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 25, 2004, fire
UPON TURNING ON THE SEAT HEATER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING THROUGH THE SEAT CLOTH, FOAM, AND DRIVER'S CLOTHING.*AK
Power train, Oct 23, 2004
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON MY VW JETTA TDI (2002) FAILED AT ~71,000 MILES WITH NO WARNING. I DRIVE IN NON-CITY, OPEN HIGHWAY CONDITIONS WITH NO STRESS TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION IS SEALED, SO THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A WAY TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. DEALER SAYS SINCE THE UNIT IS SEALED, NO REPAIRS CAN BE MADE...ONLY REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT FOR ~ $4,300. I'M 40 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A TRASMISSION FAILING SO SOON AND WHEN THEN VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN IN CONDITIONS STRESSFUL TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS WAS MY FIRST TRY AT A VW PRODUCT AND MY LAST. THE MANUFACTURER HAS PATHETIC CUSTOMER SERVICE AS I CALLED TO SEE IF THIS WAS NORMAL FOR VW TRANSMISSIONS AND TO SEE IF THEY WOULD PAY FOR A PART OF THE COST AND WAS TOLD "NOTHING VW CAN DO, THE WARRANTY ENDED AT 60,000 MILES." THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME I BUY FROM A COMPANY THAT MAKES ME PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR A FAILED TRANSMISSION THAT CLEARLY WAS FAULTY. I DON'T KNOW IF THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION IS STILL AT THE DEALER AS I HAVE NOT YET PICKED UP THE VEHICLE. THE CAR IS STILL SITTING THERE UNTIL I FEEL LESS ANGRY OVER THE FACT OF THE COST AND VW'S POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ATTITUDE. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT VW WOULD HAVE RATHER PAID FOR THEIR DEFECTICVE TRANSMISSION (E FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS IS NOTHING TO A LARGE CORPORATION) RATHER THAN ALL THE NEGATIVE PUBLICITY FROM ME AND MY FAMILY TO EVERYONE WE EVER TALK TO ABOUT VW AS A COMPANY AND THEIR PRODUCT.*AK
Seats, Oct 22, 2004, fire
1 & 2. MY 2002 VW JETTA'S DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT STARTED ON FIRE. I NOTICED THE FIRE WHEN I FELT A BURNING SENSATION AS MY PANTS WERE CATCHING FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE SEAT OFF & PULLED OVER. THE SEAT HAD A DIME TO QUARTER SIZE BURN HOLE IN IT AND IF I TURNED THE HEATED SEAT BACK ON I COULD SEE THE WIRE ARCING.3. THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT 5 DAYS LATER.*AK
Electrical system, Oct 17, 2004
BOUGHT NEW 2002 JETTA HAD NO BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEMS UNTIL I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING SWITCH RECALL. TOOK CAR TO DEALER W/ RECALL LETTER AND THEY REPLACED SWITCH. NO PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS, THEN BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN STAYING ON AND ACCELERATION OCCASIONALLY CUTS OUT. DEALER HAD CAR OFF AND ON FOR A MONTH AND A 1/2 PROBLEM W/ LIGHTS AND ACCEL. CONTINUES. *JB
Power train, Oct 12, 2004
MY CAR STARTED TO CLUNK AND JERK WHEN I WAS TURNING CORNERS. IT STARTED JUST CLUNKING ONCE AND GOT WORSE AND WORSE WITHIN THE SAME DAY. IT WOULD JERK GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT JUST QUIT. I COULDN'T ACCELERATE OR PUT IT INTO GEAR. I GOT IT OFF THE ROAD AND HAD TO PUSH IT INTO A PARKING LOT UNTIL I COULD HAVE IT TOWED. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO LATER SAID MY CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 50,000 MILES. THEY QUOTED ME $1640.00. THAT'S RIDICULOUS FOR THAT TO GO OUT SO EARLY. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE DRIVEN MANUALS FOR YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. THEY SAID I WAS EITHER "RIDING THE CLUTCH" OR "DRIVING HARD". I STARTED LOOKING AROUND AND ALL THE MECHANICS I TALKED TO WERE VERY SURPRISED IT WAS OUT ALREADY AND THAT IS WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I LOOKED UP THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND A TON OF OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND TOLD THE SAME THING. OUR CLUTCHES SHOULD NOT BE GOING OUT THIS EARLY. *NM
Seats, Oct 11, 2004, fire
VOLKSWAGEN 2002 JETTA FAULTY SEAT WARMERS. ON THE MORNING OF OCT 11, 2004 I TURNED THE SEAT WARMER ON TO SETTING NUMBER 2. ROUGHLY 1-2 MINUTES LATER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT BEGAN TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING. I FELT A BURNING ON MY LEG AND BEGAN TO SEE SMOKE. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THERE WAS A DIME SIZE HOLE IN THE SEAT WHERE THE SEAT HAD BURNED THROUGH. THERE WAS ALSO A BURN ON MY PANTS FROM WHERE THE SEAT HAD MELTED TO MY PANTS. THERE WAS ALSO A RED MARK ON MY SKIN. I HAVE CONTACTED THE COMPANY AND THEY HAVE AGREED TO SEE THE CAR AND POSSIBLY REPLACE THE PARTS. MY BIGGEST CONCERN WAS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED LARGE FIRE OR A SERIOUS BURN TO MYSELF. *NM
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2004
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, COOLANT LEAKED IN MECHANICAL SYSTEM, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER. REQUIRING REWIRING OF ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *BF THE COIL SPRING FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO POWER, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FAILED, THE CONSUMER DID HOWEVER RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE MATTER, BUT THE PROBLEM HAD ALREADY OCCURRED. THE REAR PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT WAS OUT. *JB
Equipment, Oct 5, 2004
2002 JETTA TDI DEVELOPED ODOR ON THE INTERIOR AT 20000 MILES. NATIONAL VOLKSWAGEN IN JACKSONVILLE, NC HAS SERVICED PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT CORRECTION OF ODOR PROBLEM. THEY CLAIM ODOR WILL GO AWAY SINCE THEY CLEANED OUT AIR CONDITIONER BOX BY REMOVING THE ENTIRE DASH. NATIONAL ALSO DISCOVERED PROBLEM IN A NEW 2004 PASSAT. ODOR STILL EXISTS. CAR HAS BEEN DETAILED, SPRAYED WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. VARIOUS PEOPLE HAVE SAT IN CAR AND WITNESSED ODOR. CUSTOMER SERVICE AT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA TAKES WORD OF THE DEALER THAT PROBLEM IS FIXED AND ODOR WILL GO AWAY ONE DAY. *AK
Seats, Sep 29, 2004
DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER WAS OVERHEATING AND BURNING THROUGH THE SEAT COVER. DEALER WAS CONTACTED.*AK
Power train, Seats, Sep 21, 2004
VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN ASR LIGHT AND WHEN DRIVING ON A SMOOTH ROAD THE ASR LIGHT WILL COME ON ,AND THE VEHICLE WILL DOWN SHIFT. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT AFTER EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY WERE COMPLETELY BAFFLED, CLEARED OUT THE CODES, AND REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT MODULES, BUT WERE UNABLE TO SOLVE THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. ALSO, HEATED SEATS OVERHEATED. CONSUMER WA S FURIOUS. *AK
Seats, Sep 20, 2004, fire
A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. *AK
Visibility, Sep 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT SIDE VIEW MIRROR CASING/ COVER FELL OFF. *JB THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THE PART WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALER CONCLUDED THAT THE PART FELL OFF DUE TO EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE IS A DEFECT. *NM
Air bags, Sep 3, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. AFTER BEING INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER, THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS CRASH DAMAGE. HOWEVER, VEHICLE WAS NOT DAMAGED. INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND STATED THERE WAS NO DAMAGE, BUT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE AIR BAGS.*AK
Exterior lighting, Aug 31, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V096000 CONCERNING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. DUE TO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BEING DEFECTIVE THE GEAR SHIFT COULD NOT BE MOVED OUT OF PARK.*AK THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *NM
Seats, Aug 25, 2004
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2002 VOLKWAGEN JETTA, MY WIFE SET THE SEAT WARMER TO "5" (THE HIGHEST LEVEL). SHE SAID THAT SHE "SMELLED SOMETHING FUNNY," AND THEN RECEIVED A MINOR BURN ON HER LEFT LEG. CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS TO TURN THE SEAT HEATER TO "0" (OFF). NO PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED PENDING A RESPONSE FOR SERVICE FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC.*AK
Air bags, Aug 20, 2004
CURTAIN AIRBAG ON PASSENGER'S SIDE, SEAT AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE , AND THE DASHBOARD AIRBAG COVER FELL OFF. DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. *AK WHILE DRIVIGN THE CONSUMER HEARD ALOUD BANG. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAD DEPLOYED ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO IMPPACT. NO INJURIES WERE STATED. *NM
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 17, 2004
AFTER I WAS PULLED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, THE DOORS CLICKED AS IF THEY WERE GOING TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AS THEY NORMALLY DO AT 10 MPH. THE CLICK SOUNDED FUNNY, SO I LOOKED AT THE DOOR LOCKS AND NOTICED THAT THEY HADN'T LOCKED. SOON THEREAFTER, THE BATTERY ON THE CAR STOPPED, WHICH I NOTICED BECAUSE I COULDN'T ACCELERATE AND I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN, WITHOUT A PROBLEM. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND STAYED ON AND I NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS IN THE BACK SEAT OVER THE DOORS STAYED ON THOUGH. I TRAVELED TO MY NEXT STOP AND THE LIGHTS IN THE BACK SEAT WENT OUT. I THEN STARTED TOWARD MY NEXT STOP AND HAD REACHED 25 MPH WHEN THE SIDE AIRBAG IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT EXPLODED. I CALLED THE DEALER TO SEE IF THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, THEY SAID IT WAS. I THEN STARTED DRIVING TO THE DEALER WHEN THE BATTERY CUT OUT AGAIN; I COULD TELL BECAUSE I COULD NOT STEER AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER TO A SAFE SPOT AND CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. WHILE I WAS SITTING IN THE PARKED CAR WITH THE A/C ON WAITING FOR THE TOW TO ARRIVE, THE PASSENGER-SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER SO THEY CAN INVESTIGATE IF THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION. NO, I'M NOT KIDDING, THAT'S WHAT THEY SAID. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ON A SLIGHT DOWNGRADE, DURING CLEAR WETHER, ON A DRY ROAD, MY BRAKES LOCKED UP. THIS WAS PRECEEDED BY A LOUD DECOMPRESSING SOUND, IMMEDIATELY AFTER WHICH THE BRAKE PETAL WENT TO THE FLOOR OF ITS ON VOLITION. MY FOOT WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE BREAK PETAL. THIS CAUSED ME TO SKID ON THE DRY PAVEMENT AND LEFT ME EXTREMELY CLOSE TO A DITCH. AS SOON AS THE CAR STOPPED MOVING THE BRAKES RETURNED TO NORMAL. THIS OCCURED TWICE MORE DURING THE MILE TO MY HOME. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. "NO FAULT CODES" WERE IN THE COMPUTERS MEMORY. INITIAL DIAGNOSIS - INTERMITTENT OCCURANCE OF AN UNKNOWN NATURE. MY CONCERN IS THAT IF THIS OCCURED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY I MAY HAVE BEEN STRUCK IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, INJURED OR DIED AND NO-ONE WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS A BRAKE MALFUNCTION. MY CONCERNS WERE HEEDED AND A TECH WAS ASSIGNED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME THAT EVE. THE BRAKE LOCK-UP OCCURED SEVERAL TIMES TO HIM WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY. IT WAS ONCE AGAIN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY ARE REPLACING THE BRAKE BOOSTER BUT ARE NOT SURE THIS IS THE EXACT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED TO SAY THE LEAST. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE. IS THERE A RECALL OR INVESTIGATION? ARE THERE DEATHS ATTRIBUTED TO THIS FAILURE? COULD THERE BE UNREPORTED DEATHS DUE TO THIS DEFECT? WHY WAS THERE NO FAULT IN THE COMPUTER? VEHICLE BEING REPAIRED @ SPEEDCRAFT VW, WAKEFIELD, RI, (401) 783-3303. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Structure, Aug 11, 2004
WAS CURRENTLY DEPLOYED IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM FOR MORE THAN A YEAR, MY CAR WAS AT MY PARENTS, BEING DRIVEN ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK TO KEEP ENGINE IN GOOD SHAPE. SOME OF THESE THINGS HAVE BEEN SINCE RETURNING IN APRIL 2004, OTHERS HAPPENED PRIOR TO LEAVING IN FEBRUARY 2003. IT'S A 2002 JETTA GLS. I SHOULDN'T BE HAVING THESE TYPE OF PROBLEMS THIS SOON. 1. OIL PLUG ON OIL PAN IS ALMOST STRIPPED FROM GETTING OIL CHANGES (ADVISED BY 3 DIFFERENT GARAGES). CURRENTLY ATTEMPTING TO GET A NEW PLUG, AN OVERSIZED ONE PER 2 GARAGES. 2. PATCHES OF PAINT SEEM TO BE ALMOST CHIPPING AWAY (ON SEVERAL SPOTS ALL OVER THE CAR). TOOK IT TO THE DEALER & THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO BIRD POOP. MY CAR STAYS IN A GARAGE & GETS WASHED BI-WEEKLY. 3. THE COATING ON BOTH INSIDE DOOR HANDLES IS PEELING. 4. THE WINDOW MECHANISM NEEDED FIXED. DEALER FIXED. 5. RECALL ABOUT BRAKE LIGHT FIXED BY DEALER. *JB
Visibility, Aug 11, 2004
TURNING INTO DRIVEWAY, HEARD A "POP" AND THEN WATCHED THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW SHAKE AND RATTLE ITS WAY DOWN, WITHOUT THE POWER WINDOW BUTTONS BEING DEPRESSED. WINDOW REMAINED TRAPPED DOWN IN THE DOOR, UNTIL THE DEALER FINALLY LOOKED AND IT AND DETERMINED THE SCREWS AND PINS HOLDING THE WINDOW TRACK IN PLACE HAD CRACKED. *JB
Air bags, Aug 10, 2004
I WAS DRIVING ALONG HIGHWAY 50 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE PASSENGER SIDE, DOOR AND SEAT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE ELK GROVE VOLKSWAGON DEALERSHIP IS ACCUSING ME OF RUNNING OVER SOMETHING AND I KNOW THAT I DIDN'T. I WAS GOING 65 MPH AND IF I WOULD HAVE RAN OVER SOMETHING TO JOLT MY CAR ENOUGH TO DEPLOY MY AIRBAGS, I'M SURE ALL OF THEM WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, AS WELL AS, I WOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE OF SOME TYPE OF COLLISION.
Air bags, Aug 9, 2004
AIRBAG UNIT LIGHT CAME ON FOR A THIRD TIME. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Tires, Aug 5, 2004
THE FRONT LEFT TIRE WENT FLAT AFTER VEHICLE WAS SITTING FOR A MONTH, AND THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE OF CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL. ALSO, THE 2 REAR TIRES DEVELOPED CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALL. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Tires, Wheels, Jul 28, 2004
PURCHASED CAR IN JANUARY 2002 NEW FROM DEALER, IN SHOP 2 DAYS LATER TIRE NOT INSTALLED, CAUSING IT TO GO FLAT, HAPPENED AGAIN 2 DAYS AFTER THAT, AND AGAIN THE NEXT WEEK, FINALLY RIMS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED PROBLEM SOLVED. THEN HAND BRAKE FAILED, IN SHOP TO FIX, 2 WEEKS AFTER IT WAS RETURNED FAILED AGAIN, FIXED, THEN 3 WEEKS AFTER THAT IF FAILED AGAIN, THEN THE WINDOW BRACKETS BROKE, THEN ENGINE FAILED THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY ON A RECALL PART, WAS FIXED, THEN IT FAILED A FEW MONTHS LATER AGAIN, SUPPOSEDLY FIXED, THEN IT FAILED AGAIN ONLY THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, THEN IT FAILED AGAIN THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS THE OIL PUMP AND HOSE AND BLAMED THAT ON US, THEN IT FAILED AGAIN, WAS FIXED, AND NOW IT IS COMPLETELY DOWN AGAIN. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jul 24, 2004
RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V096.I AM THE LESSEE OF A 2002 VW JETTA THAT HAS EXPERIENCE A BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION FOUR (4) TIMES IN THE PAST 24 MONTHS. THE LATEST FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE CAUSED A FAILURE OF THE LIGHTS ON DECELERATION FOLLOWED BY THEM BEING STUCK IN THE ON POSITION WHILE PARKED. WHILE REPEATED REPAIRS OF THIS RECURRING PROBLEM (BY THE VW DEALERSHIP) SEEM TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, THE ISSUE RETURNS. THE LATEST INCIDENT NEARLY CAUSED A REAR-END COLLISION ON A HIGH-WAY OFF-RAMP. MAINTENANCE RECORDS OF THIS RECURRING PROBLEM WERE REVIEWED BY VW CORP. FACTORY REP. AND THE OPINION OF VW IS THAT THEY WILL ENTERTAIN NO FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS INCIDENT OR REPAIR, NOR WILL THEY ALLOW ME TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN AFTER FOUR (4) INSTANCES OF BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS WITHIN 24 MONTHS. ACCORDING TO THE MAINTENANCE RECORDS, THE VEHICLE HAS THE RECALL BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH INSTALLED AND STILL HAS HAD FAILURES OCCUR.*AK