2002 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 711 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2002 reports, 32 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 75 people were injured and 10 people 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderMar 29, 2007
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 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
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: air bags
108 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2008
I INADVERTENTLY HIT A POT HOLE. THE POT HOLE WAS PROBABLY A LITTLE DEEPER THAN MOST. THE DRIVER'S SIDE-CURTAIN AIRBAG, THE SEAT SIDE AIRBAG AND THE SEATBELT TENSIONER WERE DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE DANGER TO ME. I DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR EVEN WITH THE STARTLING DEPLOYMENT OF THE SAFETY SYSTEMS. I WAS TOLD BY THE GUY IN ONE OF THE BODY SHOPS THAT I WENT TO TO GET ESTIMATES THAT VWS AND BMWS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR "TOUCHY" AIRBAG SYSTEMS. I DO NOT THINK THAT IT IS REASONABLE TO HAVE A $2700 REPAIR BILL, THE INCONVENIENCE OF ALL OF THE LEGWORK TO GET MY CAR FIXED OR THE TEMPORARY NON-FUNCTIONING OF MY CAR'S SAFETY SYSTEM JUST FROM HITTING A POT HOLE! I AM WORKING ON A CLAIM AND HAVE NOT YET HAD THE CAR REPAIRED. PARTS LISTED AS BEING NECESSARY TO REPLACE ARE: SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, SEAT SIDE AIRBAG, SEAT BELT/TENSIONER ASSEMBLY, SEAT COVER, A-PILLAR TRIM, HEADLINER, SAIL PANEL TRIM, AIRBAG SENSOR AND AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE. ALSO, THE CAR WILL NEED TO BE PLUGGED INTO A COMPUTER ANALYZER IN ORDER THAT THE AIRBAG CODES BE RESET. *TR
Air bags, Jan 10, 2008
AS I ENTERED A PARKING GARAGE AND PICKED UP A PARKING TICKET MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HIT THE CURB AND MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT AND CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I JUST GOT MY PARKING TICKET AND WAS TURNING FROM A DEAD STOP SO I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN TRAVELING MORE THAN 2 MILES PER HOUR. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS AN ACCIDENT BUT THERE IS NOT DAMAGE TO THE TIRE OR WHEEL OTHER THAN A SCUFF MARK ON THE TIRE WHERE IT RUBBED ON THE CURB. I HAVE CONTACED VW OF AMERICA AND THE INITIAL RESPONSE IS THAT THEY CONSIDER IT AN ACCIDENT NOT A MECHANICAL FAILURE. THE INITIAL REPSONSE FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS THAT IT IS A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND VW IS AT FAULT. BASED ON RESEARCH, MORE THAN 500 SIMILAR INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE NHTSA, AND IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE POPULATION REPORT PROBLEMS TO THE NHTSA. I WELCOME ANY ADDITIONAL INSIGHT THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE. THANK YOU. *TR
Air bags, Dec 25, 2007, crash
THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR CONTAINS A LOT OF AIR BAGS. FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IN THE CRASH EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE CAR HAD BEEN HIT FROM THE SIDE AND THEN THE CAR HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER FROM THE FRONT AFTER THE CAR HAD SPUN. *TR
Air bags, Oct 14, 2007
I WAS DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH THROUGH A PARKING LOT, PULLING INTO A SPOT WHEN MY SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I SAW THAT THERE IS AN EXISTING COMPLAINT (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE04081) OUTLINING THIS EXACT PROBLEM. WHEN I GOT OUT OF MY CAR TO INSPECT I FOUND THAT I HAD HIT NOTHING. THERE WAS NO IMPACT, NOT EVEN A SCRATCH. THE REPAIR IS PENDING WITH MY LOCAL VW DEALER. I AM NOT YET SURE WHO WILL FINANCIALLY BE RESPONSIBLE. *TR
Air bags, Jun 14, 2007
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR NORMALLY AND AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON A ROAD CLOSE TO MY HOME WHEN I DROVE OVER A SMALL BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD. NORMALLY, THIS IMPACT WOULD HAVE BEEN SO SMALL AS TO BARELY CAUSE ANY EXTRA MOTION IN THE CAR. HOWEVER, ON THIS OCCASION, AFTER I RAN OVER THE BUMP, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND BACK CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS STARTLED WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND ACCIDENTALLY JERKED THE STEERING WHEEL, HITTING OFF OF THE DIVIDER WITH THE FRONT TIRE. I INSPECTED THE CAR TO MAKE SURE NOTHING HIT THE VEHICLE, AND TO CHECK THAT PRIOR TO THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING , I HAD NOT, THREE DAYS AFTER THIS INCIDENT, AFTER FILING A CLAIM, INSURANCE COMPANY CALLED ME TO INFORM ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOTIFIED THEM THAT WHEN THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED A REPORT WAS SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER WITH DATA FROM THE INCIDENT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SUGGESTED I CONTACT NHTSA TO FILE A REPORT. THE REPORT SHOWED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO A COLLISION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH I PURCHASED IT TO HAVE THE AIRBAGS REINSTALLED, AND TO REPAIR DAMAGE DONE DURING THE AFTERMATH OF THE INCIDENT. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Air bags, Apr 10, 2007
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG/ CURTAIN ON 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, DEPLOYED WHILE TURNING RIGHT ON A WINDING ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING UNDER 20 MPH. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND BECAUSE IT WAS ON A BLIND TURN I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR BEHIND ME. AFTER 30 SECONDS I TURNED THE ENGINE ON, AND PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA TO INSPECT THE CAR. I TRAVEL THE ROAD EVERYDAY AND NO POT HOLES EXIST. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE COMPUTER DID NOT REGISTER AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER, ENGINEER, LOOKED AT PICTURES SENT BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND SAID THAT THERE WERE SCRAPES UNDER THE CAR WHICH MUST HAVE CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT. ASKED THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER IF THE SIDE AIR BAG/CURTAIN WAS NOT REPLACED WOULD THE OTHER AIR BAGS BE EFFECTED. THEY TOLD ME THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY PUBLIC INFORMATION ON THE EFFECT ONE DEPLOYMENT HAS ON THE REST OF THE SYSTEM, AND I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT FOR THE OTHER AIR BAGS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO NOW REPORTED THAT THE COMPUTER READ AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
Air bags, Apr 3, 2007
TL*-THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GLS WAGON 1.8 TURBO WITH FAILURE MILEAGE: 6,261 TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO PROBLEMS DEALING WITH THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PARTICULAR PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO DIAGNOSE THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. HE PAID A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY FOR THE SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE MAY BE AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT PROBLEM, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT SURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVER SINCE NOVEMBER 9, 2001 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON HIS DASHBOARD. HE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO VOLKSWAGEN NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED HIM ANY EXPLANATION FOR THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS 82,500 MILES.*AK
Air bags, Feb 7, 2007
LEFT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ON 1/30/07. VW CLAIMS THERE IS CRASH DATA IN THE ONBOARD COMPUTER. HOWEVER NO ACCIDENT / CRASH OCCURRED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN. I SEE ACCORDING TO NHTSA #PE04081 THAT THE INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED ON THIS. I'LL BET THIS INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AND ONLY AFTER SOMEONE GETS KILLED AND LAW SUITS FLY WILL SOMETHING GET DONE ABOUT IT. *NM
Air bags, Nov 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SEND A TECHNICIAN FOR INSPECTION HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NEVER KNEW IF SUCH INSPECTION EVER HAPPENED. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED THAT AN UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. 1/31/2007 - *NM
Air bags, Oct 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB
Air bags, Sep 22, 2006
I WAS DRIVING IN DOWNTOWN BOSTON IN A CONSTRUCTION AREA TRAVELING ABOUT 10-15 MPH, WHEN MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I CONTACTED VW, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS AN ACCIDENT THAT I HIT SOMETHING AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH MY INSURANCE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING AS THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DATE, I WOULD HAVE TO LOOK IT UP IN MY RECORDS AS IT HAPPENED 4 YEARS AGO. *NM
Air bags, Jun 6, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT SLOWED WITHOUT WARNING, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID THE VEHICLE. THE LEFT FRONT IMPACTED WITH THE RIGHT REAR OF THE SLOWED VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH EXTREME FORCE CAUSING THE CONTACTS HANDS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN MOTION. THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG ALSO OBSCURED THE CONTACTS VIEW. THE VEHICLE THEN BECAME AIRBORNE OVER A DITCH AND CAME TO REST IN A FIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. SEAT BELTS WERE IN USE BY BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER HOWEVER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED AT THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WAS NORMAL FOR THIS TYPE OF IMPACT.
Air bags, Jun 6, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE DRIVER AND SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DETERMINED BY COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC THAT A CRASH OCCURRED ALTHOUGH NO CRASH ACTUALLY OCCURRED. THE DEALER CAN GIVE NO OTHER REASON FOR THE DEPLOYMENT.
Air bags, Apr 18, 2006, crash
THE FRONT, SIDE AND SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAGS IN MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ALL FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN I WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY A TRUCK TRAVELING AT 40-50 MILES PER HOUR. THE PARAMEDICS AND RESPONDING OFFICER ENCOURAGED ME TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT, SAYING THAT I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE RIDING ALONE BECAUSE A PASSENGER WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED THE ACCIDENT WITHOUT AIRBAG PROTECTION. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED VW AND SUBMITTED THE FORMS AND PHOTOGRAPHS THEY REQUESTED FOR VALIDATION OF MY CLAIM, BUT - AS EXPECTED - THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. I HAVE NO INTENTION OF SUING, BUT I AM DISTURBED BY VOLKSWAGENS' RECENT CAMPAIGN TO MARKET THE JETTA BASED ON ITS SAFETY. IN THE 3 1/2 YEARS I OWNED THE CAR, I HAD TO RETURN IT FOR RECALLS/REPAIRS 14 TIMES, SO I BELIEVE THE AIRBAG FAILURE TO BE YET ANOTHER SYMPTOM OF THE JETTA'S POOR MANUFACTURING. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION AND PHOTOGRAPHS. *NM
Air bags, Mar 14, 2006, crash
THE '02 JETTA 1.8T 4-DOOR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE JETTA PROCEEDED INTO INTERSECTION. JETTA WAS HIT (T-BONED) ON DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR BY 1995 GRAND MARQUIS, MERCURY IN EXCESS OF 45 MPH. TICKET WAS ISSUED FOR FAILING TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, NO BRAKING ON PART OF THE MERCURY. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE JETTA - THE FRONT DOOR WAS DRIVEN INTO THE DRIVERS CAGE WHICH MOVED THE FRONT SEAT AND BENT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FORMED A LARGE CRACK, PROBABLY FROM A SIDE STRESS POINT AND DID NOT SHATTER, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOWS IN BOTH DOOR SHATTERED. SEVERE FRAME DAMAGE COULD BE SEEN AND NONE OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOORS COULD OPEN, NOR THE PASSENGER SIDE EITHER AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAGS (2), LOCATED BETWEEN THE TWO DAMAGED DOORS AND ALSO THE AIRBAG BETWEEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD FAILED TO DEPLOY. VW CLAIMS THAT THE CAR DECIDED BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT WAS IN USE, THE CAR MADE AN INTELLIGENT DECISION NOT TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS. THIS IS EITHER FALSE OR AN ERROR IN HOW THE CAR IS DESIGNED. AIRBAGS SHOULD DEPLOY AND NOT DECIDE THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS SUFFICIENT - IT WAS NOT SUFFICIENT, AS THERE WERE MEDICAL INJURIES. JETTA IS TOTALED, BUT BEING HELD BY USAA, PENDING ANYONE WHO WILL INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE ON MY BEHALF. OTHERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SUFFER IF A PROBLEM CAN BE IDENTIFIED HERE AND RESOLVED. *JB
Air bags, Feb 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE POLICE DETERMINED THERE WAS NO DEBRIS IN THE ROAD AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED A DENT IN THE METAL IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE PREMATURE DEPLOYMENT.
Air bags, Dec 4, 2005, crash
MY WIFE WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON 12/2/05 IN HER 2002 VW JETTA GLS. A LADY HAD RAN A RED LIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CAR AT APPROX: 40 MPH. THE CAR WAS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS; NEITHER OF WHICH AIRBAG DEPLOYED. MY WIFE HIT HER HEAD ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM
Air bags, Nov 8, 2005
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING DOWN MANCHESTER ROAD (A BUSY 4 LANE ROAD) GETTING READY TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND WHEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. HE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WENT OFF IN THE CAR. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR INTO A WALGREENS PARKING LOT. MY 4 YEAR OLD SON WAS SUPPOSE TO BE IN THE CAR WITH HIM. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN INJURED IF HE WAS. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND DEALT WITH. THERE WAS NO IMPACT AND NOT A MARK ON THE CAR INDICATING AN ACCIDENT. VW IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE THEY STATE THAT AN ACCIDENT HAD TO OCCUR BECAUSE AIR BAGS DON'T JUST GO OFF. MY CAR INSURANCE COMPANY IS ALSO NOT PAYING BECAUSE THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE ON THE CAR TO BE FIXED THEREFORE THERE IS NO CLAIM TO BE FILED. *JB
Air bags, Oct 30, 2005
WE OWN A 2002 VW JETTA 2.0L. WE WERE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AND PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT CAUSE. WE PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE TO CHECK FOR ANY EXTERIOR DAMAGE THAT COULD OF CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT BUT COULD NOT SEE ANY. WE DROVE IT HOME (@ 1 MILE) AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE WILL HEAR ABOUT THEIR COURSE OF ACTION TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. IS THIS A OCCURRENCE THAT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION? IF SO IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO KNOW SINCE THIS WILL BE A VERY COSTLY REPAIR AND HAVEN'T HAD THE BEST OF LUCK WITH VW EVEN THOUGH IT'S STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
Air bags, Sep 30, 2005
AFTER MAKING A RIGHT TURN GETTING UP TO A SPEED BETWEEN 25-30 MPH MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON EVEN WITH THE ROADS IN GOOD CONDITION. 30-40 SECONDS MORE AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN MERGING ON TO ON A BUSY INTERSTATE IN WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN PERSONAL INJURY TO MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS, ALONG WITH CAR DAMAGES. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED BEFORE TIME. VW REP REFUSES TO SOLVE THE ISSUE BY REPLACING THE SEAT AND ALL SIDE AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS (AS I SUSPECTED DUE TO READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE AND OTHER INTERNET SOURCES). THEY FOUND THE SENSORS HAD REASON TO GO OFF WHAT REASON THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO ESTABLISH THE CAUSE MAKING THIS A MECHANICAL ISSUE AND NOT A DRIVER ISSUE. I AM IN A LOANER VW JETTA AND STILL FRET THE SIDE AIRBAGS WILL GO OFF. AFTER BEING A LOYAL BUYER OF VW SINCE 1987, THEY CAN COUNT ONE LESS IN THE FAMILY. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED A LAWYER AND WILL BE CONTACTING MY LOCAL NEWS STATION TO TRY AND "OUT THIS PROBLEM" AND MAKE SURE THAT THIS INFORMATION BE KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC OF VW'S LACK TO INVESTIGATE THESE ISSUES AND LACK OF COMPASSION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IN SEVERE ISSUES LIKE THIS. *JB
Air bags, Sep 21, 2005, crash
A CAR PULLED OVER IN FRONT OF ME TRYING TO TURN LEFT. I HAD THE RIGHT OF ME WITH NO STOP OF TRAFFIC LIGHT AT THIS INTERSECTION. I HIT THE LEFT SIDE OF THAT CAR WITH THE FRONT/FRONT LEFT CORNER OF MY CAR AT 45 MPH AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I WOULD EXPECT THAT AT SUCH A SPEED AT LEAST ONE AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. PLEASE ADVISE. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Sep 19, 2005, crash
ON 9/17/2005 I WAS PULLING INTO MY ASSIGNED PARKING SPOT AT MY CONDO. I WAS APPROXIMATELY TRAVELING ABOUT 3 MPH AND HAD MY BRAKES APPLIED TO MANEUVER INTO MY PARKING SPOT. UPON REACHING THE CURB, I APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES AND EXPECTED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. HOWEVER, MY CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND ENDED UP IN MY NEIGHBOR'S LIVING ROOM. MY CAR ONLY STOPPED AFTER TAKING OUT THE BRICK STRUCTURE AND FRONT WINDOW OF HER CONDO. BEFORE MAKING IMPACT WITH THE OUTSIDE STRUCTURE I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE TWICE WITH NO RESPONSE. THE IMPACT WAS SUBSTANTIAL AND YET THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE THAT MY INSURANCE APPROVED AND NOT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAS SERVICED MY CAR FOR ALL THE CURRENT RECALLS AND VARIOUS PROBLEMS. THE RECALLS AND PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, REPLACEMENT OF THE COIL IGNITION, ARMREST BREAK, ALARM SOUNDING FOR NO REASON, AND THE WINDOW FALLING INTO THE DOOR FRAME. THIS ACCIDENT CAUSED SERIOUS PROPERTY DAMAGE AND THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE POLICE ACKNOWLEDGED MY SKID MARKS AND MY ATTEMPT AT APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE SITUATION WAS TREATED/CITED AS A CAR ACCIDENT SO THAT MY NEIGHBOR AND I COULD GO THROUGH THE PROPER PROCEDURES OF HER DAMAGES BEING REIMBURSED. I PLAN TO PROVE MY CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND A LEMON. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY FEEDBACK, ADVICE OR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING MY SITUATION. *NM *GEM
Air bags, Aug 16, 2005
PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITH NO COLLISION. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR TOO SENSITIVE. SLIGHT SWERVE AND BRAKE TO AVOID SMALL ANIMAL. NO COLLISION INVOLVED. CAR HAS NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE. NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF CONTACTING VWOA. *NM
Power train, Visibility, Air bags, Aug 8, 2005
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN MY 2002 VOKLSWAGEN JETTA HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD/POTHOLE AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WENT OFF. I GOT OUT TO INSPECT IF I HIT ANYTHING SINCE I WASN'T SURE BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG GOING OFF. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD BESIDES A POTHOLE THAT EVERYONE ELSE HIT AS WELL ON THE OFF RAMP. THERE WAS NOT A SCRATCH OF DAMAGE OR ANY IMPACT AT ALL. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR A LITTLE OVER 2 MONTHS AGO AND IT WAS ALREADY BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A BROKEN POWER WINDOW AND TWICE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I AM FED UP WITH THIS CAR. THERE IS ONLY 25,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND AN AIRBAG SHOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A POTHOLE. I WENT TO A DIFFERENT VW DEALER AND THEY SAID IT'S NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE AND IT WOULD COST $800 - $1,000 TO FIX. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS FOR NORMAL USE OF THE CAR. *JB
Air bags, May 12, 2005
CONSUMER REQUEST FOR REIMBURSMENT REGARDING REPAIRS FOR THE AIR BAG EQUIPMENT WHICH INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WHEN THE VEHICLE RAN OVER A CURB.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR *BF *NM