2002 Volkswagen Jetta Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical15117.8%
- Engine11013.0%
- Airbags10812.7%
- Heating & air conditioning8910.5%
- Brakes839.8%
- Transmission809.4%
- Visibility455.3%
- Powertrain (other)252.9%
- Interior & seats242.8%
- Fuel system222.6%
- Exterior lighting212.5%
- Body & structure192.2%
- Driver assistance172.0%
- Tires & wheels151.8%
- Other / unspecified151.8%
- Suspension101.2%
- Steering80.9%
- Seat belts70.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT "JERKS" OR MAKES A SHAKING MOVEMENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE "DOOR AJAR" LIGHT STAYS ON ALTHOUGH ALL DOORS HAVE BEEN OPENED AND CLOSED. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. WHILE STATIONARY AND IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT USEABLE. THE DRIVER'S DOOR REMAINS UNLOCKED AFTER PRESSING THE "LOCK DOORS" BUTTON.
KNOWN MELTING FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY. FROM SCHEMATICS, APPEARS S180 FUSE (COOLANT FAN) AS PREDOMINANT POINT OF FAILURE. ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED (VIA WEB) ACROSS NUMEROUS MODELS AND YEARS. CALLED VW FOR FIX; AS TECHS APPEAR VOID OF A GENERAL CONSENSUS TO PROBLEM/FIX. UNFORTUNATELY, VW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND/OR PROVIDE SOLUTION TO CUSTOMER(S). REFERS ME TO DEALER, WHICH IS OVER AN HOUR AWAY. JUST NEED INFO TO ORDER REPAIR KIT AND RESTORE VEHICLE INTEGRITY/SAFETY. CONCERNED AS THIS MAY BE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD; DUE TO THE VOLUME OF HEAT GENERATED BY WIRING WITHIN INTERNAL COMPARTMENT. IN TURN, I UNDERSTAND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE IS OUTSIDE THE NORMAL WARRANTY PERIOD. AS STATED, JUST WANT AN ANSWER TO REPAIR; HOWEVER, VW CUSTOMER CARE REP COMMENTED I SHOULD REPORTING THIS ISSUE IN HOPES TO DRAW ADDITIONAL ATTENTION OF OTHER OWNERS AND, EVENTUALLY, THE NHTSA TO GET VW TO RESPOND TO CUSTOMERS QUESTIONS.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS GETTING AN ALLERGIC REACTION FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE REACTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR CENTER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE INDEPENDENT DEALER WHO SOLD THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE DID NOT VERIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,677. .. UPDATED 12/22/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED ONE HOSE WAS REPLACED AND THERE IS A HOLE IN ANOTHER HOSE, AND ALSO MISSING BRACKETS. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on the freeway and the airbags deployed. No one hit me and I don't hit anyone.
SIMPLY WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT MY DAUGHTER REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR AT 40MPH AND COMPLETELY CRUNCHED IN HER FRONT END (CAR IS TOTALED), BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL THE STATE FARM AGENT MENTIONED THAT SHE HAD AIRBAGS ON THE CAR.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKWAGEN JETTA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH THE FRONT SEAT WARMERS ACTIVATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS BURNED WHEN THE SEAT WARMER MALFUNCTIONED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT NEEDED. THE FAILURE BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT HEATER BURNED HIS BODY THROUGH HIS PANTS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD SEND AN AGENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND CALL HIM BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS FLASHING AND MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABOUT TO SWITCH LANES TO PULL OVER AND I LOST POWER, BRAKES, AND STEERING. I JUST MADE IT INTO A PARKING LOT ABOUT FIVE FEET FROM A BUILDING WHEN MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED SMOKING. I POPPED MY HOOD BUT IT WOULDN'T COME OPEN. WITHIN ABOUT A MINUTE AND A HALF MY HOOD STARTED MELTING SPARKS WERE FALLING FROM THE UNDERNEATH OF MY CAR AND THROUGH THE GRILL I COULD SEE A SMALL FIRE. WITHIN TWO MINUTES MY CAR WAS ON FIRE! I HAD TO CALL TO FIRE DEPARTMENT AND MY CAR IS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND BURNT TO A CRISP ! BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME A VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER JUST HAPPENED TO DRIVE BY AND FIRE EXTINGUISHED IT BUT IT DIDN'T DO A THING. NOW I AM OUT MY CAR...MY LIVELY HOOD..AND THE $4500 I SPENT 1 YEAR AGO. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED. IN ADDITION, ONE OR TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND ADVISED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED NEAR THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V031000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND SHIFTING HARD BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD. THIS OCCURRENCE IS DUE TO A FAULTY TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT AND TRANSMISSION SOLENOID. IF NOT PROPERLY TAKEN CARE OF THIS MIGHT CAUSE A TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND ULTIMATELY A TRANSMISSION CRASH. THIS MEANS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND THE COST CAN RANGE FROM 3000-7000 DOLLARS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY VW OWNERS. ESPECIALLY VOLKSWAGENS BETWEEN 2001-2003. *KB
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION-WHEN SHIFTED INTO D-LAGS FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD-TRANSMISSION SHIFTS IN AN ODD MANNER-CAR ONLY HAS 43000 MILES ON IT-ORIGINAL MILES-. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
PAX FRONT WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. DUE TO CHEAP, PLASTIC WINDOW CLIPS THAT FAILED. REPLACEMENT CLIPS ARE NOW CHEAP POT METAL WINDOW CLIPS. *TR
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT "JERKS" OR MAKES A SHAKING MOVEMENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE "DOOR AJAR" LIGHT STAYS ON ALTHOUGH ALL DOORS HAVE BEEN OPENED AND CLOSED. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. WHILE STATIONARY AND IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT USEABLE. THE DRIVER'S DOOR REMAINS UNLOCKED AFTER PRESSING THE "LOCK DOORS" BUTTON.
THE SHIFTER FIRST LOCKED UP IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THEN LATER CAME COMPLETELY LOOSE IN TRAFFIC. THE VW PARTS DEPARTMENTS SAID THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED SO MUCH THAT NO ONE WITHIN 200 MILES HAD THE PARTS IN STOCK AS THEY WERE SOLD OUT. VW REFUSED TO COOPERATE WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU IN RESOLUTION. THE BBB TOLD ME TO REPORT TO THE NHTSA>
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING OUR JETTA AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG AND SIDE SEAT AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT. THERE WAS NO POTHOLE. IT WAS THE ONLY CAR ON THE ROAD. GOING STRAIGHT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 217,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE MAINTAINING SPEED AT OR ABOVE 40 MPH AND WITH 1/4 TANK OR LESS OF FUEL REMAINING, MY JETTA WILL CONSISTENTLY STALL OUT AND TURN OFF FROM FUEL STARVATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME BETWEEN 40 AND 80 MPH SEVERAL TIMES, BOTH IN THE CITY AND ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, THE FUEL SENDER, AND THE FUEL PUMP WITH NO SUCCESS. ADDITIONALLY, THE JETTA WILL DIE THE FIRST TIME I TRY TO START IT AS MY FUEL LEVEL APPROACHES 1/4, ESPECIALLY IF I AM PARKED ON AN INCLINE. HOWEVER, IT NEVER FAILS TO START ON THE SECOND TRY ONCE SOME FUEL HAS BEGUN MOVING THROUGH THE SYSTEM. FULLY REFUELING ALLEVIATES ALL PROBLEMS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS GETTING AN ALLERGIC REACTION FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED THE REACTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS IS A FOLLOWUP ON MY NHTSA COMPLAINT WITH ODI 10660489. I WOULD LIKE TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V584000 WHICH PRECISELY DESCRIBES THE SAME PROBLEM I HAVE ENCOUNTERED WITH MY JETTA. PLEASE NOTE THAT MY JETTA IS ALSO A 2002 MODEL AS NOTED IN THE ABOVE CAMPAIGN. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THE SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHERS WERE INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,500.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE WINDOWS WERE STEAMING. IN ADDITION, THE DASHBOARD WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURNED HAND INJURY, BUT DID NOT NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
I PARKED MY CAR AT THE BWI AIRPORT AND THERE WAS A CONCRETE STOP APPROXIMATELY 10" TALL AND THE FRONT BUMPER WAS CAUGHT ON IT AND WHEN I REVERSED IT TORE THE BUMPER FROM THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED 8 YEARS AGO AND I REPLACED THE FENDER FOR ABOUT $400,NOW VW WANTS $1188.50. I FEEL THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH WITH A QUARTER TANK OF GAS, MY 2002 JETTA GLX DISPLAYED THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THEN STALLED AT FULL SPEED. THE CAR SLOWED, THE STEERING AND GAS PEDAL WERE STIFF AND I HAD TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER AND CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK. I HAD THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR REPLACED, NEW SPARK PLUGS PUT IN AND THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED. I TEST DROVE THE CAR AND ONCE AGAIN, THE ENGINE STARTED TO STALL AT AROUND 70MPH ON THE FREEWAY. THIS TIME I WAS ABLE TO FLOOR THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR DID NOT COMPLETELY STALL. THIS DEFECT SEEMS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND SEEMS TO BE UNACCEPTABLY PREVALENT ON VW JETTAS. MY NEXT PART TO REPLACE IS THE FUEL PUMP BUT IT APPEARS THAT DOES NOT ALWAYS REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
THE CAR TAKES 15 MINUTES TO HEAT UP TO 190, OTHERWISE THE CAR WON'T DRIVE FORWARD IN PROPER GEAR WITHOUT JERKING. IT DRIVES LIKE IT IS A STICK SHIFT INSTEAD OF AN AUTOMATIC CHANGING GEAR ON IT'S OWN. THE CAR STOPS WITHOUT ME PRESSING THE BRAKES AND SOMETIMES JUST TURNS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. IT SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE IN THE CAR. THE CD PLAYER, CLOCK AND VEHICLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS ON AND OFF. THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. AUTONATION PERFORMED A MULTI POINT INSPECTION AND SAYS THE CAR NEEDS A TIMING BELT, COOLANT FLANGE AND AFTER RUN PUMP, AND ROLLERS. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REFERENCE TO A FLAW AND MISREPRESENTATION OF GOODYEAR EAGLE LS 195/65 TIRES INSTALLED ON A 2002 VW JETTA 1.8T. HE TIRES WEAR EXCESSIVELY, AND CAUSED ME TO LOSE TRACTION IN THE RAIN AND CRASH. THE CRASH CAUSED $7,800 IN DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER MISREPRESENTS THE TIRES AS HAVING EXCELLENT WET TRACTION, AND VERY DURABLE TREAD WEAR. THESE TIRES SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED, AS I HAVE ALSO HERD OF OTHER COMPLAINTS AND WILL ATTEMPT TO CONTACT GOODYEAR DIRECTLY. *NM
THE TIRES ARE BEING CUT FROM THE INSIDE WHILE DRIVING. THEY ARE CUT IN A SIMILAR FASHION. THE CONSUMER HAS GONE THROUGH SIX SETS OF TIRES. IT IS ALWAYS THE TWO FRONT TIRES. TIRE BRAND: GOOD YEAR EAGLE RSA P225 45 R 17, M67REN OR 3103. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WATER PUMP REPLACED, TIRES ALWAYS HAVE ISSUES BECAUSE OF THE RIM DESIGN, CODE ERRORS, REAR RODS REPLACED, MUFFLER, MISFIRING, RADIATOR ECT.
I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT THAT HAD A SLIGHT CURVE AND I HIT SOME BLACK ICE. THE CAR WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE CURB AND WITH THE IMPACT, WHICH IN MY OPINION, WAS NOT A GREAT AMOUNT, CAUSED THE SIDE CURTAIN AND PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. WITH HOW THE WHEEL HIT THE CURB, IT ALSO DAMAGED THE ALIGNMENT OF THE WHEELS. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WATER PUMP REPLACED, TIRES ALWAYS HAVE ISSUES BECAUSE OF THE RIM DESIGN, CODE ERRORS, REAR RODS REPLACED, MUFFLER, MISFIRING, RADIATOR ECT.
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT THAT HAD A SLIGHT CURVE AND I HIT SOME BLACK ICE. THE CAR WENT STRAIGHT INTO THE CURB AND WITH THE IMPACT, WHICH IN MY OPINION, WAS NOT A GREAT AMOUNT, CAUSED THE SIDE CURTAIN AND PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. WITH HOW THE WHEEL HIT THE CURB, IT ALSO DAMAGED THE ALIGNMENT OF THE WHEELS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,074. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PULLED THE SEAT BELT OUT TO PUT IT ON AND I HEARD A NOISE AND THE BELT WENT COMPLETELY SLACK. THERE IS NO TENSION ON THE BELT. *TR
TRAVELING AT 70MPH UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON INTERSTATE THE ROOF AND SEAT AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT LOCKDOWN ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED CAUSING TEMPORARY LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND NECK STRAIN. REPAIRS TO FIX AIRBAGS COST OVER $4,000. VOLKSWAGON INVESTIGATED AND WERE NO HELP. GAVE NO REASON FOR SPONTANEOUS AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. VERY UNSAFE EXPERIENCE! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .