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, Jan 3, 2004
I OWN A 2002 VW JETTA THAT I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 29, 2003. MY PASSENGER SIDE PANEL AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THERE WAS SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGERS SEAT AND I AM THANKFUL THAT HE WAS NOT INJURED. THE DEALER HAS HAD MY CAR FOR 5 DAYS NOW. THEY ARE WAITING FOR VW TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE THEY DON'T SEE HOW THE AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY ON ITS OWN. THERE IS SOME REAR DAMAGE THAT IS OVER A YEAR OLD AND THEY ARE TRYING TO RELATE THE AIRBAG ISSUE WITH THE OLD DENTS. I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN MY VW AND I CERTAINLY DON'T TRUST IT. *AK
Air bags, Dec 21, 2003
WHILE DRIVING ON I 75 S FROM CHATTANOOGA, I HEARD A LOUD POP AND SAW SMOKE. THINKING A TIRE HAD BLOWN, I PULLED OVER. I REALIZED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED. TRIPLE A TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AS I WAS TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT. IT HAS BEEN TWO WEEKS AND I STILL HAVE NOT GOT MY CAR BACK OR EVEN BEEN TOLD IF THEY WILL FIX IT. THE DEALER IS HAVING TO E MAIL PICTURES TO VW TO SHOW THAT NO DAMAGE WAS DONE. THEY ARE SAYING A SENSOR WENT OFF. NO DOUBT! IT IS OBVIOUS TO ME AND MY WITNESSES THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO. I PLAN TO INVESTIGATE IT FURTHER TO FIND OUT WHAT CAN BE DONE, BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED IN A JETTA. *AK
Air bags, Nov 12, 2003
WAS DRIVING 15-20 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE RAN OVER A POTHOLE. THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALERSHIP WERE CONTACTED. CONSUMER DIDN'T TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MECHANIC CHECK. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
Air bags, Oct 10, 2003
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND COMPLAINT (REF TIS REQUEST #7094 DGD).*MR *CB THE PASSENGER-SIDE SIDE-IMPACT ANDSIDE-CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT *AAJ
Air bags, Sep 8, 2003
I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-64 IN RICHMOND, VA AND MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED.*AK
Air bags, Sep 2, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE SIDE AND CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OF ANY KIND INVOLVED.*AK THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE AIR BAG PROBLEM. *PH *NLM
Air bags, Aug 27, 2003
VEHICLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *MR THE TWO RIGHT INSIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 45 TO 55 MPH. *SCC *JB
Air bags, Aug 1, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 45-55 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED IT COST THE CONSUMERS OVER $2000.00 WORTH OF DAMAGES. CONSUMER DEALER NOTIFIED BECAUSE THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR COST OF REPAIRS.*AK *CB
Air bags, Jul 28, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AND CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED OVER THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE TWO RIGHT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *SCC *JB
Air bags, Jul 21, 2003
I OWN A 2002 VOLKWAGEN JETTA WHICH HAS SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS. I HAVE A ONE MONTH OLD BABY WHICH SITS IN A REAR FACING CARSEAT BEHIND THE PASSENGER. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS HARMING MY CHILD IF I WERE IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I AM UNABLE TO PUT MY CHILD IN THE MIDDLE BACKSEAT POSITION BECAUSE THEN I DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH ROOM IN THE DRIVER SEAT TO DRIVE THE CAR. RIGHT NOW THE PASSENGER SEAT IS SO FAR UP DUE TO THE CARSEAT BEHIND IT THAT NO ONE IS ABLE TO EVEN SIT IN THIS SEAT. I HAVE CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO TELL ME EXACTLY HOW FAR OUT OR DOWN THE SIDE AIRBAGS GO WHEN INFLATED AND ALSO REFUSE TO TURN THE SIDE AIRBAG OFF.*AK
Air bags, Jul 8, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION. *AK
Air bags, Jul 8, 2003
WHILE DRIVING PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED PREMATURELY. VEHICLE WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK
Air bags, Jun 12, 2003
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A DIRT ROAD BETWEEN 45-55 MILES AN HOUR, MY DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MANAGING TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I GOT OUT OF THE CAR FULLY EXPECTING TO SEE A COW OR HORSE EMBEDDED INTO THE SIDE OF MY CAR. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO DAMAGE - A PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATIVE ENGINEER HAS VERIFIED THAT. VOLKSWAGEN IS TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY DUE TO THE FACT THE SENSOR READS CRASH DATA STORED. FROM THE LOOKS OF THE NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I CAN SEE THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME A VW JETTA HAS HAD THIS HAPPEN. VW NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS DEFECT.*JB
Air bags, Jun 10, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING 55-65 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION V PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED.*AK
Air bags, May 9, 2003
ON THE MORNING OF SUNDAY, MAY 4TH, 2003, I MADE A SHARP RIGHT HAND TURN AND INADVERTENTLY DROVE OVER THE CURB WITH MY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. I IMMEDIATELY HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE TWO DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS WENT OFF. I SUFFERED ONLY BRUISES FROM THE IMPACT OF THE AIRBAGS. THIS INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY ON MONDAY, MAY 5TH. ON TUESDAY, MAY 6TH, I CALLED THE DEALER TO GET MY CAR IN FOR WORK. AS OF TODAY, FRIDAY, MAY 9TH, I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE DEALER, WHO NEEDED TO ORDER THE PARTS. WHEN I'M ABLE TO SCHEDULE THE APPOINTMENT TO TAKE MY CAR IN, MY INSURANCE COMPANY ASKED TO HAVE THEM CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A JOLT TO THE FLOOR PAN OR SUSPENSION THAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO GO OFF. THERE IS NO VISUAL DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL, AND THE CAR IS DRIVABLE. (I'VE BEEN DRIVING IT TO AND FROM WORK THIS WEEK). I DON'T BELIEVE THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE WENT OFF IN THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION. I'M NOW VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE IT WITH THE FEAR OF HITTING A SPEED BUMP OR A POT HOLE!!!! IF THERE HAD BEEN A LOT OF TRAFFIC AT THAT TIME OF THE MORNING, A VERY BAD ACCIDENT COULD HAVE RESULTED. *JB
Air bags, Apr 17, 2003
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AT 55 MPH YET THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NLM
Air bags, Apr 17, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION YET THE SIDE IMPACT NOR THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NLM
Air bags, Jan 10, 2003
WHILE DRIVING WITHIN THE CITY, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP WHICH DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM. DEALER STATED THE COMPUTER HAD INDICATED AND ACCIDENT HAD OCCURRED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*JB
Air bags, Dec 2, 2002, crash
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT, IN WHICH THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE FORCE WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. TS *SCC *JB
Air bags, Nov 19, 2002
WHILE DRIVING OUR TWO MONTH OLD JETTA ON ROUTE 80 OUR DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS WENT OFF WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF IMPACT. THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WHICH WAS CONFIRMED BY THE CLOSEST VOLKWAGEN DEALER WE DROVE IT TO. VOLKSWAGEN SAYS THE COMPUTER SAYS THERE WAS AN IMPACT THOUGH NO DAMAGE WHAT SO EVER IS VISIBLE. THEY SAID WE MUST REPORT THE CLAIM TO OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. THEY WILL ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY. WE ARE AFRAID THIS WILL KEEP HAPPENING UNTIL VOLKSWAGEN DECIDES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE OUR NEW CAR. DT
Air bags, Oct 27, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET AT SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH, AN OBJECT CAME THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD HITTING DRIVER IN LEFTSIDE OF FACE. THIS CAUSE DRIVER TO VEER OFF TO RIGHTSIDE OF ROAD INTO A DITCH, WHERE THE CAR JUMPED A CURB HEAD ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED ALONG WITH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND BACK CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYING. THERE WAS NO COLLISION W/EXCEPTION OF THE CURB INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE NO REASON TO DEPLOY LIKE THIS. THIS ACCIDENT WAS VERY SHORT OF BEING A FATALITY. THE IMPACT FROM THE SIDE AIRBAGS SHATTERED ALL OF THE BONES ON THE LEFTSIDE OF THE DRIVERS FACE, AND THE GLASS FROM THE WINDOWS SHATTERING CUT HIS LEFT EYEBALL IN 3 PLACES CAUSING THE EYE LOSS OF HIS EYE. THE DRIVER HAD TO BE RUSHED TO A LOCAL TRAUMA UNIT TO UNDERGO EMERGENCY SURGERY TO TRY TO SAVE HIS EYE. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL, AS WELL AS HAVING TO HAVE RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY TO TRY AND PUT THE BONES IN HIS FACE AS CLOSE TO BACK TOGETHER AS POSSIBLE. THANKS TO SOMEONE WATCHING OVER HIM HE IS STILL ALIVE. BUT IT IS FAR PAST TIME TO HAVE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THESE AIRBAGS! WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL IT IS SUCCESSFUL! DT
Air bags, Oct 8, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE SIDE AIRBAGS WENT INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *MR
Air bags, Sep 12, 2002
PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT, DECELERATION OR APPARENT CONTACT THE ROAD BED.*AK
Air bags, Sep 2, 2002
LOWER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPOLYED WHILE DRIVING DOWN STREET. UPPER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS EXITED VEHICLE AT CURB AND VEHICLE WAS STOPPED.*AK
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE HIT SOMETHING, CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY, THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF COLLISION DAMAGE, CLAIM 33-0397-972. *SLC