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, Nov 14, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM WITH THE EMISSION CONTROL AND THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, A MONTH LATER THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AGAIN. SINCE THE SECOND REPLACEMENT THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. THIS REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY, AND THE CONTACT PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2005
MY 2001 VW JETTA HAS BEEN IN THE VW SHOP 7 TIMES FOR FAILED COILS THEY FIX IT AND ABOUT 4 MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE ENGINE RUNS ROUGH. THEY ALWAYS SAY IF THE PART FAILS THEY WILL REPLACE FOR FREE, SEEMS EVERYTIME WE TAKE IT IN THEY CLAIM SOMETHING ELSE CAUSED IT. *JB
Seats, Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2005
2001 JETTA VR6 DRIVER SEAT ROCKS BECAUSE OF BROKEN GEARS. *TS THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE SEAT FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE IS A BAD GEAR AND IT WILL COST OVER $700. TO REPAIR. THE CONSUMER CONSIDERS THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AND BELIEVES THIS MAY AFFECT THE PROPER OPERATION OF THE SIDE MOUNTED AIR BAGS. THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT ALSO BROKE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2005
WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNING MY VW JETTA 1.8L TURBO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND OFF. EACH TIME THAT I TAKE IT IN TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED SOMETHING IS REPAIRED, BUT IN A FEW DAYS THE LIGHT IS BACK ON AND THERE IS A NEW PROBLEM. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF WORK DONE ON THE CAR AND NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP THE PROBLEM. RECENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND THE CAR WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES UNTIL THE CAR IS WARMED UP. IF I TRY TO DRIVE THE CAR BEFORE THE SHAKING STOPS, IT BARELY MOVES EVEN IF COMPLETELY DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, AND THE BRAKES SEEM TO LOCK UP, NEARLY HITTING OTHER CARS WHEN PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN THE CAR DOES WARM UP IT LURCHES FORWARD BUT THEN SEEMS TO RUN JUST FINE. I HAVE HAD THE RECALLED PROBLEMS FIXED AS WELL AS NUMEROUS OTHER REPAIRS, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM KEEPS HAPPENING, AND THAT I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OTHER WEBSITES. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 5, 2005
MY WIFE OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6 GLX. CURRENTLY IT HAS ABOUT 40,000 MILES ON IT. IN SEPTEMBER WE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ACCELERATING PROPERLY. WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD, THE CAR HESITATES AND FEELS AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO STALL. WHEN IT WARMS UP THE CAR WORKS PERFECTLY. WE TOOK IT TO THE VW DEALER LAST MONTH TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND PERFORM THE NEEDED SERVICE. THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY (WHICH WAS NEEDED) AND PERFORMED THE SERVICE, BUT DID NOT FIX OR ADDRESS THE STALLING ISSUE. THEIR THOUGHT WAS THAT THE STALLING WAS RELATED TO THE BATTERY. WHEN THE STALLING CONTINUED MY WIFE TOOK THE CAR TO A MIENEKE REPAIR SHOP. THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS BUT WERE NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THEY DID NOT CHARGE US AND SUGGESTED WE TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. ON OCTOBER 3, 2005 MY WIFE CALLED THE DEALER (DICK HANNAH AT THE VANCOUVER AUTOMALL) TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. THEY ASKED WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, AND WHEN SHE MENTIONED THE STALLING THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW THE PROBLEM. BEFORE MY WIFE COULD EXPLAIN WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS, THEY MENTIONED THAT THEY CONTINUOUSLY GET CALLS AT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, IT ONLY OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD, AND IT IS OCCURRING WITH SEVERAL OF THE VW MODELS. THEY WENT ON TO SAY THAT THEIR MANAGEMENT IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THERE CURRENTLY IS NO SOLUTION. WHAT THEY RECOMMEND IS THAT MY WIFE BUY A FUEL ADDITIVE AND SEE IF THAT HELPS. THEY HAVE NOTICED THAT AFTER ADDING IT TO A FEW TANKS OF GAS THE CARS SEEMS TO PERFORM BETTER, BUT THAT THE PROBLEM DOES NOT GO AWAY. VW THINKS IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE VALVES, AND THAT IS A PROBLEM SPECIFIC TO THE FUEL USED IN THE NORTHWEST. THIS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION. WHEN MY WIFE IS ENTERING A ROADWAY I DO NOT WANT HER CAR TO STALL OR SLOW AND PUT HER IN A SITUATION WHERE HER SAFETY IS AT RISK. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE THERE ARE INJURIES. JOE BESSMAN. *NM
Air bags, Sep 27, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH SUDDENLY THERE WAS A FLASH FOLLOWED BY A LOUD BANG. THE SMELL WAS OF SMOKE AS IF THERE WAS FIREWORKS. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONSUMER WAS STARTLED AND CONCERNED. HE CALLED 911. THERE WAS NO CRASH, DAMAGE, OR INJURY OTHER THAN THE SHOCK AND LOUD NOISE RINGING IN THE EARS. 911 INSTRUCTED THE CONSUMER TO DRIVE HOME IF ABLE OR CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK. THE CONSUMER GOT OUT AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DECIDED TO DRIVE HOME. THERE HAVE BEEN NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAGS. THE CONSUMER WAS ON A NEWLY PAVED HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER FELT THIS COULD NOT BE DUE TO A ROAD HAZARD AT THAT TIME. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER, WHO SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHO SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM OR ANY ISSUES LIKE THAT WITH THE AIRBAGS. NO CORRECTIONS OR REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK
Exterior lighting, Sep 26, 2005
DT: 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI DIESEL. THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL, SHORTED OUT AND MALFUNCTIONED. THERE IS A BURN MAKE ON THE SOCKET AND ON THE BULB ITSELF, THE BULB DID NOT BURN OUT BUT THE SOCKET DID. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE BULB OUT AND THEN INSERT THE BULB AND IT WORKED SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALERSHIP NOW BEING FIXED, THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF REPLACEMENT OF SOCKET. THERE IS A RECALL ON RELATED COMPONENT, WHICH IS A FLASHER RELAY, THE RECALL ID IS VX. *AK UPDATED 11/30/2005 - THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE DAMAGED SOCKET. THE TURN SIGN IS NOW WORKING WITH NEW BULB BUT THE CONSUMER SUSPECTS IT WILL FAIL AGAIN DUE TO THE DAMAGED SOCKET. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 26, 2005
82,5310.00 JUST REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD SOME TYPE OF AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FROM THE BEGINNING. CD PLAYER AND STEREO. CD LCD PANEL WOULD SAY NO CD IN WHICH YOU WOULD HAVE A CD IN THE JACKET IF YOU KEPT PUSHING THE BUTTON SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK. AT TIMES YOU CAN ONLY READ HALF THE CALL LETTERS FOR STATIONS. ROLLING DOWN BACK OF THE WINDOWS YOU WOULD HEAR A VERY LOUD PRESSURE THUMPING NOISE. SO LOUD YOU COULD NOT ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW IN THE BACK. WHEN YOU WOULD TAKE THE CAR IN. MECHANIC'S ALWAYS SAID, IT WAS BASICALLY OUR IMAGINATION. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2005
2001 VW JETTA 1.8T ALL IGNITION COILS HAVE FAILED AND THERE ARE NONE AVAILABLE IN USA TODAY TO REPLACE. APPARENTLY THIS IS SUCH A PROBLEM FOR 2001 JETTA'S. VW CAN NOT KEEP THEM IN STOCK. REPEAT THERE ARE NONE AS OF 09/19/2005 IN USA TO REPLACE THIS VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *NM
Exterior lighting, Sep 17, 2005
2ND OCCURRENCE OF BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE - 2001 JETTA. INITIAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE SAME DAY RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED. SWITCH COST WAS REIMBURSED BY VW AT NO CHARGE. 2ND FAILURE OCCURRED ON 9/17/05. FIRST SWITCH MANUFACTURED BY EATON. SECOND SWITCH MANUFACTURED BY DELPHI. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2005
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A SHORT.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE RUNNING ROUGH. *JB
Visibility, Aug 30, 2005
VW SENT A LETTER TO ME THAT THE SIDE WINDOWS ON MY 2001 JETTA TDI SEDAN VW MAY FAIL AND THEY WOULD REPAIR THEM WHEN IT OCCURRED UP TO 7 YEARS. THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THEM BEFORE FAILURE. WHEN THEY FAILED I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 65 MPH AND THE DRIVERS WINDOW FAILED CRASHING INTO THE INNER DOOR WELL. NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS GOING ON AND THE LOUD BANG IN THE DOOR ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHO PUT A FIX KIT ON IT. NOW THE 2 FRONT WINDOWS THEY PUT THE FIX KIT IN BOTTOMS OUT MAKING A LOUD NOSE AND WHEN IT COMES UP IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING HITTING THE GLASS. THE DEALER STATES THIS IS THE VW FIX. I HAVE A 2003 JETTA TDI SEDAN VW AND IT DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM SO I RESEARCHED WHY. WHAT I FOUND OUT WAS THAT YOU CAN'T BUY THE 2001 WINDOW REGULATORS AND MOTORS FROM VW YOU CAN ONLY GET THE UPDATE LIKE IN MY 2003. THE REASON IS THAT VW CAME UP WITH A FIX THAT IS NOT PROPER WITH THIS FIX KIT. THE CORRECT FIX IS TO REPLACE THE REGULATORS AND MOTORS. THE WINDOWS DID NOT MAKE NOISES PRIOR TO THEM FAILING AND SHOULD NOT BE DOING THIS IF THE FIX KIT WORKS PROPER. *JB
Steering, Air bags, Seat belts, Wheels, Aug 26, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES THE DRIVERS' SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT A COLLISION. THE SEAT BELT JAMMED AND COULD NOT BE LATCHED AFTER THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT (#05-5207) STATES THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN IMPACT. THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE DEALER AND TOLD TO CONTACT VW OF AMERICA. SHE DID FAX THE POLICE REPORT TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY AGREED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHOUT COST. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHAT CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER IS STILL DRIVING A RENTAL CAR BECAUSE THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *NM A WHEEL AND TIE ROD WAS REPLACED. *JB
Power train, Equipment, Aug 24, 2005
(1) NORMAL DRIVING, REGULAR SCHEDULED DEALER MAINTAINANCE BEFORE THE FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH. THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION BECAME DIFFICULT TO PUT INTO GEAR AND NOISE STARTED TO COME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. (2) CLUTCH FAILED AND IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO ENGAGE TRANSMISSION. DEALER SERVICE ADVISOR RECOMMENDED LOOKING AT TRANSMISSION AND THEN DISCOVERED THAT THE CLUTCH HAD FAILED. IMMEDIATE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT IT WAS DRIVER ERROR. LATER THAT DAY, AFTER EXAMINING THE PARTS THAT WERE REMOVED FROM THE CAR IT WAS REVEALED THAT THE SPRINGS OF THE CLUTCH PLATE HAD COME OUT OF THE METAL BRACKETS OF THE CLUTCH. DEALER CLAIMED THEY HAD ONLY SEEN THAT AS A RESULT OF MISUSE BUT DECIDED TO PARTIALLY WARRANTY THE PARTS AFTER DETERMINING THAT I HAD TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF THE CAR AND HAD EXHIBITED NO ABUSE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS FIRST INCIDENT TOOK PLACE WHEN THE CAR HAD 23K MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND I HAD OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE SECOND FAILURE WAS AT 73 K MILES IN MARCH OF 2005. THE SAME PARTS FAILED AND THE SAME DIAGNOSIS WAS MADE BY A DIFFERENT VW DEALERSHIP. THE CLUTCH FAILED IN THE SPRINGS BUT SHOWED NO OUTWARD SIGNS OF ABUSE OR EXCESSIVE WEAR. THE CLUTCH HAD APPROXIMATELY 50 K MILES OF USE BUT STILL HAD SIGNIFICANT MATERIAL LEFT ON THE CLUTCH PADS. THE FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH SPRINGS DAMAGED THE FLYWHEEL. AS RESULT I HAD TO PAY FOR A NEW FLYWHELEL, THROWOUT BEARING AND CLUTCH PLATE. AN APPEAL TO VW WAS REJECTED AND THEY SAID THAT THE DECISION WAS THE DEALERSHIP'S AND THAT THEY WOULD STAND BY THAT. I CONSIDER THIESE FAILURES TO BE CAUSED BY WEAK PARTS PROVIDED BY VW OF AMERICA. THIS SECOND FAILURE COST ME $1600.00 IN REPAIR COSTS.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2005
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (COMPLAINT NUMBERS 30291114,30343786 AND 03092183) OUR 2001 JETTA STARTED CLICKING AND BLOWING WHITE SMOKE. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE TURBO AND WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WE TOWED THE CAR TO THEM ON MAY 19, 2003 AND THEY DID REPLACE THE TURBO. HOWEVER, THEY ADVISED US THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE IT WAS STILL CLICKING. THEY SAID IT LOOKED LIKE WE HAD NOT BEEN CHANGING THE OIL WHICH IS WHY THE ENGINE WAS CLOGGED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THEN GAVE US THE RUN AROUND FOR A FEW MONTHS. THEY WANTED OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS, WHICH WE PROVIDED. THE MECHANIC TOLD US THE TURBO REPLACEMENT WAS DENIED BY VW AND THEY ATE THE COST. HE TOLD US THEY WOULD NOT DO ANY MORE WORK ON THE CAR. ON JULY 09, 2003 WE HAD THE CAR TOWED FROM THE DEALERSHIP.I WENT TO VW AND SPOKE WITH THE NEW SERVICE MANAGER, DONNIE FIELDER. THE NEW SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THEY HAD JUST REPLACED A GUYS ENGINE THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS OURS. HE SAID THEY MESSED UP AND REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY NO QUESTIONS ASKED AND LATER DECIDED HE HAD NOT CHANGED THE OIL. HE SAID THEY COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR ANOTHER ENGINE AND WOULD NOT TOUCH OUR VEHICLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO ALTERNATIVE IMPORTS ON CHARLOTTE AVENUE. SAM (A.I.) SAID THE ENGINE WAS FULL OF SLUDGE. HE FOUND SEVERAL SIMILAR CASES ON A MECHANICS WEB SITE. HE ALSO FOUND THAT VW DID NOT PROPERLY COMPLETE THE TURBO REPLACEMENT. THE ENGINE IS THE SAME ONE (1.8L TURBO) THAT VW HAS ACKNOWLEDGED, AT LEAST IN THE PASSAT, HAS A SLUDGE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTS IN THE JETTA EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME ENGINE. THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE PASSATS TO 8 YEARS UNLIMITED MILEAGE.
Exterior lighting, Aug 19, 2005
INSIDE OF HEADLAMP LENS COVERS BECOMING CLOUDY/CONTAMINATED DUE TO MISTURE BUILDUP FROM DRL (DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS) USE. THE CONTINUAL DEGRADTION TO THE LENS COVERS FROM INSIDE THE LENS RESULTS IN A CONTINUOUS LOSS OF PROJECTED LIGHT DURING NIGHT DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Electrical system, Aug 17, 2005
YESTERDAY MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VR6 STARTED SHAKING SLIGHTLY WHEN I STARTED IT AND AT FIRST I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, BUT AS SOON AS I GOT OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT I WAS IN THE MIL LIGHT (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT) CAME ON AND EMISSION WORKSHOP STARTED BLINKING ON THE LITTLE SCREEN ON MY DASH. THERE WAS A MAJOR LOSS OF POWER WHEN DRIVING THE CAR, I HAD TO NURSE IT HOME! I HAVE BEEN READING UP ON THESE ISSUES AND APPARENTLY FOR VWS AND AUDI'S (CERTAIN MODELS) OF THE YEARS 2001-2003 HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION COIL. THE SAD THING IS, WHEN YOU ACTUALLY CALL THE VW SERVICE NUMBER THEY ASK FOR YOUR VIN AND IF YOUR VEHICLE ISN'T IN THE SPAN FOR THAT RECALL THEY DO NOTHING TO HELP YOU. YET THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE WORKING ON FIXING THE IGNITION COIL PROBLEM WITH ALL 2001-2003 MODELS. *JB
Visibility, Aug 10, 2005
THE WINDOW REGULATOR WENT OUT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. I UNDERSTAND THAT LITIGATION WAS FILED IN AUGUST 2003 IN REFERENCE TO THIS MATTER. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2005
EARLIER THIS YEAR, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON MY 2001 VW JETTA. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THIS. HOWEVER, WITHIN THE LAST MONTH, THE AUTOMATIC SHIFT LOCK (ASL) HAS NOT ALLOWED ME TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. USUALLY, I AM ABLE TO WAIT A MINUTE AND THE ASL LIGHT WILL GO OFF, OR I TURN OFF THE CAR OR FIDDLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. HOWEVER, THREE TIMES THIS PAST WEEK I HAVE GOTTEN STUCK AND HAVE HAD TO ABANDON THE CAR TEMPORARILY. THE LAST TIME, I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET IT OUT OF PARK AND DRIVE IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC (I HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DEALERSHIP, BUT I COULDN'T GET IN FOR A WEEK). HE NOTICED THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE OUT AGAIN, AND BELIEVES THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION MAY BE RELATED TO THE ASL MALFUNCTION. THIS MAY EXPLAIN WHY THE ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL (EPC) LIGHT TURNS ON WHENEVER THE ASL LIGHT TURNS ON, AS IT INDICATES A PROBLEM IN THE ELECTRONICS. THE LOCAL MECHANIC IS CURRENTLY EXAMINING THE PROBLEM. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTS STAYING ON. ALSO HAD A LOSS POWER ISSUE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED. AFTER THE CAR LEFT THE DEALERSHIP IT RAN FINE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. THEN THE PROBLEM RECURRED. . THE LIGHTS WERE COMING BACK ON, AND THE CAR WAS STILL LOSING POWER. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE. THE WAS KEPT IN THE SHOP FOR THREE WEEKS. THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY BOTH TIMES WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER THOUGHT THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT FIXING THE CAR CORRECTLY. THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 5 MPH. THEN SECOND TIME IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 60 MPH, THEN IT TOOK MORE TIME THAN USUAL TO GET UP TO 60 MPH. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED AT THIS POINT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ELECTRICAL . *AK
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2005, fire
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX VR6. VW RELEASED A RECALL ONLINE STATING RECALL ON ALL 2001 COIL PACKS. MY COIL PACK ARC'ED AS DEALER CALLS IT. ARC BURNED UP IGNITION WIRES, SPARK PLUGS AND ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. DEALER WANTED $900 TO REPLACE FAULTY COIL PACK AND IGNITION WIRES AND PLUGS. COIL PACK NOT ONLY WENT OUT BUT TOOK OUT MULTIPLE PARTS. DEALERSHIP DIDN'T CARE ABOUT THE PROBLEM NOR DID VWOA. THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE I HAVE READ 1,000 OF SIMILAR CLAIMS FROM JETTA OWNERS ONLINE. RECALL SHOULD BE MADE AND DRIVERS SHOULD BE REPAID FOR REPAIRS MADE. *NM
Visibility, Aug 1, 2005
BOTH WINDOWS ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOOR COLLAPSED AND NO LONGER WORK WITHIN 2 DAYS OF EACH OTHER. I HAVE READ ON MANY SIMILAR CASES ON VOLKSWAGEN JETTAS. IT APPEARS THAT VW USED PARTS WHICH DO NOT HAVE MUCH DURABILITY WHEN CONSTRUCTING THE WINDOW SUPPORTS. *JB
Power train, Aug 1, 2005
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT *JB 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. THIS CONDITION RESULTS IN SLIPPERY PEDALS AND WINDOWS FOGGING UP. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM..
Power train, Jul 15, 2005
DT: WHEN THE CONSUMER WOULD START HER CAR AND TRY TO PUT IT IN GEAR, IT WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER FIXED IT. THE CONSUMER WAS AT DEALER BECAUSE OF A RECALL AND HAD THEM LOOK AT THIS AT THE SAME TIME. *JB THE CONSUMER WITNESSED ANOTHER MAKE/MODEL VEHICLE WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHILE AT THE DEALER. *SC
Power train, Jul 13, 2005
THE CLUTCH ON MY 2001 VW JETTA HAS TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 50,000 MILES. AFTER DOIN G RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I REALIZED THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY VICTIM OF THIS PROBLEM. THE COST FOR THIS REPAIR IS OVER $1000(FOR A CLUTCH).