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
711 reports, newest first.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 23, 2007
OIL LIGHT COMES ON, MOSTLY DURING TURNS. SWEET SMELL IN INTERIOR CABIN. WATER ENTERING INTERIOR FLOOR LEVEL. *AK
Electrical system, Mar 5, 2007
ENGINE HARNESS WIRING PROBLEMS - CHECK ENGINE, GLOW PLUG AND AIR BAG INDICATORS TURN ON POWER INTERMITTENT - WIPERS STOPPED FUNCTIONING. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 5, 2007
(1) MANY ELECTRICAL ANOMALIES. LOSS OF AIR CONDITION. DEALERSHIP ADVISES IT IS COOLANT MIGRATION CAUSING ELECTRICAL/POWER PROBLEMS. COOLANT MIGRATING FROM COOLANT BOTTLE INTO THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS AND INTO ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. (2)COOLANT MIGRATION HAS CAUSED SEVERE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THE VEHICLE MUST BE RE-WIRED. COST TO ME $310.-TO BE DETERMINED(PROBABLY 6-10,000$) (3)DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH GETTING VW OF AMERICA TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT THEIR COST. VW OF AMERICA REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT MY REQUEST. VW HAS KNOWN SINCE 2001 (SEE TECHNICAL BULLETIN 97-01-01) THAT THE COOLANT BOTTLE IS DEFECTIVE AND HAS NOT RECALLED IT, OR PROVIDED TECHNICAL BULLETINS AS TO HOW TO PREVENT IT. DEALER ADVISES THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN ITS PRESENT CONDITION. *JB
Visibility, Feb 26, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VW JETTA. WHENEVER THEREWAS HEAVY RAIN, THE WATER CAME THROUGH THE SUN ROOF. THE WATER DAMAGED THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED MOLD UNDER THE CARPET CUSHION. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. *AK
Air bags, Feb 7, 2007
LEFT SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA ON 1/30/07. VW CLAIMS THERE IS CRASH DATA IN THE ONBOARD COMPUTER. HOWEVER NO ACCIDENT / CRASH OCCURRED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN. I SEE ACCORDING TO NHTSA #PE04081 THAT THE INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED ON THIS. I'LL BET THIS INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AND ONLY AFTER SOMEONE GETS KILLED AND LAW SUITS FLY WILL SOMETHING GET DONE ABOUT IT. *NM
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.
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
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
Seats, Nov 28, 2006
THE SEAT HEATER IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY 2002 JETTA BURNT THROUGH THE SEAT AND MY PANTS. I WAS STILL IN THE PARKING LOT, SO NO OTHER DAMAGE OCCURRED. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF MY WIFE OR I WAS DRIVING, OR IF THE SEAT HEATER WAS ON WHILE THE CAR WARMED UP WITHOUT US IN IT. I'M PURSUING MY OPTIONS WITH VOLKWAGEN AT THE MOMENT...THIS IS THE LAST STRAW, NEVER BUY A VW, ESPECIALLY A JETTA. IT HAS GIVEN US PROBLEMS FROM THE MOMENT WE BOUGHT IT NEW. *NM
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2006
FAILURE OF IGNITION COIL PACK AS DESCRIBED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER DP05004. COIL PACK FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED BY DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT (WHERE WE HAD THE CAR TOWED AFTER IT DIED ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY). THE DEALERSHIP INTENDS TO BILL ME ABOUT $700 TO REPLACE THE COIL PACK. WHEN I MENTIONED THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN CITED IN THE ACTION SUMMARY ON YOUR WEBSITE, BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE VW CUSTOMER CARE CENTER SAID THEY HAD NO INFORMATION ABOUT IT AND WOULD NOT HONOR IT. *NM
Seats, Nov 22, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE SEAT HEATER BURNED A COUPLE OF HOLES ON THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER ON 11/29/06. UPDATED 12/15/06 *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
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2006
ON 30 OCTOBER 2006, I HAD TO HAVE MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN THAT WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP. MY CAR WOULDN'T START. THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY, REPLACED THE BATTERY AND IT STILL WOULDN'T START. I HAD TO HAVE THE POWER WIRE TO THE STARTER REPLACED. I'M BEING TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT IS VERY UNCOMMON FOR THIS WIRE TO BE REPLACED. I JUST WOULD LIKE TO KNOW FROM VOLKSWAGEN HAVE THEY RECEIVED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS. I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING OF A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. *JB
Air bags, Nov 2, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HIT A SMALL POTHOLE AND BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SEND A TECHNICIAN FOR INSPECTION HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NEVER KNEW IF SUCH INSPECTION EVER HAPPENED. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED THAT AN UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. 1/31/2007 - *NM
Steering, Oct 31, 2006
VOLKSWAGEN STEERING SAFETY: THE STEERING COLUMN ON MY 2002 VW JETTA WILL NOT LOCK IN ANY REACH OR RAKE POSITION. THIS CAUSES THE STEERING COLUMN TO MOVE UP & DOWN, AND BACK & FORTH WHILE DRIVING. THIS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO SEVERAL POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND/OR FATAL SITUATIONS: - THE DRIVER MAY BE UNABLE TO SAFELY STEER THE CAR. - UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR PROPERLY, THE VEHICLE OPERATOR MAY ENDANGER HIM/HERSELF & PASSENGERS, OTHER VEHICLES PASSENGERS, PEDESTRIANS, & PROPERTY. - IN AN ACCIDENT THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY IN THE WRONG POSITION (TOO HIGH, TOO LOW, TOO CLOSE, TOO FAR AWAY) RESULTING IN A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS (OR FATAL) INJURY. THE LOCAL VW PARTS DEPT SAYS NO PART IS AVAILABLE TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION; AN ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN IS THE ONLY FIX. SUCH EXPENSE IS UNREASONABLE (SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS); STEERING COLUMNS SHOULD LAST HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF MILES, NOT 93,000 MILES OR FOUR YEARS. I MADE THREE GOODWILL CONTACTS WITH VAG (VOLKSWAGEN AUDI GROUP) PRIOR TO CONTACTING THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. MY INTENT IN CONTACTING VW WAS TO: - SEE THAT OTHER VW OWNERS WITH SIMILAR SITUATIONS MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MAY NOT BE SECURE AND SAFE. - THE ONLY CURRENT REPAIR AVAILABLE FROM VW IS AN EXCESSIVELY EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN. MANY OWNERS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EASILY AFFORD THIS REPAIR COSTING SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. SUCH A CONDITION MAY LEAD TO ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND POTENTIAL FATALITIES. - THE CORRECTION OF THIS CONDITION IS A POTENTIALLY INEXPENSIVE CORRECTION (A PART THAT IS PROBABLY LESS THAN 50-CENTS PER CAR). I FEEL VW SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE AND CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN SUPPLIER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND ISSUE A VOLUNTARY CALL-BACK & REPAIR TO VWS HAVING SUCH A STEERING COLUMN, AT NO EXPENSE TO OWNERS, IRRESPECTIVE OF MILEAGE OR TIME SINCE PURCHASE. IN EACH OF THE 3 CASES VW SAID THE REPAIR WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO EXCESS MILEAGE. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 31, 2006
THE OIL PAN IS MADE OF ALUMINUM AND THE DRAIN PLUG IS METAL. WHEN MY MECHANIC CHANGED IT OUT IT WAS STRIPPED CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW OIL PAN, SCREW AND LABOR OF ABOUT 440.00. I AM REQUESTING A FULL REFUND AND ASKING VW TO REPLACE THE DRAIN PLAIN WITH AN ALUMINUM SCREW OR REPLACE THE OIL PAN. AFTER REVIEWING VW BLOGS OTHER CARS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. THE SECOND THINS IS THE TRANSMISSION SERVICE. I HAD BEEN REQUESTING OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS FROM THE DEALER THAT MY TRANSMISSION BE SERVICED BUT THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT SERVICEABLE. EVEN MY MECHANIC WHO CALLED TO FIX THE OIL THEY ALSO TOLD HIM THAT BECAUSE MY TRANSMISSION WAS NOT CHANGING GEARS PROPERLY. HE PULLED IT ANY AND FOUND THAT THE FLUID WAS BLACK AND THE FILTER WAS CLOGGED NOT ALLOWING IN FLUID TO FLOW THROUGH. HAD I WAITED TWO WEEKS MORE I WOULD HAVE HAD TO REPLACED THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. ANOTHER COAST OF ABOUT 120.00...TOTAL REQUEST FROM VW IS 1000 FOR REPLACEMENT COST AND LABOR. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 30, 2006
MY GLOWPLUG RELAY FAILED AND MELTED CONNECTOR AND KILLED BATTERY. HTTP://WWW.PUTFILE.COM/PIC.PHP?IMG=3822124 HTTP://WWW.PUTFILE.COM/PIC.PHP?IMG=3822125 HTTP://WWW.PUTFILE.COM/PIC.PHP?IMG=3822126 ABOVE PICS OF FAILED REALY. *JB
Seats, Oct 25, 2006
TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATER. SEAT STARTED TO FEEL QUITE WARM, THEN I SMELLED SMOKE. PROMPTLY TURNED OFF SEAT HEATER AND LOOKED AT THE SEAT. WHEN I LOOKED DOWN I SAW A SMALL BURN HOLE IN THE SEAT. RECEIVED A MINOR BURN ON MY BUTT. GLAD I WAS NOT YET ON THE HIGHWAY. *NM
Tires, Oct 23, 2006, crash
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REFERENCE TO A FLAW AND MISREPRESENTATION OF GOODYEAR EAGLE LS 195/65 TIRES INSTALLED ON A 2002 VW JETTA 1.8T. HE TIRES WEAR EXCESSIVELY, AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE TRACTION IN THE RAIN AND CRASH. THE CRASH CAUSED $7,800 IN DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER MISREPRESENTS THE TIRES AS HAVING EXCELLENT WET TRACTION, AND VERY DURABLE TREAD WEAR. THESE TIRES SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED, AS I HAVE ALSO HERD OF OTHER COMPLAINTS AND WILL ATTEMPT TO CONTACT GOODYEAR DIRECTLY. *NM
Air bags, Oct 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB
Seats, Oct 16, 2006
2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA - FRONT SEAT HEATERS MUCH MUCH TOO HOT ...WITHIN 2 MINUTES OF TURNING THEM ON I COULD FEEL A DIME SIZE BURN ON MY SKIN. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 16, 2006
ENGINE REVS HIGH WHEN ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED, BUT DOES NOT ACCELERATE. THIS HAPPENED A NUMBER OF TIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. *NM