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: electrical system
149 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 12, 2021
WHILE GOING 55 CAR DROPPED TORQUE AND GEARED DOWN FORCING CAR REV VERY HIGH RPMS, NOSE DIP. JERK ME INTO ON COMING LANE. LUCKILY NOTHING WAS COMING.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2018
WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT "JERKS" OR MAKES A SHAKING MOVEMENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE "DOOR AJAR" LIGHT STAYS ON ALTHOUGH ALL DOORS HAVE BEEN OPENED AND CLOSED. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. WHILE STATIONARY AND IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT USEABLE. THE DRIVER'S DOOR REMAINS UNLOCKED AFTER PRESSING THE "LOCK DOORS" BUTTON.
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2017
KNOWN MELTING FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY. FROM SCHEMATICS, APPEARS S180 FUSE (COOLANT FAN) AS PREDOMINANT POINT OF FAILURE. ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED (VIA WEB) ACROSS NUMEROUS MODELS AND YEARS. CALLED VW FOR FIX; AS TECHS APPEAR VOID OF A GENERAL CONSENSUS TO PROBLEM/FIX. UNFORTUNATELY, VW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND/OR PROVIDE SOLUTION TO CUSTOMER(S). REFERS ME TO DEALER, WHICH IS OVER AN HOUR AWAY. JUST NEED INFO TO ORDER REPAIR KIT AND RESTORE VEHICLE INTEGRITY/SAFETY. CONCERNED AS THIS MAY BE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD; DUE TO THE VOLUME OF HEAT GENERATED BY WIRING WITHIN INTERNAL COMPARTMENT. IN TURN, I UNDERSTAND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THE NORMAL WARRANTY PERIOD. AS STATED, JUST WANT AN ANSWER TO REPAIR; HOWEVER, VW CUSTOMER CARE REP COMMENTED I SHOULD REPORTING THIS ISSUE IN HOPES TO DRAW ADDITIONAL ATTENTION OF OTHER OWNERS AND, EVENTUALLY, THE NHTSA TO GET VW TO RESPOND TO CUSTOMERS QUESTIONS.
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 5, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE WINDOWS WERE STEAMING. IN ADDITION, THE DASHBOARD WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURNED HAND INJURY, BUT DID NOT NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE AND FIRE UNDERNEATH THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT BOX. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE WITH THE CHILD BEFORE THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FILED A FIRE REPORT AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2015, fire
WHILE REACHING HOME, I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF ENGINE, SMELL OF HEATED PLASTIC, AND THE ALTERNATOR WARNING LITE ON. SWITCHED OFF THE CAR AND OPENED THE HOOD. NOTED THAT THE SMOKE AND SMELL WAS COMING FROM THE PLASTIC FUSE BOX THAT IS ON THE TOP OF THE BATTERY AND THAT THE FUSE BOX COVER HAD BURNT HOLE. THE WIRE FROM THE ALTERNATOR TO ONE OF THE FUSES IN THE FUSE BOX HAD MELTED THE PLASTIC. I REPLACED THE FUSE BOX, CLEANED THE WIRE AND ATTACHED IT BACK. ON 6/23/15, I WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR. THE BATTERY WAS WEAK AND NOTED THAT ONE OF THE FUSES IN THE BOX HAD MELTED THE PLASTIC.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 24, 2014
THIS IS A FOLLOWUP ON MY NHTSA COMPLAINT WITH ODI 10660489. I WOULD LIKE TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V584000 WHICH PRECISELY DESCRIBES THE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE ENCOUNTERED WITH MY JETTA. PLEASE NOTE THAT MY JETTA IS ALSO A 2002 MODEL AS NOTED IN THE ABOVE CAMPAIGN. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 24, 2014
FIRST INTERMITTENT AND THEN INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2014
FAULTY FUSE PANEL IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT (THE ONE SITUATED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY, NOT THE PANEL IN THE CABIN). *TR
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2014
FAULTY FUSE PANEL IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT (THE ONE SITUATED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY, NOT THE PANEL IN THE CABIN). *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Sep 19, 2014
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE IN 2006 FROM A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IN VIRGINIA (VOLKSWAGEN OF DULLES). TWO MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE PURCHASE, WE NOTICED THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN IN RESTON, VA. THE LOCAL DEALER ATTRIBUTED IT TO A FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM AND CHARGED US FOR A THROTTLE BODY CLEANING.? OVER THE COURSE OF TWO YEARS, WE HAD MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWNS, SOME AT HIGH SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. AT ONE POINT THE DEALER REPORTED A ??LOOSE IGNITION SWITCH?? AND REPLACED THAT SWITCH. AFTER SEVERAL MORE SCARY EVENTS, I EMAILED VW AMERICA WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM AND OUR FEARS ABOUT THE VEHICLE BEING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IN MARCH 2009 I CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND TALKED TO A REGIONAL CASE MANAGER. ON THAT DAY, THE CAR HAD SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION NARROWLY AVOIDING A COLLISION. VW REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. THREE MONTHS LATER, DRIVING ON MEMORIAL PARKWAY (RT. 66) AT NIGHT WHEN THE VEHICLES LIGHTS FAILED, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN AND THE ENGINE DIED. I ONCE AGAIN CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS RETURNED A CALL FROM A REPRESENTATIVE WHO SAID THEY WOULD NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM FURTHER, THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE WAS OVER AND THAT I HAD NO RECOURSE WITH VOLKSWAGEN FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE PROBLEM. I RECENTLY ASKED VW AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR COPIES OF THEIR RECORDS RELATING THE CASE. THEY REFUSED TO GIVE THEM TO ME, SAYING THEY WERE PROPRIETARY.? *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH WITH A QUARTER TANK OF GAS, MY 2002 JETTA GLX DISPLAYED THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THEN STALLED AT FULL SPEED. THE CAR SLOWED, THE STEERING AND GAS PEDAL WERE STIFF AND I HAD TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER AND CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK. I HAD THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR REPLACED, NEW SPARK PLUGS PUT IN AND THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED. I TEST DROVE THE CAR AND ONCE AGAIN, THE ENGINE STARTED TO STALL AT AROUND 70MPH ON THE FREEWAY. THIS TIME I WAS ABLE TO FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR DID NOT COMPLETELY STALL. THIS DEFECT SEEMS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND SEEMS TO BE UNACCEPTABLY PREVALENT ON VW JETTAS. MY NEXT PART TO REPLACE IS THE FUEL PUMP BUT IT APPEARS THAT DOES NOT ALWAYS REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2014
THE CAR TAKES 15 MINUTES TO HEAT UP TO 190, OTHERWISE THE CAR WON'T DRIVE FORWARD IN PROPER GEAR WITHOUT JERKING. IT DRIVES LIKE IT IS A STICK SHIFT INSTEAD OF AN AUTOMATIC CHANGING GEAR ON IT'S OWN. THE CAR STOPS WITHOUT ME PRESSING THE BRAKES AND SOMETIMES JUST TURNS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. IT SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE IN THE CAR. THE CD PLAYER, CLOCK AND VEHICLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS ON AND OFF. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. AUTONATION PERFORMED A MULTI POINT INSPECTION AND SAYS THE CAR NEEDS A TIMING BELT, COOLANT FLANGE AND AFTER RUN PUMP, AND ROLLERS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 18, 2014
ENGINE ABRUPTLY LOST ALL POWER AND TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE CAR RESTARTED AND RAN NORMALLY FOR 6 MONTHS. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER. 10 MINUTES AFTER THE SECOND EPISODE, MECHANIC WASN'T ABLE TO FIND A FAULT CODE AND DROVE IT WITHOUT THE STALL RECURRING. *TR
Electrical system, Aug 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK WHEN THE MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
Electrical system, Apr 27, 2012
MY 2002 VW JETTA TDI HAS MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE ONE THAT MIGHT BE A SAFETY FACTOR IS THE MICRO SWITCHES IN THE DOOR LATCHES. THE DOORS WITH FAULTY SWITCHES DON'T KNOW IF THERE OPEN OR CLOSED. WHEN OPEN THE SAFETY LIGHT ON THE DOOR DOES NOT COME ON TO ALERT ONCOMING VEHICLES THAT A DOOR IS OPEN. IF THE SWITCH STAYS ON WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, THE DOME LIGHTS STAY ON UNTIL THE BATTERY IS DEAD. THE CAR DIES IN THE FREEWAY WHEN RUNNING, IT MIGHT BE AFFECTING THE COMPUTER NOW. THIS HAS TO BE RECALL ITS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 19, 2012
WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING. NOW THE ENGINE STARTS THEN STALLS. ALL DASH LIGHTS ARE NOW OUT. *JS
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 31, 2011
DRIVER SIDE LOCK SWITCH, UNABLE TO LOCK MY 02 JETTA WITH REMOTE KEY. INTERIOR LIGHT ON THE DRIVER DOOR CONSTANTLY STAYS ON. *KB
Electrical system, Seats, Dec 17, 2011, fire
WHILE DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT, MY SON AND I SMELLED SMOKE. WE EXITED THE VEHICLE, CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD, BUT FOUND NOTHING. WE CONTINUED HOME AND PARKED IN THE GARAGE. STILL SMELLING SMOKE, WE RE-INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE AN ORIGIN OR ANY VISIBLE EVIDENCE. BOTH SEAT HEATERS WERE ON DURING THE DRIVE HOME, BUT THE SEATS SHOWED NO VISUAL SIGNS OF DAMAGE AFTER PARKING. NEXT MORNING WE OPENED THE VEHICLE TO DISCOVER THE CABIN WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE WITH AN APPROXIMATE 1?HOLE BURNED UP THRU THE PASSENGER SEAT ON THE LOWER RIGHT BOLSTER. APPARENTLY THE SEAT HEATER INITIATED A THERMAL EVENT WHICH ERUPTED IN A SEAT FIRE AFTER WE TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE. FORTUNATELY, THE FIRE DID NOT ENGULF THE VEHICLE OR IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT OUR HOME ON FIRE, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH TO MY FAMILY. I BELIEVE WE DODGED A BULLET BECAUSE THE SEAT FIRE DID NOT SUSTAIN ITSELF AND ENGULF THE VEHICLE. VW HAS AGREED TO REPAIR THE BURNED SEAT AT THEIR EXPENSE AND MAKE A MITIGATION REPAIR. HOWEVER, VW HAS DECLINED MY REQUEST TO COVER ANY SIMILAR MITIGATION REPAIR TO THE OTHER SEAT. IN OCTOBER 2004, THE NHTSA ODI CONCLUDED THAT ?DRIVER-SIDE SEAT HEATER MAY FAIL OR MALFUNCTION DUE TO NORMAL VEHICLE USE? BUT ?SUCH FAILURES DO NOT POSE A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF INJURY OR FIRE.? THE ODI STATED THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT CONCLUDE THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST AND THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. (EA04010) EVIDENCE AND REPORTS INDICATE THAT SEAT HEATER CAUSED THERMAL EVENTS IN BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS IN THE VW JETTA HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE FOR NEARLY 10 YEARS NOW. NEAR MISSES CONTINUE TO OCCUR. I BELIEVE THAT A SEAT FIRE IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN. I WOULD ENCOURAGE THE NHTSA TO RE-EXAMINE THE CIRCUMSTANCES TO DETERMINE IF FURTHER ACTION IS WARRANTED. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 3, 2011, crash
2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER WRITES TO EXPRESS DISCONTENT REGARDING REPAIRS AT LOCAL DEALER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THREE DAYS AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER, FOR MAINTENANCE WORK, THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY. THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE ALTERNATOR. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT-AND RUN ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE REAR END IMPACT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER STATED EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, HE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. UPDATED 12/08/11
Electrical system, Jun 1, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO USE THE TURN SIGNAL THEY WOULD NOT TURN ON; NOR DOES THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE BECAUSE NO FUSES HAD BLOWN OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Electrical system, Feb 11, 2010
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING TWICE, COULD RESULT IN CAR BEING DISABLED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ANY WHERE BECOMING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THE DRIVER AND AN OBSTACLE ON THE ROAD FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO TRY TO AVOID. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP ISOLATED THIS TO A FAULTY HARNESS CONNECTING THE ALTERNATOR TOTHE FUSE LOCATED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY. THE HARNESS AND THE FUSE BOX HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS PROBLEM IS ONLY COMMON TO VW BEATLES AND VW JETTA, BECAUSE THEY SAID THE CAR WAS 2002 IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY NOT COVERED. I WAS MORE CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY THIS PROBLEM WOULD CAUSE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN KROGERS OFFICE IN OREGON, THEY SENT ME A LETTER STATING THEY HAD FORWARDED THIS COMPLAINT TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN IN WASHINGTON DC . I TRIED TO CONTACT THEM BY PHONE, THEY ASKED IF I HAD A CONFIRMATION # . I HAVEN'T AS OF YET RECEIVED A LETTER OR PHONE CALL. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND DECREASED SPEED TO 10 MPH. HE WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH AND DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. HE WAS ALSO ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION COIL CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,000. UPDATED 03/01/10 *BF THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER HIT THE FRONT SEAT AND SUSTAINED A BLODDY NOSE. UPDATED 09/16/10
Electrical system, Nov 14, 2009
BATTERY CONTINUES TO DRAIN OVER NIGHT. CHANGING BATTERIES DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. ONLINE FORUM POINTS TO RADIO DRAINING THE BATTERY. PULLING FUSE AND RESETTING RADIO TENDS TO STOP THE PROCESS, BUT THEN IT RETURNS AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS. *TR