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: seats
101 reports, newest first. Show all
Seats, Oct 9, 2005, fire
WITHIN TWO BLOCKS OF LEAVING MY HOME AND TURNING ON MY CAR SEAT WARMER TO A LEVEL 2 (OF 5) MY CAR SEAT WAS ON FIRE AND BURNED MY REAR. I HAD TO JUMP OUT OF MY CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. THIS HAPPENED OVER A WEEKEND AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY COMMUNICATION BACK FROM VW. *NM
Seats, Jun 13, 2005
DT: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WARMER BURNED THROUGH LEATHER AND TO CONSUMER'S JEANS. AND FELT A BURN MARK WHICH WAS ABOUT A QUARTER OF AN INCH WIDE IN A CIRCLE SHAPE. *AK
Seats, May 1, 2005, fire
1. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK LATE ON MARCH 2, 2005, I TURNED MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER ON. I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THE SEAT HEATER BURNED A HOLE COMPLETELY THROUGH MY SEAT, BURNING A CIGGERETTE-BURN SIZE HOLE THROUGH MY PANTS AND SCALDING MY BUTTOCK. 2. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH AT THE TIME, AND AM LUCKY THAT THE FIRE IN MY SEAT DID NOT CAUSE ME TO CRASH, AND INJURE MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. 3. I HAVE WAITED TO GET IT REPAIRED BY VW IN CASE THE INVESTIGATORS / LAWYERS NEED TO SEE THE DAMAGE.*AK
Seats, Apr 25, 2005, fire
THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT. . THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *AK *JB *NM
Seats, Apr 1, 2005
SEAT WARMER HAD BURNED A 2" HOLE THROUGH THE DRIVERS SEAT ON THE LEFT SIDE. WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND SEAT WAS REPLACED.*AK
Seats, Mar 12, 2005, fire
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE FREEWAY IN OUR 2002 JETTA WAGON. SHE SUDDENLY FELT HER LEFT LEG BECOMING HOT AND THOUGHT THERE WAS SOMETHING HOT IN HER POCKET. SHE REACHED DOWN TO FIND THAT THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE. DUE TO THE SHOCK OF HER HAND AND LEG BEING BURNED SHE SWERVED ACROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC TO THE SHOULDER. SHE JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE SEAT BOTTOM. THERE WAS A WATER BOTTLE NEARBY IN THE CAR WHICH SHE THREW ON THE SEAT AND DOUSED THE FLAMES. AT THIS POINT SHE CALLED ME FRANTIC OVER THE SITUATION BECAUSE THE SEAT WAS STILL SMOKING. I TOLD HER TO TURN THE SEAT HEATER OFF WHICH STOPPED THE SMOKE. THE ONLY REASON I KNEW ABOUT THE SEAT FIRE PROBLEM WAS BECAUSE OF WEBSITES LIKE "WWW.VWVORTEX.COM" AND "WWW.PASSATWORLD.COM/FORUMS". ON THOSE TWO WEBSITES YOU CAN FIND NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF VW SEAT FIRES DUE TO HEATED SEATS. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THE NHTSA OR VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. MY WIFE NOW HAS A BURN ON HER HAND AND LEG DUE TO THIS ISSUE, NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT THIS SEAT FIRE COULD HAVE CAUSED A SEVERE CAR ACCIDENT DUE TO DISTRACTION. *AK
Seats, Feb 10, 2005
I HAVE HEATED SEATS IN MY 2002 JETTA. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING LAST WEEK AND NOTICED A PAIN IN HER LEFT LEG. SHE REALIZED THAT IT WAS A BURNING SENSATION. SHE QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER AND PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THE SEAT HAD MELTED AND THE COVER WAS MELTING AND BEGINNING TO BURN. FORTUNATELY SHE TURNED OFF THE HEATER RIGHT AWAY AND GOT OFF THE SEAT. I READ OTHER COMPLAINTS OF FIRE AND BURN INJURIES. NOW I HAVE A DEFORMED SEAT CUSHION (DUE TO MELTING) AND A HOLE IN THE COVER. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF CONTACTING VW TO SEE IF THEY WILL REPLACE THIS SEAT AND HEATER. I JUST EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE ON MY WARRANTY.*AK
Seats, Feb 7, 2005, fire
I WAS DRIVING HOME IN MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THEN I FELT A BURNING SENSATION ON MY THIGH. I STOPPED THE CAR AND LOOKED AT MY SEAT TO FIND OUT THAT MY HEATED SEATS HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I POURED WATER IN THE BURNING HOLE AND IT SIZZLED OUT. IT BURNT A HOLE IN MY SEAT, MY SKIRT AND LEFT A RED MARK IN MY LEG. FORTUNATELY, I PULLED OVER AND PUT THE FIRE OUT BEFORE ANY SERIOUS DAMAGES WERE INCURRED. I CALLED THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND TOLD HIM ABOUT THE INCIDENT. THE PERSON I SPOKE TO ACTED AS IF IT WAS NO BIG DEAL. HE TOLD ME TO BRING MY CAR IN AND IF IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, THE WARMER AND SEATS WOULD BE REPLACED AT MY 2 DAY INCONVENIENCE. TO DATE, I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT IN BECAUSE I AM DETERMINING WHAT/IF ANY LEGAL ACTION, I SHOULD TAKE. *JB
Seats, Feb 3, 2005, fire
SEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND MY PANTS. THE HOLE WAS SMOKING AND I HAD TO POUR POP IN THE HOLE TO PUT IT OUT. *JB
Seats, Feb 1, 2005, fire
THE DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT ON MY 2002 JETTA 1.8T STARTED SMOLDERING AND BURNT A HOLE THROUGH THE FARBIC AND BURNED MY LEG. *AK
Seats, Feb 1, 2005, fire
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED THE SEAT HEATER WAS UNUSUALLY HOT AND FELT BURNING ON MY LEG. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF, AND WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE, NOTICED TWO QUARTER-SIZED BURN HOLES IN THE SEAT AND A BURN HOLE IN MY WOOL COAT. VW DEALER WILL BE REPLACING THE SEAT, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THEY WILL COMPENSATE ME FOR MY COAT. *AK
Seats, Feb 1, 2005, fire
THE HEATED SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF MY 2002 VW JETTA BEGAN TO SMOLDER AT THE "3" SETTING WHILE I WAS WARMING THE CAR UP. IT EVENTUALLY BURNT A HOLE IN THE LEFT SEAT BOLSTER APPROXIMATELY" BY " IN SIZE. USUALLY I TURN THE SEAT HEATER ON WHILE I AM DEFROSTING THE WINDSHIELD IN THE DRIVEWAY. WITHOUT SOMEONE IN THE CAR IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND EITHER DESTROYED THE CAR OR CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR.*AK
Seats, Jan 21, 2005
2002 VW JETTA TDI WITH HEATED CLOTH SEATS. DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER OVERHEATS IN A SMALL SPOT, CAUSING BURNING (BROWN COLORATION) OF THE SEAT AND THE START OF A BURNT LEG ON THE WIFE (JUST WHAT I NEED...ONE MORE THING TO HEAR ABOUT...). PASSENGER SEAT WORKS FINE. DRIVER SEAT HEATER NO LONGER USED AS PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE. *NM
Seats, Jan 18, 2005
2002 VW JETTA TDI WITH LEATHER HEATED SEATS. GOT SO HOT IN LEFT HIP CORNER THAT I ALMOST WAS BURNED THROUGH MY CLOTHES. BURNING SMELL ALSO NOTED. IMMEDIATELY SHUT SEAT HEATER TO OFF. *NM
Seats, Jan 9, 2005, fire
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER CAUGHT SEAT CUSHION ON FIRE. BURNED MY PANTS AND BUTTOCKS. DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AT TIME OF INCIDENCE. HAVE NOT CONTACTED DEALER YET. WILL DO SO TOMORROW.*AK
Seats, Jan 2, 2005, fire
ON THE MORNING OF 12/15/04, BEFORE GOING TO WORK, I STARTED MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TO WARM UP. I ALSO TURNED ON THE SEAT WARMER TO ITS HIGHEST SETTING (5). ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER I GOT IN THE CAR TO GO TO WORK. I WAS ABOUT 1.5 MILES FROM MY HOUSE WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. THEN I FELT A SHARP PAIN IN MY LEFT LEG. WHEN I PUT MY HAND IN BETWEEN MY LEG AND THE CAR SEAT, I GOT A TAR-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON MY HAND. I THEN REALIZED THAT THE SEAT WARMER MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS MELTING MY SEAT! IT MELTED SYNTHENTIC ONTO MY WOOL COAT AND PANTS, AS WELL AS MY SKIN. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF WITHOUT HAVING TO GO TO THE ER. I CONTACTED A SERVICE MANAGER AT METRO VW IN IRVING TX. HE SAID HE COULD HELP ME FIX THE SEAT, BUT TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE REGARDING THE OTHER DAMAGES. HE ADDED THAT C.S. WOULD ACT LIKE THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, BUT HE KNEW IT WAS A REGULAR PROBLEM. C.S. DID OFFER TO HAVE MY SEAT FIXED AS WELL AS REPLACE MY COAT, BUT WHEN I MENTIONED A RECALL SO THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN TO OTHERS, THEY SAID IT WAS NOT FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE, AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT MANDATING A RECALL, SO THEY WERE NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *JB
Seats, Dec 27, 2004, fire
THE DRIVER'S SEAT IN MY 2002 VW JETTA GLS 1.8T BEGAN SMOLDERING THIS MORNING. I STARTED MY CAR TO WARM IT UP AND BEGAN TO CLEAN THE SNOW FROM THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN I ENTERED THE CAR I NOTICED A STRONG "BURNING" SMELL. I QUICKLY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS SMOKING. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE BURNING BY TURNING OFF THE HEATED SEAT AND PUTTING SNOW ON THE AREA. I WAS SURE IT WAS THE HEATED SEAT WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO BURN BECAUSE A PORTION OF THE HEATING ELEMENT IS EXPOSED AND IT WAS SPARKING. I NOW HAVE A HOLE THE SIZE OF A PENNY ON THE SEAT.*AK
Seats, Dec 21, 2004, fire
WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS BURNED. ALSO, DRIVER'S COAT WAS BURNED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK ......*AK
Seats, Dec 20, 2004, fire
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI. MY BOY FRIEND WAS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT FOR A MAXIMUM OF 5 MINUTES WHEN THE SEAT HEATER BURNT A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT, HIS JEANS, AND LEFT A SMOKING BLACK RING IN HIS LEATHER WALLET. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THIS FAILURE, IT JUST HAPPENED. SO, NOW I HAVE AN EXPENSIVE CAR SEAT, JEANS, AND A WALLET THAT ARE RUINED. THE SEAT WILL COST MORE THAN SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS TO FIX AND THE JEANS AND WALLET ANOTHER COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO REPLACE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED TWO DEALERS, ONE WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND ANOTHER WHERE I CURRENTLY RESIDE, AND BOTH ARE SAYING THAT IT WILL NOT BE FIXED BECAUSE MY CAR IS 2,000 MILES OVER ITS WARRANTY. I HAVE SPOKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN'S CUSTOMER CARE CENTER AND THEY HAVE OFFERED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE JEANS AND WALLET, BUT NOTHING FOR THE SEAT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT A NORMAL "WEAR AND TEAR" PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE FULLY COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER.*AK
Seats, Dec 14, 2004, fire
THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF MY 2002 VW JETTA VR6 BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER AND LEFT A QUARTER SIZE BURN HOLE IN THE SEAT OF MY CAR AND THE SEAT OF MY PANTS. FORTUNATELY MY WALLET FORMED A BARRIER BETWEEN ME AND THE HEAT SOURCE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A VW DEALER IN MASSACHUSETTS AND I AM CURRENTLY WAITING FOR A NEW SEAT CUSHION AND HEATER ELEMENT. IF ANYONE SHOULD ASK WHAT REALLY "BURNS ME UP", I TELL THEM THE SEAT OF MY VW JETTA. *AK
Seats, Dec 12, 2004
I USED THE HEATED SEAT FEATURE ON MY 2002 VW JETTA. 12-11-04, I NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SEAT. I PLACED MY FINGER OVER IT AND BURNT MY FINGER. I ALSO HAVE A GOOD JACKET THAT HAS A BURN MARK ON IT. I WILL BE CONTACTING MY VW DEALERSHIP ON 12-13-04 TO LET THEM KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE THEM REPLACE MY SEAT AND COAT! I THINK THE FACT THAT THE NHTSA IS WAITING FOR A FATALITY OR TWO BEFORE MAKING THIS A RECALL IS JUST RIDICULOUS. *JB
Visibility, Seats, Dec 12, 2004
SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED, BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT AND BURNED ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I SAFELY PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS ALSO MALFUNCTIONED, BURNING THE LEATHER SEAT AND ONCE AGAIN, BURNED ME. ALSO, THE SUNROOF HAS PLASTIC GUIDES THAT KEEP BREAKING, I HAVE HAD THESE PLASTIC COMPONENTS REPLACED THREE TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2002, AND I DON'T USE MY SUNROOF THAT OFTEN, PROBABLY LESS THAN 30 TIMES/YEAR. *JB
Seats, Dec 10, 2004, fire
VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH HEATED SEATS WHICH MALFUNCTIONED. THE HEAT COILS BURNED STRAIGHT THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SEAT, CAUSING SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO THE DRIVER. *AK
Seats, Dec 9, 2004, fire
PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVE AT WORK. I SMELT SOMETHING, LIKE BURNING. I PUT CAR IN PARK. FELT BURNING SENSATION ON UPPER LEFT THIGH/ BUTT. LOOKED DOWN AND THERE WAS A GROWING HOLE WITH SMALL FLAME. I TURNED OFF MY CAR, NOTICED MY JEANS WERE BURNT, JUMPED OUT, AND THE SMALL FLAME WAS STILL VISIBLE IN THE HOLE. ONCE I FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE SEAT HEATER I TURNED OFF THE SWITCH WICH WAS ONLY SET AT 2 OUT OF 5 LEVELS. ONLY THEN, WHEN BOTH MY CAR AND SEAT HEATER SWITCH OFF DID IT DIE OUT. TOOK DIRECTLY TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT AND USED "UPDATED PART" BUT WOULD NOT EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THIS MEANT OR WHAT THEY DID. THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME INFORMATION OR CLAIM THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.*AK
Seats, Dec 7, 2004, fire
MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2002 JETTA GLS 1.8T WITH HEATED SEATS. WHILE DRIVING I FELT MY LEG GETTING EXTREMELY HOT AND I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND A HOLE IN MY PANTS AND A HOLE IN MY DRIVER'S SEAT. THE SEAT WAS STILL SMOKING WHEN I PULLED OVER. MY WIFE TURNED OFF THE HEATED SEATS AND THE SEAT STOPPED SMOKING. I CONTACTED TWO VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIPS AND THEY STATED THEY WERE AWARE OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENING TOVOLKSWAGENS BEFORE. THIS RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE CAR, MY PANTS, A MINOR BURN TO MY LEG, AND CAUSED ME TO QUESTION THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE.*AK