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.
Visibility, Aug 23, 2002
POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED, ALLOWING WINDOW TO FALL INSIDE DOOR WELL WITH NO WARNING. DEALERSHIP USED TAPE TO PULL UP WINDOW TO HOLD IT. TAPE HELD A COUPLE OF DAYS AND WINDOW FELL AGAIN WHILE RAINING AND PARKING. PART REPLACED. CURRENTLY, PASSENGER'S WINDOW DID THE SAMETHING. PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. *AK *SLC
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE HIT SOMETHING, CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY, THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF COLLISION DAMAGE, CLAIM 33-0397-972. *SLC
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER SWERVED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING AN OBJECT IN THE ROAD, WHEN DOING SO THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CLAIM 59-Y129-766. *SLC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 12, 2002, fire
I BOUGHT 2002 JETTA FROM SUNNYVALE VOLKSWAGEN THIS APRIL AND LAST WEEK I CAME TO KNOW THAT A RECALL ON THE ABS CONTROL UNIT (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 02V031000) APPLIES TO MY MODEL. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. IF MY CAR HAS THE DEFECTIVE ABS UNIT OR NOT BUT THEY SAID THEY HAD NO IDEA. THEY SAID THEY CANNOT TELL FROM VIN OR ALL THE INFORMATION I PROVIDED TO THEM. I CONTACTED THEM AGAIN TO CONFIRM IF WHAT THEY HAD TOLD ME WAS CORRECT OR NOT AND THEY ADMITTED MY CAR STILL HAS THE DEFECTIVE ABS CONTROL UNIT. THE RECALL DATE WAS 02/04/2002 SO SUNNYVALE VOLKSWAGEN MUST HAVE KNOWN THAT MY CAR HAD THE DEFECTIVE ABS UNIT WHEN THEY SOLD IT TO ME. THE DEFECT NOT ONLY DECREASED MY CAR'S RESELL VALUE BUT ALSO PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER. WHEN I ASKED [XXX], THE SALE ASSOCIATE ASSIGNED TO ME, ABOUT 'SAFETY FIRST', HE SAID "LIKE, SEATBELT". THAT'S IT. MAYBE HE JUST WANTED TO SKIP THE SUBJECT BECAUSE OF THE ABS UNIT. I DID NOT BUY IT IF I WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALL THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE. MY CAR WAS ON SALE AND ACCORDING TO ONE OF THE MANAGERS (HIS NAME IS SAID, NOT SURE ABOUT SPELLING), THEY HAD 3 JETTA'S ON SALE SO I THINK THERE ARE TWO MORE JETTA OWNERS THAT PROBABLY DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL. ALL OWNERS SHOULD RECEIVE RECALL NOTICE NO MATTER WHEN THEY BUY A CAR, BEFORE OR AFTER THE RECALL DATE. DEALERSHIPS LIKE SUNNYVALE VOLKSWAGEN PUT CAR OWNERS AND OTHER DRIVERS' LIVES IN DANGER. ALSO, CUSTOMER SUPPORT PEOPLE AT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. NEED MORE TRAINING (I'M ASSUMING THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME FALSE INFORMATION KNOWINGLY).*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Aug 12, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AND FOR NO REASON, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED SOME ACHES AND BURNS, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COMPUTER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A COLLISION, HOWEVER AFTER INSPECTION IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO SIGNS OF DAMAGE ANYWHERE, IT IS UNCERTAIN AS TO IF THE AIR BAGS WERE FRONT OR SIDE. *SLC
Equipment, Aug 8, 2002
OWNERS MANUAL INDICATES THAT SEAT BELT WARNING ON DASHBOARD WILL ILLUMINATE IF SEAT BELTS ARE NOT WORN. HOWEVER, IF SEAT BELTS AREN'T WORN NOTHING WILL FLASH AS A REMINDER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Visibility, Aug 5, 2002
PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT WINDOW GROUND TO A HALT THEN COLLAPSED INTO THE DOOR FRAME. WINDOW WOULD NOT COME BACK UP. DEALER REPORTS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE: THE TEFLON GUIDE SLEEVES BREAK, ESPECIALLY IN HOT CLIMATES, AND ALLOW THE WINDOW TO FALL INTO THE DOOR. DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE OTHER SLIDES UNTIL THEY FAIL EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 1,300 MILES ON IT! DEALER CLAIMS REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED TO INCLUDE METAL REINFORCEMENT. THIS IS HUGE ISSUE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THERE IS NO WARNING BEFORE FAILURE. IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE CAR BECOMES TOTALLY UNDRIVABLE AND CANNOT BE SECURED. OTHER MODEL YEARS, INCLUDING 2001 JETTAS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. VW SHOULD REPAIR ALL FOUR WINDOWS ON ALL JETTAS WITH THIS TYPE OF WINDOW GUIDE SLEEVE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 30, 2002
ABS SYSTEM FAILED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED AFTER BEING SERVICED BY THE RECALL. *AK
Exterior lighting, Jul 26, 2002
BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Power train, Jul 26, 2002, crash
WHILE PARKED WITH IGNITION OFF VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jul 26, 2002
VEHICLE HESITATES BEFORE ACCELERATION; COULD CAUSE STALL IN INTERSECTION. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 26, 2002
CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. *JG
Visibility, Jul 25, 2002
BOTH FRONT WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR OVER 2 WKS. THE FIRST TIME THE WINDOW FELL IT TOOK ABOUT A WEEK. ALL DEALERS IN MIAMI HAVE THE WINDOWS ON BACKORDER DUE TO THE HIGH AMOUNT OF INCIDENTS.*JB
Air bags, Jul 19, 2002
PASSENGER'S AIRBAG COVER POPPED OFF WHILE DRIVING.*AK
Power train, Jul 19, 2002
CLUTCH KEPT SLIPPING, DEALER REPLACED CLUTCH ASSEMBLY.*AK
Structure, Jul 19, 2002
DRIVER'S DOOR IS BENT. WHEN CLOSING THERE IS A GAP. DEALER FIRST REPLACED SEAL, AND CURRENTLY DOOR WILL BE REPLACED.*AK
Visibility, Jul 19, 2002
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WINDOW (2) AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW (1) HAS FALLEN DOWN INTO THE DOOR. ON THE FIRST OCCASION THE WINDOW SHATTERED INSIDE THE DOOR AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE LATEST INCIDENT HAPPENED ON JULY 1ST, 2002 AND AS OF THIS DATE (7/19/02) VW HAS NOT ONLY NOT REPAIRED THE CAR, BUT CAN'T GIVE ME A DATE WHEN THEY CAN BECAUSE THEY CAN'T LOCATE PARTS TO REPAIR THE ASSEMBLY. THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN WITH THE DEALER INSTALLED TAPE HOLDING THE WINDOWS UP, BUT THIS DOESN'T WORK VERY WELL IN THE ARIZONA SUN OR DURING MONSOON SEASON. I'D ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED MY WIFE WAS DRIVING FROM PHOENIX TO TUCSON (AS SHE DOES 4 TIMES A WEEK, ROUND TRIP OF 230 MILES DAILY) AND HAD TO DRIVE OVER 100 MILES WITH NO WINDOW IN 111 DEGREE HEAT. THE LOCAL DEALER HAS BEEN GREAT THROUGHTOUT THIS WHOLE EXERCISE, BUT VW HAS NOT GIVEN CUSTOMER SERVICE I WOULD BRAG ABOUT. ONE MORE ITEM I'D LIKE TO ADD - I'VE TALKED WITH SEVERAL OTHER JETTA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. ANY HELP YOU CAN OFFER WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.*AK
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 17, 2002
PASSENGER FRONT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT CAUSE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THIS IS THE SECOND SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THIS JETTA, THE FIRST BEING UNINTENTIONAL ACCELLERATION.*AK
Seats, Jul 2, 2002
SEAT'S MATERIAL IS DETERIORATING, AND IF USING A SEAT COVER IT WILL BE COVERING SIDE AIR BAGS.*AK
Visibility, Jun 29, 2002
BOLTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WINDOW DOESN'T OPEN OR CLOSE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THEY ARE LOCKED IN PLACE AND CAN'T BE OPENED UNTIL THE UNITS ARE REPLACED.*AK
Visibility, Jun 25, 2002
THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM, ALMOST EVERYONE I HAVE SPOKE TO ABOUT IT AT THE DEALERSHIP ADMITS THAT IT IS A HUGE PROBLEM. THEY KNEW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR WHEN I CALLED WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITH IN TWO MONTHS OF THE FIRST PROBLEM. YOU NEED TO INVESTAGE THIS BEFORE SOME ONE GETS KILLED. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Air bags, Jun 25, 2002, crash
CONSUMER HAD A MINOR ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED MINOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT SPOILER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SIX(6) HOURS LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED. VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPT. COUOLD NOT EXPLAIN WHY IT HAPPENED. *JG
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Jun 24, 2002
IN DEC. 01 THE BRAKE AND ABS PANEL LIGHTS CAME ON. THE CAR MANUAL SAID TO TAKE TO MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE RELOCATED FROM NJ WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR TO V.I. I WAS TOLD BY SALESMAN, GARY, THAT VOLKSWAGEN WOULD COVER WARANTY EXPENSES JUST SEND RECEIPT. WHEN I CALLED VW ABOUT THE PROBLEM I WAS TOLD TO SHIP THE CAR TO PR WHICH WOULD COST ME $1600. THE PROPERTY DAMAGE FIGURE I CAN'T AFFORD THE PR DEALER IS THE CLOSEST I SPOKE TO THEM THEY SAID MASTER BRAKE CONTROL UNIT OR THE LA BOMBA NEED REPLACEMENT COST $600 DOLLARS AND 400 RESPECTIVELY. THEY SAID PERHAPS THEY WOULD SEND MECHANIC IF I PAID TRANSPORTATION AND ROOM. IF THE PARTS SPECIAL TOOLS (LOANED) AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE SENT MY MECHANIC COULD DO THE JOB. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR WHICH I PAID OVER $20,000.*AK
Visibility, Jun 20, 2002
WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE. WINDOW WOULD POWER UP OR DOWN, STAYED IN DOWN POSITION WITH RAIN COMING IN.*AK
Air bags, Jun 11, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW CURTAIN AND PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT CAUSE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT THAT CAUSED THE AIR BAGS TO BEPLOY, THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURY TO ARM WHEN AIR BAG DEPLOYED *AK *NLM