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.
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2002
FAILURE RESULTS IN DISABLING OF VEHICLE. VW IS ONLY REPLACING FAILED COILS EVEN THOUGH THEY ADMIT THAT THE OTHERS WILL PROBABLY FAIL EVENTUALLY. DT
Electrical system, Dec 5, 2002
ONE COIL PACK FAILURE IN MIAMI, REPAIRED BY ESSERMAN VW. ANOTHER FAILED IN NW GEORGIA MOUNTAINS, REPAIRED BY OBTAINING PART THRU LOCAL TECHICIAN. DT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 4, 2002
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 30MPH THE PEDAL WILL GO ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 3, 2002
ENGINE COILS FAIL WHILE DRIVING LOSS OF POWER DANGEROUS. VW KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM, REFUSES TO FIX ALL COILS, SAYS WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THEM TO FAIL THAT CAUSES ACCIDENTS. SAFETY RELATED RECALL OF ALL COILS REQUIRED. DT
Electrical system, Dec 3, 2002
THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH VW/AUDI 1.8T ENGINES. AFFECTS AUDI A4, VW PASSAT/BEETLE/JETTA. PARTS BACK ORDERED THROUGH DEALER, THEY SAID. NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. CAR LOSES POWER WHEN MOVING, WILL NOT GO FASTER THAN 20MPH. POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENT HAPPEND MANY, MANY TIMES. ALSO, MORE THAN ONE FAILIURE HAS HAPPEND TO A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT I KNOW. DT
Air bags, Dec 2, 2002, crash
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT, IN WHICH THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE FORCE WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. TS *SCC *JB
Visibility, Nov 24, 2002
POWERED DOWN WINDOW AND IT MADE A LOUD NOISE AND FAILED TO RETURN TO THE UP POSITION. DT
Electrical system, Nov 22, 2002
IGNITION COILS FAILED 3 TIMES. CAR HAS BEEN IN REPAIR SHOP FOR A MONTH, NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE BEING DELIVERED. DT
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 21, 2002
THE CONSUMER RENTED A VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS WHILE HER VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED FOR A RECALL ON THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A REIMBURSEMENT CHECK BUT IT WAS NOT FOR THE FULL AMOUNT PAID, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT VOLKSWAGEN ONLY REIMBURSED $25 A DAY FOR RENTAL VEHICLES, THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS WAS NEVER DISCLOSED TO HER AND SHE IS SEEKING THE REMAINDER OF THE MONEY FOR REIMBURSEMENT. *NLM
Air bags, Nov 19, 2002
WHILE DRIVING OUR TWO MONTH OLD JETTA ON ROUTE 80 OUR DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS WENT OFF WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF IMPACT. THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WHICH WAS CONFIRMED BY THE CLOSEST VOLKWAGEN DEALER WE DROVE IT TO. VOLKSWAGEN SAYS THE COMPUTER SAYS THERE WAS AN IMPACT THOUGH NO DAMAGE WHAT SO EVER IS VISIBLE. THEY SAID WE MUST REPORT THE CLAIM TO OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. THEY WILL ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY. WE ARE AFRAID THIS WILL KEEP HAPPENING UNTIL VOLKSWAGEN DECIDES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE OUR NEW CAR. DT
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 15, 2002
FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT GO TO FULL MARK. DROPS BETWEEN 1/2 AND FULL MARKS. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FUEL SENDER 3 TIMES, FUEL PUMP ONCE, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BOARD TWICE. PH *JB **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**769766
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 13, 2002
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA IS REFUSING TO NOTIFY CONSUMERS & DEALERS OF THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION EXPERIENCED BY MANY NEW 2002 1.8-T JETTA. DT
Air bags, Oct 27, 2002, crash
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STREET AT SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH, AN OBJECT CAME THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD HITTING DRIVER IN LEFTSIDE OF FACE. THIS CAUSE DRIVER TO VEER OFF TO RIGHTSIDE OF ROAD INTO A DITCH, WHERE THE CAR JUMPED A CURB HEAD ON. WHEN THIS HAPPENED, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED ALONG WITH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND BACK CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYING. THERE WAS NO COLLISION W/EXCEPTION OF THE CURB INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAGS WOULD HAVE NO REASON TO DEPLOY LIKE THIS. THIS ACCIDENT WAS VERY SHORT OF BEING A FATALITY. THE IMPACT FROM THE SIDE AIRBAGS SHATTERED ALL OF THE BONES ON THE LEFTSIDE OF THE DRIVERS FACE, AND THE GLASS FROM THE WINDOWS SHATTERING CUT HIS LEFT EYEBALL IN 3 PLACES CAUSING THE EYE LOSS OF HIS EYE. THE DRIVER HAD TO BE RUSHED TO A LOCAL TRAUMA UNIT TO UNDERGO EMERGENCY SURGERY TO TRY TO SAVE HIS EYE. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL, AS WELL AS HAVING TO HAVE RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY TO TRY AND PUT THE BONES IN HIS FACE AS CLOSE TO BACK TOGETHER AS POSSIBLE. THANKS TO SOMEONE WATCHING OVER HIM HE IS STILL ALIVE. BUT IT IS FAR PAST TIME TO HAVE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THESE AIRBAGS! WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL IT IS SUCCESSFUL! DT
Power train, Oct 24, 2002
CONSUMER NOTICED FAILURE IN THE TRIP TONIC MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2002, fire
CONSUMER STATES WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING SMOKE BEGUN TO COME FROM THE HOOD AREA NEAR DRIVER'S SIDE. CONSUMER STATES SHE STOPPED THE AUTO AND ASKED A PERSON FOR SOMETHING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. SHE STATES SHE HAD AUTO TOWED TO HER HOME, THE MECHANIC CHECKED IT AND SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE MASTER BRAKE ABS CONTROL UNIT AND PART OF THE WIRING HARNESS. MR
Air bags, Oct 8, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING THE SIDE AIRBAGS WENT INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *MR
Vehicle speed control, Oct 2, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHEN SLOWING FOR A STOP IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HAS JUST REAR ENDED CONSUMER, CONSUMER HAS TO HOLD FOOT ON BRAKE TO KEEP CAR FROM TAKING OFF. NLM
Visibility, Sep 17, 2002
WHILE ROLLING PASSENGER'S WINDOW UP THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. WINDOW DROPPED, AND WAS UNABLE TO ROLL IT UP AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Visibility, Sep 14, 2002
UPON PURCHASING A 2002 JETTA GLS TDI 4-DOOR SEDAN (TURBO-CHARGED) ON 09/13/02 AND HAVING IT APPROX. 2 HOURS AFTER THE PURCHASE, THE PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOW MADE A LOUD "POP" SOUND WHEN ROLLING IT DOWN. THE WINDOW WOULD CONTINUE TO ROLL DOWN FINE BUT THE FURTHER DOWN IT WENT, THE MORE I HEARD A "CRUNCHING" SOUND. THE WINDOW ENDED UP GOING ALL THE WAY DOWN INTO THE DOOR, THUS LEAVING MY CAR OPEN TO THEFT AND ANY UNFORSEEN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE WINDOW GAVE NO PRIOR INDICATION THAT THIS ISSUE WOULD OCCUR. THE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL UP WHATSOEVER. FROM REPORTS READ ON THE INTERNET AND AT THE NHTSA SITE, THIS IS AN AWFULLY COMMON PROBLEM THAT VW SHOULD HAVE RESOLVED A LONG TIME AGO. APPARENTLY, IT'S STILL SADLY OUTSTANDING AND NHTSA OR OTHER SIMILAR ORGANIZATION SHOULD REQUIRE VW TO FIX THIS ASAP AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER. NLM
Air bags, Sep 12, 2002
PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENT, DECELERATION OR APPARENT CONTACT THE ROAD BED.*AK
Structure, Sep 12, 2002
I BOUGHT MY 2001 JETTA IN NOVEMBER OF 2001 IN GOOD FAITH WITH THE EXCITEMENT OF BUYING MY FIRST VW AND THE ARMREST BROKE THE FIRST WEEK I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. IN MARCH, THE BACK ASHTRAY WAS REPLACED (WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN USED) BUT HAD SPRINGS POP OUT OF IT AND THE ARMREST WAS REPLACED AGAIN. ON AUGUST 26TH MY VEHICLES RADIO STOPPED WORKING AND WOULD NOT WORK. I CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP, RUSSEL VW, AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT. I WAS TOLD BY MR. SCOTT MILLS THAT THE RADIO WAS PROBABLY DEFECTIVE AND I WOULD HAVE TO GET A NEW ONE. MAJOR INCONVENIENCE BUT I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR AUGUST 30TH. ON AUGUST 29TH WHILE DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL THE VEHICLES EMERGENCY LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING AND SMOKING. RUSSEL VW HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THEIR SHOP, TOLD ME I HAD DEFECTIVE COILS AND REPLACED THEM AND THE RADIO/STEREO AND I RECEIVED MY VEHICLE BACK ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2002. THE VEHICLE RAN GOOD FOR 30 MINUTES ALTHOUGH ONE SPEAKER WAS NOW BLOWN AND THE CAR STARTED TO DRIVE WITH LOTS OF HESITATION AND ON TUESDAY, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE HAD STOPPED WORKING AND THE TEMPERATURE LIGHT CAME ON. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2002. I WAS CONTACTED BY THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH REPLACED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND ANOTHER COIL (I THINK), AND TOLD ME THEIR MECHANIC WANTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME BECAUSE HE COULDNT LOCATE THE PROBLEM BUT COULD FEEL THE ENGINE HESITATION. ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH, MR. MILLS CONTACTED ME TOLD ME THAT RUSSEL VW FELT I HAD A FAULTY TRANSMISSION AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. NOW THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM I WAS HOPING VW WOULD WORK WITH ME BY EITHER EXTENDING THE WARRANTY OR LETTING ME TRADE THIS JETTA FOR ANOTHER ONE.*AK
Power train, Sep 5, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHEN PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, AND THE VEHICLE IDLING, THE VEHICLE WILL SLIP OUT OF PARK AND START TO ROLL BACK. CONTACTED DEALER.*JB
Air bags, Sep 2, 2002
LOWER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPOLYED WHILE DRIVING DOWN STREET. UPPER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AFTER DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS EXITED VEHICLE AT CURB AND VEHICLE WAS STOPPED.*AK
Visibility, Aug 28, 2002
WINDOWS SUDDENLY AND INEXPLICABLY FALL DOWN INTO DOORS. IF CHILDREN ARE IN THE CAR WHEN THIS OCCURS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD (I HAVE CHILD SAFETY WINDOWS IN THE BACK SEATS OF MY CAR AND USE THEM WHEN MY NEPHEWS ARE IN THE CAR). THE CAR IS OPEN TO THEFT AND DAMAGE FROM THE ELEMENTS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH VW CARS AS I FOUND OUT THROUGH TALKING TO OTHER CUSTOMERS. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND SOMETHING THE NHTSA SHOULD LOOK INTO
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 23, 2002
FIRST DEALERSHIP COMPLETED RECALL 02V031000 INCORRECTLY. HAD ANOTHER DEALER CHECK IT. OTHER DEALERSHIP WAS CHARGING CONSUMER TO FIX THE OTHER DEALERSHIPS ERROR.*AK