2003 Volkswagen Jetta
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Seats is the leading concern among 463 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Jetta model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 25 involved a crash and 71 involved a fire. 85 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJun 13, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.
Campaign 18V406000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Representative owner complaints
463 reports, newest first.
Power train, Visibility, Dec 3, 2003
PROBLEMS WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER AND TRANSMISSION.*MR REAR DEFOGGER DIDN'T TURN OFF. CONSUMER FEARED IT WOULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD. TRANSMISSION LOCKED AND WOULDN'T MOVE TO REVERSE. TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED AND FAILED AGAIN. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH WAS INSTALLED. ON THE DAY OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF THE PROBLEM BUT THE SALESMAN STATED HE WASN'T USE TO A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND IGNORED IT. *PH
Air bags, Dec 2, 2003
WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN SIDE CURTAIN AND SIDE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS TO ARMS AND HANDS. *AK
Power train, Dec 2, 2003
ON DECEMBER 14TH OF 2002 I PURCHASED A 2003 VW JETTA FROM SMITH VW ON KIRKWOOD HIGHWAY DELAWARE. ALTHOUGH THEY HANDLED ALL MY TRANSACTIONS AND VEHICLE DELIVERY POORLY, I CHOSE TO OVERLOOK IN THINKING I WILL NOT BE DEALING WITH THEM AGAIN. *AK SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR: IN TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS I HAD A FLAT TIRE. IN ONE CASE THE JACK FELL OVER WHILE THE CAR WAS ON IT DUE TO HIGH WIND. THESE INCIDENTS TOOK PLACE IN THE WINTER WHEN WE HAD HEAVY SNOW. LATER I DISCOVERED THAT MY TIRES WERE OVERINFLATED. I DID NOT TOUCH THEM SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND HAVE BEEN FOR AN OIL CHANGE A MONTH PRIOR AT VW. I STOPPED GOING TO SMITH VW AND STARTED USING GARNET VW AFTER THIS. ON THE NIGHT OF AUGUST 6TH AT 9:30PM I GOT INTO MY CAR AND I COULD NOT SWITCH OUT OF PARK. THIS WAS A SCARY SITUATION BECAUSE SOME FRICK WAS STANDING AT MY WINDOW ASKING ME FOR MONEY. HE FINALLY LEFT, BUT I WAS STRANDED WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK. ROADSIDE WILL TOW YOUR CAR, BUT THEY DO NOT DRIVE YOU HOME. IN MID AUGUST MY KEYLESS KEY BATTERY DID NOT WORK. I WAS IN VA AT THE TIME. ON AUGUST 25TH DURING RUSH HOUR MY EPC LIGHT CAME ON RESULTING IN SUDDEN LOSS IN VEHICLE POWER. LUCKILY I WAS IN AN AREA THAT I COULD PULL OVER. VW FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. ON SEPTEMBER 8TH DURING RUSH HOUR AGAIN MY EPC LIGHT CAME ON RESULTING IN SUDDEN LOSS IN POWER. THIS TIME VW REPLACED THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. AT THIS TIME I ALSO FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT TO VW CORPORATION AND ALSO SPOKE TO GM AT GARNET VW. ON NOVEMBER 22ND I TOOK MY CAR IN BECAUSE OF HESITATION WHILE INCREASING SPEED FROM 20 MPH TO 40 MPH. A VW TECHNICIAN TOOK A RIDE WITH ME AND AGREED OF THE PROBLEM. I AM SCHEDULE FOR SERVICE IN DECEMBER. THIS IS DELAYED MAINLY DUE TO MY WORK SCHEDULE, BUT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM SINCE MY LAST VISIT. I WILL BE SENDING YOU A FOLLOW UP NOTE WITH MORE INFORMATION LATER THIS WEEK.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 17, 2003
WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY MA TRAFFIC THE FRONT BREAKS OF MY 2003 JETTA TDI LOCKED UP. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND IT TOOK ME 30 MINUTES TO GET THE BRAKES TO RELEASE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT. THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 11 DAYS AND THEY STILL REFUSE TO REPAIR THE CAR. VW CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS ALSO BEING UNHELPFUL. *LA
Seats, Nov 12, 2003
DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT BECAME EXTREMELY HOT, BURNING THE LEATHER, AND BURNING THROUGH THE CONSUMERS PANTS, SLIGHTLY BURNING CONSUMER'S LEG. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK *PH *NLM
Seats, Nov 7, 2003, fire
ON THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 30, MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLE DRIVER SEAT AND MY COAT CAUGHT ON FIRE, BEGINNING TO MELT MY PANTS TO MY SKIN. ONCE I REALIZED THE PROBLEM, I MOVED THROUGH TRAFFIC TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PARK MY CAR. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER AND ENGINE HEATER, AND WAITED SOME TIME TO REENTER THE CAR. ON FRIDAY MORNING, I SHOWED A MECHANIC THE PROBLEM AND HE SAID I MUST TAKE THE CAR INTO THE DEALERHSIP IMMEDIATELY. AFTER SEVERAL CALLS TO DICK HANNAH VOLKSWAGEN (DHVW) DEALERSHIP AND VOLKSWAGEN USA, DHVW FIXED THE SEAT HEATER DEFECT AND PROVIDED A CONTACT TO VOLKSWAGEN USA. DHVW PROVIDED MEDIOCORE CUSTOMER SERVICE, LACKED WILLINGNESS TO FULLY DISCUSS THE PROBLEM WITHOUT REPEATED PROMPTS, HAD NO IDEA WHETHER THIS DEFECT HAS BEEN FOUND IN OTHER VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY COMPENSATION. ULTIMATELY, I AM A VERY UNHAPPY DICK HANNAH VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER, WITH A CAR THAT MAKES AFRAID TO DRIVE WITH THE SEAT HEATER FEATURE, NO COMPENSATION FOR MY WINTER COAT AND PANTS, TIME FROM WORK AND STRESS. *LA
Tires, Oct 28, 2003
I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS 1.8T SPORT EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR RSA TIRES, SIZE 245/45 R17 H91. THE TIRES HAD ONLY 16,000 MILES ON THEM. AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE TIRE SHOWED THAT IT FAILED AT THE SIDE WALL. THERE WAS A TEAR IN THE SIDEWALL ALMOST THRU 40 PERCENT OF THE TIRE. I MANAGED TO MAKE IT OVER 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND NARROWLY OVERTED A COLLISSION. FUTHERMORE GOODYEAR DECLINED TO HONOR MY WARRANTY CLAIM. I THINK THAT GOODYEAR RSA MODEL TIRES SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. THESE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES AND ONE FAILED AT THE SIDEWALL WITH ONLY 16,000 MILES ON IT AND AT ONLY 60 MILES PER HOUR. *AK
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2003
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME NOW THAT MY 2003 VW 1.8T JETTA WOULD NOT START WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE FOR WORK IN THE MORNING. I UN-LOCK THE DOORS WITH THE REMOTE AND GET IN THE CAR, PRESS IN ON THE CLUTCH AND TURN THE KEY, THE HEADLIGHTS, RADIO, DOOR-CHIMES AND INTERIOR LIGHTS ALL COME ON BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER AT ALL. I ONLY HAVE 8800 MILES ON THE CAR AT THIS POINT IN TIME, THE FIRST TIME WAS ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO AND THE DEALER CAN'T SEEM TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM EXCEPT THAT BOTH TIME IT HAS BEEN NEAR FREEZING OUTSIDE AND THE CAR HAD SAT OVER-NIGHT. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER HAD MY CAR FOR THREE DAYS, WITHOUT GIVING ME A LOANER CAR BEFORE THEY TOLD ME TO COME PICK IT UP BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THIS TIME THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR TWO DAYS NOW, AND I HAVEN'T EVEN RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THEM TO LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF MY VEHICLE. *LA
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Oct 23, 2003
WHILE PROCEEDING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND HE SAID THAT THE BOLTS SHEARED OFF THE FROM DRIVESHAFT TO THE TRANSMISSION. *AK THE TRANSMISSION, DRIVESHAFT, AND THE CV JOINTS WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS AGAIN WITH THE FRONT BRAKES, WHERE THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED AGAIN. (THE PROBLEM RETURNED AGAIN) *SCC *JB
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2003
VEHICLE QUITS RUNNING AFTER BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A PERIOD OF TIME WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THEN ATTEMPTS TO TURN LEFT. *LA
Power train, Oct 17, 2003
MY VEHICLE OFTEN WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, AND IT WILL SHIFT INTO THE OTHER GEARS, BUT OFTEN UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE. *LA
Air bags, Oct 16, 2003
I DRIVE A 2002 VW JETTA, WITH 11000 PLUS MILES ON THE CAR. MY SIDE AND PASSENGER CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT A CRASH. THERE WAS SPONTANEOUS DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS. VW OF AMERICA SENT AN ENGINEER WHO FOUND NO DAMAGE TO ACCOUNT FOR THIS, JUST AS I HAD REPORTED. THE VW DEALERSHIP ALSO FOUND NO EVIDENCE FOR THIS. NOW, WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION, NOR GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL NOT RE OCCUR, VW EXPECTS ME TO DRIVE THIS VEHILCE AND RISK MY OWN SAFETY AND POSSIBLY THE SAFETY OF OTHERS ON THE ROAD. *LA
Power train, Sep 26, 2003
TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE WHILE APPLYING THE GEAR SHIFT. DRIVER WAS SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO PARK AND GEAR WERE STUCK, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO SHUT DOWN. ALSO, TRANSMISSION COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Sep 25, 2003
DEAR SIR/MADAM, I BOUGHT VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2003 WOLFSBURG EDITION ON 08/30/03 AT AROUND 3.30 PM FROM CLASSIC VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WHOSE PHYSICAL ADDRESS IS 5474 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32839. I PAID $1500 (FIFTEEN HUNDRED) AS A DOWN PAYMENT AND TRADED MY OLD TOYOTA CAMRY LE 2002. TOTAL DOLLAR VALUE $27060.02 WHILE I WAS DRIVING BACK TO MY HOME FROM MY WORK ON 09/19/2003 AROUND 6:20 PM (I WAS DRIVING ON ALL AMERICA BLVD IN ORLANDO, FL). I WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 30-35 MILE PER HOUR, I HEARD A LOUD SOUND FROM THE ENGINE OF THE CAR AND CAR STOPPED. THE MOLD (METAL) WHICH IS ABOUT 4-6 INCHES LONG AND 2-3 THICK WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THE TRANSMISSION OF THE ENGINE AND CAR WAS BROKEN AND THE TRANSMISSION DAMAGED LEFT AXLE (AXLE WAS BROKEN) AND FEW OTHER PARTS ARE SERIOUS DAMAGED. I COMPLAINED THIS TO THE VOLKSWAGEN MANUFACTURER (VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA) ON 09/19/03 THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AND ALSO ON 09/20/03 THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AND GOT CASE NUMBER ASSIGNED (REFERENCE NUMBER [XXX]). I FOLLOW-UP WITH THEM ON 09/22/03, 09/23/03 & 09/24/03 TO CHECK THE STATUS OF THE CASE, THEYRE STILL REVIEWING THE CASE. NOW I SERIOUSLY WORRIED ABOUT MY SAFETY WHILE DRIVING MY CAR BACK ON ROAD. I REQUESTED VOLKSWAGEN MANUFACTURER (VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA) TO REFUND MY MONEY BACK SO I CAN MAKE MY OWN DECISION TO BUY ANOTHER CAR WHICH I FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE ON THE ROADS. IM NOW TOTALLY SACRED TO DRIVE MY CAR BACK ON ROAD WHICH IS SERIOUS DAMAGE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Sep 16, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, AND NO WARNING AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 9, 2003
MY BRAKE LIGHT SWICH HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES ON MY 2003 JETTA TDI VW. FAILURE OF THIS SWITCH CAUSES BRAKE LIGHT'S TO EITHER STAY ON CONSISTENTLY OR NOT TURN ON AT ALL. LOSS OF TURBO IN VEHICLE AND CAN CAUSE LOSS OF POWER DUE TO BATTERY SHUT DOWN.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 27, 2003
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2003 VW JETTA TDI AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. ON THE DAY OF THE INCIDENT MY CAR FIRST STARTED LOSING POWER, I NOTICED THE PICK-UP WASN'T AS GOOD AS NORMAL, SECONDLY I STARTED NOTICING THE HEAT GAUGE WENT UP AS MY CAR STARTED OVER HEATING, THIRDLY I WAS ALMOST HOME GOING DOWN THE OFF-RAMP AND WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP, THE BRAKE MADE A POPPING NOISE AND THEN THE BRAKE HIT THE FLOOR. I PUMPED THE BRAKES AND PUT THE CAR IN NUETRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP, AS I BEGAN DRIVING THE CAR WOULD NOT PICK UP ANY POWER AND IT FELT AS IF THE CAR WAS PULLING AGAINST ITSELF, I COULD NOT EVEN GET MY CAR TO GO ABOVE 15 MILES AN HOUR IN SECOND GEAR. I DROVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME IN 2ND, AND WITH NO BRAKES. WHEN I MADE IT HOME I THOUGHT THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER MY CAR BECAUSE OF HOW HOT IT WAS, THE SMELL OF BURNING WAS AWFUL AND AS I GOT OUT OF MY VEHICLE THERE WERE CHUNKS OF CREAMY GREASE DRIPPING FROM MY CAR. I CALLED ROADSIDE ASST. AND HAD THEM COME TO MY HOUSE AND TOW THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP (OVERTURF VOLKSWAGEN). AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF TRYING TO FIND WHAT THE PROBLEMS WAS OVERTURF DECIDED THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND AND I HAD TO FORCE THEM TO LOOK INTO THE BRAKING SYSTEM. OVERTURF EXPLAINED TO US THAT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME OUT ON THE HIGHWAY WAS TYPICAL AND NOT TO BE CONCERNED, I KNEW DIFFERENTLY AND ENFORCED THE FACT THAT THEY NEEDED TO CHECK THE BRAKING SYSTEM. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF DEBATING OVER THE FACT THAT THE BREAKS DIDN'T NEED CHECKED, THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR AGAIN AND THE CAR REINACTED THE PROBLEM. IN THE END, MY BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED. LUCKILY MY CAR STILL IS UNDER WARRENTY, BUT THE CAR ONLY HAD 10,900 MILES ON IT, SOMETHING LIKE THE WHOLE BREAKING SYSTEM SHOULD NOT FAIL WITH AS LITTLE AS MILEAGE AS THE CAR HAD. ONE WEEK LATER THE CAR GETS PICKED UP AND THE NEXT DAY MY CRUISE WILL NOT SET. I NOW HAVE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT TO GET MY CRUISE CONTROL FIXED.*AK
Power train, Aug 14, 2003
ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY CAR'S MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR . THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED JULY 7, 2003 WHEN THE CAR STOPPED MOVING IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THIS WAS "REPAIRED". THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I WAS TRYING TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO DRIVE - IT ACTUALLY WAS IN NEUTRAL (DESPITE THE INDICATOR STATING DRIVE) AND I ROLLED BACK IN THE PARKING LOT. I NEEDED TO BRING IT IT, AGAIN, BECAUSE THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE THIRD TIME IT WOULD ACTUALLY GO INTO REVERSE, INSTEAD OF PARK. WHEN I TRIED TO PARK THE VEHICLE I HAD TO PARK IT IN "REVERSE". I WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT IT SHIFTED FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. IT IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE 3RD TIME. IT HAS UNDER 4000 MILES ON IT.*AK
Structure, Aug 10, 2003
RATTLES THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR SUCH AS THE SPEAKERS, DASH BOARD, AND AREA WHERE THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND CENTER AIR VENTS ARE LOCATED. DENTS ON THE VEHICLE FROM THE SERVICE CENTER, I HAVE A FRIEND WITH A VW THAT HAS THE SAME DENTS ON HIS VEHICLE LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE DOORS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. SKID PLATE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE UNDER PARTS OF THE ENGINE NEARLY CAME OFF, SEVERAL BOLTS MISSING, NEEDED TO DUCT TAPE IT TO MAKE IT HOME. BOLT FELL OUT OF DOOR AND SIDE BLINKER LEAKED WATER INSIDE WHICH WAS FIXED A WHILE BACK. SEVERAL SMALL ANNOYING PROBLEMS. *NLM
Wheels, Aug 5, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN JACKING UP VEHICLE THE ALLOY RIMS WOULD GET STUCK TO THE ROTOR, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO KICK THE RIM.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 31, 2003
OKAY, I HAVE HAD MY 03 JETTA FOR ONE MONTH AND TWO DAYS (I RECEIVED IT ON JUNE 29TH). IT HAS ALREADY BEEN IN FOR SERVICE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: JULY 8TH: -A/C VENT MADE LOUD NOISE LIKE SOMETHING WAS STUCK/FLAPPING AROUND IN IT - CONDENSATION IN DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT -PULLED TO THE RIGHT -MADE A MOANING NOISE WHEN I TURNED LEFT, GRADUALLY WORSENED TO MAKE THE SAME NOISE WHEN I TURNED LEFT. *VW HAD THE CAR AT THAT TIME FOR TWO DAYS, THEN CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT THEY WERE STUMPED ABOUT THE MOANING NOISE AND THAT THEY WANTED THEIR HEAD TECH TO LOOK AT IT. HOWEVER, HE HAPPENED TO BE ON VACATION SO I WOULD NEED TO BRING IT BACK IN. BUT THEY ADDED THAT THEY DID INSPECT THE CAR AS FAR AS SAFETY WAS CONCERNED AND I WAS GOOD TO GO. JULY 24: -CAR BROUGHT IN FOR THE SECOND TIME FOR MOANING NOISE WHEN TURNING *VW CALLED ME THAT AFTERNOON STATING THAT SINCE THE LAST TIME I HAD BROUGHT IT IN A SERVICE BULLETIN HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR MY PROBLEM AND ALL THEY HAD TO DO WAS DRAIN AND REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THE NOISE WOULD BE GONE. I PICKED UP MY CAR THAT EVENING AND 1 1/2 HRS LATER I HEARD THE NOISE AGAIN, NOT HALF AS LOUD OR AS NOTICEABLE BUT IT WAS STILL THERE AND IT AGAIN WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED AND LEFT AS MESSAGE WITH MY SERVICE ADVISOR THAT NIGHT AND CALLED MY SALESPERSON IN THE MORNING. I HAD TO WAIT ONE MORE WEEK UNTIL THEY COULD GET IT BACK IN AGAIN. JULY 30-PRESENT ( THEY STILL HAVE MY CAR!) - RETURNED CAR FOR THE THIRD TIME FOR MOANING NOISE WHEN TURNING -STILL PULLING TO THE RIGHT -PAINT ON HOOD HAD A NOTICEABLE 3D EFFECT & HAIRLINE SCRATCHES THAT WERE NOT JUST CAUSED BY A BAD DETAILING JOB -THE NIGHT BEFORE THIS MY BRAKES STARTED PUMPING WHEN I WOULD SLOW DOWN FROM 60 MPH TO GET OFF ONTO THE ON RAMP TO GET HOME, WHICH I DIDN'T THINK WAS NORMAL. T *VW SAID MY ROTORS WERE WARPED SO THEY HAD TO REPLACE THEM. *PH
Power train, Jul 1, 2003
WHILE APPLYING THE VEHICLE IN GEAR THE REVERSE GEAR WILL STICK AND WILL NOT GO BACK INTO THE PARK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Jun 30, 2003
JUNE 24TH, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY FOUR MONTH OLD 2003 JETTA TDI ON THE THE HIGHWAY AT A 70MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE. AFTER THE CAR HAD STOPPED AND BEGAN MOVING AGAIN THE CRUISE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. TWO DAYS LATER ON JUNE 26, 2003, WHILE IN LUNCH HOUR TRAFFIC-WITH A CO-WORKER IN THE CAR THE BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED BY THEMSELVES AT 40 MPH. WE STOPPED ON A DIME AND WERE ALMOST REAR ENDED. THIS OCCURED OVER 10 TIMES BEFORE WE GOT BACK TO THE OFFICE (WE WERE LESS THAN TWO MILES AWAY). DEALERSHIP IS REPLACING BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER AND I HAVE REQUESTED FULL WARRENTY ON NEW BRAKE SYSTEM FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS FLAW THAT COULD HAVE EAISLY CAUSED BODILY INJURY. I HAVE YET TO LEARN IF THERE IS A TRACK RECORD OF THE BRAKES FAILING ON THE 2003 DESIGNS BUT WANTED TO BEGIN A DOCUMENTATION RECORD. *AK
Air bags, May 18, 2003
MY SON WAS DRIVING HIS 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR UNEXPLAINED REASONS. THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER READ THE SENSORS IN THE CAR AND IT REGISTERED CRASH DATA. THERE WAS NO IMPACT WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, May 15, 2003
10,000 MILES, MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) CAME ON SOLID. AFTER I WAS TOLD THAT IF THE LIGHT WAS SOLID, THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. TOOK CAR HOME AND DROVE TO DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY. AFTER PRINCETON VOLKSWAGEN LOOKED AT THE CAR, TURNED OUT TO BE THAT MY 2003 JETTA GLS 1.8T THAT WAS LESS THAN 3 MONTHS OLD HAD A FUEL LEAK! I WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL SENDER CLAMP WAS LOOSE AND HOSE WAS SMOKING. *JB