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.
Structure, Aug 16, 2007
THERE IS A LEAK IN THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE, YET EVERY TIME I BRING IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN HONOLULU, THEY FAIL TO LOCATE THIS LEAK. WHEN IT RAINS, THE FRONT RIGHT FLOOR OF MY JETTA FILLS WITH WATER THAT SEEPS DOWN INTO THE FRAME FROM THE ROOF. IF I PARK THE VEHICLE FACING UPHILL, THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN, NOR IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A LEVEL SURFACE, ONLY WHEN FACING A DOWNHILL SLOPE. I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS ISSUE CANNOT BE RESOLVED BY VW, BUT THE PAST 10 TIMES I'VE HAD MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE, IT HAS NEVER BEEN RESOLVED. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 3, 2007
BRAKE POWER BOOSTER SUDDENLY FAILS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND VEHICLE BRAKES REALLY HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FLOORS ON ITS OWN. THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 1, 2007
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON INCESSANTLY SINCE ORIGINAL ACQUISITION. REPAIRS EFFECTUATED AT LEAST THREE TIMES UNDER WARRANTY AND ISSUE HAS RETURNED. WHEN PARKED AFTER LONG PERIOD OF TIME A LOW BUBBLING/GURGLING AND FIZZLING SOUNDS COMES FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR. *JB
Power train, Jul 25, 2007
I PURCHASED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FOR MY DAUGHTER. IN AUGUST OF 2006 THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A VW DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICE. IN MAY OF 2007 THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR KEPT LOSING POWER WHEN DRIVING. WHEN PUT IN GEAR THE CAR WOULD SHAKE AND SHUT DOWN. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE VW DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THEY REPLACED A SEAL, TEMP SENDER AND SENDER FOR A TOTAL OF 427.62. MY DAUGHTER PICKED UP THE CAR AND WHEN DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THEY REPAIRED IT THE CAR SHUTTERED, THEN SLAMMED DOWN INTO A LOWER GEAR ALMOST CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY APPROVED HAVING IT TOWED BACK TO THEIR FACILITY FOR REPAIR. THEY THEN CHECKED THE CAR AGAIN AND STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR A COST OF $3800.00. THIS CAR HAS 57,000 MILES ON IT AND WHEN ORIGINALLY TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS ISSUE IT WAS 4 DAYS OUT OF WARRANTY. NOTE: WHEN THE CAR INITIALLY BROKE DOWN IT WAS STILL IN WARRANTY BUT I WAS OUT OF TOWN FOR WORK AND COULD NOT SET UP HAVING IT TOWED IN UNTIL I RETURNED HOME. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CALLED REGARDING THIS ISSUE PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND VW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS. THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST IN THIS REPAIR. THE VW DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY DID NOT SEE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION WHEN THEY FIRST COMPLETED REPAIRS BUT SHE DID NOT EVEN GET 10 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THE CAR SLAMMED DOWN INTO A LOW GEAR. *TR
Power train, Jul 18, 2007
I OWN A 2002 1.8T AUTOMATIC JETTA WITH 75000 MILES. YESTERDAY I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I USE THIS CAR FOR BASIC TRANSPORTATION, AND HAVE MAINTAINED REGULAR UPKEEP. I AM APPALLED THAT I HAVE TO SPEND $5,000 TO FIX A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH AND IT SEEMS THAT A LOT OF JETTAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY THE TURBOS. HOW CAN VOLKSWAGEN GET AWAY WITH THIS? I WOULD LIKE TO START A CLASS ACTION SUIT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS MATTER!. *AK
Power train, Jul 18, 2007
I OWN A 2002 JETTA 1.8T AND STARTED HAVING SOME INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO REVERSE OR 1ST AND 2ND GEARS, PAUSING OR JERKING INTO GEAR. THE PROBLEM STARTED A COUPLE MONTHS AGO WHEN THE CAR HAD ABOUT 52,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY ABOUT 5 MONTHS. THE PROBLEM BECAME INCREASINGLY FREQUENT AND I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER YESTERDAY AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BUNT AND HA DEBRIS IN IT". I HAVE ALWAYS DONE THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE , AT THE DEALERSHIP, NO LESS, AND HAVE NEVER ABUSED THE TRANSMISSION IN ANY WAY. THE CAR ONLY HAS 54,000 MILES ON IT! THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP CALLED VOLKSWAGEN AND STATED HE REALLY WENT TO BAT FOR ME ,AND THAT VOLKSWSGEN HAS AGREED TO COVER 65% OF THE REPAIR, WHICH IN THE RANGE OF $5,000+. SO I WILL STILL BE PAYING AT LEAST $1750.00 TO REPLACE A FAIRLY YOUNG TRANSMISSION. I FEEL VW MUST KNOW THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION TO EVEN OFFER TO PAY FOR PART OF THE REPAIR, AND JUDGING BY THE OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN READING OTHER COMPLAINTS AND IT SEEMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS PAINTED WITH A METALLIC PAINT THAT DISINTEGRATED WITH HIGH HEAT/TEMPERATURES AND THAT IT BROKE DOWN, FLAKES OFF AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION. THIS HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *AK
Structure, Jul 16, 2007
2002 JETTA ROOF LEAKS WATER WHEN HEAVY RAIN. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT MAY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 10, 2007, fire
PURCHASED USED 2002 VW JETTA 1.8 TURBO (5 SPEED) WITH 34,000 MILES STILL UNDER WARRANTY. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR BLOWN FUSES (CIGARETTE LIGHTER), TRUNK LATCH, CENTER CONSOLE, AND TRANSMISSION REPAIRS. FUSE PROBLEM WAS ONGOING. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS, A LOCAL MECHANIC INSTALLED A SMALL BOOST GAUGE ON THE DASH, WHICH WAS WIRED INTO A 10 AMP FUSE. WITHIN FIVE DAYS, THE CAR WAS BEING BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHEN SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM ALL THE DASH VENTS. THE WIRE HARNESS, FUSE BLOCK, AND CONTROLLER COMPONENTS LOCATED BEHIND THE DASH WERE DESTROYED BY FIRE. VW OF AMERICA PREPARED TO SEND INVESTIGATORS TO NM, BUT WHEN THEY DISCOVERED GAUGE WIRING MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED, THEY DID NOT INVESTIGATE. HAVE READ OF OTHER ELECTRICAL FIRES BEHIND INSTRUMENT PANEL, DASH, SINCE THIS TIME. OUR SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE, BUT WAS ABLE TO GET OUT. *TR
Power train, Jul 6, 2007
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CAR SPUTTERS AND JUMPS. DEALER FIRST WORKED ON THE GEAR SHIFT. THEN THEY REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND THE BATTERY TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. RECENTLY SAID THERE WAS A LEAK AND REPLACED THE CRANKCASE VENT PIPES. STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Power train, Exterior lighting, Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Electrical system, Jul 5, 2007
2002 JETTA WITH A SAFETY RECALL- REPLACED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIXED THE RECALL**CC THE VW SERVICE CENTER AND CUSTOMER CARE INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY HAD NO OBLIGATIONS TO PAY FOR TOWING OR ANY OTHER COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE LAST RECALL REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH THAT THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER HAD EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE LOCKING UP AS A RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE SWITCH. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS UNABLE TO READ THE PANEL. THE CONSUMER STATED IN THE PAST, THE TRUNK LATCH FAILED AS WELL AS A BROKEN BOLT ON THE TRANSMISSION, THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT AND THE EGR ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DOOR LATCH FAILED BECAUSE THE LOCK SIGNAL WAS NOT WORKING. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR HIS DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE, THIS IS THE 3RD BRAKE SWITCH NOT TO MENTION OVER $800 IN UNWARRANTED CHARGES FROM THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS HOPING THAT THIS CLASSIFIES THE VEHICLE AS A LEMON. THE CONSUMER STATED WOULD LIKE DEALERSHIP TO REVIEW THE OVER CHARGES OR BUYING THE VEHICLE BACK. *TR
Power train, Jul 2, 2007
I BOUGHT A 2002 IN 2005 WITH 30,000 FROM A CERTIFIED USED VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. AFTER ONLY DRIVING THE CAR SOME 29,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. FORTUNATELY I HAD 11 MILES LEFT UNDER WARRANTY SO THE NEARBY DEALERSHIP HONORED THE WARRANTY AND FIXED MY CAR. HAD IT NOT I WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT $7-9,000. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 27, 2007, crash
HEADLIGHT LENS BECOME VERY MILKY. LIGHT WILL NOT SHINE ON ROAD. CAN'T SEE THE ROAD OR OTHER CARS. CAN CAUSE DAMAGE AND DEATH TO OTHERS. VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD MAKE THEM LASTS LONGER AND REPLACE ALL MILKY HEADLIGHS WITH NEW ONES. ALL 1999-2005 JETTAS 1998-2005 PASSATS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. GO TO ANY VOLKSWAGEN DEALER AND YOU WILL SEE THE PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 20, 2007
CAR STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. USUALLY HAPPENED WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP OR WHILE AT A STOP. SOMETIMES STALLED WHEN STARTING UP FROM A STOP. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS CAR STALLED AND CARS BEHIND WERE BEGINNING TO SPEED UP OR WHEN TRYING TO CROSS A BUSY ROAD AND MAKING A LEFT TURN. I HAD ABOUT $1000 OF SERVICE AT THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. *AK
Air bags, Jun 14, 2007
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR NORMALLY AND AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON A ROAD CLOSE TO MY HOME WHEN I DROVE OVER A SMALL BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD. NORMALLY, THIS IMPACT WOULD HAVE BEEN SO SMALL AS TO BARELY CAUSE ANY EXTRA MOTION IN THE CAR. HOWEVER, ON THIS OCCASION, AFTER I RAN OVER THE BUMP, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AND BACK CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS STARTLED WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND ACCIDENTALLY JERKED THE STEERING WHEEL, HITTING OFF OF THE DIVIDER WITH THE FRONT TIRE. I INSPECTED THE CAR TO MAKE SURE NOTHING HIT THE VEHICLE, AND TO CHECK THAT PRIOR TO THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, I HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING , I HAD NOT, THREE DAYS AFTER THIS INCIDENT, AFTER FILING A CLAIM, INSURANCE COMPANY CALLED ME TO INFORM ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOTIFIED THEM THAT WHEN THE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED A REPORT WAS SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER WITH DATA FROM THE INCIDENT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY SUGGESTED I CONTACT NHTSA TO FILE A REPORT. THE REPORT SHOWED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DUE TO A COLLISION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FROM WHICH I PURCHASED IT TO HAVE THE AIRBAGS REINSTALLED, AND TO REPAIR DAMAGE DONE DURING THE AFTERMATH OF THE INCIDENT. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Visibility, May 16, 2007
THE SUN ROOF OPENED BY ITSELF THE POP UP PORTION WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. I HAD TO TURN THE KNOB TO OPEN IT THEN TURN THE KNOB TO CLOSE IT AND THEN IT CLOSED. *AK
Power train, May 16, 2007
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO GO INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE GEARS. SLOW TO GO INTO GEAR. CONTACED REPAIR SHOP, TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING NEEDED NEW ONE. COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.*AK
Structure, May 15, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE BONDO IS RIPPING OF THE BACK PANELOF THE RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. THERE IS ALSO A CRACK BETWEEN THE BONDO AND THE DOOR. IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH NEAR THE DOOR, THE PASSENGER SITTING IN THE RIGHT BACK PASSENGER SEAT A SERIOUS INJURY COULD OCCUR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 64,500.
Engine and engine cooling, May 10, 2007
2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY CLAIM WAS DENIED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND THIS IS AN APPEAL LETTER**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST DENIAL LACKED AN ACTUAL REASON AND THE SECOND DENIAL STATED THE REPAIR TO HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR WERE REPLACED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2007
ON APRIL 22, 2007 MY SON WAS RETURNING TO COLLEGE IN THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T WHEN THE ENGINE SIEZED WITHOUT WARNING AS HE ACCELERATED TO ENTER A BUSY INTERSTAT 80. FORTUNATELY, HE WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. INTERSTATE 80WAS HEAVILY USED BY TRUCKS, AND HAD MY SON NOT BEEN IN A POSITION TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE THE ENGINE FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD NOT ONLY TO MY SON BUT TO MANY OTHER VEHICLES USING THIS HIGHWAY. *AK I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INSTANCE OF FAILURE OF THE VW 1.8 T ENGINE. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS THAT IS FAIRLY COMMON FOR THESE ENGINES TO FAIL AND VW TENDS TO BLAME THE OWNERS FOR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE. MY JETTA WAS PURCHASED IN APRIL 2006 WITH 31,000 MILES, IN THE YEAR THAT WE HAD THE CAR WE PUT APPROX. 10,000 MILES ON IT AND WE HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT LEAST TWO TIMES. WE PURCHASED THIS CAR BASED ON VW ADVERTISING ABOUT THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF THESE CARS AND I FEEL THAT VW SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR POORLY ENGINEERED ENGINE AND ISSUE A RECALL TO CORRECT DEFICIENCIES WITH THIS ENGINE. I ORDER FOR ME TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, I ALSO HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY FROZE THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE COST OF TO MAKE THIS CAR USABLE AGAIN WILL BE IN EXCESS OF $7,000. WHILE I DON'T FEEL THAT IT IS RIGHT THAT I AM STUCK WITH THE COST OF REPAIRS THAT ARE THE RESULT OF A SERIOUS DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE, I AM MUCH MORE CONCERNED WITH PUTTING LIVES IN JEOPARDY WHEN AN ENGINE STOPS WITHOUT WARNING AT HIGH WAY SPEEDS
Other or unspecified, Apr 20, 2007
I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON FORUMS ONLINE WHICH IS QUIT DISTURBING HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE AS WELL. THERE IS WATER THAT FORMS ON BOTH THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR AND SOMETIMES THE REAR FLOOR DURING RAINS. IT IS SUPPOSEDLY CLOGGED DRAINS. SHOULDN'T THESE DRAINS BE BIG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE FLOW OF DEBRIS AND WATER. IT HAS HAPPENED IN A LOT OF DIFFERENT MODELS OF VW ACCORDING TO THE FORUMS. AND I AM UNDER A 2 YEAR VW WARRANTY BUT SUPPOSEDLY THIS ISN'T' COVERED ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. THIS COULD HAVE RUINED ELECTRONIC STUFF IN MY CAR OR COULD AS IT GETS WET. THERE WAS NOTHING ABOUT THIS IN THE MANUAL OR ANYTHING I HAD TO FIND IT OUT ONLINE. *JB
Air bags, Apr 10, 2007
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG/ CURTAIN ON 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, DEPLOYED WHILE TURNING RIGHT ON A WINDING ROAD. I WAS TRAVELING UNDER 20 MPH. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, AND BECAUSE IT WAS ON A BLIND TURN I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR BEHIND ME. AFTER 30 SECONDS I TURNED THE ENGINE ON, AND PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA TO INSPECT THE CAR. I TRAVEL THE ROAD EVERYDAY AND NO POT HOLES EXIST. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE COMPUTER DID NOT REGISTER AN ACCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER, ENGINEER, LOOKED AT PICTURES SENT BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND SAID THAT THERE WERE SCRAPES UNDER THE CAR WHICH MUST HAVE CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT. ASKED THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER IF THE SIDE AIR BAG/CURTAIN WAS NOT REPLACED WOULD THE OTHER AIR BAGS BE EFFECTED. THEY TOLD ME THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY PUBLIC INFORMATION ON THE EFFECT ONE DEPLOYMENT HAS ON THE REST OF THE SYSTEM, AND I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT FOR THE OTHER AIR BAGS TO PROVIDE PROTECTION. I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, WHO NOW REPORTED THAT THE COMPUTER READ AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 10, 2007
THE CABIN OF THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EMITS A WAXY ODOR THAT I AM CONCERNED REPRESENTS ENGINE FUMES. I HAVE HAD THE CAR INSPECTED BY SEVERAL MECHANICS, AND, WHILE THEY COULD IDENTIFY THE ODOR, THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE SOURCE. THIS ODOR CAUSED ME AND MY PASSENGERS TO SUFFER BURNING EYES AND NAUSEA. *AK
Exterior lighting, Equipment, Apr 5, 2007
THE RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS AT FIRST INTERMITTENT, BUT THEN BECAME INOPERATIVE. WHEN LIGHT WAS REMOVED THE FILAMENT WAS FINE, BUT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF ARCING ACROSS THE CONTACTS. IT LOOKED LIKE THE CONTACTS WERE SHORT CIRCUITED. I HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM ABOUT A YEAR AGO. MY 2002 JETTA WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL OF THIS VERY PROBLEM. THE VIN # DID NOT QUALIFY. BUT, AFTER LOOKING AT FORUM POSTINGS THIS IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THAT THE GROUP OF VIN NUMBERS THAT VOLKSWAGEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.*AK
Air bags, Apr 3, 2007
TL*-THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2002 VOLKSWAGEN GLS WAGON 1.8 TURBO WITH FAILURE MILEAGE: 6,261 TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO PROBLEMS DEALING WITH THE AIR BAG INDICATOR. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PARTICULAR PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO DIAGNOSE THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. HE PAID A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY FOR THE SERVICE. THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE MAY BE AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT PROBLEM, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT SURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVER SINCE NOVEMBER 9, 2001 THE AIRBAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON HIS DASHBOARD. HE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO VOLKSWAGEN NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED HIM ANY EXPLANATION FOR THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WAS 82,500 MILES.*AK
Power train, Apr 1, 2007
I OWN A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.8T, SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 2 YEARS AGO I USED TO GET A MINIMAL KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR, I ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK IT OUT AND TRY TO FIND OUT IF THIS WAS NORMAL. AFTER THE 1ST YEAR I NOTICED THE KNOCK A LITTLE HARDER BUT PAID NO MIND TO IT BECAUSE DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL AND VW SAID IT WAS NORMAL, UNTIL THE DAY I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE VW DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM I WAS HAVING, MOMENTS LATER INSTEAD OF JUST CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION TO ITS FULLEST THEY REPLACED A RECALLED BRAKE SWITCH AND SAID THAT THIS WAS CAUSING THE KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION WITH A BILL OF ALMOST 2,000 DOLLARS I FIGURED FINALLY I GET MY TRANSMISSION TO WORK BETTER BECAUSE I WAS GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF GETTING WHIPLASHED BY THE KNOCK THAT'S HOW BAD IT IS TILL THIS DAY. IN APPROXIMATE TWO DAYS I GET THE SAME KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION AND IM LIKE OH MAN I THOUGHT THEY FIXED THIS PROBLEM, I SPOKE WITH A SERVICE MANAGER WHO SAID "WELL BRING IT IN AGAIN AND IF WE MISSED ANYTHING WE WILL TAKE CARE OF IT AT NO EXTRA CHARGE". I SAID "OK" WELL A FEW HOURS PASSED AND THE DEALER CALLS ME UP AND TELLS ME WELL WE FOUND YOUR PROBLEM BUT IT IS A HEFTY PRICE ON FIXING IT!, I AM THINKING PROB 1,000 BUCKS MORE! WRONG!, HE TELLS ME MY TRANSMISSION IS NO GOOD WE NEED TO REPLACE IT WITH A REBUILT WHICH WILL COST AROUND $3,800 DOLLARS I'M LIKE JESUS CHRIST! IF THEY WOULD'VE STOPPED UP-SELLING ME BS FIXES IN MY CAR I WOULD'VE HAD THE MONEY TO FIX IT! BUT SINCE THIS DAY I HAVEN'T GOT ANY RESOLUTION FOR MY CAR IM STUCK WITH IT UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION BLOWS ON IT! PLEASE FOLLOW LINK TO READ OTHER PEOPLES ISSUES THAT ARE SIMILAR TO MINE AT HTTP://WWW.LEMONLAWCLAIMS.COM/VOLKSWAGEN%20 TOUAREG 20% TRANSMISSION 20% PROBLEMS.HTM (THAT'S THE SAME PROBLEM IM HAVING WITH MY CAR WHY ISN'T VW DOING ANY RECALLS ON THIS????) COUNTING DUE TO OWNING WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE A LEMON!, VW NEEDS TO RECALL FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS. *JB