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: engine and engine cooling
106 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THE ENGINE DOES NOT WORK,CONSUMER STATES ENGINE COIL IS FAILING. TS
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 31, 2002
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER STATES' THE EMISSIONS COIL IS DEFECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE DRIVER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THAT THE SPARK COIL HAD SHORTED OUT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM PER DEALERSHIP. TS
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2002
ON SEPTEMBER 30TH, I TOOK MY JETTA IN TO VALENTI VOLKSWAGEN TO HAVE A NEW AND UPDATED ECU INSTALLED. THE UNIT WAS IN STOCK, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM RICK IN PARTS AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO COME IN THAT DAY TO HAVE IT PUT IT. WHEN I ARRIVED, I WAS TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN THE ECU IN MY CAR HAD TO BE SENT TO VOLKSWAGEN TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND THAT I HAD TO GET A RENTAL CAR WHILE THE ECU WAS OUT. I GOT A CALL FROM SERVICE ON OCTOBER 12TH LETTING ME KNOW MY CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. WHEN I ARRIVED, I WAS TOLD MY ECU WAS STILL AT VOLKSWAGEN BEING REPROGRAMMED. THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS ABLE TO GET A NEW AND UPDATED ECU IN THE MEAN TIME. I DON''T KNOW WHY THEY JUST DIDN''T INSTALL THE ECU THEY HAD IN STOCK ON SEPTEMBER 30TH. I HAD TO PAY A TOTAL OF 119.88 TO ENTERPRISE FOR THE RENTAL VEHICLE. I''VE CALLED IN TO VOLKSWAGEN CARE NUMEROUS TIMES REGARDING THIS COMPLAINT AND NOTHING WAS RESOLVED. I TOLD THE REPS I SPOKE TO I WANTED AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY MY CAR WAS NOT REPAIRED ON THE 30TH WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN. IT TOOK ALMOST TWO WEEKS TO FIX IT AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE RENTAL CAR, WHICH WAS UNNECESSARY. A COPY OF THIS HAS BEEN SENT TO J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES FOR THEIR REVIEW. SINCERELY, ROBERT TAYLOR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2002
IGNITION COIL PACKS ARE FAULTY ON 2002 VOLKSWAGENS WITH 1.8T ENGINES. THERE ARE FOUR OF THESE PARTS ON EACH 1.8T ENGINE. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE TO THE POINT OF THE CAR WILL STALL AND CAN NOT BE DRIVEN. MY 2002 JETTA 1.8T WAGON HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE SHOP TWICE IN THE PAST MONTH FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME ONLY ONE COIL PACK WAS REPLACED, LEAVING THREE FAULTY ONES STILL INSTALLED. A COUPLE WEEKS AFTER THE FIRST COIL PACK WAS REPLACED ANOTHER ONE FAILED. CURRENTLY MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 15 DAYS WAITING ON THE PART TO ARRIVE FROM EUROPE. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 19 DAYS TOTAL IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. WHEN THE PART ARRIVES, VOLKSWAGEN CLAIMS THEY CAN ONLY REPLACE ONE DAMAGED COIL PACK (NOT ALL FOUR FAULTY ONES) BECAUSE THE PARTS ARE IN SUCH HIGH DEMAND. THE VW SERVICE GARAGE IN DURHAM, NC (SOUTHERN STATES VW) TOLD ME THEY HAVE 8 CARS WAITING ON THESE PARTS TO ARRIVE. THE NATIONAL VW CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME VW IS REPLACING ONLY ONE COIL PACK PER CAR, TRYING TO GET AS MANY CARS BACK ON THE ROAD AS POSSIBLE, ADMITTING THAT ANY OF THE OTHER ORIGINAL COIL PACKS MAY FAIL AGAIN AT ANY TIME. IF THERE ARE EIGHT CARS ON THE LOT IN DURHAM, NC THERE MUST BE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF VWS ACROSS THE US IN GARAGES ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM! VW OF AMERICA REALIZES THIS PROBLEM, YET THEY REFUSE TO DO A RECALL DUE TO LIMITED SUPPLY OF PARTS. MEANWHILE EVERYONE WILL BE STILL STUCK WITH A CAR WHO'S ENGINE MAY FAIL AT ANY TIME DUE TO THIS FAULTY ENGINE PART! THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR TO OWN! SOMEONE NEEDS TO PUT PRESSURE ON VW OF AMERICA TO RECALL ALL 2002'S JETTA AND BEETLES WITH 1.8T ENGINES. DT
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 3, 2002
ENGINE COILS FAIL WHILE DRIVING LOSS OF POWER DANGEROUS. VW KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, REFUSES TO FIX ALL COILS, SAYS WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THEM TO FAIL THAT CAUSES ACCIDENTS. SAFETY RELATED RECALL OF ALL COILS REQUIRED. DT