORCE ME TO TAKE VW TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT TO REPAY ME FOR ALL OF THE REPAIRS MADE. *JB
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 1, 2006
I DRIVE A 2001 VW JETTA. AS I OPENED MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT TODAY, THE HANDLE INCLUDING THE LOCK MECHANISM FELL INTO MY HAND. IT JUST BROKE OFF RIGHT THEN AND THERE. I DO NOT USE MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT OFTEN SO IT IS NOT FROM WEAR AND TEAR. MY ISSUE IS THAT NOW THERE IS A HOLE IN MY GLOVE COMPARTMENT. IF SOMEONE WAS THINKING ABOUT BREAKING IN, THIS COULD BE THE DECIDING FACTOR FOR THEM KNOWING THAT THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT IS COMPLETELY ACCESSIBLE AND AT TIMES THERE ARE VALUABLES LOCATED IN COMPARTMENTS AS WELL AS TRIGGER SWITCHES TO TRUNKS AND IN SOME CASES EVEN SPARE KEYS TO THE CAR OR A PERSON'S HOME! I DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THOSE ITEMS IN THE COMPARTMENT, BUT SOMEONE COULD BE INTRIGUED ENOUGH TO TRY TO BREAK IN. I CONTACTED THE WARRANTY COMPANY AND VOLKSWAGEN AND THE MOST THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED WAS 25% DISCOUNT TO FIX IT. JUST NOT ENOUGH TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE CAR. *JB
Air bags, Mar 24, 2006, crash
RAN OVER DEBRIS ON INTERSTATE AND SEAT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH NEW AIRBAG AND WAS REPLACED WITH NEW MODULE AND SENSORS. NO INJURIES JUST EAR RINGING. HAPPENED 2ND TIME GOING AROUND A CORNER AT APPROX. 35 MILES AN HOUR, SEAT SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AGAIN RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND SEVERE BURNS TO LEFT ARM. NO REPAIRS HAVE TAKEN PLACE TO VEHICLE YET. *JB
Exterior lighting, Mar 15, 2006
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE ON 2001 VW JETTA GLS TDI SEDAN, IDENTICAL TO THAT DESCRIBED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V096000. BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON ALL THE TIME, EVEN WHEN CAR WAS PARKED & TURNED OFF. DEALER REPLACED SWITCH AT COST OF $193.23 PARTS & LABOR, DEALER & VW OF AMERICA STATE THAT VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN SCOPE OF RECALL FOR 04V096000. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED ON THIS SAME CAR, I BELIEVE FIRST WAS COVERED AS A WARRANTY REPAIR. PART NUMBER OF REPLACEMENT SWITCH IS VWN 1J0 945 511 D. *NM
Air bags, Mar 7, 2006
I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AROUND 5 MPH. THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS AND SEAT BAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT ALSO NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. THERE IS NO DAMAGE ANYWHERE ON THE VEHICLE. VWOA IS LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER INTERMITTENTLY, AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED AN OXYGEN SENSOR MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WITHOUT INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE DIESEL ENGINE. ALTHOUGH, THE DEALER DETERMINED A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2006
I HAVE NO HEADLIGHTS OR WIPERS ON THIS 2001 EUROVAN. IT SEEMS TO BE THE IGNITION SWITCH. I HAD NOTICED THE 1996 PASSAT WAS RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. SEEM TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WHICH IS UNSAFE SINCE YOU HAVE NO LIGHTS OR WIPERS. WHY HASN'T THIS PROBLEM BEEN RECALLED FOR ALL OF THE SAME TYPE OF IGNITION SWITCHES???? BY VW.??? PLEASE INFORM ME IF THERE ARE ANY INVESTIGATIONS ON THIS PROBLEM. *NM
Electrical system, Feb 20, 2006
I PURCHASED A 01 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IN JULY OF 04 AND IN LES THAN A MONTH IT BEGAN TO STALL AS I WAS DRIVING, SO I PULLED OVER AND IT COULD NOT START AGAIN. I GOT IT TOWED WAS TOLD IT WAS MY BATTERY AND GOT THAT REPLACED, THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY ALTERNATOR AND GOT THAT CHANGED. A FEW MONTH AGO THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN, I WAS TOLD IT WAS MY SENSORS AND GOT THAT CHANGED, WITHIN 2 MONTHS IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES AND I'VE HAD 3 DIAGNOSTIC TESTS THAT REVEAL NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO, AL LEAST IF I KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS I CAN FIX IT. BUT MY CAR KEEPS REFUSING TO START( FOR HOURS AT A TIME) AND EVERYONE TELLS ME THE CAR IS OK.*JB
Electrical system, Feb 9, 2006
THE EVENING OF JANUARY 12, 2006 I WAS ON MY WAY HOME WHEN A LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY VEHICLE STARTED FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FALTER WHEN IDLE. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I CHECKED THE OWNERS MANUAL AND FOUND OUT THAT THE LIGHT INDICATED A MALFUNCTION WITH THE EMISSIONS OF THE VEHICLE. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE MY CAR SERVICED ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2006. I RECEIVED A CALL TUESDAY AFTERNOON FROM VIC AT VICTORY VOLKSWAGEN, WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE IGNITION COIL IN MY CAR WAS BAD AND WOULD NEED REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $500.00. VIC TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD THE PARTS IN STOCK AS "THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME". I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED AND THE TOTAL COST WAS $761.40. UPON SEARCHING THE WEB I FOUND A PRESS RELEASE FROM VOLKSWAGEN/AUDI IN WHICH THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL MAKES AND MODELS. WITHIN THE PRESS RELEASE IT WAS STATED THAT VW/AUDI WILL BEGIN REPLACING ALL IGNITION COILS IN CARS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED. I ALSO FOUND A DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE (#DP05004) WHICH STATED THAT VW ISSUED A CSC TO INSTRUCT THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE THE COIL PACKS IN THE VEHICLES AT NO COST, REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERFORMANCE. AS I DID NOT RECEIVE THIS INFORMATION FROM VW I SENT A LETTER TO VW ASKING THEM TO HONOR THE CSC AND COVER THE COSTS FOR THE REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE. I SPOKE WITH CRAIG PETERS AND DON MORITZ, BOTH WITH VW AND THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE CSC. THEY INFORMED ME THAT EVEN THOUGH THE PRESS RELEASE STATES THAT "ALL VW'S EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.8 LITER VR6" WERE AFFECTED, IT WAS IN FACT, AN ERROR AND ONLY CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED. *JB
Visibility, Equipment, Feb 1, 2006
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE 3 TIMES WITHIN ONE YEAR, WIPERS HAVE STOPPED WIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED - MOTOR REPLACED HAS BEEN SAME ISSUE EACH TIME - MOTOR STILL WORKING - WIPERS NOT. *JB
Power train, Jan 27, 2006
I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) JETTA . THE VIN IS[XXX]. VEHICLE HAS 54,953 MILES ON IT AND YESTERDAY I HAD TO HAVE THE SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID REPLACED. SOMETIMES AFTER DRIVING IF YOU WOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE OUT OF DRIVE AND PUT IT IN PARK OR ANOTHER GEAR IT WOULD GET STUCK IN THAT GEAR. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW SINCE I FEEL THIS COULD POSSIBLY BE A MAJOR CONCERN.*AK UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jan 20, 2006
I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 2001 VW JETTA GLX VR6 WITH APPROXIMATELY 45K MILES. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN A PRIVATE SALE WITH 25K MILES. INITIALLY, WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD COIL PACK, WHICH DID NOT BECOME PROBLEMATIC UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AGO. LAST WEEK, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND HAD A NEW COIL PACK INSTALLED FOR $836, WHICH INCLUDES A $99 DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND $560 FOR THE PART. DURING THE PAST WEEK, I HAVE HAD A CASE OPEN WITH VW CUSTOMER ADVOCACY REGARDING THE COIL PROBLEM AND YESTERDAY I RECEIVED THEIR RESPONSE. THEY HAVE STATED THAT MY VIN IS NOT PART OF THE WG COIL REPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN CONTRARY TO THE WORDING OF THEIR ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE. PLEASE REFERENCE TSB 10005665. AS A RESULT OF THIS COIL PROBLEM, I HAVE HAD MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED AT 25K MILES AND HAVE HAD EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE BACK FIRE ON THE HIGHWAY TWICE. AT THIS POINT, I HAVE PAID THE $836 TO RETRIEVE THE CAR FROM THE DEALER AND I HAVE POSSESSION OF THE FAULTY IGNITION COIL THAT WAS REMOVED FROM THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO ASKED VW CUSTOMER ADVOCACY TO SEND ME A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO MY CLAIM. I AM SURE I AM NOT THE ONLY 2001 JETTA VR6 OWNER WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM, ONLY TO FIND THAT VW IS UNWILLING TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PROMISE TO REPLACE FAULTY COIL PACKS IN 2001-2003 VR6 ENGINE CARS. THE ORIGINAL CUSTOMER SERVICE ACTION WAS INTENDED TO PREEMPT THE ISSUING OF A FORMAL RECALL AND VW IS NOT HONORING WHAT THEY ORIGINALLY PROMISED IN HAVING ISSUED ONLY 15 TSB'S WITH A MUCH NARROWER SCOPE THAN ORIGINALLY INTENDED. *NM
Electrical system, Jan 13, 2006
I HAVE A 2001 VW JETTA. IN THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH MY BRAKE LIGHTS 8 TIMES. INCLUDING MY HEADLIGHTS 3 TIMES. MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WORK AND THEN THEY DON'T. I KNOW I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT ONCE BY THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I MUST HAVE BOUGHT A BAD BULB! YESTERDAY WAS THE 8TH TIME MY BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT. *JB
Exterior lighting, Dec 20, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID # 04V096000 CONCERNING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Structure, Dec 17, 2005
OPENED DRIVERS DOOR AND THE LOWER OF THE TWO BOLTS ON THE LOWER DOOR SECURE HINGE SHEARED OFF. THE DOOR HAS NEVER BEEN REMOVED OR REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY. THE ONLY WAY THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED IS IF THE BOLT WERE OVER TIGHTENED UPON INSTALLATION. THE VEHICLE IS PAST WARRANTY AND VW AMERICA WILL NOT PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IF MORE BOLTS SHEAR BECAUSE OF IMPROPER TIGHTENING. WE BASE THE OVER TIGHTENING SUGGESTION ON THE OPINION OF THREE INDEPENDENT BODY REPAIR SHOPS, ONE OF WHICH SPECIALIZES IN VOLKSWAGEN REPAIRS. *JB
Power train, Dec 16, 2005
THE CLUTCH OF MY 2001 JETTA (1.8 LITER TURBO MANUAL 5-SPEED) STARTED GOING OUT LAST JULY, WHEN THE CAR WAS NOT EVEN 4 YEARS OLD AND HAD ONLY 30K MILES. (I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER.) IT IS GETTING WORSE. TWICE NOW I'VE TAKEN IT TO MY VW SERVICE DEALER ONLY TO BE MET BY BAFFLED STARES. THE VW MECHANICS THERE KEEP SAYING THAT THE CLUTCHES ON THESE CARS ARE FINE, AND THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUT TONIGHT I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A TERRIBLE PATTERN OF BAD CLUTCHES ON THE JETTAS, ESPECIALLY THE 2001 1.8 TURBOS, WITH EXACTLY THESE SAME SYMPTOMS! HOW ABOUT A RECALL? IN THE MEANTIME, CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME GET THEM TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT MY CAR? MY CHILD AND I I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WHEN THE CLUTCH FAILED THIS MORNING ON A CROWDED, FAST-MOVING FREEWAY! THANK YOU, CELESTE WISER, M.D. *JB
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED VOLKSWAGEN, JETTA HAD DEFECT IN THE FRONT LIGHTS. A PLASTIC HOUSING BECAME AMBER, REDUCING THE BRIGHTENERS OF THE LIGHTS. THIS PROBLEM MADE NIGHT DRIVING DANGEROUS. THE CONTACT BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW ,AND THE PROBLEM WAS CONTINUOUSLY GETTING WORST. THE POLICE PULLED HIM OVER ONCE. THEY VERIFIED THAT THE LIGHTS WORKED. THE POLICE RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONTACT REPAIR THE FRONT LIGHTS. *AK.....*AK
Electrical system, Dec 1, 2005
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6. IGNITION COIL FAILURE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH IN THE FAST LANE OF THE FREEWAY - NEAR COMPLETE POWER FAILURE. JUST ENOUGH POWER TO STRUGGLE OVER TO THE HARD SHOULDER. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FROM READING THE WEBSITE 'VW VORTEX' A FORUM SITE DEDICATED TO VW OWNERS, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS VW AND AUDI MODELS AND ONE WHICH COULD CAUSE (IF IT HASN'T ALREADY) A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE CAR COST $1,200 TO REPAIR. MY WIFE'S NERVES WILL TAKE A LOT LONGER TO FIX!!!! *JB
Seats, Nov 30, 2005
A 2001 VW JETTA HAS AN ISSUE WITH A METAL SPRING THAT IS PART OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE SPRING SEPARATES FROM THE MECHANISM THAT KEEPS THE SEAT FROM SLIDING FORWARD. THERE IS NO SPECIFIC REASON THE SPRING BECOMES LOOSE FROM THE CAR SEAT AND ONE WOULD NEVER KNOW IF THE SPRING IS NOT ATTACHED, IT COULD CAUSE MAJOR HARM TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. THE SEAT REMAINS LOCKED IN A POSITION, BUT IF THE CAR IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE SEAT COULD SLIDE FORWARD, CAUSING INJURY. VW REFUSES TO COVER THE PART AS A SAFETY RECALL AND IS CHARGING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. OTHER ISSUES ARE : CARS PLASTIC PART ARE GETTING BROKEN . IN MY CAR : GLOVE COMPARTMENT HANDLE IS BROKEN RIM FELL OFF FROM SUN ROOF . IT WOULD HAVE FALLEN ON ME OR PASSENGER AND CAUSED DISTRACTION TO DRIVER. *NM
Electrical system, Nov 27, 2005
THE IGNITION COILS ON MY 2001 V6 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FAILED. WHILE VOLKSWAGEN HAD ANNOUNCED A RECALL ON ALL V6 2001 JETTAS, MY CAR'S VIN WAS FOR SOME REASON NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I SPENT $845 FIXING THE PROBLEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY HAD TO CHANGE THE IGNITION WIRE SET - SOMETHING THAT WAS BROUGHT ON BY THE FAILURE OF THE COILS. THE CAR WAS VERY UNSTABLE AND I WAS VERY SCARED TO EVEN DRIVE IT UNTIL MY APPOINTMENT WITH THE AUTO MECHANIC. *JB
Electrical system, Equipment, Nov 16, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS VR6. IN APRIL OF 2003 I EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR WHERE ESPECIALLY IN WET CONDITIONS, THE CAR WOULD HESITATE AND MISFIRE THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD BLINK ON AND OFF. IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE BECAUSE IT WAS LOSING POWER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS THE IGNITION COIL PACK WAS BAD. THEY EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS AN EXPENSIVE PART AND THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $1300.00 TO REPAIR AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT MANY SIMILAR VOLKSWAGENS WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD A RECALL OUT ON THE COIL PACK. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY CLAIMED THAT MY ENGINE WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL BUT THAT THEY WOULD GIVE ME A COURTESY AND COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. IN OCTOBER OF 2005 I BEGAN TO HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AGAIN. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AGAIN THEY DIAGNOSED THAT MY IGNITION COIL PACK WAS BAD. I AGAIN DID RESEARCH AND READ SEVERAL ARTICLES ONLINE THAT VW WAS RECALLING THE COIL PACK FOR MY PARTICULAR MODEL. I CONTACTED VW AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE IN THEIR SYSTEM, MY CAR DIDN'T QUALIFY. I EXPLAINED THAT THERE HAS ONLY BEEN ABOUT 20,000 MILES PUT ON THE CAR SINCE THE LAST OCCURANCE AND TO NO AVAIL WOULD THEY HELP ME OUT. THEY SAY THAT BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND MILEAGE ON MY CAR THEY WOULD NOT DO ANOTHER COURTESY AND BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE COIL PACK RECALL, IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHER FRIENDS WITH VW JETTAS THE SAME YEAR AS MINE AND THEY HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY HASN'T VW LISTED MY CAR IN THE RECALL. HAVING THIS ISSUE TWICE IN THE SHORT LIFESPAN OF THE CAR SIGNALS THAT THERE IS A DEFAULT IN THE PART AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURER. *NM
Exterior lighting, Nov 15, 2005
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (2001 VW JETTA GLS TDI) RESEARCHED ON INTERNET SAYS THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PART, BUT IS NOT IN EFFECT YET. DRIVING WITH BRAKE LIGHTS STUCK ON IS REALLY DANGEROUS AND SPEEDY RECALL FOR THIS ITEM IS ESSENTIAL. I HAVE TO REMOVE THE FUSE IN ORDER TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS, AND SOON AS CAR IS TURNED ON THE LIGHTS STAY ON MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO KNOW WHEN I AM STEPPING ON THE BRAKES. COULD SERIOUSLY CAUSE MANY ACCIDENTS IN THE FUTURE FOR ALL VEHICLE OWNERS. *NM