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, Jun 1, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO USE THE TURN SIGNAL THEY WOULD NOT TURN ON; NOR DOES THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE BECAUSE NO FUSES HAD BLOWN OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Vehicle speed control, May 16, 2011, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED EACH TIME THEY TRIED USING THE BRAKES THEY DID NOT RESPOND. THE FIRST TIME THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED, BUT THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN IT CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. THE CONTACT DIDNT MENTION THAT THERE WERE ANY INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Exterior lighting, May 5, 2011
SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT BULBS ON BOTH THE BLINKERS AND THE MAIN LIGHTS GO OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE LONGER I OWN THE VEHICLE THE MORE OFTEN I HAVE TO REPLACE A BULB AND THESE ARE NOT BULBS WE CAN REPLACE OURSELVES AND THEREFORE HAVE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR STATION TO FIX. I KNOW BULBS NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT I AM TALKING I AM REPLACING A BULB ALMOST EVERY OTHER MONTH. *TR
Suspension, May 3, 2011
MY RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING SNAPPED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SPRING. I OPENED MY CAR DOOR AND SAT IN MY CAR AND HEARD A LOUD BANG. IT TURNED OUT THAT 1/2 OF A COIL SNAPPED OFF OF MY RIGHT FRONT SPRING. IT LOOKS LIKE RUST WAS NOT AN ISSUE AND THE SPRING WAS DEFECTIVE AND FAILED. I'M GLAD I WAS NOT DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE CONTACTED VWOA TO NOTIFY THEM OF THE FAILURE AND AM ASKING THEM TO REPAIR THE PART AT NO COST TO ME EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Apr 18, 2011
VEHICLE LOST POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEED. FURTHER APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO SECOND FROM FOURTH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RAPIDLY DECELERATE FROM 70 TO 40 MPH, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE SPAN OF AN HOUR, AND IS ENTIRELY INTERMITTENT. THREE VW DEALERS ARE AT A COMPLETE LOSS FOR AN EXPLANATION. THE ECU DOES NOT RETURN A FAULT CODE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS COMPLETELY AT RANDOM, REGARDLESS OF FUEL LEVEL, INCLINE, OR THROTTLE POSITION. THE ONLY CONSISTENCY IS THAT IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED AT A SPEED OVER 50 MPH. *TR
Seat belts, Mar 17, 2011
THIS ISN'T NECESSARILY A COMPLAINT, I JUST WANTED IT TO BE NOTED IN CASE OTHER JETTA DRIVERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. MY DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT RETRACTOR GAVE OUT ON MY VOLKSWAGON 2002 JETTA LAST NIGHT. BIG SAFETY CONCERN, VW SAYS THEY WILL HAVE TO ORDER A PART FOR ME, MEANWHILE MY SEATBELT IS BROKEN! I AM HOPING VW COVERS THE COST OF THIS SINCE IT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Power train, Feb 23, 2011
TRANSMISSION SLIPS, DOESN'T GRAB WHEN YOU FIRST PUT IT INTO DRIVE. SHIFTS HARD, BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS. HAVE ALMOST BACKED INTO CARS WHEN IN DRIVE. THEN I HAVE TO GIVE IT GAS TO MOVE FORWARD AND ALMOST HIT CAR PARKED IN FRONT OF ME, WITH PARALLEL PARKING. ALSO JUMPS REALLY BAD WHEN I GIVE IT A LIL GAS SOMETIMES, LIKE AT STOP LIGHTS. *TR
Visibility, Jan 16, 2011
I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES WHEN, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT THE SUNROOF EXPLODED OUTWARD. THE PANE REMAINED IN ONE PIECE, BUT WAS SHATTERED AND SMALL SHARDS OF GLASS FELL DOWN ON ME. THE TEMP OUTSIDE WAS 36 DEGREES, NO VEHICLE PASSED BY, THERE WAS NO POINT OF IMPACT, NO SEVERE TEMPERATURE CHANGE, NO CHIP OR CRACK IN THE GLASS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE IS KEPT IN A GARAGE AND THERE WAS NO PRECIPITATION (SNOW OR RAIN) ON THAT DAY. VW CLAIMS NO FAULT OF THEIRS, BUT ADMITS TO A RECALL ON A TROUGH THAT LEADS FROM THE SUNROOF DOWN THROUGH THE DOORS THAT'S KNOWN TO CLOG WITH DEBRIS. VW WILL NOT REPAIR AT THEIR COST.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 5, 2011
FIRST ISSUE, THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. I'VE NOTICED THAT MY CAR ENGINE STARTED BURNING OIL WHEN IT HAD ABOUT 50,000 MILES ON IT. IT TOOK ME ALMOST TWO YEARS TO PROVE TO THE VW DEALERSHIP MECHANICS THAT THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. AT 73,000 MILES THE VW DEALERSHIP MECHANICS REBUILT THE ENGINE. MY OIL CONSUMPTION NORMALIZED. NOW, AT AROUND 115,000 MILES, I'VE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE STARTED BURNING OIL AGAIN. 1,800 MILES AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, JIFFY LUBE MECHANIC HAD TO ADD 2.5QT OF OIL. SHOULDN'T THE ENGINE LAST AT LEAST 100,000 MILES AFTER REBUILD? IT SEEMS THAT THIS ENGINE ONLY LASTS 45,000 MILES. THIS FEELS LIKE A MAJOR DEFECT AND VW HAS TO RECALL THE ENGINE. SECOND ISSUE, MY CAR IS ONLY 8 YEARS OLD BUT IT'S ON ITS THIRD TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AT 32,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 73,000 MILES. I'M AT 115,000 AND I'M GETTING VERY WORRIED BECAUSE I'M STARTING TO FEEL LITTLE JERKS. THIS LOOKS TO BE A 40,000 MILES TRANSMISSION. HOW CAN VW DO THIS TO CONSUMERS? IT WOULD SEEM REASONABLE TO ME IF THIS TRANSMISSION GETS RECALLED. I'M NOT EVEN MENTIONING MANY OTHER MALFUNCTIONS. ONE OF WHICH INCLUDES GETTING FLOODED DURING RAINY SEASON. I CAN'T BELIEVE MY CAR, 2002 VW JETTA 2.0L GLS WAS ALLOWED TO BE ON THE MARKET. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jan 3, 2011
HEADLIGHT LENS OXIDIZING(YELLOWING). CAUSING DIMMED HEADLIGHT INTENSITY, LOWERING NIGHT TIME VISIBILITY. WILL NEED TO REPLACE LENSES THIS YEAR. *TR
Air bags, Jan 1, 2011
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 VW JETTA, MY 6 YEAR OLD WAS RIDING IN THE BACKSEAT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS SPONTANEOUSLY WENT OFF!!! IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOT GUN WENT OFF IN THE CAR, SCARED BOTH OF US!! I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, ANYONE, NO ONE WAS EVEN DRIVING AROUND ME! IT WAS CRAZY! I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE DUE TO THE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIRBAG.... NO ON WAS HURT BUT IT WAS TERRIFYING AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE!! I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR, BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2002. IT'S BEEN A GREAT CAR, I'VE OWNED VW'S FOR YEARS AND OVER ALL, THEY ARE GREAT VEHICLES BUT THIS HAS REALLY FREAKED ME OUT! I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC, TURNS OUT THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR SAID THERE WAS A CRASH - THIS IS NO PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF ANY DAMAGE ON THE CAR TO JUSTIFY THIS HAPPENING! THE COST TO REPAIR IT IS 5300.00!!! THE CARE LIKELY ISN'T EVEN WORTH THAT. THE NEXT STEP IS TO CONTACT VWOA. I JUST READ OF SOME OTHER INSTANCES THIS HAPPENED AND LOOKS LIKE VW DID REPAIR THE AIRBAG AT NO CHARGE. I'M HOPING THEY DO IT FOR ME, OTHERWISE, I'M OUT OF A VEHICLE. THERE'S NO WAY I CAN SELL IT LIKE THAT, I'VE JUST LOST WHAT EVER MONEY I MIGHT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SELL THAT CAR FOR..... HOW MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE?? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Dec 29, 2010
ACCORDING TO CARFAX REPORT, MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN REGULAR. I MAINTAINED CAR APPROPRIATELY. ALL OF SUDDEN MAJOR SPORADIC SHIFTING ISSUES BEGAN OCCURRING AROUND 140,000K WITH 3RD GEAR CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK AND LOSE POWER EACH TIME IT ATTEMPTS 3RD GEAR. THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH ME AT NUMEROUS STOP LIGHTS IN CITY CAUSING TRAFFIC BEHIND ME TO SLAM ON BRAKES TO AVOID A COLLISION. *TR
Air bags, Dec 21, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG FAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, FOLLOWED BY A BEEPING NOISE. BOTH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,400.
Power train, Dec 13, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THEN HE NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTS WOULD CHANGE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER. THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID VALVE WAS REPLACED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,722. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 3, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE THEN SUDDENLY ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE ABS SENSOR. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID (02V031000) SERVICE BRAKES: HYDRAULIC: ANTI-LOCK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
Power train, Nov 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD AS WELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 105,000. UPDATED 1/25/11 *CN UPDATED 02/07/11
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 21, 2010
WAS DRIVING WHILE IT WAS RAINING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED JERKING AND WOULDN'T LET ME GO FASTER THAN 15MPH. THE ASR AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WENT ON. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE DRIVING AT 6AM WITH NO ONE ON THE STREETS. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS HAPPENINGS IN THE PAST BUT I READ ONLINE YOU JUST TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT. I TRIED IT THIS MORNING AND THE LIGHTS WERE STILL ON. THIS WAS AT 6 AM IT IS NOW 9:49 PM AND STILL NO LUCK. I ALSO HEARD IT MIGHT BE DUE TO ENGINE COILS BUT I HAD MINE REPLACED LESS THAN A MONTH AGO. *TR
Air bags, Oct 18, 2010, crash
TL-THE DRIVER OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MULTI VEHICLE CRASH IN WHICH ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE POLICE APPEARED ON THE SCENE AND THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND SHE WAS INFORMED THAT WHENEVER THE SEAT BELT WAS HELD INTACT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000. SM.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2010
MY 2002 VW JETTA HAS SMELLED OF MELTED CRAYONS SINCE THE DAY THAT I BOUGHT IT. I AM NOT ALONE...JUST DOING A GOOGLE SEARCH BRINGS UP A LOT OF POSTS. VW OF AMERICA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND IS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO HELP THOSE OF US WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE SMELL IS SO BAD THAT IT GIVES ME A HEADACHE IF I CAN'T HAVE THE WINDOWS DOWN. TURNING ON THE HEAT MAKES THE SMELL EVEN WORSE, SO I AM DREADING THE COLD WINTER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT BREATHING IN THESE FUMES IS DOING TO MY HEALTH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 15-20 MPH, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AS IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWENTY TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON TEN TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR WAS REPLACED WITH NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY MANUFACTURER RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL DEFECT COULD POSSIBLY BE RELATED TO THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND PLANNED TO SELL THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000.
Power train, Sep 3, 2010
WE HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WITH THE 1.8T ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. AT TIMES IT HAS GOTTEN STUCK IN FIRST GEAR WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. IT ALSO SLIPS BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE ALL POWER. IN GENERAL, IT HAS BEEN A DANGER TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AND YOU CANNOT GET OUT OF THE RIGHTHAND LANE BECAUSE YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO PULL QUICKLY TO THE SIDE IN CASE OF A RAPID DOWNSHIFT OR LOSS OF POWER WHILE IT CAN'T FIND THE GEAR. VW REPAIR SHOP SAYS IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION (09A) AND THAT VOLKSWAGEN HAS REFUSED TO DEAL WITH IT. THE REPAIR COST FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION IS $5K! *TR
Power train, Aug 5, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS TDI. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND AS HE BEGAN TO PROCEED, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE REVERSE GEAR BARRING HAD FAILED. THERE WERE SHARDS OF METAL FROM THE BARRING FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION SCREEN, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Power train, Aug 1, 2010
THE CLUTCH PEDAL ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FROZE IN THE DEPRESSED POSITION RENDERING THE CAR UNABLE TO START/SHIFT PROPERLY. THIS EVENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON SUBURBAN ROADS AND THANKFULLY ENDED WITHOUT INJURY. MYSELF AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE CAR ARE EXPERIENCED DRIVERS OF STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS AND EVEN AT 80000 MILES THE CLUTCH SHOULD STILL HAVE HAD MANY MORE MILES TO GO. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIR WILL BE BETWEEN 1500 AND 2000 DOLLARS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM ON 00-04 VW JETTA MODELS. IT IS A VERY SERIOUS AND COSTLY PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR
Air bags, Jul 26, 2010
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS IN A 2002 VW JETTA DEPLOYED AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE ON A CITY STREET AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. THE ADULT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT RECEIVED BRUISES ON HIS ARM FROM THE DEPLOYMENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2010
LOSS OF POWER ON FREEWAY, WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE LOST POWER, THEN, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESTORE POWER BY 'PUMPING' THE ACCELERATOR, SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR, RESULTING IN A VERY RAPID DECELERATION FROM 70 MPH TO 45 MPH. THIS OCCURRED TWICE IN ONE HOUR, AT BOTH TIMES REQUIRING FOLLOWING MOTORISTS TO SWERVE SEVERELY TO AVOID. *TR