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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 3, 2005
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE, BUT THEY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE FROZEN AND THAT THE ROTORS WERE BENT. THE POWER BOOSTER AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *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
Power train, Jan 28, 2005
I TOOK MY 2002 JETTA WAGON 1.8T AUTO/TIPTRONIC (45,000 MI) TO AN INDEPENDENT VW SERVICE SHOP FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TO CHECK A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HE HAS SEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE INVOLVING PAINT CONTAMINATION IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. BASICALLY, THE INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN WHERE THE FLUID SITS IS PAINTED, AND THE HEAT OF THE FLUID CAUSES THE PAINT TO FLAKE OFF AND CONTAMINATE THE FLUID. THIS MECHANIC RECOMMENDED TO HAVE THE TRANNY REPLACED AT A VW DEALER. SO, I TOOK THE CAR TO AN AUTHORIZED VW DEALER AND THEY ALSO CONFIRMED THE PAINT CONTAMINATION PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY REPLACED THE TRANNY OIL PAN, A SELONIOD VALVE (N281) AND FLUSHED THE TRANNY FLUID AS RECOMMENDED BY VW OF AMERICA. I WAS ABLE TO CONFIRM WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE NEW PAN WAS ALSO PAINTED AND HE COULD NOT ANSWER IF THE PAINT SPEC HAD CHANGED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I CALLED VW OF AMERICA TO STATE MY CONCERN AND TO REQUEST A NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. 9 MONTHS LATER (64,000 MI) MY CAR DOWN SHIFTS TO 4 GEAR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65MI/HR. THE GEAR IS STUCK IN 4TH GEAR EVEN WHEN I COME TO A STOP. I MANAGED TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER WHO HAVE DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY VALVE BODY CIRCUIT (N92 VALVE BODY COVER). THE DEALER NOW RECOMMENDS TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND SINCE I'M 4,000 MILES BEYOND MY WARRANTY I WILL HAVE THE COVER THE COST. THE DEALER SUGGESTS THAT I SHOULD CALL VW OF AMERICA AND REFERENCE THE CASE FROM THE LAST TIME I CALLED IN APRIL. VWA STATED THEY NEEDED TO RESEARCH THE ISSUE AND THEY WOULD CALL BACK. AFTER HEARING NOTHING FOR TWO DAYS, I CALLED VWA BACK AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM I HAD BACK IN APRIL AND THE BEST THEY COULD DO WAS OFFER HALF THE COST OF THE REPAIR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I SHOULD PAY HALF THE COST WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER REMEDIED CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2005
(VR6) MY CAR IS A COMMUTER CAR, AND AS I APPROACHED 60000 MILES THE HOSE#1J0121086 THAT PROVIDES WATER TO THE WATER SYSTEM BLEW. MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY, AND HAD TO BE TOWED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. THE HOSE THAT WAS NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH VW IN US OR CANADA. I ORDERED THE HOSE FROM GERMANY, AND HAD THE COILS (WHICH WERE DEFECTIVE) REPAIRED BY A VW DEALER IMMEDIATELY AFTER THIS HAPPENED. ONE WEEK LATER OF DRIVING OFF THE LOT THE HOSE BLEW AGAIN. THE SECOND TIME THE HOSE BLEW I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR WOULD NOT START AT ALL. I AM PAYING FOR A CAR THAT I HAVE ONLY USED TWO WEEKS IN THE PAST 2-1/2 MONTHS. VW CLAIMS THIS IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS NO DEFECT TO THE ORIGINAL HOSE THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED. HELP!! THIS LAST TIME MY CAR BROKE DOWN I WAS TOLD BY VW TO TOW TO THE NEAREST VW DEALER TO DIAGNOSE. BEING THE NEAREST WAS NOT THE DEALER I ALWAYS SERVICED MY CAR THEY CLAIM THAT THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED TO THE SAME SERVICE CENTER FOR THE HISTORY TO BE APPLIED AND CONSIDERED FOR MY ISSUES. *AK
Steering, Jan 27, 2005
THE POWER ASSIST FOR THIS TDI VEHICLE HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. MOST OFTEN, IT OCCURS WHEN APPLYING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT SPEEDS OF LESS THAN 70MPH AND ALSO WHEN HAVING TO RAPIDLY DECELLERATE OR MOVE ALONG WITH CITY RELATED TRAFFIC. MOST OFTEN, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT BY THE TIME IT DOES, I ALREADY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE NO PASSING GEAR, AND TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP TO 60 MPH TAKES A MINUTE OR MORE. TYPICALLY, WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, IF I STOP THE VEHICLE, TURN IT OFF, AND CRANK IT AGAIN, THE PROBLEM IS RESOLVED UNTIL THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH BRING ABOUT THE PROBLEM ARE RE-ENACTED. IT WILL USUALLY TAKE SEVERAL CYCLES OF THE ENGINE BEING CRANKED AND TURNED OFF BEFORE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL TURN ITSELF OFF. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED WITH ABOUT 35,000 MILES ON IT AND THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT 100 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPEATED REPAIRS, I'VE SINCE COME TO LEARN THAT SIMILAR PROBLEMS WERE OCCURRING WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO MY PURCHASING IT (WERE NOT DISCLOSED AT PURCHASE), ACCORDING TO SERVICE RECORDS.*AK
Electrical system, Jan 27, 2005
I HAVE A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2002 WAGON. TWICE I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE FACTORY INSTALLED RADIO HAD STOPPED WORKING. TWICE THEY REPAIRED THE RADIO BY READJUSTING THE WIRING. I WAS TOLD IF IT HAPPENS A THIRD TIME, THEY WILL REPLACE THE RADIO.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 24, 2005
WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PUMP THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED, HOWEVER THEY WERE UNABLE DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB
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
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2005
REPEATED FAILURE OF BREAK LIGHTS IN 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA OVER 2 AND 1/2 YEAR PERIOD. INCIDENT #1 ? DATE: 10.29.02 OD READING 5226 MILES RO# 776322 INCIDENT #2 ? DATE: 07.18.03 OD READING 15765 MILES RO# 817328 * INCIDENT #3 ? DATE: 12.15.03 OD READING 19219 MILES RO# 843079 INCIDENT #4 ? DATE: 07.14.04 OD READING 24000 MILES RO# 877075 INCIDENT #5 ? DATE: 01.13.05 OD READING 31291 MILES RO# 26004548/1 * THIS WAS WHEN THE RECALL BREAK LIGHT SWITCH WAS INSTALLED PER NHTSA RECALL NO. 04VO96. WE HAVE NARROWLY AVOIDED COLLISIONS IN THE LAST TWO OF THESE INCIDENTS OF FAILURES AND HAVE ASKED THAT VOLKSWAGEN TAKE THE CAR BACK FROM US AS AFTER THE FOURTH ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THEY CANNOT ENSURE OUR SAFETY IN THE VEHICLE. VOLKSWAGEN HAS REFUSED OUR REQUEST AND INSISTED THAT THEY REPAIR THE CAR UNDER THE TERMS OF THE WARRANTY FOR THE FIFTH TIME DESPITE THE TRACK RECORD OF FAILURES. THE COMMENT MADE TO ME IS IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN TO BE SURE TO CONTACT THEM WITH MY CONCERNS? *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
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 4, 2005, fire
MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS TURBO, 26,000 MILES CAUGHT ON FIRE IN WASHINGTON STATE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. I SMELLED GAS WHILE DRIVING AND PULLED OVER OPNED HOOD AND A FE SECONDS LATER A FIRE STARTED. WHILE ON THE PHONE WITH 911 THERE WAS A MINOR EXPLOSION AND I RECEIVED MINOR BURNS TO THE FACE AND HANDS. VEHICLE WAS TOWED 20 MILES TO KARMART VW IN BURLINGTON, WA. THE NEXT VW OF AMERICA CALLED AND SAID THEY WERE INVESTIGATING IT. THREE WEEKS LATER THEY CALLED AND DENIED THE CLAIM FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. ABOUT $10,000 IN DAMAGES. MY INSURANCE COMPANY ALLSTATE IS INVOLVED AND HIRED AN ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE IT. HE DETERMINED IT IS MOST LIKELY A FACTORY DEFECT. VW DENIED TO FIX OR REPLACE THE CAR BECUASE THERE NO CLAMPS PRESENT WHERE THE FIRE OCURED. THE HOSES BURNED OFF ABOUT 3-6 INCHES. ALLSTATE FOUND THE ONE OF THE CLAMPS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I THINK IT REDICULOUS THAT VW WILL NOT COVER THE DAMGES OR REPLACE THE CAR. WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO WITH A 2 YEAR CAR WITH MAJOR FIRE DAMAGE. I HAVE LOST TOTAL FAITH IN THE VEHICLE AND DON'T WANT. I WILL HAVE A HARD TIME SELLING IT WITH THIS KIND OF PROBLEM, WHO WOULD WANT TO BUY CAR TWO OLDS KNOWING IT WAS IN A SERIOUS FIRE? WHAT PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE DUE TO THIS? I FEEL WITH MY MINOR INJURY AND BEING A NEW CAR VW SHOULD DO SOMETHING. *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
Air bags, Dec 29, 2004
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT AROUND 2:00P.M. IN THE AFTERNOON AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG,SIDE SEAT AIR BAG AND THE REAR AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY COLLISION. MY CAR WAS NOT DAMAGED AT ALL. THE SUPERVISOR TECHNICIAN AT TRANS OCEAN VW REFUSED TO COVER THE COST TO REPAIR THREE OF THE AIRBAGS EVEN THOUGH MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THEY CLAIMED THAT THE COMPUTER SENSOR DETECTED AN IMPACT WHICH TRIGGERED THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS. IT WAS LUCKY THAT THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WASN'T ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, OTHERWISE, I WOULD HAVE LOST MY CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL LEADING TO MORE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. I WAS JUST IN SHOCK AT THAT TIME BUT THE HIGHWAY PATROL WAS MANAGED TO GUIDE ME OFF THE FREEWAY. AT LAST I CLAIMED MY INSURANCE AND PAID $500 DEDUCTIBLE FROM MY POCKET TO FIX THE AIRBAGS. THE INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASED A LOT AFTER THIS SO-CALLED "ACCIDENT". I HEREBY ASK VW OF AMERICA TO RECALL ALL DEFECTIVE VEHICLES TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS FROM HAPPENING. *NM
Steering, Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Dec 29, 2004
THE TORQUE ARM SHEARED OFF. AS A RESULT, AXLE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT BOLTED TO THE FRAME. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND IT STARTED BUCKING AND MAKING A LOT OF NOISE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM GEAR TO GEAR WITHOUT BUCKING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT STEERING CORRECTLY. EXHAUST BECAME LOUD. *TC
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
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2004
VW JETTA 2002. CAR IS 21/2 YRS OLD AND HAS BEEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES. THE IGNITION COIL HAS FAILED 2 TIMES. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE SELONIOD ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALL WERE UNDER WARRANTY. VW NEEDS TO GET THE QUALITY OF THEIR CARS UP TO PAR. ONCE MY LEASE IS DONE I AM TURNING THE CAR IN AND WILL NOT GET ANOTHER VW. *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