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.
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
Air bags, Sep 30, 2005
AFTER MAKING A RIGHT TURN GETTING UP TO A SPEED BETWEEN 25-30 MPH MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON EVEN WITH THE ROADS IN GOOD CONDITION. 30-40 SECONDS MORE AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN MERGING ON TO ON A BUSY INTERSTATE IN WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN PERSONAL INJURY TO MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS, ALONG WITH CAR DAMAGES. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED BEFORE TIME. VW REP REFUSES TO SOLVE THE ISSUE BY REPLACING THE SEAT AND ALL SIDE AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS (AS I SUSPECTED DUE TO READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE AND OTHER INTERNET SOURCES). THEY FOUND THE SENSORS HAD REASON TO GO OFF WHAT REASON THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO ESTABLISH THE CAUSE MAKING THIS A MECHANICAL ISSUE AND NOT A DRIVER ISSUE. I AM IN A LOANER VW JETTA AND STILL FRET THE SIDE AIRBAGS WILL GO OFF. AFTER BEING A LOYAL BUYER OF VW SINCE 1987, THEY CAN COUNT ONE LESS IN THE FAMILY. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED A LAWYER AND WILL BE CONTACTING MY LOCAL NEWS STATION TO TRY AND "OUT THIS PROBLEM" AND MAKE SURE THAT THIS INFORMATION BE KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC OF VW'S LACK TO INVESTIGATE THESE ISSUES AND LACK OF COMPASSION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IN SEVERE ISSUES LIKE THIS. *JB
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2005
CONSUMER VEHICLE STALLED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS CAUSING CONSUMER TO REPLACE COIL. *TS THE VEHICLE HAD ERRATIC ACCELERATION LIGHT PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND IN AN EVEN PATTERN, INSTEAD IT WOULD SUDDENLY SPEED UP DANGEROUSLY. *JB
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
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2005
I HAVE TAKEN MY 2002 VW JETTA TURBO TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNED IT, INCLUDING TWO DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED IT FOR A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS, MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT MORE THAN I HAVE DRIVEN IT. I JUST PICKED UP MY CAR LAST WEDNESDAY, AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN TODAY. *NM
Air bags, Sep 21, 2005, crash
A CAR PULLED OVER IN FRONT OF ME TRYING TO TURN LEFT. I HAD THE RIGHT OF ME WITH NO STOP OF TRAFFIC LIGHT AT THIS INTERSECTION. I HIT THE LEFT SIDE OF THAT CAR WITH THE FRONT/FRONT LEFT CORNER OF MY CAR AT 45 MPH AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I WOULD EXPECT THAT AT SUCH A SPEED AT LEAST ONE AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. PLEASE ADVISE. *NM
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
Exterior lighting, Sep 15, 2005
DT: IN AUGUST 2005 TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED, AND IT DID NOT WORK. THEY PUT IN ANOTHER ONE. NHTSA RECALL 04V096000 WAS ISSUED, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. NOTICED WHEN GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD STAY ON. THIS WAS ON JULY 1, 2005. *AK
Air bags, Aug 16, 2005
PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITH NO COLLISION. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR TOO SENSITIVE. SLIGHT SWERVE AND BRAKE TO AVOID SMALL ANIMAL. NO COLLISION INVOLVED. CAR HAS NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE. NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF CONTACTING VWOA. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Aug 10, 2005
2 TIMES I HAD TO REPLACE A FAULTY 02 SENSOR 1ST TIME ENGINE TEMP SENSOR. REAR LEFT LIGHT BURNED OUT 3-4 TIMES WITHIN 80 000KM. SAID IT'S EASIER TO REPLACE THEN FIND THE PROBLEM AT DEALERSHIP. HAVE DONE OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS 1 LITRE OF OIL PER 3161KM. SAYING THAT THIS NORMAL. THIS DEALERSHIP HAVE RECOMMENDED FLUSHING THE ENGINE. CHANGING THE GRADE OF OIL. DO NOT DRIVE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. MOST OF THE CONSUMPTION OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOT IN TRAFFIC. CHANGE THE OIL INSTEAD OF 8000 KM AT 5000KM??? THIS IS WHAT VOLKSWAGEN HAS RECOMMENDED. THE MOST INTERESTING PART WAS WATCHING THE MECHANIC WHEN IT CONSUMED THE MOST AMOUNT BETWEEN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. HE STARTED LOOKING FOR LEAKS AGAIN & ADDED OIL. RATTLING IN DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND WINDOW FELL INTO DOOR PASSENGER SIDE. FIXED WINDOW AND RATTLING STILL SEEMS TO BE NOTICABLE. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2005
I PURCHASED MY JETTA IN MARCH 2002, AND EXPERIENCED NO MAJOR PROBLEMS WITHIN THE FIRST 30,000 MILES. ON JULY 19, 2003, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO VW AFTER HEARING A RATTLING NOISE WHEN MAKING TURNS AND IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT (MILEAGE: 33,996). THE MECHANICS WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY A PROBLEM, HOWEVER AT THE SAME TIME, THE IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED DUE TO A VW RECALL, THE FIRST OF SEVERAL. I CONTINUED TO CONTEND WITH THE RATTLING FOR SEVERAL MORE MONTHS, AND FINALLY BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO VW ON NOVEMBER 14, 2003 (MILEAGE: 39,038). AT THIS POINT, THE PRESSURE HOSE WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. MY CAR FUNCTIONED WITHOUT INCIDENT UNTIL JULY 2004, WHEN I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING WORKED SPORADICALLY. I DID NOT REALIZE THE CONNECTION TO THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM UNTIL AUGUST 25, 2004, WHEN MY CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW SERVICE SHOP IN, WHERE I WAS CHARGED $4 FOR A COOLING FAN FUSE AND $90 IN LABOR (NOT TO MENTION THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED DUE TO ANOTHER PRODUCT RECALL). I WAS CHARGED $101.76, AND THE PROBLEM WAS STILL NOT SOLVED! ON AUGUST 27, 2004, I SPENT $659.04 IN PARTS AND LABOR TO HAVE BOTH THE AC AND RADIATOR COOLING FANS REPLACED (MILEAGE: 52,650). I DROVE MY CAR WITH NO PROBLEMS UNTIL NOVEMBER 16, 2004, WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I SPENT ANOTHER $93.28 FOR A NEW COOLANT SENSOR, COOLANT REFILL, AND LABOR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON IN APRIL 2005, AND RESULTED IN ANOTHER TRIP TO THE MECHANIC, COSTING ME ANOTHER $45.53. ON AUGUST 5, 2005 (MILEAGE: 68K), MY CAR OVERHEATED YET AGAIN. THE CURRENT SITUATION I AM FACED WITH IS $450 IN PARTS AND LABOR TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP AND $150 TO REPLACE A VACUUM HOSE. I AM HESITANT TO DRIVE MY CAR, FOR FEAR THAT IT WILL OVERHEAT AGAIN, OR WORSE, WHILE I AM DRIVING IT. *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
Exterior lighting, Aug 3, 2005
ON 7-30-2005 I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES AND WHILE STOPPED REFUELING NOTED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON DESPITE THE VEHICLE BEING OFF AND THE LIGHTS OFF. THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ON CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THE BRAKE SWITCH WAS REPLACED AT CHAPLIN'S VOLKSWAGEN IN BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON ON 8-2-05. VW HAS INFORMED ME THAT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT WITHIN THE RECALL THEY HAD ON BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES. HOWEVER, WHEN I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP TWO OTHER NEWER VW JETTAS WERE ALSO THERE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGED THEY SEE THIS PROBLEM FREQUENTLY. OBVIOUSLY THE ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF THROUGH 2004 (NEWEST MODEL PRESENTED AT THE DEALERSHIP). FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REAR ENDED EN ROUTE TO THE DEALERSHIP. *JB
Power train, Aug 1, 2005
THE ASL (AUTOMATIC SHIFT LOCK) ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA MALFUNCTIONS, KEEPING MY CAR LOCKED IN PARK OR NEUTRAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, I WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED, AND IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. I MISSED WORK AND BLOCKED TRAFFIC THE FIRST TIME, AND I'LL HAVE TO MISS WORK AGAIN AND I'M PARKED IN A TEMPORARY PARKING ZONE THIS TIME. SO FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. *JB
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.
Power train, Jul 15, 2005
DT: BEGINNING THREE YEARS AGO THE OWNER NOTICED THAT WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR, THE CAR WOULD JERK AND JOLT. AFTER 2ND GEAR THE SHIFTING WAS FINE. WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE THERE WAS ALSO A JERK AND JOLT. THE FIRST TIME THE OWNER NOTICED IT WAS IN TOWN ON A MAIN ROAD. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT BUT FREQUENT. DEALER EVALUATED THE VEHICLE AND THEY TEST DROVE IT AND FOUND THE CONDITION NORMAL. THEN LAST THURSDAY JULY 7 2005 THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD MECHANICAL NOISE LIKE A GRINDING SOUND WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND, ALSO WHEN SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. THEN THE OWNER CONTACTED A MECHANIC AND THEY TEST DROVE IT, AND THEN THEY REPORTED IT IS A SERIUOS PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. THEN THE DEALER INSTRUCTED OWNER TO BRING IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP. IT IS NOW 2000 MILES PAST WARRANTY. DEALER ADVISES THAT THERE IS A BROKEN PART IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BECOME LODGED. THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ACCORDING TO DEALER AT A COST OF $4,500. ONWER CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA AND THEY REPORTED SINCE IT IS PAST WARRANTY, THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP WITH THE REPAIR COST. OWNER SENT A FAX TO DEALER STATING THAT HE NEEDS DOCUMENTATION OF WHAT IS EXACTLY WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE RETURN FAX STATED THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE WHAT THE EXACT PROBLEM UNLESS THE TRANSMISSION IS TAKEN APART. SO OWNER WONDERS WHAT DID DEALERSHIP TELL THE VOLKSWAGEN COMPANY . THE VEHICLE IS BEING TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE DEALER LEFT A MESSAGE THAT THERE IS A TOW TRUCK THERE TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE BUT THE DEALERSHIP HAS DENTED THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT NEEDS TO BE RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT THE TRANSMISSION SHOP.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 7, 2005
THE TUBO POWER IN MY VW JETTA 2002 TDI MODEL FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER A TWO YEAR PERIOD. VW DEALER IN MANCHESTER, NH WAS NOT COMPIDENT ENOUGH TO GO BEYOND WHAT THE DIAGNOSIS MACHINE WAS TELLING THEM TO FIX. VW MANUFACTURING WAS MORE THAN RELUCTANT TO COVER COSTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEMS STARTED BEFORE THE WARRANTY WAS UP
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2005
I BOUGHT A USED 2002 JETTA AND AS SOON AS I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT IT BEGAN WITH THE BUCKING. IT TOOK 3 VISITS TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, 2 DIFFERENT SERVICE SITES, AND 3 WEEKS WITHOUT A VEHICLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS REPLACING THE COIL, HOWEVER STATED THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME. I AM CURRENTLY DISPUTING THE CHARGE. I FEEL UNSAFE AND UNHAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2005
2002 JETTA WAGON, BOUGHT WITH 16K MILES; NOW HAS 23000. INSPECTION REPORT PROVIDED BY SALES DEALER NOTED THERE WERE NO SIGHTS OF OIL LEAKS, NO VISIBLE SMOKE, NORMAL OIL PRESSURE READINGS, ETC. THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND THE LEVEL CHECKED JUST PRIOR TO PURCHASE. CAR HAS USED 4 QUARTS OF OIL IN 7000 MILES, WITH NO LEAKS OR SPRAY AND NO VISIBLE SMOKE. VW DEALERSHIP SAYS TO HAVE THE WARRANTY COVER THIS PROBLEM (60000 MI/4 YEAR WARRANTY), THAT THEY WOULD HAVE CHANGE THE OIL, THEN I MUST BRING IT IN EVERY 1000 MILES FOR THE NEXT FEW THOUSAND MILES TO GET OIL CHECKED, DESPITE THE FACT THAT I HAVE RECEIPTS THAT ESTABLISH THAT THE CAR BURNED 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN APPROXIMATELY 3500 MILES OF DRIVING. THEY SAY IT IS "NORMAL" FOR THIS VEHICLE TO BURN 1 QUART EVERY 3000 MILES. NO VEHICLE WITH ONLY 22000 MILES ON IT SHOULD BE BURNING OIL. I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY OTHER JETTAS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THAT OWNERS ARE ROUTINELY TOLD BY VW IT IS "NORMAL" TO BURN AS MUCH AS 1 QUART PER 1000 MILES. EVEN IF THE CAR WAS "ONLY" BURNING 1 QUART EVERY 3000 MILES, I WOULD CONSIDER THIS A DEFECT, NOT "NORMAL." IT'S BURNING TWICE THAT. MY CONCERN IS THAT VW HAS MANUFACTURED AN ENGINE THAT IS INHERENTLY DEFECTIVE, AND IS TELLING CUSTOMERS THAT IT IS "NORMAL" FOR LOW-MILEAGE JETTAS TO BE BURNING OIL TO AVOID HONORING THE WARRANTY. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THIS PROCESS OF BRINGING IT IN EVERY 1000 MILES IS JUST DESIGNED TO DELAY ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. I ONLY HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES; I WANTED TO HAVE A RECORD OF THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM DEVELOPED PRIOR TO THE END OF THE WARRANTY.
Power train, Jun 15, 2005
SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE COURSE OF MY OWNERSHIP OF A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTAGLS SEDAN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES AN AND I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TELL ME IT IS A SENSOR, AND FIX THE PROBLEM AND THE LIGHT GOES OFF. LATE MAY 2005 THIS OCCURED AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FIXED. I PICKED IT UP ON 5/14/05. TWO DAYS LATER THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THE EARLIEST APPOINTMENT WAS JUNE 13, 2005. SO I WAITED. APPROXIMATELY 1 WEEK AFTER 5/14/05 A VERY STRANGE NOISE CAME FROM BENEATH THE CAR, THEN REVERSE JERKED, JUMPED AND SPUTTERED. IN DECELLERATION THE CAR MADE A "JET-ENGINE" NOISE. I STOPPED DRIVING IT AND WAITED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER HAVING MY CAR FOR LESS THAN A DAY THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED ME TO SAY THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS "FALLING APART" FROM THE INSIDE AND IT WOULD COST ME $3,500 TO FIX. NOW THE JETTA HAS 73,000 ILES AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN ONLY LEISURELY FOR WORK COMMUTING PURPOSES. WE TOOK IT ON ONE FAMILY TRIP FROM NJ RO MASS. I BELEIVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION. I DO NOT BELEIVE THAT A 3 YEAR OLD TRANSMISSION WITH 73000 MILES SHOULD JUST "FALL-APART FROM THE INSIDE". I CALLED AND 800 VW CUSTOMER LINE ADN 48 HOURS LATER WAS TOLD PRETTY MUCH TOO BAD SORRY ABOUT THAT THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY IS UP. THERE IS A BIGGER ISSUE HERE. THERE MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION.
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
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
Visibility, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 25, 2005
2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA LEAKS DURING THE RAIN, CONSOLE VENT BROKE, CENTER AC VENT BROKEN, SUNROOF COVER JAMMED, AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT.*MR THE LEAK HAS CAUSED THE CARPERT TO BECOME MOLDED. THE DEALER REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE TOE ORIGIN OF THE LEAK. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT REPLACING THE VEHICE BUT THE REFUSED.
Air bags, May 12, 2005
CONSUMER REQUEST FOR REIMBURSMENT REGARDING REPAIRS FOR THE AIR BAG EQUIPMENT WHICH INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WHEN THE VEHICLE RAN OVER A CURB.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR *BF *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, May 8, 2005
SEPTEMBER 2002 - LEASED 2002 VW JETTA 1.8T. JULY 2003 - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED PER RECALL. NOVEMBER 2003 - PLUMES OF BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF TAILPIPE - THEY DETERMINED THE OXYGEN SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. NOVEMBER 2003 - (A DAY LATER) SMOKE STILL COMING OUT OF TAILPIPE, THEY DETERMINED THERE WAS OIL IN THE TURBO, THEY HAD TO REMOVE AND INSTALL NEW TURBO CHARGER AND THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK, THEY HAD TO REMOVE AND INSTALL OIL LINE. NOVEMBER 2003- CAR MAKING WHOOSING NOISE, HAD TO RESCURE LOOSE INTAKE HOSE. MAY 2004 - REPLACE BREAKLIGHT SWITCH PER RECALL. JULY 2004 - DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FELL - HAD TO HAVE BOTH WINDOWS AND CLAMPS REPLACED PER RECALL. (IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AFTER HOURS, MY CAR COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN VANDILIZED, FORTUNATELY IT WAS DURING THE DAY AND I WAS NEAR THE DEALER SO THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THEM WEDGED SHUT BEFORE THEY COULD GET THE CAR IN TO BE FIXED.) JULY 2004 (A DAY LATER) - BATTERY DIED, GOT JUMPED AND WAS TOWED TO SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. NO PROBLEMS FOR ALMOST A YEAR, THOUGHT I WAS HOMEFREE... MAY 2005 - CLACKING NOISE IN ENGINE, SLUDGE ON DIPSTICK AND IN OIL FILL CAP. NO OIL LIGHT OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAME ON. HAD TO ALSO HAVE HAZARD SWITCH REPLACED PER RECALL. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING TO SEE IF THEY WILL COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER MY WARRANTY. MY CAR NEEDS TO HAVE THE OIL PAN REMOVED TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY FURTHER DAMAGE. I WAS NEVER TOLD TO YOU USE SYNETHIC OIL IN MY CAR AND THAT APPARENTLY IS THE CAUSE OF THE SLUDGE PROBLEM. FROM LOOKING ONLINE, IT SEEMS MANY MORE PEOPLE THAN JUST MYSELF HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. VW NEEDS TO RECALL THIS.