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.
Air bags, Jan 10, 2003
WHILE DRIVING WITHIN THE CITY, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP WHICH DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM. DEALER STATED THE COMPUTER HAD INDICATED AND ACCIDENT HAD OCCURRED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*JB
Electrical system, Jan 10, 2003
I WAS 1300 MILES FROM HOME AND 3 HOURS FROM THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHEN MY COIL WENT OUT AND I HAD TO SPEND EXTRA TIME AWAY FROM HOME. CAR ONLY HAS 12000 MILES AND NOW THE DEALER TELLS ME THE OTHERS WILL GO SOON.
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2003
2002 JETTA 1.8 T, START SHAKING AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 MINUTES. DEALER DETECTED AS A FAILED IGNITION COIL PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 8, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THE ENGINE DOES NOT WORK,CONSUMER STATES ENGINE COIL IS FAILING. TS
Electrical system, Jan 8, 2003
>I HAVE A CAR PROBLEM. I HAVE A 2002 JETTA AND HAVE MADE ONLY 9 PAYMENTS. >> IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 2 TIMES IN A MONTH, BOTH TIMES IT WAS A "COIL" >> PROBLEM AND 2 COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A >> MAJOR PROBLEM AND VW HAS CHOSEN NOT TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE CARS AFFECTED BY THIS "COIL" PROBLEM. I SEE TONS OF NOTES ON THE INTERNET FROM PEOPLE ALL OVER THE US WITH THE SAME ISSUE. SOME PEOPLE ARE HAVING TO WAIT OVER A MONTH FOR THE PART TO COME IN B/C VW CANNOT MAKE ENOUGH, QUICKLY ENOUGH. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT TO EXPRESS MY CONCERN AND HOPEFULLY GET A RECALL ISSUED? I HAVE CALLED VW DIRECTLY AND THEY JUST TELL ME THEY ARE SORRY >> AND OFFER ME 100.00 GIFT CERT FOR THEIR MERCHANDISE. THERE ARE 4 COILS IN >> THE ENGINE, SO AT THIS POINT SOME OF US JUST HAVE TO CROSS OUR FINGERS AND >> PRAY WE DON'T BREAK DOWN AGAIN, INSTEAD OF VW JUST RECALLING THE CARS AND >> REPLACING ALL OF THE COILS AT ONE TIME, THEY SAY THEY MUST BE BROKEN TO BE >> FIXED.
Suspension, Jan 3, 2003
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE'S COIL PACKS FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REFUSES TO REPAIR ALL FAULTY PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Suspension, Jan 2, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK BACK IN FORTH. TS
Electrical system, Jan 2, 2003
1 IGNITION COIL ON MY 2002 1.8T VW JETTA WAGON FAILED ON SATURDAY 12-19. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, STILL AWAITING PART TO ARRIVE!!
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 31, 2002
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER STATES' THE EMISSIONS COIL IS DEFECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2002
2002 JETTA GLX (V6). CAR HAS 10,000 MILES ON IT AND THE SECOND IGNITION COIL PACK JUST FAILED. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 3 WEEKS WAITING FOR PARTS THIS TIME AROUND. DEALER INDICATED THAT SEVERAL OTHER JETTAS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. OTHER VW OWNERS (PASSAT) INDICATED SIMILAR PROBLEMS. OTHER DEALERS INDICATE SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND LONG WAIT TIMES. I SEE FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT THIS PROBLEM IS EPIDEMIC IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY AS WELL. THE REPEATED AND UNEXPECTED FAILURE OF THE IGNITION COILS IS AN INCREDIBLY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE DRIVERS OF THESE VEHICLES AS WELL AS ANYONE ELSE ON THE HIGHWAY. THESE COILS FAIL WITHOUT WARNING - THE SECOND ONE FAILED WHILE I WAS HUNDREDS OF MILES FROM HOME ON A VERY LONELY STRETCH OF THE WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS TURNPIKE (NO CELL PHONE SERVICE OF COURSE) EARLY IN THE MORNING IN A SNOWSTORM!
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2002
COIL PACK FAILURE (2ND IN LESS THAN 3000 MILES)
Electrical system, Dec 25, 2002
I'VE TAKEN MY 2002 JETTA 1.8T IN ON 3 OCCASIONS TO HAVE AN IGNITION COIL REPLACED, AND I'M STILL RUNNING THE CAR WITH THE FOURTH ORIGINAL IGNITION COIL. THE SERVICE MANAGER EVEN STATED, "IT'S PROBABLY ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE FOURTH GOES BAD, BUT WE AREN'T AUTHORIZED TO REPLACE IT IF IT'S NOT HAVING ANY PROBLEMS."
Electrical system, Dec 24, 2002
FAILURE OF IGNITION COIL. TS
Electrical system, Dec 24, 2002
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 VW JETTA (1.8T) INTO TRAFFIC A COIL PACK FAILED AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. IT WAS QUITE POSSIBLE THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY TRAFFIC TURNING INTO MY LANE BECAUSE THE CAR LOSES ALL POWER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS IS THE 3RD COIL PACK TO HAVE FAILED ON ME IN THE LAST 5 MONTHS, AND I AM A BIT AFRAID TO TAKE THE CAR ON LONG TRIPS DUE TO THE VEHICLE UNDRIVABLE CONDITIONS. I AM EVEN SOMEWHAT AFRAID TO PROCEED INTO TRAFFIC IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS BECAUSE IF A COIL PACK FAILS I WILL BE PUT AT THE MERCY OF OTHER DRIVERS REACTIONS AND ABILITY TO STOP. TS
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 19, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE DRIVER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THAT THE SPARK COIL HAD SHORTED OUT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM PER DEALERSHIP. TS
Electrical system, Dec 18, 2002
VEHICLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES AT ANY SPEED DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION COIL. DEALER INSPECTED AND REPLACED JUST ONE OUT THE FIVE COIL. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS *TR
Electrical system, Dec 18, 2002
COIL PACKS WHICH CONTROL SPARK TO THE ENGINE FAILED ON CYLINDERS #2 AND #4. REPLACED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. FIVE DAYS LATER COIL PACK ON CYLINDER #3 FAILED. ALSO REPLACED BY DEALER. THE COIL PACK FAILURES RESULTED IN A CONSIDERABLE LOSS OF POWER AND A FOUL ODOR FROM THE EXHAUST. IN ADDITION, THE COIL PACK BROKE APART ALLOWING THE ELECTRICAL PARTS TO BE EXPOSED.
Electrical system, Dec 16, 2002
CYLINDER COIL PACKS ARE THE PROBLEM. DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/2002 CUT-OVER-TO ARTEMIS......770758. *AK *JB
Electrical system, Dec 16, 2002
I HAVE A 2002 JETTA 1.8T AND HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES NOW IN THE PAST MONTH AND 1/2 FOR COIL PACK FAILURE. HAD CAR IN SHOP 1 DAY FOR FIRST COIL, ONE WEEK FOR 2ND COIL, AND 1 1/2 WEEK FOR THIRD COIL. JUST HAVE 10,000 MILES ON CAR.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 13, 2002
ON SEPTEMBER 30TH, I TOOK MY JETTA IN TO VALENTI VOLKSWAGEN TO HAVE A NEW AND UPDATED ECU INSTALLED. THE UNIT WAS IN STOCK, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM RICK IN PARTS AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO COME IN THAT DAY TO HAVE IT PUT IT. WHEN I ARRIVED, I WAS TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN THE ECU IN MY CAR HAD TO BE SENT TO VOLKSWAGEN TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND THAT I HAD TO GET A RENTAL CAR WHILE THE ECU WAS OUT. I GOT A CALL FROM SERVICE ON OCTOBER 12TH LETTING ME KNOW MY CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP. WHEN I ARRIVED, I WAS TOLD MY ECU WAS STILL AT VOLKSWAGEN BEING REPROGRAMMED. THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS ABLE TO GET A NEW AND UPDATED ECU IN THE MEAN TIME. I DON''T KNOW WHY THEY JUST DIDN''T INSTALL THE ECU THEY HAD IN STOCK ON SEPTEMBER 30TH. I HAD TO PAY A TOTAL OF 119.88 TO ENTERPRISE FOR THE RENTAL VEHICLE. I''VE CALLED IN TO VOLKSWAGEN CARE NUMEROUS TIMES REGARDING THIS COMPLAINT AND NOTHING WAS RESOLVED. I TOLD THE REPS I SPOKE TO I WANTED AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY MY CAR WAS NOT REPAIRED ON THE 30TH WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN. IT TOOK ALMOST TWO WEEKS TO FIX IT AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE RENTAL CAR, WHICH WAS UNNECESSARY. A COPY OF THIS HAS BEEN SENT TO J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES FOR THEIR REVIEW. SINCERELY, ROBERT TAYLOR
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2002
I FEEL THAT THE HIGH FAILURE RATE OF VW IGNITION COIL PACKS IS A DANGER TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC SAFETY. IT IS NOT UNCOMMON TO HAVE MULTIPLE COIL PACKS FAIL. I HAVE TO CROSS A BUSY HIGHWAY TO GO TO WORK AND FEAR BEING KILLED SHOULD I ACCIDENTALLY PULL OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. THE CAR HAS VIRTUALLY NO POWER TO ACCELERATE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT WHEN THIS HAPPENS. DT
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 10, 2002
IGNITION COIL PACKS ARE FAULTY ON 2002 VOLKSWAGENS WITH 1.8T ENGINES. THERE ARE FOUR OF THESE PARTS ON EACH 1.8T ENGINE. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE TO THE POINT OF THE CAR WILL STALL AND CAN NOT BE DRIVEN. MY 2002 JETTA 1.8T WAGON HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE SHOP TWICE IN THE PAST MONTH FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME ONLY ONE COIL PACK WAS REPLACED, LEAVING THREE FAULTY ONES STILL INSTALLED. A COUPLE WEEKS AFTER THE FIRST COIL PACK WAS REPLACED ANOTHER ONE FAILED. CURRENTLY MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 15 DAYS WAITING ON THE PART TO ARRIVE FROM EUROPE. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 19 DAYS TOTAL IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. WHEN THE PART ARRIVES, VOLKSWAGEN CLAIMS THEY CAN ONLY REPLACE ONE DAMAGED COIL PACK (NOT ALL FOUR FAULTY ONES) BECAUSE THE PARTS ARE IN SUCH HIGH DEMAND. THE VW SERVICE GARAGE IN DURHAM, NC (SOUTHERN STATES VW) TOLD ME THEY HAVE 8 CARS WAITING ON THESE PARTS TO ARRIVE. THE NATIONAL VW CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME VW IS REPLACING ONLY ONE COIL PACK PER CAR, TRYING TO GET AS MANY CARS BACK ON THE ROAD AS POSSIBLE, ADMITTING THAT ANY OF THE OTHER ORIGINAL COIL PACKS MAY FAIL AGAIN AT ANY TIME. IF THERE ARE EIGHT CARS ON THE LOT IN DURHAM, NC THERE MUST BE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF VWS ACROSS THE US IN GARAGES ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM! VW OF AMERICA REALIZES THIS PROBLEM, YET THEY REFUSE TO DO A RECALL DUE TO LIMITED SUPPLY OF PARTS. MEANWHILE EVERYONE WILL BE STILL STUCK WITH A CAR WHO'S ENGINE MAY FAIL AT ANY TIME DUE TO THIS FAULTY ENGINE PART! THIS IS A DANGEROUS CAR TO OWN! SOMEONE NEEDS TO PUT PRESSURE ON VW OF AMERICA TO RECALL ALL 2002'S JETTA AND BEETLES WITH 1.8T ENGINES. DT
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2002
COIL HAS BROKEN TWICE IN TWO WEEKS. KNOWN ISSUE WITH VW AND THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE ALL POTENTIALY DEFECTIVE PARTS, ONLY WILL REPLACE CURRENTLY BROKEN PARTS. DT
Electrical system, Dec 9, 2002
I STARTED VEHICLE, PROCEEDED TO DRIVE, BUT VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND LOST POWER. ALSO THERE WAS A SLIGHT FOUL SMELL. MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. WAS TOLD CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE BY DEALERSHIP, AS IGNITION COILS FAILED. THEY SAID ONLY TWO DAMAGED AT THIS TIME AND WILL NOT REPLACE OTHER TWO UNLESS PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN. THERE ARE OTHER REPORTED INCIDENTS ON SIMILAR VEHICLES. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE IF THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO BE UNSAFE WHY ARE THEY NOT REPLACING ALL 4. THIS COULD ALSO CAUSE ME TO BE STRANDED SOMEWHERE AS I DRIVE LONG DISTANCES ON OCCASION. DT
Visibility, Dec 8, 2002
NO SUMMARY. DT