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: power train
108 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Equipment, Jun 17, 2008
2002 VW JETTA VR6 2.8 EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN SEPT. 07 WE HAVE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE CAR COMPLETELY DYING IN INTERSECTION OR IDLING WITH A/C ON OR JUST WHEN RUNNING. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE DASH RESETS AND CAR SHUTS OFF AND LOCKS UP. YOU HAVE TO TURN TO CAR OFF AND PUT IN PARK TO RESTART. VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY CHILDREN AND I TO TRAVEL ANYWHERE WHEN I DRIVE A HOUR TO WORK EACH DAY. I ALSO KNOW A PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE SAME YEAR CAR THE HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS AND HAD TO SELL BECAUSE AFTER THOUSANDS OF $ IT WAS NEVER ABLE TO BE REPAIRED. ALSO THE CAR FEELS LIKE TO TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT. THIS CAR WAS PROMISED TO BE SAFE DEPENDABLE AND HAD BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. WE LUCKILY HAVE NOT HAD A ACCIDENT YET BUT SEVERAL VERY CLOSE CALLS. THE VW DEAL CANT SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM THEY INSIST THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING IT. THEY REPLACE THINGS AND NOTHING WORKS. INCIDENT STILL OCCURRING. *TR
Power train, May 21, 2008
2002 JETTA VR6. TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) BECAME FAULTY AFTER MIL LIGHT TURNED ON FOR A EMISSION RELATED ISSUE COVERED BY A RECALL. TECHNICIANS FAILED TO IDENTIFY THE FAULTY TCM AFTER FOUR TRIP TO THE SHOP. LAST TRIP I SHOWED THEM A TSB RELATED TO THE TCM AND NOW THEY AGREE THAT THE MODUAL IS FAULTY. WORST PART IS IT DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HAS BEEN HARD TO CONTROL IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AS SHIFTING IS NOT SMOOTH BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS. CAR HAS INITIAL NO ACCELERATION/POWER FOLLOWED BY FAST JERKING SHIFT INTO THE 3RD GEAR WITH HIGH ACCELERATION. CAR MAYBE OUT OF WARRANTY BUT IDENTIFYING THIS ISSUE IS NOT EASY FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS AND THIS PART WHEN IT FAILS LEAVE THE CAR IN A STATE THAT IS HARD TO CONTROL OR MANAGE. DEALER ONLY OFFERED TO CREDIT THIS LAST DIAGNOSTIC FEE TOWARDS THE $4700 REPAIR WHICH NOW INCLUDE NOT JUST THE TMC MODULE BUT ALSO THE WHOLE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS AFTER HAVING SPENT CLOSE TO $1,000 TRYING TO IDENTIFY AND FIX THIS ISSUE. NOT SURE IF IT WAS RELATED TO THE MIL LIGHT ISSUE COVERED BY THE RECALL BUT SINCE THEN THE TMC HAD NOT WORKED CORRECTLY. *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
Power train, May 15, 2008
RELATED TO HTSA 10024548. 2002 JETTA STALLS AND HAS TRANSMISSION ISSUES BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEARS WHICH MAKES CONTROLLING THE CAR DIFFICULT WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED POSITION. TOOK THIS ISSUE TO DEALER BUT THEY RECOMMENDED OTHER SERVICE WHICH IS NOT NEEDED. THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND THEN THE FAST GEAR SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD CAN BE A REAL ISSUE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AS IT IS HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR. LUCKY NO ACCIDENTS BUT A FEW CLOSE CALLS INCLUDING MERGING INTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. HAVE TO USE VERY LOW SPEEDS TO AVOID THIS HARD SHIFTING ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Jan 26, 2008
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. REPORTED 15 FAULTS ON COMPUTER WHICH WENT ON DETECTED TWO MONTHS PRIOR. NO WARNING SIGNAL CAME ON TO NOTIFY DRIVER OF ENGINE PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Oct 22, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 VW JETTA GL 2.0. IT ONLY HAS 83,000 MILES ON IT AND THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP ON IT ALREADY. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE ONLY SUGGESTION THEY COULD GIVE ME IS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION($3K - $6K) I HAVE READ THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2002 MODEL YEARS PERTAINING TO THE TRANSMISSION. MINE WON'T SHIFT FROM PARK INTO REVERSE, I HAVE TO GO FROM PARK TO DRIVE, LET IT SHIFT, THEN FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE, AND THAT SOMETIMES TAKES THREE OR FOUR TRIES. WHILE DRIVING IF I AM AT A STOP LIGHT, WHEN I BEGIN TO ACCELERATE, THERE IS A PAUSE BETWEEN WHEN I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND THE GIANT LUNGE FORWARD THE CAR MAKES AS IT SHIFTS INTO GEAR. IT ALSO SHIFTS VERY HARD BETWEEN ALL GEARS WHILE DRIVING. *JB
Power train, Oct 14, 2007
I PURCHASED MY DAUGHTER A BRAND NEW 2002 VW JETTA, AND MOST RECENTLY SHE HAS HAD SOME MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH HER VEHICLE. THIS WAS HER1ST VEHICLE AND I TAUGHT HER THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR MAINT OF HER VEHICLE. BUT AS I STATED ABOVE IT APPEARS THAT HER EFFORTS HAVE BEEN FOR NOT. IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE VW DEALERSHIP 3 XS, AND IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER, ALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, THE VEHCILE HARD JERKING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHCILE TURNING OFF AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT AND WHEN SHE IS TOPPED IN A TURNING LANE - WHICH IS OF COURSE THE MOST DANGEROUS CONCERN OF MINE ESPECIALLY IF IT DIES OUT WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE 1ST TWO VISITS THE DEALER STATED THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM. THIS VISIT (THE 3RD) TO DEALER MY DAUGHTER DROVE THE SERVICE MGR IN THE VEHICLE & HE WITNESSED THE PROBLEM. WE RECIEVED A CALL SAYING THEY NEEDED TO LOOK AT A DIAGNOSTIC OF THE TRANSMISSION WHICH OF COURSE WOULD BE AT A COST OF $330 REGARDLESS OF WHAT WAS FOUND! ( A VW RIP OFF ) & AS I SUSPECTED THE DIAGONISTIC CAME BACK REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $3800 (WARRANTY EXP OCT 06), SHE HAS 60K+ MILES . I AM IN SHOCK I HAVE OWNED OVER10 BRAND NEW AUTOS IN MY LIFETIME, & HAVE NEVER HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED ALL EXCEEDING 85K MILES. I BEGAN EDUCATING MYSELF WHICH LED ME TO YOUR WEB SITE TO REVIEW EITHER RECALLS OR OTHER COMPAINTS & TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND A LARGE NUMBER OF THE SAME COMPLAINT . BUT IT APPEARS THAT IF THERE HAS BEEN NO INJURIES YET OR DEATHS THE NUMBER DOES NOT MAKE A DIFF. I AM REGISTERING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE MY NEXT ACTION WILL BE TO AN ATTORNEY, THE IDEA THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MY CHILD IS INJURED OR POSSIBLY KILLED BEFORE THE NHTSA WILL CONSIDER THIS AS A PROBLEM IS AMAZING TO ME. *TR
Power train, Jul 25, 2007
I PURCHASED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FOR MY DAUGHTER. IN AUGUST OF 2006 THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A VW DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICE. IN MAY OF 2007 THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR KEPT LOSING POWER WHEN DRIVING. WHEN PUT IN GEAR THE CAR WOULD SHAKE AND SHUT DOWN. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE VW DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THEY REPLACED A SEAL, TEMP SENDER AND SENDER FOR A TOTAL OF 427.62. MY DAUGHTER PICKED UP THE CAR AND WHEN DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THEY REPAIRED IT THE CAR SHUTTERED, THEN SLAMMED DOWN INTO A LOWER GEAR ALMOST CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY APPROVED HAVING IT TOWED BACK TO THEIR FACILITY FOR REPAIR. THEY THEN CHECKED THE CAR AGAIN AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR A COST OF $3800.00. THIS CAR HAS 57,000 MILES ON IT AND WHEN ORIGINALLY TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS ISSUE IT WAS 4 DAYS OUT OF WARRANTY. NOTE: WHEN THE CAR INITIALLY BROKE DOWN IT WAS STILL IN WARRANTY BUT I WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR WORK AND COULD NOT SET UP HAVING IT TOWED IN UNTIL I RETURNED HOME. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CALLED REGARDING THIS ISSUE PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND VW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS. THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST IN THIS REPAIR. THE VW DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY DID NOT SEE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHEN THEY FIRST COMPLETED REPAIRS BUT SHE DID NOT EVEN GET 10 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE CAR SLAMMED DOWN INTO A LOW GEAR. *TR
Power train, Jul 18, 2007
I OWN A 2002 1.8T AUTOMATIC JETTA WITH 75000 MILES. YESTERDAY I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I USE THIS CAR FOR BASIC TRANSPORTATION, AND HAVE MAINTAINED REGULAR UPKEEP. I AM APPALLED THAT I HAVE TO SPEND $5,000 TO FIX A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH AND IT SEEMS THAT A LOT OF JETTAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY THE TURBOS. HOW CAN VOLKSWAGEN GET AWAY WITH THIS? I WOULD LIKE TO START A CLASS ACTION SUIT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS MATTER!. *AK
Power train, Jul 18, 2007
I OWN A 2002 JETTA 1.8T AND STARTED HAVING SOME INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO REVERSE OR 1ST AND 2ND GEARS, PAUSING OR JERKING INTO GEAR. THE PROBLEM STARTED A COUPLE MONTHS AGO WHEN THE CAR HAD ABOUT 52,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY ABOUT 5 MONTHS. THE PROBLEM BECAME INCREASINGLY FREQUENT AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER YESTERDAY AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BUNT AND HA DEBRIS IN IT". I HAVE ALWAYS DONE THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE , AT THE DEALERSHIP, NO LESS, AND HAVE NEVER ABUSED THE TRANSMISSION IN ANY WAY. THE CAR ONLY HAS 54,000 MILES ON IT! THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP CALLED VOLKSWAGEN AND STATED HE REALLY WENT TO BAT FOR ME ,AND THAT VOLKSWSGEN HAS AGREED TO COVER 65% OF THE REPAIR, WHICH IN THE RANGE OF $5,000+. SO I WILL STILL BE PAYING AT LEAST $1750.00 TO REPLACE A FAIRLY YOUNG TRANSMISSION. I FEEL VW MUST KNOW THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION TO EVEN OFFER TO PAY FOR PART OF THE REPAIR, AND JUDGING BY THE OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN READING OTHER COMPLAINTS AND IT SEEMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS PAINTED WITH A METALLIC PAINT THAT DISINTEGRATED WITH HIGH HEAT/TEMPERATURES AND THAT IT BROKE DOWN, FLAKES OFF AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION. THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *AK
Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 10, 2007, fire
PURCHASED USED 2002 VW JETTA 1.8 TURBO (5 SPEED) WITH 34,000 MILES STILL UNDER WARRANTY. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR BLOWN FUSES (CIGARETTE LIGHTER), TRUNK LATCH, CENTER CONSOLE, AND TRANSMISSION REPAIRS. FUSE PROBLEM WAS ONGOING. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS, A LOCAL MECHANIC INSTALLED A SMALL BOOST GAUGE ON THE DASH, WHICH WAS WIRED INTO A 10 AMP FUSE. WITHIN FIVE DAYS, THE CAR WAS BEING BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM ALL THE DASH VENTS. THE WIRE HARNESS, FUSE BLOCK, AND CONTROLLER COMPONENTS LOCATED BEHIND THE DASH WERE DESTROYED BY FIRE. VW OF AMERICA PREPARED TO SEND INVESTIGATORS TO NM, BUT WHEN THEY DISCOVERED GAUGE WIRING MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED, THEY DID NOT INVESTIGATE. HAVE READ OF OTHER ELECTRICAL FIRES BEHIND INSTRUMENT PANEL, DASH, SINCE THIS TIME. OUR SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE, BUT WAS ABLE TO GET OUT. *TR
Power train, Jul 6, 2007
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CAR SPUTTERS AND JUMPS. DEALER FIRST WORKED ON THE GEAR SHIFT. THEN THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND THE BATTERY TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. RECENTLY SAID THERE WAS A LEAK AND REPLACED THE CRANKCASE VENT PIPES. STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *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
Power train, Jul 2, 2007
I BOUGHT A 2002 IN 2005 WITH 30,000 FROM A CERTIFIED USED VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. AFTER ONLY DRIVING THE CAR SOME 29,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. FORTUNATELY I HAD 11 MILES LEFT UNDER WARRANTY SO THE NEARBY DEALERSHIP HONORED THE WARRANTY AND FIXED MY CAR. HAD IT NOT I WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT $7-9,000. *TR
Power train, May 16, 2007
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO GO INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE GEARS. SLOW TO GO INTO GEAR. CONTACED REPAIR SHOP, TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING NEEDED NEW ONE. COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.*AK
Power train, Apr 1, 2007
I OWN A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T, SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 2 YEARS AGO I USED TO GET A MINIMAL KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, I ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT AND TRY TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS NORMAL. AFTER THE 1ST YEAR I NOTICED THE KNOCK A LITTLE HARDER BUT PAID NO MIND TO IT BECAUSE DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL AND VW SAID IT WAS NORMAL, UNTIL THE DAY I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM I WAS HAVING, MOMENTS LATER INSTEAD OF JUST CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION TO ITS FULLEST THEY REPLACED A RECALLED BRAKE SWITCH AND SAID THAT THIS WAS CAUSING THE KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION WITH A BILL OF ALMOST 2,000 DOLLARS I FIGURED FINALLY I GET MY TRANSMISSION TO WORK BETTER BECAUSE I WAS GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF GETTING WHIPLASHED BY THE KNOCK THAT'S HOW BAD IT IS TILL THIS DAY. IN APPROXIMATE TWO DAYS I GET THE SAME KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION AND IM LIKE OH MAN I THOUGHT THEY FIXED THIS PROBLEM, I SPOKE WITH A SERVICE MANAGER WHO SAID "WELL BRING IT IN AGAIN AND IF WE MISSED ANYTHING WE WILL TAKE CARE OF IT AT NO EXTRA CHARGE". I SAID "OK" WELL A FEW HOURS PASSED AND THE DEALER CALLS ME UP AND TELLS ME WELL WE FOUND YOUR PROBLEM BUT IT IS A HEFTY PRICE ON FIXING IT!, I AM THINKING PROB 1,000 BUCKS MORE! WRONG!, HE TELLS ME MY TRANSMISSION IS NO GOOD WE NEED TO REPLACE IT WITH A REBUILT WHICH WILL COST AROUND $3,800 DOLLARS I'M LIKE JESUS CHRIST! IF THEY WOULD'VE STOPPED UP-SELLING ME BS FIXES IN MY CAR I WOULD'VE HAD THE MONEY TO FIX IT! BUT SINCE THIS DAY I HAVEN'T GOT ANY RESOLUTION FOR MY CAR IM STUCK WITH IT UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION BLOWS ON IT! PLEASE FOLLOW LINK TO READ OTHER PEOPLES ISSUES THAT ARE SIMILAR TO MINE AT HTTP://WWW.LEMONLAWCLAIMS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN%20 TOUAREG 20% TRANSMISSION 20% PROBLEMS.HTM (THAT'S THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING WITH MY CAR WHY ISN'T VW DOING ANY RECALLS ON THIS????) COUNTING DUE TO OWNING WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A LEMON!, VW NEEDS TO RECALL FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 19, 2007
IN APRIL 2006 WE PURCHASED A 2002 VW JETTA FROM A PRIVATE PARTY. THE CAR HAD 65,000 MILES. SHE WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR AND HAD TAKEN METICULOUS CARE OF THE CAR. WE HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS DATING BACK TO IT'S ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IT HAD BEEN IN FOR ALL SCHEDULED TUNEUPS. VW OFFERS A 60,000 MILE OR 5 YEAR WARRANTY ON THE DRIVE TRAIN. IN NOVEMBER 2006 THE RADIATOR WARNING APPEARED ON THE DASH. WE TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIMED THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION WERE MIXING AND CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO HE TRANSMISSION. ESTIMATED COST OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION $5,890. THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC NEVER STATED WHAT CAUSED THE MIXING FLUIDS AND WOULD NOT SPECULATE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC. HE WAS ABLE TO ISOLATED THE PROBLEM WITHIN 20 MINUTES. THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS LEAKING ALLOWING THE TWO FLUIDS TO CO-MINGLE. AS A RESULT OF THE MIXING FLUIDS, THE BELTS, HOSES, RADIATOR, AND TRANSMISSION ARE ALL SEVERELY DAMAGED. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS SEALED WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND IS NEVER MEANT TO BE CHANGED. IT'S POSITION IS PROTECTED FROM ANY ROAD DEBRIS AND NO QUALITY OF HOW THE CAR WAS DRIVEN WOULD EFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS PART. IT'S HIS OPINION THAT THE PART HAD A MANUFACTURED DEFECT. SINCE THE CAR WAS ORIGINALLY DIAGNOSED IN NOVEMBER IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN. WE ARE CURRENTLY AWAITING AN APPEAL TO THE VW AMERICA.
Power train, Equipment, Aug 31, 2006
I OWN A 2002 VW JETTA GLI, AND IT HAS MERELY 54,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS COME IN STANDARD TRANSMISSION, AND WE BOUGHT IT WHEN IT WAS ISSUED AS NEW. AS I WAS ON MY WAY HOME HEADING TOWARDS NEW JERSEY, FROM NEW YORK. MY CLUTCH PEDAL BEGAN TO LOOSEN UP. I TRIED SWITCHING FROM 3RD GEAR TO 4TH, AND THE CLUTCH LOOSELY WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND IT WOULD NOT POP BACK UP. AS MY CAR ROLLED ON THE BRIDGE, IT STAYED IN NEUTRAL. HENCE, I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. NOW I HAVE BEEN READING OTHER FORUMS AND THEY HAVE GOTTEN THE SAME ISSUE. *NM
Power train, Aug 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THE SHIFTER BECAME STUCK IN PARK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE LOCK SHIFT TWICE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS AND THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED.
Power train, Apr 26, 2006
2002 JETTA GLS AUTOMATIC CARS. THE SIDE BUTTON YOU PUSH ON THE SHIFT HANDLE GETS STUCK IN AND DOESN'T POP OUT. THIS CAUSES ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY OR CAN ACCIDENTALLY SHIFT INTO ANOTHER GEAR IF IT DOESN'T POP OUT. *JB
Power train, Feb 24, 2006
OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, IT DOES NOT FULLY RETURN TO IT NORMAL POSITION. THIS OFTEN OCCURS WHEN SITTING AT A LONG RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN AND I ATTEMPT TO RELEASE THE CLUTCH IT REMAINS DEPRESSED, RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL. THIS POSSES A DANGER BECAUSE STALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS, BY PREVENTING THE DRIVER FROM ACCELERATING TO AVOID COLLISION. I HAVE TAKEN THE MY AUTO IN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR ON 4 OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED, THE SECOND TIME THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER WAS RE-BLED, AND THE 3RD & 4TH TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT THE CLUTCH WAS PERFORMING WITHIN VW SPECIFICATIONS BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. *NM
Power train, Jan 25, 2006
EARLY CLUTCH FAILURE. WE JUST REPLACED THE CLUTCH ON 2002 JETTA AT 51,000 MILES. SHE OWNED OTHER MANUAL TRANSMISSION CARS AND DID NOT REPLACE THE CLUTCH THIS EARLY WITH ONE EXCEPTION, A VOLKSWAGEN, FOX. WAS THIS A PATTERN, MAYBE . *AK
Power train, Jan 13, 2006
THE TRANSMISSION BROKE ON MY 2002 JETTA TDI (AUTOMATIC) WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE U.S. MARINE CORPS BASE, BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA. IT ONLY HAS 66,500 MILES ON IT. I BELIEVE THE DESERT VW DEALERSHIP IS RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE THEY DID NOT CHECK THE TRANSMISSION THOROUGHLY AS I REQUESTED TWO MONTHS AGO. VW AMERICA IS NOT HELPING ME AT ALL WITH MY REQUEST TO HAVE THIS REVIEWED BY THEM. THE DEALERS TELL ME TO CALL VW AMERICA AND VW AMERICA TELLS ME TO CALL THE DEALERS. *NM
Power train, Oct 13, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8L TURBO. MY FIRST CLUTCH STARTED SLIPPING AT 17K MILES, FINALLY REPLACED AT 20K. I FOUGHT WITH VW AND THEY ACTUALLY PAID FOR IT BECAUSE I HAD BROUGHT IT IN ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND NO ONE COULD FIND OR ADMIT TO A PROBLEM. NOW AGAIN AT 39K IT HAS STARTED SLIPPING AND IS NOW AT 41K. I AM DUE TO CHANGE IT ANY TIME. I AM ONCE AGAIN CALLING VW TRYING TO ARRANGE THEM TO TAKE CARE OF THE COST. I AM HOPING THEY WILL PAY FOR IT AS THE HAVE QUOTED ME $2200 TO FIX. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET & FOUND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AND REPLACING THE CLUTCH ISN'T A PERMANENT FIX AND MOST PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR IT. THEY HAVE BEEN BLAMING THE DRIVERS FOR POOR DRIVING SKILLS. MEANWHILE THEY ARE PUTTING MANY PEOPLE IN DANGER BECAUSE ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT COULD OCCUR WHEN YOUR CLUTCH DECIDES TO POP/ FAIL. ESPECIALLY ON THE FREEWAY. INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. ANYWAYS, MOST PEOPLE SAY THAT OIL IN THE FLYWHEEL IS LEAKING OUT SATURATING THE CLUTCH DISK CAUSING IT TO SLIP & EVEN BREAK UP. THEREFORE VERY EARLY BREAKDOWN AND SOMETIMES IMMEDIATE/ UNEXPECTED CLUTCH FAILURE. *NM
Power train, Visibility, Air bags, Aug 8, 2005
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN MY 2002 VOKLSWAGEN JETTA HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD/POTHOLE AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WENT OFF. I GOT OUT TO INSPECT IF I HIT ANYTHING SINCE I WASN'T SURE BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG GOING OFF. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD BESIDES A POTHOLE THAT EVERYONE ELSE HIT AS WELL ON THE OFF RAMP. THERE WAS NOT A SCRATCH OF DAMAGE OR ANY IMPACT AT ALL. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR A LITTLE OVER 2 MONTHS AGO AND IT WAS ALREADY BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A BROKEN POWER WINDOW AND TWICE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I AM FED UP WITH THIS CAR. THERE IS ONLY 25,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND AN AIRBAG SHOULD NOT GO OFF FOR A POTHOLE. I WENT TO A DIFFERENT VW DEALER AND THEY SAID IT'S NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE AND IT WOULD COST $800 - $1,000 TO FIX. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS FOR NORMAL USE OF THE CAR. *JB