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: exterior lighting
50 reports, newest first. Show all
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
Exterior lighting, Nov 24, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHERS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,500.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 24, 2014
FIRST INTERMITTENT AND THEN INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL TICKING COMING FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD SWITCH WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V584000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS: SWITCH). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 170,000.
Exterior lighting, May 5, 2011
SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT BULBS ON BOTH THE BLINKERS AND THE MAIN LIGHTS GO OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE LONGER I OWN THE VEHICLE THE MORE OFTEN I HAVE TO REPLACE A BULB AND THESE ARE NOT BULBS WE CAN REPLACE OURSELVES AND THEREFORE HAVE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR STATION TO FIX. I KNOW BULBS NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT I AM TALKING I AM REPLACING A BULB ALMOST EVERY OTHER MONTH. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 3, 2011
HEADLIGHT LENS OXIDIZING(YELLOWING). CAUSING DIMMED HEADLIGHT INTENSITY, LOWERING NIGHT TIME VISIBILITY. WILL NEED TO REPLACE LENSES THIS YEAR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND I HAVE A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ISSUE (BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON AND A DCT(P0571) IS SET) THAT WAS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL/REPLACEMENT, BUT THE VIN GROUP THAT THIS APPLIES TO IS 3VW---9M-YM000089 TO 3VW---9M-2M053565, AS YOU CAN SEE, MINE IS JUST OUT SIDE THE HIGH VIN. THE VIN RANGE SHOULD BE READDRESSED TO INCLUDE ALL 2002 MODEL JETTAS WITH CRUISE CONTROL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 15, 2010
TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR A CERTAIN NUMBER OF 02 JETTAS, BUT APPARENTLY NOT FOR THIS PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 24, 2009
THE TURN SIGNAL CONTINUES TO MAKE NOISE AS IF IT WERE ON AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE I AM DRIVING. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN NOTED IN A RECALL BY VOLKSWAGEN (ID # 04V584000) BUT MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T COVERED AND THEREFORE VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. INTERMITTENTLY, AFTER THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED, THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V584000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH); HOWEVER, A TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, BUT NOT THE HAZARD LIGHTS. THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Parking brake, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Electric, Interior lighting, Jun 18, 2008
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COMES ON, COMPLETED RECALL FOR BRAKE SWITCH, EPC LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON, CAR STALLS WHILE WAITING FOR A LIGHT TO CHANGE VERY DANGEROUS. AFTER A NIGHT OF RAIN, LEAK IN PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR MOLD GROWING CAR WILL HAVE A VERY HARD START OR NO START AT ALL IN THE MORNING, REPLACED BATTERY 3 TIMES. CHANGED O2 SENSOR 2X, CAR BURNS OIL CONTINUOUSLY, INTERIOR LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE IT, BRAKE LIGHTS DIE OUT FAST, CHANGED BRAKE LIGHTS AND SIGNAL LIGHTS AT LEAST 5X. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 26, 2007
MY 2002 VW JETTA EXPERIENCED A RECALL PROBLEM (N4, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH) AND I FIXED IT THROUGH A NEAREST MECHANIC BECAUSE 1) THE CLOSEST VW DEALER IS 100 MILE AWAY 2) I WAS SCARE TO DRIVE 100 MILE ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT A PROPER BRAKE LIGHT. HOWEVER, VW REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIRS SINCE I FIXED IT THROUGH AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY. I AM SO SAD AND DISAPPOINTED THAT VW IS NOT CONSIDERING DIVERS LIFE AND SAFETY SERIOUSLY AND IS WILLING TO PUSH US TO DRIVE HUNDRED MILES WITH A RECALLED CAR WITHOUT A BRAKE LIGHT. *TR
Exterior lighting, Nov 10, 2007
I HAVE A VW JETTA 2002 I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT RECALLS THAT I HAD NO NOTICE OF AND PAID TO HAVE THE ITEM REPAIRED. ALSO WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE TECHNICAL BULLETINS FOR MY VEHICLE. IF THERE IS AN ISSUE CONCERNING CONTINUING PROBLEMS WITH THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT INDICATOR THAT CONTINUES TO COME ON BUT THE AUTHORIZED VW REPAIR SHOP CAN'T FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT GET THE CAR TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WHEN I BRING IT IN. ALTHOUGH THEY CONTINUALLY TEST DRIVE IT. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Electrical system, Jul 5, 2007
2002 JETTA WITH A SAFETY RECALL- REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIXED THE RECALL**CC THE VW SERVICE CENTER AND CUSTOMER CARE INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY HAD NO OBLIGATIONS TO PAY FOR TOWING OR ANY OTHER COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE LAST RECALL REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER HAD EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE LOCKING UP AS A RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE SWITCH. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS UNABLE TO READ THE PANEL. THE CONSUMER STATED IN THE PAST, THE TRUNK LATCH FAILED AS WELL AS A BROKEN BOLT ON THE TRANSMISSION, THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND THE EGR ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DOOR LATCH FAILED BECAUSE THE LOCK SIGNAL WAS NOT WORKING. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR HIS DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE, THIS IS THE 3RD BRAKE SWITCH NOT TO MENTION OVER $800 IN UNWARRANTED CHARGES FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS HOPING THAT THIS CLASSIFIES THE VEHICLE AS A LEMON. THE CONSUMER STATED WOULD LIKE DEALERSHIP TO REVIEW THE OVER CHARGES OR BUYING THE VEHICLE BACK. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 27, 2007, crash
HEADLIGHT LENS BECOME VERY MILKY. LIGHT WILL NOT SHINE ON ROAD. CAN'T SEE THE ROAD OR OTHER CARS. CAN CAUSE DAMAGE AND DEATH TO OTHERS. VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD MAKE THEM LASTS LONGER AND REPLACE ALL MILKY HEADLIGHS WITH NEW ONES. ALL 1999-2005 JETTAS 1998-2005 PASSATS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. GO TO ANY VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND YOU WILL SEE THE PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Apr 5, 2007
THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS AT FIRST INTERMITTENT, BUT THEN BECAME INOPERATIVE. WHEN LIGHT WAS REMOVED THE FILAMENT WAS FINE, BUT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF ARCING ACROSS THE CONTACTS. IT LOOKED LIKE THE CONTACTS WERE SHORT CIRCUITED. I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM ABOUT A YEAR AGO. MY 2002 JETTA WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL OF THIS VERY PROBLEM. THE VIN # DID NOT QUALIFY. BUT, AFTER LOOKING AT FORUM POSTINGS THIS IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THAT THE GROUP OF VIN NUMBERS THAT VOLKSWAGEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK
Exterior lighting, Mar 29, 2007
SAFETY RECALL 1999-2002 JETTA BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CUSTOMER IS VERY UPSET AND WANTS HIS MONEY BACK FOR THE PART AND INSTALLATION**NAR**CC *JB
Exterior lighting, Jan 18, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO TURN ON WHEN ONE APPLIES THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT WANTS THE SAFETY RECALL ON VOLKSWAGEN BRAKE LIGHTS TO APPLY TO ALL OF THE VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES. *JB
Exterior lighting, Jan 5, 2007
BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE. *JB
Exterior lighting, Dec 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #06V183000 REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 01/19/07. *JB
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER BY POLICE AND INFORMED THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE 3 BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE IN RAPID SUCCESSION AND REQUIRED THAT THE BULBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN AUGUST. THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY, AS WELL AS, THE LIGHTING IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BY THE HEAT SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 06V183000 FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS: SWITCH DUE TO THE VIN, ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEMS WERE SIMILAR.
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 5, 2006
WAY TO MANY TO LIST HERE. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS FROM THE START. MORE THAN $7000 WORTH OF REPAIR (PLUS MORE THAT WAS COVERED BY WARR) THE FINAL ITEM THAT CAUSED ME TO SAY I WOULD NEVER CONSIDER ANOTHER VW PRODUCT WAS THE ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY A TIMING BELT FAILURE. ALL SERVICES WERE PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE USERS MANUAL STATES INSPECTION OF THE BELT AT SERVICES (THAT I PAID FOR) AND REPLACEMENT AT 120,000 MILES. I ONLY HAD 92,000 MILES. IT WILL COST $5,000 TO REPAIR THE ENGINE. IT IS NOT COST EFFECTIVE TO REPAIR THIS CAR. IT WAS A GREAT CAR TO DRIVE BUT QUALITY CONTROL IS POOR AT BEST. *NM
Exterior lighting, Sep 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED TWICE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL #06V183000 REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 10/0/406. *JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2006
THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE. I TURNED OFF MY CAR WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION. I READ THE MANUAL, AND IT WAS NOT HELPFUL. IT JUST STATED THAT I SHOULD TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALER OR QUALIFIED SPECIALIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (NOTE: THIS IS WHAT THE BOOKLET SAYS FOR THE MAJORITY OF ITEMS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). UPON RETURNING TO MY VEHICLE, I STARTED MY CAR ONCE MORE. MY ENGINE TURNED OVER, BUT THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT FROM PARK INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE AUTO SHOP INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR HAD A "FEATURE" THAT DISABLED THE CAR FROM SHIFTING GEARS DUE TO A TAIL-LIGHT FUSE THAT BLEW OUT. IT IS BELIEVED THAT DISABLING THE VEHICLE SERVES THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING SAFETY ON THE STREETS- A VEHICLE IN MOTION WITHOUT TAILLIGHTS IS APPARENTLY MORE DANGEROUS THAN A DRIVER STRANDED ON THE ROAD BECAUSE THEIR CAR HAS STRANDED THEM. LUCKILY, I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH NOT TO BE IN A BAD SITUATION. SO FINALLY, THE CAR WAS FIXED, OF COURSE AFTER I PAID YET ANOTHER HEFTY BILL FOR MY CAR. *JB
Exterior lighting, Aug 29, 2006
I OWN A 2002 JETTA 1.8T MANUAL SPEED WAGON PURCHASED ON 3/31/06. LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY, MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS FAILED. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS RECALLS ON 2002 JETTA'S WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART, HOWEVER MY CAR'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL. AS THERE ARE FEW MANUAL WAGONS PRODUCED AND MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS SEEM TO DECREASE THE FAILURE SLIGHTLY, THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THIS CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS THE SAME PART AS THE RECALLED 2002 JETTAS AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OR AT LEAST BE REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED BY VW AS IT IS A KNOWN FAULTY PART. I WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE MY VIN ON THE RECALL AS IT IS USING THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART (AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES). *NM