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: hydraulic
46 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE THEN SUDDENLY ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE ABS SENSOR. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID (02V031000) SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC: ANTI-LOCK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 17, 2010
ABS WARNING LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT UP IN 2002 JETTA. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 24, 2008
WHEN GENTLY APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKES WOULD SUDDENLY FULLY ENGAGE FOR A MOMENT AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THERE WERE NO CONSEQUENCES IN MY CASE, BUT IT IS NOT HARD TO IMAGINE THIS CAUSING A CAR TO BE HIT FROM THE REAR OR CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS. TO CORRECT THE SITUATION THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 19, 2008
I PURCHASED THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IN AUGUST OF 2006. THE FIRST SET OF REPAIRS WAS ON 3/2007 AT 64,332 MI CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MULITPLE MISFIRES: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 REPLACED IGNITION COILS COST: $200.11 SECOND REPAIR TOOK PLACE IN APRIL OF 2007 TOOK CAR IN FOR RECALL - REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CHECK ENGLINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON - REPLACED TEMP. SENSOR COST: $199.33 CAR WAS JERKING INTO GEAR, DOWNSHIFTING HARD AND SLUGGISH. BROUGHT CAR INTO DEALSERHSIP IN APRIL 2008 WORN STRUT BRUSHINGS NEEDS REAR PADS NEEDS ROTORS CHECK ENGLINE LIGHT ON AGAIN NEEDS NEW COILS AGAIN SPARK PLUGS TEMP SENSOR AGAIN NEW T-STAT FANS NOT WORKING HOSES UNDER INTAKE BROKEN NEEDS NEW TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSIS COST: $149.21 ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIR: $6,500.00. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 1, 2008
I OWN A 2002 VW JETTA 1.8T. OVER THE WINTER MY ABS SYSTEM DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY AT ALL! SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK AND SOMETIMES IT WOULDN'T. NOW THAT IT IS WARMER OUT IT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL! ABS LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT, AND BLINKING BRAKE LIGHT NOW ILLUMINATE MY DASHBOARD. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A FAULTY ABS CONTROL UNIT WHICH MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH. I SIMPLY DON'T HAVE 1,500 DOLLARS TO FIX SOMETHING LIKE THIS BUT IT WOULD BE NICE TO BE IN CONTROL OF MY CAR ON SNOWY WISCONSIN ROADS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 6, 2007
BRAKE BOOSTER IS FAILING AFTER USE IN TRAFFIC. THE BRAKE PEDAL SLOWLY SINKS AND WHEN LIGHTLY TAPPED, IT SLAMS TO THE FLOOR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, A LOUD SUCTION CAN BE HEARD INSIDE THE CAR, AND THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED FULLY. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER BRAKES ARE USED SOME TIME, SAY IN A TRAFFIC JAM. THERE IS A SITE, TDICLUB.COM, WHICH HAS FORUMS WHERE MANY PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THEIR 2002 MODEL YEAR VW JETTA. THE DANGER IS THAT THE BRAKES COME ON FULLY, WHICH STARTLES NOT ONLY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER(S), BUT THE VEHICLES THAT ARE FOLLOWING. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM (BRAKE BOOSTER FAILURE) BUT CAN BE REPLICATED IF THE BRAKES ARE USED HEAVILY. WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTS TO HAPPEN, IT WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE BRAKES ARE NOT USED FOR QUITE SOME TIME. ONCE THIS STARTED HAPPENING TODAY, VIRTUALLY EVERY OTHER APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES CAUSED THE SYMPTOMS ABOVE. THIS OCCURRED ABOUT SEVEN TIMES THIS DAY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY FOR A FEW YEARS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 3, 2007
BRAKE POWER BOOSTER SUDDENLY FAILS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND VEHICLE BRAKES REALLY HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FLOORS ON ITS OWN. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 9, 2006
ON OCTOBER 19, 2006, WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL THIS INDICATED A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT COULD EFFECT THE BRAKES ON THE CAR. ON OCTOBER 26, 2006 I TOOK THE CAR TO FISCHER'S FOREIGN CARS, INC. FOR REPAIR. THEY TOLD ME THE ABS CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $702.93 AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM (THEY GAVE ME A COPY OF THE RECALL LETTER FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA INC(VOA) DATED MARCH 12, 2002) AND THAT I SHOULD FILE A CLAIM WITH VOA FOR REIMBURSEMENT. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW ON FEBRUARY 16, 2002, AND NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS PROBLEM. ON NOVEMBER 4, 2006, I SENT A REGISTERED LETTER TO VOA REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. I ALSO ENCLOSED COPIES OF THE RECALL LETTER AND THE REPAIR BILL. ABOUT NOVEMBER 11, 2006, I RECEIVED A TELEPHONE CALL FROM A WOMAN AT VOA AND SHE SAID THAT THE RECALL LETTER DID NOT COVER MY CAR AND THAT BECAUSE THE FACTORY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED IN FEBRUARY 2006, THAT VOA WOULD NOT HONOR MY REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT. SHE SAID THE DECISION WAS FINAL. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE RECALL WOULD NOT COVER MY CAR WHEN THE PROBLEM INDICATED IN THE RECALL LETTER IS THE SAME AS MINE. IT SEEMS THAT THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED MORE CARS WHEN IT IS OBVIOUS FROM MY DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT CORRECTED. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE, MY CAR HAD 38,631 MILES ON IT. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE ARE OTHER CARS, LIKE MINE, THAT SHOULD HAVE WHEN COVERED BY THE RECALL OR A SUBSEQUENT RECALL TO CORRECT THE DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE. I BELIEVE SOMEONE SHOULD REVISIT THIS ISSUE TO DETERMINE IF THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE CARS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 13, 2006
THIS IS A REPORT OF THE FAILURE OF THE BOOSTER BRAKE ON A 2002 VW TDI JETTA. THE SYMPTOMS ARE THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WILL SUDDENLY BE SUCKED TO THE FLOOR RESULTING IN A SUDDEN STOP. THE DANGER CREATED IS OF BEING REAR-ENDED AND IS A POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING ISSUE. THE PROBLEM IS DIFFICULT TO TROUBLE SHOOT BECAUSE IT IS INTERMITTENT. ONCE THE PEDAL IS SUCKED TO THE FLOOR IT COULD BE DAYS BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I SEE THAT AT LEAST ELEVEN OTHER 2002 JETTA OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SUDDEN BRAKING PROBLEM TO NHTS, I.E. ODI ID #10103196, 10129643, 10137579, 10100576, 10058106, 10027194, 8011122, 10139134, 10086927, 8023749, 769651. IN EACH CASE, WHERE A SOLUTION IS MENTIONED, THE SOLUTION INVOLVED THE BOOSTER BRAKE. IN MY CASE THE VW DEALER, AFTER TRYING TWICE, DID NOT FIND THE SOLUTION. IT WAS AFTER INTERACTING WITH THE FOLKS AT THE VW TDI CLUB WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I LEARNED THEIR SOLUTION WHICH WAS TO REPLACE THE BOOSTER BRAKE. THE VW DEALER AGREED TO REPLACE MY BOOSTER BRAKE ONLY IF I AGREED TO HOLD NO ONE OTHER THAN MYSELF RESPONSIBLE SHOULD THE REPLACEMENT NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND IF THEY COULD REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER IN ADDITION TO THE BOOSTER BRAKE. THE REPAIR MADE OVER A YEAR AGO ON 25 OCTOBER 2005, SOLVED MY SUDDEN BRAKING PROBLEM. I SEE THAT OTHERS ON THE TDI WEB SITE ARE STILL HAVING BOOSTER BRAKE PROBLEMS AND THAT THEY HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN GETTING VOLKSWAGONS ATTENTION. THE HELP OF THE NHTS IS NEEDED TO RAISE THE CORPORATE CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE RIGHT FOLKS IN VW ABOUT THE BOOSTER BRAKE PROBLEM. AT A MINIMUM VW SHOULD ALERT ITS SERVICE REPAIR FOLKS TO THE SYMPTOMS AND THE SOLUTION. A RECALL TO CORRECT THE FAILED BOOSTER BRAKES IS THE DESIRED REDRESS. I STILL HAVE THE FAILED BOOSTER BRAKE AND MASTER CYLINDER AND WILL BE GLAD TO PROVIDE ALL THE PARTS TO THE NHTS FOLKS. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 12, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY ELECTRICAL BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION AND THE BRAKE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALERS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED ONLINE TO CHECK ON RECALLS PERTAINING TO THE VEHICLE'S SYMPTOMS, RECALL #04V096000 IDENTIFIED SIMILARITIES. THE DEALERS OFFERED TO REPLACE THE PART FOR A COST.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 9, 2005
WE HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI GLS. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW WE HAVE HAD AN INTERMITTENT SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. WE LIVE NEAR FORT COLLINS, CO; WHEN WE TRAVEL TO OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY WITH LOWER ELEVATION, OUR BRAKES BEGIN TO MALFUNCTION. INITIALLY, THEY BEGIN TO DRAG; YOU USUALLY HAVE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION TO GET THEM TO RELEASE. SOMETIMES YOU CAN PUMP THEM HARD AND GET THEM TO RELEASE. DURING THIS PHASE THE BRAKES WEAR QUICKLY AND BECOME VERY HOT. WITHIN A DAY THE PROBLEM PROGRESSES TO A MUCH WORSE CONDITION. AS YOU PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS PULLING AWAY FROM YOUR FOOT. AS YOU PRESS A LITTLE MORE, THE PEDAL SUDDENLY PULLS VIOLENTLY FROM YOUR FOOT AND THE VEHICLE BRAKES SLAM ON. AT THIS TIME THE ABS DOES NOT WORK AS FAR AS I CAN TELL. WHEN THE BRAKES PULL FROM YOUR FOOT THERE IS A NOISE LIKE AIR BEING SUCKED INTO SOMETHING. WHEN THE BRAKES SLAM ON IN THIS FASHION, ONE OF SEVERAL THINGS HAPPEN. THE BRAKES MAY STAY LOCKED ON, LEAVING YOU TO TRY TO GET THEM TO RELEASE, OFTEN IN AN INTERSECTION OR TRAFFIC. THEY MAY RELEASE ENTIRELY, AND BE OKAY UNTIL THE NEXT BRAKING INCIDENT. MANY TIMES THEY DRAG SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LIGHT ENOUGH THAT YOU MIGHT JUST THINK THE CAR IS RUNNING POORLY TO SO HEAVILY THAT YOU CAN BARELY MOVE THE CAR WITHOUT KILLING THE ENGINE. WE WERE MOST RECENTLY IN THE PORTLAND, OREGON AREA WHEN THIS HAPPENED. IT BEGAN TO HAPPEN THE FIRST NIGHT WE WERE IN TOWN, WITH THE DRAGGING. THE NEXT MORNING WE DROVE TO THE COAST, AND THE MORE SERIOUS MALFUNCTION BEGAN. WE TRIED TO DRIVE AROUND A SMALL COASTAL TOWN, ONLY TO HAVE TO PARK AND WALK EVERYWHERE WE NEEDED TO GO. ON THE WAY BACK WE WERE UNFORTUNATE TO FIND OURSELVES IN BUMPER TO BUMPER, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. WITH NEARLY EVERY SINGLE USE OF THE BRAKES, THEY WOULD SLAM TO THE FLOOR. WE HAVE TO TRY TO STAY FAR ENOUGH AWAY FROM OTHER VEHICLES TO AVOID BEING HIT FROM BEHIND OR SKIDDING INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF US. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 26, 2005
I OWN A 2002 VW JETTA TDI. THREE TIMES NOW I HAVE HAD A SERIOUS INCIDENT WITH MY BRAKES. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, UNDER 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS PULLED ITSELF TO THE FLOOR AND SHARPLY APPLIED THE BRAKES WHILE I WAS DRIVING. MY FOOT WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR WHILE THIS OCCURRED. THERE IS ALSO A LOUD PRESSURE RELEASE SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER IT APPLIED ITSELF. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT IT YET. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Sep 19, 2005, crash
ON 9/17/2005 I WAS PULLING INTO MY ASSIGNED PARKING SPOT AT MY CONDO. I WAS APPROXIMATELY TRAVELING ABOUT 3 MPH AND HAD MY BRAKES APPLIED TO MANEUVER INTO MY PARKING SPOT. UPON REACHING THE CURB, I APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES AND EXPECTED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. HOWEVER, MY CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND ENDED UP IN MY NEIGHBOR'S LIVING ROOM. MY CAR ONLY STOPPED AFTER TAKING OUT THE BRICK STRUCTURE AND FRONT WINDOW OF HER CONDO. BEFORE MAKING IMPACT WITH THE OUTSIDE STRUCTURE I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE TWICE WITH NO RESPONSE. THE IMPACT WAS SUBSTANTIAL AND YET THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE THAT MY INSURANCE APPROVED AND NOT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAS SERVICED MY CAR FOR ALL THE CURRENT RECALLS AND VARIOUS PROBLEMS. THE RECALLS AND PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, REPLACEMENT OF THE COIL IGNITION, ARMREST BREAK, ALARM SOUNDING FOR NO REASON, AND THE WINDOW FALLING INTO THE DOOR FRAME. THIS ACCIDENT CAUSED SERIOUS PROPERTY DAMAGE AND THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE POLICE ACKNOWLEDGED MY SKID MARKS AND MY ATTEMPT AT APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE SITUATION WAS TREATED/CITED AS A CAR ACCIDENT SO THAT MY NEIGHBOR AND I COULD GO THROUGH THE PROPER PROCEDURES OF HER DAMAGES BEING REIMBURSED. I PLAN TO PROVE MY CAR IS DEFECTIVE AND A LEMON. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY FEEDBACK, ADVICE OR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING MY SITUATION. *NM *GEM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 17, 2005
OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY WITH AN INTERMITENT PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. PERIODICALLY THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 10-15 MILES AN HOUR RESULTING IN THE CAR GOING INTO OVERDRIVE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TWICE IN TWO WEEKS. AFTER THE FIRST TOW, THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DETECT THE PROBLEM AND RETURNED THE CAR TO ME EVEN THOUGH I FELT UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND TIME, THE CAR WAS MOVING AT 40MPH AND THEN DROPPED TO 5 MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, WHERE I WAS CLOSE TO CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I DEMANDED THAT THE DEALERSHIP KEEP THE CAR AND CONTINUE TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THEY DETECTED THE PROBLEM, WHICH THEY FINALLY FOUND. THEY FOUND A DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHERE THE BRAKES WOULD CEASE WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER SYSTEM AND BRAKE PEDDLE, WHICH THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED WAS DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER AS IT IS A RARE OCCURANCE. APPROX. $700., THE CAR IS RETURNED ALTHOUGH I CONTINUE TO FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THE CAR. ALSO, BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT, IT REQUIRED ME TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS X2 IN A TWO WEEK PERIOD. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL OF SOME KIND. PLEASE ADVISE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 10, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE IS HAVING EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING AT MEDIUM SPEEDS. OWNER DID TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO BE SERVICED, AND HAD THE REAR BRAKE DISCS REPLACED. IT HAS CAUSED THE FRONT END TO VIBRATE WORSE.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 3, 2005
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE, BUT THEY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FROZEN AND THAT THE ROTORS WERE BENT. THE POWER BOOSTER AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 24, 2005
WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUMP THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED, HOWEVER THEY WERE UNABLE DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 6, 2004
THE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER WERE DEFECTIVE. WHEN TOUCHING THE BRAKES THEY LOCKED UP.*AK. BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER ARE GOOD, BUT SHAFT BETWEEN THE TWO MISALIGNED AND HANGS UP. CANNOT REALIGNED. *AK....MANUFACTURER INSISTED THAT BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER WERE GOOD, BUT SHAFT BETWEEN THE TWO WAS MISALIGNED, COULD NOT REALIGN IT. HAS TO REPLACE IT AT $640.00. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 26, 2004
A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY 02 JETTA TDI AND WAS SITTING AT A LIGHT WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED. ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I RELEASE THE PEDAL AND IT HAD A HYDRAULIC RELEASE SOUND, LIKE A SWISHING NOISE. THE BRAKES WERE STILL ON BUT THE PEDAL HAD RELEASED. I TAPPED THE PEDAL AND THEY RELEASED. OVER THE COURSE OF MY DRIVE HOME EVERY TIME I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WOULD SUCK ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND MAKE THAT SWISHING SOUND. THE CAR WOULD JOLT AS THE BRAKES APPLIED FULL FORCE. OTHER TIMES THEY WOULD STAY APPLIED AND I WOULD HAVE TO TAP THE PEDAL AND THEN THEY WOULD RELEASE. I GOT HOME AND LATER DECIDED TO TEST THE CAR OUT AGAIN. AND IT DID NOTHING! THE CAR DROVE FINE FOR A COUPLE WEEKS. TODAY THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN SUDDENLY. ADVICE. HELP. THANKS. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ON A SLIGHT DOWNGRADE, DURING CLEAR WETHER, ON A DRY ROAD, MY BRAKES LOCKED UP. THIS WAS PRECEEDED BY A LOUD DECOMPRESSING SOUND, IMMEDIATELY AFTER WHICH THE BRAKE PETAL WENT TO THE FLOOR OF ITS ON VOLITION. MY FOOT WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE BREAK PETAL. THIS CAUSED ME TO SKID ON THE DRY PAVEMENT AND LEFT ME EXTREMELY CLOSE TO A DITCH. AS SOON AS THE CAR STOPPED MOVING THE BRAKES RETURNED TO NORMAL. THIS OCCURED TWICE MORE DURING THE MILE TO MY HOME. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. "NO FAULT CODES" WERE IN THE COMPUTERS MEMORY. INITIAL DIAGNOSIS - INTERMITTENT OCCURANCE OF AN UNKNOWN NATURE. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THIS OCCURED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY I MAY HAVE BEEN STRUCK IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, INJURED OR DIED AND NO-ONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS A BRAKE MALFUNCTION. MY CONCERNS WERE HEEDED AND A TECH WAS ASSIGNED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME THAT EVE. THE BRAKE LOCK-UP OCCURED SEVERAL TIMES TO HIM WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY. IT WAS ONCE AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE REPLACING THE BRAKE BOOSTER BUT ARE NOT SURE THIS IS THE EXACT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED TO SAY THE LEAST. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE. IS THERE A RECALL OR INVESTIGATION? ARE THERE DEATHS ATTRIBUTED TO THIS FAILURE? COULD THERE BE UNREPORTED DEATHS DUE TO THIS DEFECT? WHY WAS THERE NO FAULT IN THE COMPUTER? VEHICLE BEING REPAIRED @ SPEEDCRAFT VW, WAKEFIELD, RI, (401) 783-3303. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 16, 2004
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. I HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED DUE TO VIBRATION. EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS 40% OF THE PADS LEFT THE FRONT ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ROTARS ON THE JETTA ARE LIGHTER/THINNER AND WITH A COMBINATION OF HARDER BRAKE PADS IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR THE ROTARS TO WARP WITH HEAVY CITY DRIVING. IT IS NOT UNCOMMON TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE ROTORS WITH THE VERY FIRST BRAKE JOB. I WAS TOLD THAT WITH SUBSEQUENT BRAKE REPAIRS THE REPLACEMENT ROTORS PROBABLY COULD BE TURNED AND NOT NEED CHANGED. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS ISSUE WITH THE FACTORY ROTORS AND/OR PAD MATCH. A FIRST TIME BRAKE JOB SHOULD NOT REQUIRE ROTOR REPLACEMENT. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP. *AK
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, May 23, 2004
VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. DEALERSHIP SAID IT HAD TO DO WITH A BRAKE SWITCH RECALL AND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED. WHEN VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AFTER REPAIR, BRAKES FELT DIFFERENTLY, BUT WORKED. A WEEK LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE BRAKE PEDAL STUCK AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 50MPH. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS BAD AND WILL REPLACE IT. OTHER PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE ARM REST BREAKING THREE TIMES, WINDOW MECHANICS NEEDED REPLACED, DOOR LEAKS, AND COVER ON PLASTIC INTERIOR PEELING.*AK