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
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2006
THE CAR WOULD NOT START, MADE A CLICKING SOUND WITH EACH ATTEMPT, AND THE RADIO AND AUTOMATIC WINDOWS WOULD NOT TURN ON/RESPOND TO CONTROL. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED AND THE STARTER WAS FOUND TO BE THE PROBLEM ON A RELATIVELY NEW CAR (3YRS. OLD), 40000K. HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY READ ANECDOTAL COMPLAINTS THAT VW'S HAVE STARTER PROBLEMS. *JB
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2005, crash
PLEASE REFER TO MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT SUBMITTED 9/17/2005 REGARDING MY '02 VW JETTA. THE CRASH WAS A RESULT OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE. THE REASON I AM WRITING AGAIN IS TO ADDRESS THE FACT THAT MY LOCAL NEWS (DENVER CHANNEL 7 NEWS) DID AN UNDERCOVER FEATURE IN REGARDS TO THE VOLVO'S SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. THE MECHANIC USED IN THE PIECE DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE. THUS, VOLVO IS ANNOUNCING A MAJOR RECALL ON ALL 1999-2002 VOLVO'S. THIS ISSUE IS RAMPANT AMONG THE AUTO INDUSTRY INCLUDING VWOA. PLEASE EXTEND YOUR INVESTIGATION TO INCLUDE VW AND HOPEFULLY VWOA WILL DO A MAJOR RECALL ON ALL CARS EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC THROTTLES. PLEASE NOTE THAT I WAS REQUIRED TO ATTEND DMV COURT SINCE I WAS ISSUED A TICKET. THE JUDGE RULING OVER MY CASE ENDED UP DISMISSING MY CASE BECAUSE OF THE EVIDENCE I HAD BROUGHT TO COURT. MORE OVER, THE JUDGE WAS A FORMER MECHANIC FOR 8 YEARS AND HE HAS WORKED EXTENSIVELY ON VW'S. HE WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH MY SITUATION. I DON'T HAVE MY VIN # HANDY, BUT IT WAS LISTED IN MY COMPLAINT ODI ID #: 10136890. PLEASE REFER TO MY CASE NUMBER FOR FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2005
CONSUMER VEHICLE STALLED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS CAUSING CONSUMER TO REPLACE COIL. *TS THE VEHICLE HAD ERRATIC ACCELERATION LIGHT PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND IN AN EVEN PATTERN, INSTEAD IT WOULD SUDDENLY SPEED UP DANGEROUSLY. *JB
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2005
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 JETTA AND AS SOON AS I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT IT BEGAN WITH THE BUCKING. IT TOOK 3 VISITS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE SITES, AND 3 WEEKS WITHOUT A VEHICLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS REPLACING THE COIL, HOWEVER STATED THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME. I AM CURRENTLY DISPUTING THE CHARGE. I FEEL UNSAFE AND UNHAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, May 8, 2005
SEPTEMBER 2002 - LEASED 2002 VW JETTA 1.8T. JULY 2003 - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED PER RECALL. NOVEMBER 2003 - PLUMES OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF TAILPIPE - THEY DETERMINED THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. NOVEMBER 2003 - (A DAY LATER) SMOKE STILL COMING OUT OF TAILPIPE, THEY DETERMINED THERE WAS OIL IN THE TURBO, THEY HAD TO REMOVE AND INSTALL NEW TURBO CHARGER AND THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK, THEY HAD TO REMOVE AND INSTALL OIL LINE. NOVEMBER 2003- CAR MAKING WHOOSING NOISE, HAD TO RESCURE LOOSE INTAKE HOSE. MAY 2004 - REPLACE BREAKLIGHT SWITCH PER RECALL. JULY 2004 - DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FELL - HAD TO HAVE BOTH WINDOWS AND CLAMPS REPLACED PER RECALL. (IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AFTER HOURS, MY CAR COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN VANDILIZED, FORTUNATELY IT WAS DURING THE DAY AND I WAS NEAR THE DEALER SO THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THEM WEDGED SHUT BEFORE THEY COULD GET THE CAR IN TO BE FIXED.) JULY 2004 (A DAY LATER) - BATTERY DIED, GOT JUMPED AND WAS TOWED TO SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. NO PROBLEMS FOR ALMOST A YEAR, THOUGHT I WAS HOMEFREE... MAY 2005 - CLACKING NOISE IN ENGINE, SLUDGE ON DIPSTICK AND IN OIL FILL CAP. NO OIL LIGHT OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAME ON. HAD TO ALSO HAVE HAZARD SWITCH REPLACED PER RECALL. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING TO SEE IF THEY WILL COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER MY WARRANTY. MY CAR NEEDS TO HAVE THE OIL PAN REMOVED TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. I WAS NEVER TOLD TO YOU USE SYNETHIC OIL IN MY CAR AND THAT APPARENTLY IS THE CAUSE OF THE SLUDGE PROBLEM. FROM LOOKING ONLINE, IT SEEMS MANY MORE PEOPLE THAN JUST MYSELF HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. VW NEEDS TO RECALL THIS.
Electrical system, Apr 26, 2005
REPEAT IGNITION COIL AND INGITION COIL WIRING HARNESS FAILURE. THE COILS FAIL TO SPARK RESULTING IN REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND THE WIRING HARNESS SHEATHING KEEPS CRACKING APART, RESULTING IN GROUND OUT ON THE ENGINE.*AK *NM
Electrical system, Apr 15, 2005, fire
FIRE IN THE FUSE BOX, RESULTED IN CABIN DAMAGES.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2005
I HAVE A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2002 WAGON. TWICE I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE FACTORY INSTALLED RADIO HAD STOPPED WORKING. TWICE THEY REPAIRED THE RADIO BY READJUSTING THE WIRING. I WAS TOLD IF IT HAPPENS A THIRD TIME, THEY WILL REPLACE THE RADIO.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2005
REPEATED FAILURE OF BREAK LIGHTS IN 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA OVER 2 AND 1/2 YEAR PERIOD. INCIDENT #1 ? DATE: 10.29.02 OD READING 5226 MILES RO# 776322 INCIDENT #2 ? DATE: 07.18.03 OD READING 15765 MILES RO# 817328 * INCIDENT #3 ? DATE: 12.15.03 OD READING 19219 MILES RO# 843079 INCIDENT #4 ? DATE: 07.14.04 OD READING 24000 MILES RO# 877075 INCIDENT #5 ? DATE: 01.13.05 OD READING 31291 MILES RO# 26004548/1 * THIS WAS WHEN THE RECALL BREAK LIGHT SWITCH WAS INSTALLED PER NHTSA RECALL NO. 04VO96. WE HAVE NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLISIONS IN THE LAST TWO OF THESE INCIDENTS OF FAILURES AND HAVE ASKED THAT VOLKSWAGEN TAKE THE CAR BACK FROM US AS AFTER THE FOURTH ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THEY CANNOT ENSURE OUR SAFETY IN THE VEHICLE. VOLKSWAGEN HAS REFUSED OUR REQUEST AND INSISTED THAT THEY REPAIR THE CAR UNDER THE TERMS OF THE WARRANTY FOR THE FIFTH TIME DESPITE THE TRACK RECORD OF FAILURES. THE COMMENT MADE TO ME IS IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN TO BE SURE TO CONTACT THEM WITH MY CONCERNS? *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2004
REPEAT INCIDENTS LEADING TO CONSUMER'S LONG TERM DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS. WORRISOME PANEL INDICATOR LIGHTS -- FLASHING: ENGINE WARNING AND GLOW PLUG (DIESEL) LIGHTS WITHIN CURRENT LEASE PERIOD. AFTER FIRST TWO INCIDENTS, THE THIRD (THEN UNDER WARRANTY) WAS FOUND TO BE DUE TO A FACTORY DEFECT. AND REPAIRED?...DEC 7 '04, AT ABOUT 55K -- BLINKING LIGHTS AGAIN. DEALER DIAGNOSTIC INDICATED NO ENGINE PROBLEM (THIS WAS THE SAME RESULT OF THE TWO PREVIOUS BEFORE THE THIRD RESULTED IN A MAJOR WARRANTY REPAIR). THIS HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS AN ACCELERATOR SENSOR FAILURE. (THE PART WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR THREE (3) DAYS; WE ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE "CAREFULLY UNTIL THE PART CAN BE REPLACED.) THIS SENSOR FAILURE IS THEN ONE OF SEVERAL OTHERS IN THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE: THE FUEL GUAGE HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE OR TWICE; THE SEAT HEATER SENSOR JUST, AND OUT-OF-WARRANTY, BURNED A HOLE IN THE FRONT SEAT (THREE WEEKS AWAITING FACTORY REPS 'GET-BACK.'). AN AIR CONDITIONING PROBLEM (LEAK) WAS ALSO NOTED AND REPAIRED AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2004
BOUGHT NEW 2002 JETTA HAD NO BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEMS UNTIL I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING SWITCH RECALL. TOOK CAR TO DEALER W/ RECALL LETTER AND THEY REPLACED SWITCH. NO PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS, THEN BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN STAYING ON AND ACCELERATION OCCASIONALLY CUTS OUT. DEALER HAD CAR OFF AND ON FOR A MONTH AND A 1/2 PROBLEM W/ LIGHTS AND ACCEL. CONTINUES. *JB
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2004
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, COOLANT LEAKED IN MECHANICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER. REQUIRING REWIRING OF ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *BF THE COIL SPRING FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO POWER, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FAILED, THE CONSUMER DID HOWEVER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE MATTER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAD ALREADY OCCURRED. THE REAR PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT WAS OUT. *JB
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 17, 2004
AFTER I WAS PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE DOORS CLICKED AS IF THEY WERE GOING TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AS THEY NORMALLY DO AT 10 MPH. THE CLICK SOUNDED FUNNY, SO I LOOKED AT THE DOOR LOCKS AND NOTICED THAT THEY HADN'T LOCKED. SOON THEREAFTER, THE BATTERY ON THE CAR STOPPED, WHICH I NOTICED BECAUSE I COULDN'T ACCELERATE AND I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN, WITHOUT A PROBLEM. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND STAYED ON AND I NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS IN THE BACK SEAT OVER THE DOORS STAYED ON THOUGH. I TRAVELED TO MY NEXT STOP AND THE LIGHTS IN THE BACK SEAT WENT OUT. I THEN STARTED TOWARD MY NEXT STOP AND HAD REACHED 25 MPH WHEN THE SIDE AIRBAG IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT EXPLODED. I CALLED THE DEALER TO SEE IF THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, THEY SAID IT WAS. I THEN STARTED DRIVING TO THE DEALER WHEN THE BATTERY CUT OUT AGAIN; I COULD TELL BECAUSE I COULD NOT STEER AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER TO A SAFE SPOT AND CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. WHILE I WAS SITTING IN THE PARKED CAR WITH THE A/C ON WAITING FOR THE TOW TO ARRIVE, THE PASSENGER-SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER SO THEY CAN INVESTIGATE IF THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION. NO, I'M NOT KIDDING, THAT'S WHAT THEY SAID. *JB
Electrical system, Equipment, Jun 3, 2004, fire
I HAD A VW JETTA 2002 MODEL WITH 13880 MILES. PRIOR TO THAT INCIDENT, I HAD NO ACCIDENT OR TROUBLE. I HAD SERVICE CHECK UP DONE AND THE LAST ONE WAS DONE ON MAR.16, 2004. ON APR.5, I PARKED THE CAR IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARKING LOT. I TOOK OUT THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE CAR WAS STILL SHAKING AND VIBRATING AND THE SOUND WAS GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER. I CALLED OUT FOR HELP AND THE JANITOR CAME TO OPEN UP THE HOOD. BY THE TIME, THE BURNING SMELL WAS ALL OVER AND THE SMOKE WAS COMING OUT. THE CABLES ATTACHED TO THE BATTERY WAS ON FIRE AND THE BATTERY WAS MELTING. THE JANITOR HAD TO CUT OFF THE CABLES IN ORDER TO STOP THE FIRE. IT WAS TOWED AWAY TO VW SUNNYVALE. AFTER THE INSPECTION, VW SAID THAT THE PROBABLE CAUSE WAS THE SAFETY KEY DEVICE WHICH WAS INSTALLED AT THE BOB LEWIS DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR. THEN THE STARTER DISENGAGED. VW SAID IT WAS AN AFTERMARKET PRODUCT THAT THEIR BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY WON'T COVER THE REPAIR. WHEN WE BOUGHT THIS CAR, IT WAS NEW AND WE REFUSED TO HAVE AN EXTRA SAFETY DEVICE, BUT BOB LEWIS HAD LEFT IT THERE WITHOUT OUR KNOWLEDGE. THEY ALSO DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT MODIFICATION WAS DONE NOR AFTER ANY MODIFICATION. THE CAR WILL NOT BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. NOW THE SUNNYVALE DEALER ESTIMATED THE COST OF REPAIR FOR $14500. MY INSURANCE HAD SENT 2 APPRAISERS AND I AM WAITING FOR THEIR REPORTS. I TRIED TO REACH BOB LEWIS, BUT THEY HAVE NEVER CALLED ME BACK. *LA THE POINT OF ORIGIN WAS IN THE WIRING. THE STARTER DISENGAGED AND THE PROBABLE CAUSE WAS THE AFTER MARKET PRODUCT DUE TO A MODIFICATION ON THE ORIGINAL WIRING. (THE DAMAGE APPEARED TO BE DIRECTLY BELOW THE BATTERY) *SC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, May 26, 2004
1) TRANSMISSION SLIPS, AND CAUSES A THUD. HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 2) LED DISPLAY DISAPPEARS. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM TWICE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 3) BRAKES ARE MUSHY. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. 4) VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH WHEN ACCELERATING. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE. 5) ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON, AND THERE IS PECULIAR SMELL. HAVE INFORMED DEALERSHIP ONCE. *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 17, 2004
MY 2002 VW JETTA, VIN# [XXX] HAS APPROXIMATELY 22,334 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN AT PACIFIC VW SINCE MARCH 18, 2004. THE CONCERN WITH THE VEHICLE, WHICH THE DEALER/FACTORY REPS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REMEDY IS WITH A COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION. *AK WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WILL SLIGHTLY ACCELERATE TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH AND THEN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PROPEL FORWARD AT ANY FASTER RATE, EVEN WITH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. ACCELERATION IS RESUMED WHEN THE PEDAL IS BROUGHT UP TO THE TOP AGAIN AND DEPRESSED YET AGAIN TO GET ANY NORMAL TYPE OF ACCELERATION. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT POOR ACCELERATION BUT RATHER AN INABILITY FOR THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THIS CONDITION HAS BEEN ATTEMPTED TO BE REMEDIED BY MY DEALERSHIP BY REPAIRING/REPLACING THE ECM, TCM, FUEL PUMP, WIRING HARNESS AND A RADIATOR HOSE - THE HOSE WAS DAMAGED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND IS UNRELATED TO THE VEHICLES TRUE CONCERNS. ALL OTHER ITEMS WERE UNSUCCSESSFUL. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT WHEN MERGING OR TURNING ONTO TRAFFIC AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THERE IS A HUGE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT IF THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE, EVEN WITH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I FEAR THAT A REAR END ACCIDENT MAY ENSUE IF THIS CONDITION IS NOT FIXED BY VW. I HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM A FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE DESPITE MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS AND AN EMAIL NOTIFICATION TO VW. KIND REGARDS, [XXX]. *AK UPDATED 07/30/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Apr 5, 2004
COIL PACK HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES BUT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LOSE POWER AND DRIVE ROUGH. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN AN ACCIDENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. THIS IS A LEASE. I OFFERED VW THE OPTION OF LETTING ME MAKE ONE CASH PAYMENT TO PAY OUT THE LEASE BUT VW REFUSED TO DO THIS. VW SAID I HAVE TO KEEP THIS CAR UNTIL 90 DAYS BEFORE DUE DATE. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED IN 3 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND DRIVEN IN THREE OTHER TIMES. I NEVER KNOW WHEN I WILL HAVE TO WALK. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, Equipment, Nov 29, 2003
I HAVE A 2002 1.8T VOLKSWAGEN JETTA - I HAVE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS FAILURES. 1)RADIO HAS FAILED TWICE - IN EACH INSTANCE FAULT WAS TRACED TO A FUSE - FOLLOWING RADIO FAILURE I EXPERIENCED REPEATED DEAD BATTERIES UNTIL THE RADIO WAS REPAIRED. 2) ABS FAILURE DETECTED WHEN I WAS GETTING MY RADIO FIXED THE SECOND TIME 3)VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO START ON TWO OCCASIONS - I WAIT A MINUTE AND TRY AGAIN - IT WORKED 4)MY WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR 5)I EXPERIENCED AN ACTIVATION OF NUMEROUS ENGINE FAULT LIGHTS THAT RESET FOLLOWING ENGINE RESTART 6)THE COATING ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SURFACES PEELS OFF EASILY 7)THE CHROME RING AROUND THE SHIFT KNOW IS PEELING. *AK
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 24, 2003
EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION I PARKED MY CAR AS USUAL. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY CAR, IT STARTED, BUT I COULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. I CALLED THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NUMBER. THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO HIT THE BRAKE WITH MY FOOT AS HARD AS POSSIBLE. THIS ALLOWED ME TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR SERVICE. *LA
Electrical system, Seats, Oct 29, 2003, fire
SINCE BUYING MY JETTA NEW IN 2002. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. TWICE THE IGNITION COILS FAILED, AND I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED. THEY WOULDN'T REPLACE ALL THE DEFECTIVE COILS THE FIRST TIME. SO, NOW THAT I KNOW MY CAR IS UNRELIABLE, I WON'T BE USING IT FOR LONG TRIPS, WHICH WAS MY MAIN REASON FOR BUYING THE CAR. THEN LAST NIGHT ON MY WAY DOWN THE ROAD, THE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED A WHOLE IN MY SEAT, NOT TO MENTION WHAT IT DID TO ME AS I WAS DRIVING. THIS CAR JUST SEEMS TOTALLY UNSAFE. FIRST THERE IS NO POWER WHEN THE IGNITION COILS FAIL, THEN THE DRIVER SEAT CATCHES ON FIRE AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. OF COURSE THE DEALER CAN'T GET ME IN UNTIL LATER THIS WEEK.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2003
VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING IN FREEWAY TRAFFIC. AFTER PULLING OVER, CAR RESTARTED. NO INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE NOTICED. UPON RETURNING HOME, GLOW PLUG LIGHT LIT TWICE WITH ENGINE BUCKING. DEALER REPLACED GLOW PLUG WIRING HARNESS WITH A NEW PART THAT WAS RELEASED BY VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IN OCTOBER, 2003. VW WOULD NOT WARRANT REPLACEMENT PART OR LABOR. DEALER STATED THIS IS NOT AN UNUSUAL FAILURE. *LA
Electrical system, Oct 14, 2003
I HAVE TAKEN IN MY 2002 VW JETTA ABOUT 9 TIMES FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: THE ENGINE COMES ON, THE DOORS HAVE MESSED UP, THE ODOMETER IS INCORRECT AND THE SPEEDOMETER FLOATS DRASTICALLY 5-10 MILES UP AND DOWN. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CAR NOT ONLY FOR THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT CAUSE A FIRE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE PEOPLE DON'T KNOW HOW FAST THEY REALLY ARE GOING - THIS IS AN EXTREME HAZARD. MY FRIEND'S 2001 VW JETTA IS JUST STARTING TO DO THE SAME THINGS AS MINE, WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON, AND A WOMEN TODAY SAID ALL OF HER FRIENDS GOT RID OF THEIRS FOR THE SAME REASONS - JETTAS WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *LA
Electrical system, Aug 6, 2003
IGNITION COIL HAS FAILED, CAUSING VEHICVLE TO LOSE ALL POWER. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Structure, Jul 11, 2003
I PURCHASED THE 2002 1.8T VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ON 1/09/02. MY SERVICE RECORD BEGINS ON 1/23/02. FROM DAY ONE, I HAVE POINTED OUT THAT THIS CAR LEAKS/HAS WIND NOISE FROM DOORS/WINDOWS. SEALS WERE REPLACED ON DRIVERS SIDE DOORS ON 6/27/02. LEAKAGE/MOISTURE TO DATE, IS AN ISSUE. NOW THERE IS VISIBLE WATER DAMAGE AND MOLD GROWING ALONG DRIVERS SIDE. ISSUE- POOR QUALITY PRODUCT. DANGEROUS MOLD GROWING-HEALTH FACTOR! IGNITION COIL FAILURE TWICE! RADIO HAS BLOWN TWICE- FAULTY WIRING! CAR LUNGES WHEN STARTED OR HARD TO STOP ONCE RUNNING. MY SITUATION IS NOT "SPECIAL". THERE ARE MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE PURCHASED THIS PRODUCT AND HAVE THEIR SAFETY COMPROMISED. IGNITION COIL IS A SUPPOSE TO BE A RECALL, BUT ONLY WHEN THEY FAIL. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WILL NOT REPLACE UNTIL YOU ARE STRANDED! THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. MOLD GROWING IN MY CAR IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE.*AK
Electrical system, May 25, 2003
IGNITION COIL FAILURE. THIS IS THE THIRD FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS AUTO. ON THE PREVIOUS TWO FAILURES, VW WOULD NOT REPLACE ALL FOUR COILS, BUT ONLY THOSE COILS THAT WERE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. AS A RESULT WORK TIME HAS BEEN LOST, AND IT HAS BEEN A GREAT INCONVENIENCE TO TAKE TIME OFF OF WORK, HAVE THE CAR TOWED, AND TRAVEL TO THE REPAIR FACILITY. REQUEST VW BE REQUIRED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX ALL PROBLEMS. *NLM