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, Mar 10, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AT THE DESIRED STOPPING POINT. MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED TWICE. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 13, 2004
IN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE USED TO STOP. AFTER PUMPING THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES PARTIAL BRAKING WAS RESTORED. UPON EXAMINATION BY THE LOCAL DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VACCUM PUMP HAD FAILED AND THE VACCUUM HOSES WERE FULL OF HOLES. THE CAR IS A 2002 VW JETTA TDI (DEISEL) AND HAD 52000 MILES AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. AT 50000 MILES THE CAR WAS INSPECTED AT THE DEALER ACCORDING TO VW SPECIFICATIONS AND THE DEFECT WAS OVERLOOKED. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA FAILS TO UNDERSTAND THE SERIOUS NATURE OF THIS PROBLEM AND FAILS TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE MANY OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD FACING THE SAME SERIOUS DANGEROUS CONDITION.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jan 6, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SKID INTO A TREE. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 7, 2003
WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, THE PEDAL "SHOT" ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, WHICH LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH NO BRAKING ABILITY. THE PEDAL EVENTUALLY RECOVERED AND CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT FOR SAFETY. WHILE PARKING, THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THE PEDAL "SHOT" TO THE FLOOR A SECOND TIME. DEALER HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. ON THE WAY HOME, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER RAN INTO THE DITCH. *SCC *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 4, 2003
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ALMOST REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN BRAKES TOOK ABOUT 4 SECONDS TO CATCH. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 2, 2003
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Feb 28, 2003
I PURCHASED THIS CAR FOR MY DAUGHTER. THE MAJOR PROBLEMS ARE COMPLAINTS OF HAVING TROUBLE STOPPING. I WAS CONCERNED SO I DROVE IT AND IMMEDIATELY I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE AND FELT A VIBRATION WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL FIRESTONE TIRE AND THEY FELT THE VIBRATION AND HEARD THE GRINDING NOISE BUT THE BRAKE PADS LOOKED GOOD SO THEY ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, AS IT WAS PROBABLY A WARRANTY ISSUE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHARGED ME $37.00 TO TELL ME THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND IT'S NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. I WAS ADVISED VW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. (WHY CHARGE ME $37.00 FOR A PROBLEM THAT (THEY KNOW) THEY HAVE?). HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN ON A BRAND NEW CAR THAT DOESN'T EVEN NEED IT'S FIRST SET OF BRAKE PADS? I AM STILL NOT SURE WHAT TO MAKE OF THE BRAKING PROBLEM. THE ROTORS WERE JUST DISCOVERED BECAUSE I WAS COMPLAINING OF A BRAKING PROBLEM. *JB SECONDLY,WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR JERKS BACK AND FORTH AND SOMETIMES JOLTS. I AM CONCERNED AS TO WHAT THIS COULD BE. THE DEALER HAS NO IDEA. *JB I PAID $27,000 FOR THIS CAR TO INSURE MY CHILD'S SAFETY. I AM NOW WONDERING JUST HOW SAFE IT IS.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 4, 2002
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 30MPH THE PEDAL WILL GO ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 21, 2002
THE CONSUMER RENTED A VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS WHILE HER VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED FOR A RECALL ON THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A REIMBURSEMENT CHECK BUT IT WAS NOT FOR THE FULL AMOUNT PAID, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT VOLKSWAGEN ONLY REIMBURSED $25 A DAY FOR RENTAL VEHICLES, THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS WAS NEVER DISCLOSED TO HER AND SHE IS SEEKING THE REMAINDER OF THE MONEY FOR REIMBURSEMENT. *NLM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 13, 2002
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA IS REFUSING TO NOTIFY CONSUMERS & DEALERS OF THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION EXPERIENCED BY MANY NEW 2002 1.8-T JETTA. DT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 23, 2002
FIRST DEALERSHIP COMPLETED RECALL 02V031000 INCORRECTLY. HAD ANOTHER DEALER CHECK IT. OTHER DEALERSHIP WAS CHARGING CONSUMER TO FIX THE OTHER DEALERSHIPS ERROR.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 12, 2002, fire
I BOUGHT 2002 JETTA FROM SUNNYVALE VOLKSWAGEN THIS APRIL AND LAST WEEK I CAME TO KNOW THAT A RECALL ON THE ABS CONTROL UNIT (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 02V031000) APPLIES TO MY MODEL. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. IF MY CAR HAS THE DEFECTIVE ABS UNIT OR NOT BUT THEY SAID THEY HAD NO IDEA. THEY SAID THEY CANNOT TELL FROM VIN OR ALL THE INFORMATION I PROVIDED TO THEM. I CONTACTED THEM AGAIN TO CONFIRM IF WHAT THEY HAD TOLD ME WAS CORRECT OR NOT AND THEY ADMITTED MY CAR STILL HAS THE DEFECTIVE ABS CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL DATE WAS 02/04/2002 SO SUNNYVALE VOLKSWAGEN MUST HAVE KNOWN THAT MY CAR HAD THE DEFECTIVE ABS UNIT WHEN THEY SOLD IT TO ME. THE DEFECT NOT ONLY DECREASED MY CAR'S RESELL VALUE BUT ALSO PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER. WHEN I ASKED [XXX], THE SALE ASSOCIATE ASSIGNED TO ME, ABOUT 'SAFETY FIRST', HE SAID "LIKE, SEATBELT". THAT'S IT. MAYBE HE JUST WANTED TO SKIP THE SUBJECT BECAUSE OF THE ABS UNIT. I DID NOT BUY IT IF I WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALL THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE. MY CAR WAS ON SALE AND ACCORDING TO ONE OF THE MANAGERS (HIS NAME IS SAID, NOT SURE ABOUT SPELLING), THEY HAD 3 JETTA'S ON SALE SO I THINK THERE ARE TWO MORE JETTA OWNERS THAT PROBABLY DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL. ALL OWNERS SHOULD RECEIVE RECALL NOTICE NO MATTER WHEN THEY BUY A CAR, BEFORE OR AFTER THE RECALL DATE. DEALERSHIPS LIKE SUNNYVALE VOLKSWAGEN PUT CAR OWNERS AND OTHER DRIVERS' LIVES IN DANGER. ALSO, CUSTOMER SUPPORT PEOPLE AT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. NEED MORE TRAINING (I'M ASSUMING THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME FALSE INFORMATION KNOWINGLY).*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 30, 2002
ABS SYSTEM FAILED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED AFTER BEING SERVICED BY THE RECALL. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 26, 2002
CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. *JG
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Jun 24, 2002
IN DEC. 01 THE BRAKE AND ABS PANEL LIGHTS CAME ON. THE CAR MANUAL SAID TO TAKE TO MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE RELOCATED FROM NJ WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO V.I. I WAS TOLD BY SALESMAN, GARY, THAT VOLKSWAGEN WOULD COVER WARANTY EXPENSES JUST SEND RECEIPT. WHEN I CALLED VW ABOUT THE PROBLEM I WAS TOLD TO SHIP THE CAR TO PR WHICH WOULD COST ME $1600. THE PROPERTY DAMAGE FIGURE I CAN'T AFFORD THE PR DEALER IS THE CLOSEST I SPOKE TO THEM THEY SAID MASTER BRAKE CONTROL UNIT OR THE LA BOMBA NEED REPLACEMENT COST $600 DOLLARS AND 400 RESPECTIVELY. THEY SAID PERHAPS THEY WOULD SEND MECHANIC IF I PAID TRANSPORTATION AND ROOM. IF THE PARTS SPECIAL TOOLS (LOANED) AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE SENT MY MECHANIC COULD DO THE JOB. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR WHICH I PAID OVER $20,000.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 5, 2002, crash
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 02V031000 ON ABS. ON 2 MAR 2002 DEALER SET AN APPOINTMENT FOR JUNE 28, 2002 DUE TO PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ON 12 MAY 2002 WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, NO BRAKING ABILITY.DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 4000.00, NO INJURIES.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 20, 2002
WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING LOT AREA AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE BRAKES FAILED. CONSUMER COULD NOT PUSH THE PEDAL DOWN. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WENT OVER A METAL FENCE, DOWN TO LOWER LEVEL AND LANDED ON TWO OTHER VEHICLES CAUSING HEAVY DAMAGE. DEALER STATED NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE UNLESS IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WHICH WILL BE HARD TO DIAGNOSE. *TT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2002
CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL 02 V 031 000 REPAIRS, HOWEVER DEALER DID NOT HONOR RECALL LETTER. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL BECAUSE OF AFTER MARKET ITEMS IN VEHICLE.*AK.CONSUMER STATED HE REPLACED THE CD PLAYER WITH AN AFTER MARKET CD PLAYER, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE TO ANALYZE THE ABS.*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 19, 2002
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A CREAKING NOISE IN PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. ALSO, DEALER DISCOVERED ON A TEST DRIVE THAT ALL ROTORS WERE WARPED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 17, 2002
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT 65MPH BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK