1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

7 recalls — 50 complaints

14E007000 Mar 7, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
Remedy: 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.
50 vehicles affected
06V183000 May 24, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Remedy: 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.
646,246 vehicles affected
04V096000 Feb 20, 2004
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
Remedy: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183.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.
377,130 vehicles affected
03V156000 Apr 23, 2003
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. 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 VW AT 1-800-893-5298.
9,811 vehicles affected
02V026000 Jan 25, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. 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.
487,284 vehicles affected
99V251000 Sep 17, 1999
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE HEAD INJURY CRITERION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE UPPER RETAINER CLIP NEAR THE BP1 IMPACT LOCATION IS DESIGNED TO BREAK WHEN IMPACTED BY THE HEAD FORM. IN SOME CASES, THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM PART MAY BE MORE IMPACT RESISTANT AS A RESULT OF VARIATIONS IN THE MOLDING PROCESS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRIM COVER FROM EACH OF THE B PILLARS AND INSTALL A NEW COVER.
67,076 vehicles affected
99V022000 Feb 5, 1999
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SURFACE AND EDGES OF THE MAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IT COULD IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE EXHAUST GAS OF THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER IGNITER IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONT OR SIDE COLLISION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MATTING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE THE B-PILLAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.
36,258 vehicles affected
ENGINE May 18, 2013
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS ON MY JETTA. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO 4 REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE COULD FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE PAID OVER 1200 ON OTHER REPAIRS. WHAT CAN I DO . *TR THANKS CHRISTINA
SUSPENSION May 18, 2013
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS ON MY JETTA. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO 4 REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE COULD FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE PAID OVER 1200 ON OTHER REPAIRS. WHAT CAN I DO . *TR THANKS CHRISTINA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE May 18, 2013
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS ON MY JETTA. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO 4 REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE COULD FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE PAID OVER 1200 ON OTHER REPAIRS. WHAT CAN I DO . *TR THANKS CHRISTINA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT SMOKE WAS BELLOWING FROM BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMOKE DISAPPEARED AFTER SOME TIME. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,144.
Fire
AIR BAGS Apr 2, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT SMOKE WAS BELLOWING FROM BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMOKE DISAPPEARED AFTER SOME TIME. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,144.
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 31, 2012
THE VW VEHICLE IS PROGRAMMED TO CRIPPLE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IN CASE OF AN EPC FAULT. ANY FAULT CAUSING A RICH OR LEAN CONDITION WILL CAUSE THIS "LIMP MODE". THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65-75MPH AND A 80,000 POUND TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND THEM AS ONE PERSON EXPERIENCED. THERE ARE TOO MANY NON-VITAL COMPONENT FAILURES TO LIST THAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT. I REFER TO NON-VITAL MEANING THE COMPONENT FAILURE WILL NOT HARM THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. THE FAULT LIGHT INDICATION ISN'T ENOUGH? NOW THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO FORCE YOU INTO A REPAIR SHOP AND BUY MORE VW PARTS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MONEY MAKING SCAM ENDANGERING OUR LIVES. WE DO NOT PUT A HALT ON THIS NOW- SOON ANY FAULT WILL CRIPPLE OUR CARS. IT'S NOT JUST VW (HYUNDAI DID A SIMILAR "LIMP MODE"). *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Aug 31, 2012
THE VW VEHICLE IS PROGRAMMED TO CRIPPLE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IN CASE OF AN EPC FAULT. ANY FAULT CAUSING A RICH OR LEAN CONDITION WILL CAUSE THIS "LIMP MODE". THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65-75MPH AND A 80,000 POUND TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND THEM AS ONE PERSON EXPERIENCED. THERE ARE TOO MANY NON-VITAL COMPONENT FAILURES TO LIST THAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT. I REFER TO NON-VITAL MEANING THE COMPONENT FAILURE WILL NOT HARM THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. THE FAULT LIGHT INDICATION ISN'T ENOUGH? NOW THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO FORCE YOU INTO A REPAIR SHOP AND BUY MORE VW PARTS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MONEY MAKING SCAM ENDANGERING OUR LIVES. WE DO NOT PUT A HALT ON THIS NOW- SOON ANY FAULT WILL CRIPPLE OUR CARS. IT'S NOT JUST VW (HYUNDAI DID A SIMILAR "LIMP MODE"). *TR
ENGINE Aug 31, 2012
THE VW VEHICLE IS PROGRAMMED TO CRIPPLE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IN CASE OF AN EPC FAULT. ANY FAULT CAUSING A RICH OR LEAN CONDITION WILL CAUSE THIS "LIMP MODE". THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65-75MPH AND A 80,000 POUND TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND THEM AS ONE PERSON EXPERIENCED. THERE ARE TOO MANY NON-VITAL COMPONENT FAILURES TO LIST THAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT. I REFER TO NON-VITAL MEANING THE COMPONENT FAILURE WILL NOT HARM THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. THE FAULT LIGHT INDICATION ISN'T ENOUGH? NOW THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO FORCE YOU INTO A REPAIR SHOP AND BUY MORE VW PARTS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MONEY MAKING SCAM ENDANGERING OUR LIVES. WE DO NOT PUT A HALT ON THIS NOW- SOON ANY FAULT WILL CRIPPLE OUR CARS. IT'S NOT JUST VW (HYUNDAI DID A SIMILAR "LIMP MODE"). *TR
SEAT BELTS Feb 19, 2012
THE MIDDLE REAR SEATBELT LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT RELEASE. THE SEATBELT LOCKING MECHANISM IS LOCATED IN THE SEAT IN AN INACCESSIBLE LOCATION AND IS ALSO NOT AVAILABLE TO RELEASE THE SEATBELT. *TR
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) Jan 20, 2012
1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS VR6, ALWAYS GETTING DTC CODES OF P1117, P0140, P1198, P1472, P1435, P0102, P0343, P1421.. THAT ALWAYS SAYS ABOUT OPEN OR SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITIONS AND POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, AND SHORT TO GROUNDS FOR ELECTRICAL, WHICH IS ALL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, IF YOU SEARCH ONLINE THEM CODES YOU WILL SEE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND AS WELL AS ALOT OF US HAVE TO BUY THE PARTS THAT IS LISTED AND PROBLEMS STILL AREN'T FIXED, WHICH TELLS US ITS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, NOT ISSUES WITH THE PARTS, WHICH CAUSES OUR #43 FUSE BLOW ALOT, AND ALOT OF HESITATION AND STALLING, I CANT EVEN TURN AROUND A CORNER OR TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT STALLING, PLEASE FIX THESE PROBLEMS, ITS HAPPENING TO WAY TO MANY OF US AND IT IS ALSO AN SAFETY ISSUE. *TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jan 20, 2012
1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS VR6, ALWAYS GETTING DTC CODES OF P1117, P0140, P1198, P1472, P1435, P0102, P0343, P1421.. THAT ALWAYS SAYS ABOUT OPEN OR SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITIONS AND POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, AND SHORT TO GROUNDS FOR ELECTRICAL, WHICH IS ALL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, IF YOU SEARCH ONLINE THEM CODES YOU WILL SEE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND AS WELL AS ALOT OF US HAVE TO BUY THE PARTS THAT IS LISTED AND PROBLEMS STILL AREN'T FIXED, WHICH TELLS US ITS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, NOT ISSUES WITH THE PARTS, WHICH CAUSES OUR #43 FUSE BLOW ALOT, AND ALOT OF HESITATION AND STALLING, I CANT EVEN TURN AROUND A CORNER OR TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT STALLING, PLEASE FIX THESE PROBLEMS, ITS HAPPENING TO WAY TO MANY OF US AND IT IS ALSO AN SAFETY ISSUE. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 20, 2012
1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS VR6, ALWAYS GETTING DTC CODES OF P1117, P0140, P1198, P1472, P1435, P0102, P0343, P1421.. THAT ALWAYS SAYS ABOUT OPEN OR SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITIONS AND POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, AND SHORT TO GROUNDS FOR ELECTRICAL, WHICH IS ALL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, IF YOU SEARCH ONLINE THEM CODES YOU WILL SEE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND AS WELL AS ALOT OF US HAVE TO BUY THE PARTS THAT IS LISTED AND PROBLEMS STILL AREN'T FIXED, WHICH TELLS US ITS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, NOT ISSUES WITH THE PARTS, WHICH CAUSES OUR #43 FUSE BLOW ALOT, AND ALOT OF HESITATION AND STALLING, I CANT EVEN TURN AROUND A CORNER OR TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT STALLING, PLEASE FIX THESE PROBLEMS, ITS HAPPENING TO WAY TO MANY OF US AND IT IS ALSO AN SAFETY ISSUE. *TT
POWER TRAIN Nov 30, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY JETTA TAKES LONG TO SHIFT ## VIN PASSED ## VOLKSWAGEN,JETTA,1999 ## *KB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Nov 30, 2011
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY JETTA TAKES LONG TO SHIFT ## VIN PASSED ## VOLKSWAGEN,JETTA,1999 ## *KB
SEAT BELTS Oct 4, 2010
1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SEAT BELT HAS BECOME TIGHTENED TO THE POINT THAT IT WON'T RELEASE. IT SEEMS THAT EACH TIME THE SEAT BACK WAS LOWERED TO INCREASE THE CARGO AREA OF THE TRUNK, THE BELT TIGHTENS MORE. *TR
SEAT BELTS Jul 18, 2010
IN MY 99.5 VW JETTA GLS THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT HAS TIGHTENED AND WILL NOT RELEASE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAVE HAD THEM WORK ON IT AND NORMALLY THEY CAN GET IT TO RELEASE. HOWEVER ONCE IT IS RELEASED, IT CAN'T BE USED B/C THE NEXT TIME I GO TO USE THE SEAT BELT AND PULL IT OUT IT LOCKS AGAIN. THE SEAT CAN'T BE USED. IT HAS ALSO MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO LAY DOWN THE BACK SEATS, OR ONCE I LAY IT FLAT THE SEAT CAN'T BE RETURNED TO THE UP RIGHT POSITION. *TR
STRUCTURE May 26, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER IT RAINED, EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SPECIFY WHERE THE LEAK WAS LOCATED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT DISCUSS THE FAILURE WITH HIM DUE TO A PENDING LAWSUIT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 17, 2010
WHILE DRIVING ON RT. 495 NEAR EXIT 19, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND I FELT MY SPEED CONTINUE TO INCREASE. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND MY SPEED CONTINUED TO INCREASE. I DOWNSHIFTED AND WHEN I LET THE CLUTCH OUT WE REALLY TOOK OFF. DEPRESSING THE BRAKE HAD NO EFFECT. WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED, MANAGED TO PULL ON TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. AS I REACHED FOR THE KEY, THE ENGINE SHUDDERED AND DIED. I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT WAS THAT THE ENGINE SELF-DESTRUCTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO TROUBLE CODES IN THE ECM AND THE TPS SHOWED NO DEFECTS WHEN TESTED. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Nov 24, 2009
BRAKE LAMPS WERE OPERATING CORRECTLY ON 11/22/2009 AND ON 11/23/2009 THEY CEASED WORKING. CHECKED WITH NHTSA TO SEE IF OPEN RECALL WAS OPEN NONE BUT WANTED TO MAKE KNOWN THE ISSUE SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN TWO RECALLS IN THE PASS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
VISIBILITY Jul 20, 2009
VW WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK IN TO BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. *TR
SEATS Feb 27, 2009
RECENTLY MY 1999 VW JETTA PASSENGER'S SEAT BACK CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING FROM INSIDER THE SEAT BACK, THE SEAT AND MY HUSBAND'S WINTER COAT (I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND) WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM DOWN I-93. THE VW DEALERS I WENT TO SEE, LET ALONE MY CALL TO VW NORTH AMERICA, WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SEAT, TO CHECK THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, ETC. THE RESPONSE WAS ALMOST UNIFORM AS TO NOTHING THEY COULD DO, NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, NOT WITHIN WARRANTY, ETC. NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASKING FOR $500 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ME TO PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT! MY INSURANCE GUY AND THE HEAD OF SERVICE AT WELLESLEY VW BOTH SAID IN ALL THEIR YEARS, THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING THIS BAD. BUT WHAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT IS THAT THE FIRE WAS A SERIOUS, LIFE-THREATENING HAZARD; THERE ARE MANY CASES THE INTERNET OF JETTAS' SEATS CATCHING FIRE ' BUT NOT ONE RECALL LIKE THEY DID WITH THE PASSAT A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1987 WHEN I GOT MY LICENSE; MY PARENTS SINCE 1953. I CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT AM NOW BAFFLED AS TO THEIR UNIFORM, UNHELPFUL RESPONSES. I NEED SOME GUIDANCE, LET ALONE HELP TO HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM. SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THE SEAT FULLY CAUGHT FIRE OR MY HUSBAND WAS WEARING SOMETHING OTHER THAN LEATHER THAT TAKES LONGER TO SMOLDER THAN, LET'S SAY, FLEECE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS THEIR "LIABILITY", AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON CORRECTING THE SITUATION. *TR
Fire
EQUIPMENT Feb 27, 2009
RECENTLY MY 1999 VW JETTA PASSENGER'S SEAT BACK CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING FROM INSIDER THE SEAT BACK, THE SEAT AND MY HUSBAND'S WINTER COAT (I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND) WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM DOWN I-93. THE VW DEALERS I WENT TO SEE, LET ALONE MY CALL TO VW NORTH AMERICA, WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SEAT, TO CHECK THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, ETC. THE RESPONSE WAS ALMOST UNIFORM AS TO NOTHING THEY COULD DO, NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, NOT WITHIN WARRANTY, ETC. NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASKING FOR $500 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ME TO PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT! MY INSURANCE GUY AND THE HEAD OF SERVICE AT WELLESLEY VW BOTH SAID IN ALL THEIR YEARS, THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING THIS BAD. BUT WHAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT IS THAT THE FIRE WAS A SERIOUS, LIFE-THREATENING HAZARD; THERE ARE MANY CASES THE INTERNET OF JETTAS' SEATS CATCHING FIRE ' BUT NOT ONE RECALL LIKE THEY DID WITH THE PASSAT A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1987 WHEN I GOT MY LICENSE; MY PARENTS SINCE 1953. I CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT AM NOW BAFFLED AS TO THEIR UNIFORM, UNHELPFUL RESPONSES. I NEED SOME GUIDANCE, LET ALONE HELP TO HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM. SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THE SEAT FULLY CAUGHT FIRE OR MY HUSBAND WAS WEARING SOMETHING OTHER THAN LEATHER THAT TAKES LONGER TO SMOLDER THAN, LET'S SAY, FLEECE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS THEIR "LIABILITY", AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON CORRECTING THE SITUATION. *TR
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Feb 23, 2009
COOLANT SYSTEM EXTERNAL LEAK WAS FIXED, HOSES REPLACED AND CONNECTOR THAT ATTACHES TO ENGINE WAS REPLACED ALSO. LEAK COMES BACK , REPLACED ANOTHER HOSE., THEN THE WORSE STARTS, THE HEATER CORE STARTED LEAKING AND THE CAR STARTED TO SMELL LIKE ANTIFREEZE. GOT HEATER CORE REPLACED, BUT THE INSIDE OF THE CAR SMELLS HORRIBLE,.EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 1999 JETTA, I GET THIS METALLIC TASTE IN MY MOUTH AND THROAT. THE STUFF IS DEFINITELY TOXIC, AND THE AF CONTAINER READS POISONOUS. BECOMES A TORTURE TO DRIVE MY JETTA I HATE THE METALLIC TASTE IN MY MOUTH. THE DESIGN OFF SOME OF THE HEATING SYSTEM INCLUDES PLASTIC COMPONENTS THAT MAY NOT TAKE THE HEAT WELL SPECIALLY AT THE POINT OF CONTACT WITH THE ENGINE. DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND SIMILAR CASES WITH INTERNAL ANTIFREEZE LEAKS ON VW JETTAS. THIS FUMES CAN REALLY RUIN YOUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE NOT TO MENTION THE POSSIBLE DETRIMENT ON YOUR HEALTH DUE TO BREATHING IN A CONTAMINATED ATMOSPHERE THANKS FOR LOOKING INTO THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
SEATS Feb 4, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT HAS HEATED SEATS IN HIS VEHICLE. THE HEATING ELEMENTS IN THE SEATS BECAME SO HOT THAT THEY BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT TO HIS JACKET. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT FOR THEM TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Fire
SEATS Jan 26, 2009
IN OUR 1999 JETTA, OUR PASSENGER SEAT WARMER CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND BURNED THROUGH MY HUSBAND'S JACKET. I REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID AS IT WAS AN OLD CAR AND THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL, THEY CAN'T HELP ME. I READ ON MANY INTERNET SITES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1986, CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT NOW VERY UPSET. WE COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR FIRE AND NO ONE IS CARING ABOUT THIS AS THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD. *TR
Fire 1 injured
VISIBILITY Oct 16, 2008
WINDOW REGULATOR GOING BAD. RESEARCHED YOUR SITE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. JUST PURCHASED CAR USED AND WAS UNAWARE OF PROBLEM AND OF COURSE IT IS TOO LATE FOR ANY EXTENDED WARRANTIES. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE RECONCILED REGARDLESS OF TIMEFRAME. *TR
AIR BAGS Jun 9, 2008
TOOK MY CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY AIRBAG LIGHT CHECKED, THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD CLEAR IT. IT WAS CLEARED, THEN POPPED UP AGAIN AND HAS SINCE THEN STAYED ON. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Mar 8, 2008
LEAK IN COOLING SYSTEM CAUSING MIGRATION TO WATER PUMP, HEATER CORE, AND ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. HAVING TO REPLACE ALL 3. CAR STALLS AT RANDOM TIMES IN BUSY TRAFFIC, POSING POTENTIAL ACCIDENT PROBLEM. CAUSED TOXIC FUMES TO COME THROUGH HEAT VENTS IN CAR. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH Dec 3, 2007
THE BLINKER ON MY CAR IS FAILING. IT IS IN THE UNIT ON THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER TURNING A CORNER IT WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. WHEN DRIVING IT WILL DROP DOWN AND COME ON SOMETIMES. IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT WANT TO COME ON AND I HAVE TO PUSH IT HARD. THE VEHICLE IS A 1999.5 VW JETTA. I HAVE READ ON THE FORUMS ALSO THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. *TR
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS Oct 17, 2007
FRONT BUMPER TOO LOW, GETS CAUGHT AND DETACHES FROM BODY OF CAR. *TR
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS Sep 18, 2007
FRONT BUMPER IS WAY TOO LOW AND SCRAPS AND GETS CAUGHT ON CURBS. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE WHOLE FRONT BUMPER COMING OFF. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT FOR FREE. NOW THEY JUST SAY WATCH HOW YOU PARK. THE TROUBLE IS, YOU CANT'S TELL WHEN YOU DRIVE OVER A CURB, ONLY WHEN BACKING OUT, DOES THE BUMPER CATCH AND PULL OFF. THIS IS A DEFECT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD FIX, ESPECIALLY SINCE I KNOW MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO. *TR
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER Aug 7, 2007
THE REAR MIDDLE SHOULDER BELT OF MY 1999 JETTA IS CONSTANTLY BROKEN. EVERY TIME I FOLD THE MIDDLE SEAT DOWN IN THE BACK THE SEATBELT GETS TIGHTER AND TIGHTER AND TIGHTER. THIS HAPPENS UNTIL EVENTUALLY THE BELT IS TOO TIGHT FOR ME TO EVEN FOLD THE SEAT DOWN ANY LONGER AND I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO BE WORKED ON. APPARENTLY IT IS SOME "BUTTON" THAT IS BREAKING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I TRY TO FOLD THE SEAT DOWN AND AS A RESULT I AM NOT ABLE TO SAFELY SECURE PASSENGERS IN MY MIDDLE SEAT. SO FAR I HAVE HAD THIS BUTTON REPLACED 3 TIMES. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Jul 23, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS SET OVERHEATED, MELTED 10-15 WIRES TOGETHER, AND SHORTED OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HE PAID OVER $3,000 TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS SET. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 123,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jun 30, 2007
ABOUT EVERY 2,000 MILES, THE ENGINE IN MY 1999 MK IV VOLKSWAGEN JETTA STARTS TICKING, AND I CHECK MY OIL, AND IM A QUART LOW. EVERYTIME. THE ENGINE QUALITY IS STEADILY DECLINING. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO REPAIR THIS BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY, NOR DO I TRUST MECHANICS WITH THE CAR. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 15, 2007
THIS ENTIRE SCENARIO IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A CAR, I HAD HOPED TO KEEP, AS I AM TOLD THAT VW'S CAN WELL NEAR TO THE 200,000 MILES PLUS. I AM TOLD THEY ARE RELIABLE AND BEING ON THE ROAD MYSELF, THAT HAD BEEN A POINT OF COMFORT WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. BEING OF LIMITED INCOME CAPACITY, I THOUGHT I MADE A WISE INVESTMENT TO CARRY ME FOR MANY YEARS WITHOUT A CAR PAYMENT. I AM SCARED TO DEATH NOW THAT SOMETHING DRASTIC COULD HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THIS SITUATION, BE IT A BREAK DOWN ON A LATE EVENING, DARK STRETCH OF ROAD OR GREATER FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS ME PERSONALLY. MR. WITTER, THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM I WANT TO BELIEVE YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF, BECAUSE A CEO OF A COMPANY WHO PURPORTS SERVICE AND A QUALITY PRODUCT WOULD INVESTIGATE AND RESOLVE SUCH A LARGE ISSUE, IN ALL CASES, BUT MOST ESPECIALLY IN WARRANTY CASES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A MAJOR RECALL OR SOMEONE WILL BE INJURED OR KILLED IN AN ENGINE FAILURE INCIDENT. YOU MAY END UP FINDING YOURSELVES IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT. I BELIEVE PROACTIVE IS MORE POSITIVE THAN REACTIVE COURSE OF ACTION. I LOOK FORWARD TO A POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM YOU INDICATING THAT YOU WILL HAVE DAY APOLLO VW REMEDY MY ISSUE IN THE SAME MANNER THE CALIFORNIA DEALER SATISFIED MY SISTER'S SAME DEFECT. TO DATE 3/2007 THEY CONTINUE THE STANCE THIS IS NORMAL AND REFUSE TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE FOR ANY FUTURE ISSUE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 15, 2007
THIS IS MY SCENARIO: EACH 3,000-4,000 MILE OIL CHANGE, OFTEN THERE WAS NO REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK OF MY JETTA. JETTA MANUAL STATES OIL CHANGE RECOMMENDED EVERY 10,000 MILES ITEM 2 THERE ARE NO DRIPS UNDER THE VEHICLE OR SMOKING EVER. THERE IS NO OIL SPLASHED UPON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HOOD TO INDICATE GASKET PROBLEMMY SISTER WHO OWNS THE SAME CAR IN CALIFORNIA HAD MADE ME AWARE OF THE SAME SITUATION WITH HER JETTA AND TOLD ME HER DEALER APPROACHED HER AND SHE CONFIRMED THEIR QUESTIONS OF LOOSING OIL. THEY INITIATED AND COMPLETED SATISFYING HER AS A CUSTOMER BY RESOLVING THE SITUATION. I HAVE INCLUDED THE INVOICE OF HER REPAIR TO HER JETTA. ITEM 3REALIZING MY VEHICLE WAS IN THE SAME MILEAGE RANGE, AND CONCERNED THAT FURTHER AND WORSE DAMAGE COULD BE DONE, I PERUSED THE ISSUE WITH MY LOCAL DEALER "DAY APOLLO" IN MOON TOWNSHIP, PA. RELEVANT CONTACT INFORMATION IS ON INVOICES FROM THEM. APOLLO DID AN OIL CHANGE AND FOLLOWED UP WITH "OIL CONSUMPTION WATCH" FOR THE NEXT 3000 MILES THAT TOOK FROM MAY 12, 2006- AUGUST 28, 2006 TO COMPLETE THOUGH IRREGULAR INTERVALS FROM 82,856 MILES TO 84,920 MILES = 2,064 MILES IT WAS DOWN QUART OF OIL. AT 85,860 MILES- 3002 MILES FROM THE START, AND ONLY ANOTHER 904 MILES FROM THE PREVIOUS CHECK, THE OIL WAS LOW A FULL QUART OF OIL.= 1 QT IN 1610 MI. OITEM SET 4 - ARE COPIES OF THE STUDY. OITEM 5 LETTER FROM VW CUSTOMER SERVICE INDICATES .85 QT. OIL LOSS IN 1000 MILES = 2.55 QT. OIL LOSS IN 3000 MILES. ??CONSULTING SEVERAL PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS I WAS VEHEMENTLY TOLD THAT IS AN UNACCEPTABLE OIL LOSS IN THAT AMOUNT OF MILES. APOLLO VW DEALER, HOWEVER, IN THEIR RHETORIC, AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A LADY ALONE, STATED THAT IT IS WITHIN THEIR STANDARDS. THE STANDARDS ARE LOW ENOUGH TO COVER THEIR BACKS THAT A BICYCLE COULD BE WITH IN THE "SPECIFICATIONS". *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 15, 2007
BEGAN OIL CONSUMPTION STUDY MAY 2006 BUT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE PRIOR AND PRESENT. THIS IS A COPY OF SOME INFORMATION I SENT TO VWOA A. I WENT THROUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TOO. VWA CONTINUES TO DENY THIS IS A PROBLEM, IT IS IN SPECIFICATIONS BUT DO NOT TELL ME WHAT IS ABNORMAL OIL USAGE. I HAD A RECALL SO WENT TO THE DEALER FOR THE SERVICE WITH MY EDITORIAL SIGN ON THE JETTA, THAT I HAD SENT TO MR. WITTER - VWA- THE DEALER HAS NOW REFUSED ANY FURTHER SERVICE OF MY VEHICLE THERE. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, AND THEY HAVE SHUT THE DOOR WITH THE VAGUE "WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS" RHETORIC. I AM TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE TO BURN A QUART OF OIL IN 1000-3000 MILES NOT EVEN REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK, IS WITH IN THE MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. IT HAS 85,000 MILES AND HAS THE EXTENDED 120,000 MILE / 10 YEAR WARRANTY. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. CONTINUED ON NEW COMPLAINT *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Mar 15, 2007
''PART 3 OF ORIGINAL COMPLAINT--I PHONED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION IN MICHIGAN, MARGARET THERE TOLD ME THAT THEIR POSITION IS TO SUPPORT THE DEALER. THEY WOULD RECORD MY COMPLAINT. I ASKED FOR A DOCUMENT IN PRINT- A MANUAL- THAT GIVES ME THIS PARTICULAR "SPECIFICATION". SHE HAD ME ON HOLD FOR 15 MINUTES AND COULD NOT FIND SUCH DOCUMENTATION, I ASKED HER TO LOCATE IT AND INCLUDE IT IN MY LETTER OF RECORD THEY ARE SENDING ME. ''I SPOKE TO A DIFFERENT VW DEALER, HE SAID TO SPEAK TO THE "FACTORY FIELD REPRESENTATIVE" THE APOLLO DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT GIVE ME HIS NAME OR PHONE NUMBER AND TOLD ME TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE,-- THEY SAID THE FACTORY FIELD REP WOULD SUPPORT THE DEALER AND HAD NO CONTACT NUMBER FOR HIM EITHER. THEY ARE ALL IN BED TOGETHER. ''WHY THEN IS IT NOT WITHIN THE "SPECIFICATIONS" OF THE SAME MANUFACTURER BUT A DIFFERENT DEALER IN CALIFORNIA THAT ASSISTED MY SISTER? ''GROUP OF DOCUMENTATION (ITEM SET 6) ENCLOSED IS MY BRIEF INTERNET RESEARCH OF 4 SITES THAT INCLUDE 39 ENTRIES ON MESSAGE BOARD, LETTERS, COMPLAINTS TO THE SAME AS MINE WITH VERY POIGNANT AND DISTURBING RESPONSES FROM THE EXPERIENCED MECHANICS THAT MONITORED THE WEB SITE. "CONSIDER CLASS ACTION SUIT" AMONG OTHERS I HAVE HIGHLIGHTED FOR YOUR EASE OF RECOGNITION. MY CARSTATS2, AUTOREPAIR, AUTO TECH REPAIR 2 GOOGLE GROUPS VW DRINKS OIL 6 PAGES- 13 CASES VW BURNS OIL 8 PAGES, 21 MESSAGES 2+1+2+13+21= 39 INCIDENTS IN 4 WEB SITES ''PLUS EDMUNDS.COM 1 CONSUMER FULL DOCUMENTATION OF ISSUE, REFERENCE TO SUGGESTING AVOID THE JETTA TO A POTENTIAL CONSUMER AND REFERENCE TO A CLASS ACTION SUIT. '' VOLKSWAGEN IS HIDING THIS MAJOR ISSUE UNDER THE SKIRT OF THEIR SUB STANDARD "SPECIFICATIONS." ''I AM ALSO DRIVING WITH A SIGN IN MY JETTA ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND PART IT AND LEAVE A SIGN ON THE DASHBOARD ABOUT THE SAME THING. *JB
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Mar 6, 2007
I OWN A 1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IV GLS. THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW REGULATORS AND VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO RECALL THEM. THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE ISSUED A 7-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE PART. I HAVE HAD TO GET THE REGULATOR REPLACED ON MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW TWICE, DUE TO WINDOW FALLING INTO DOOR. THIS WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW (WHICH I HARDLY EVER USE) HAS FALLEN INTO THE DOOR. I AM NOW OUTSIDE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TRYING TO CHARGE ME $500 TO REPLACE THE REGULATOR. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SPEND $500 I DO NOT HAVE ON A PART THAT IS KNOWN AND WELL DOCUMENTED TO BE FAULTY. THIS DEFECTIVE PART POSES SEVERAL DANGEROUS POSSIBILITIES. FOR EXAMPLE I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING WITH PLASTIC WHERE THE WINDOW SHOULD BE TO SECURE THE CAR FROM WEATHER AND INTRUDERS. I CAN HARDLY SEE THROUGH IT; THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, IT IS A HUGE BLIND SPOT. IF THERE IS AN ATTACKER I CAN NOT SHUT THE WINDOW. I CAN NOT SECURE THE CAR. IF THE WEATHER WAS BAD DRIVING WOULD BE DIFFICULT. SOMETIMES THE FAULTY REGULATORS MAKE THE WINDOWS STUCK CLOSED. IF THERE WAS A WRECK SOMEONE COULD GET TRAPPED INSIDE. PLEASE PUT PRESSURE ON VOLKSWAGEN TO DO A FULL RECALL ON THIS PART. EVERYONE WHO HAS A RECENT VOLKSWAGEN HAS EXPERIENCED THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND NEGLIGENT FOR VOLKSWAGEN NOT TO RECALL THIS. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH Mar 5, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO SAFETY RECALLS 06V183000 AND 99V251000. , ONE RECALL WAS FOR THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLE AND THE OTHER WAS FOR THE B PILLAR MOUNTING CLIPS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A CRASH WHILE GOING 40 MPH THE PERSON THAT HIT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SAID THAT HE HIT HIM BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT TURN ON, AND THEN HE FLED THE SEEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND A COMPLAINT MADE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF HE GOT A TICKET OR NOT FOR NOT HAVING BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS COMING OFF OF THE EXPRESSWAY AT 40 MPH, THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR, AND THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN DAYLIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE BEFORE BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SWITCHED THE BULBS AND THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. THE CONTACT'S COMPLAINT WAS THAT HE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL MONTHS LATER ON THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AFTER HE PAID FOR EVERYTHING. THE CONTACT WILL BE ABLE TO GET THE POLICE REPORT AND AN INSURANCE REPORT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 117392.*AK
Crash 2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS Mar 5, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO SAFETY RECALLS 06V183000 AND 99V251000. , ONE RECALL WAS FOR THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLE AND THE OTHER WAS FOR THE B PILLAR MOUNTING CLIPS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A CRASH WHILE GOING 40 MPH THE PERSON THAT HIT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SAID THAT HE HIT HIM BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT TURN ON, AND THEN HE FLED THE SEEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND A COMPLAINT MADE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF HE GOT A TICKET OR NOT FOR NOT HAVING BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS COMING OFF OF THE EXPRESSWAY AT 40 MPH, THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR, AND THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN DAYLIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE BEFORE BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SWITCHED THE BULBS AND THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. THE CONTACT'S COMPLAINT WAS THAT HE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL MONTHS LATER ON THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AFTER HE PAID FOR EVERYTHING. THE CONTACT WILL BE ABLE TO GET THE POLICE REPORT AND AN INSURANCE REPORT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 117392.*AK
Crash 2 injured
STRUCTURE Jan 16, 2007
THIS IS A FOLLOW-ON OF MY NHTSA COMPLAINT #10175337, BECAUSE TODAY, I EXPERIENCED A THIRD WATER INGESTION INTO MY SON'S 1999 VW JETTA, AND VW OF AMERICA SAID, BASICALLY, "SORRY, WE CANNOT COVER THIS WATER DAMAGE ANY MORE THAN WE COULD COVER THE SECOND WATER DAMAGE YOU HAD ON 27 NOV 06 -- UNLIKE THE WATER DAMAGE WE COVERED FOR YOU ON THE 13 OCT 05 DAMAGE!" WITH HUNDREDS OF BLOGS COMPLAINING OF WATER LEAKAGE INTO THE JETTA'S -- INCLUDING THRU 2006 MODELS AND ACKOWLEDGEMENT BY THE DEALER THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE! -- NOBODY WITH ANY SMARTS SHOULD CONSIDER BUYING ONE OF THESE CARS THAT THE MANUFACTURER DECLINES TO ADMIT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW OR FROM A DEALER WHO REFUSES TO SIGN A PLEDGE THAT IF ANY FUTURE LEAK OCCURS IT WILL BE COVERED AT THEIR EXPENSE! AS AN ASIDE, NOT A SINGLE HOMEOWNER IN MY 80-HOME SUBDIVISION HAD 1-DROP OF WATER ENTRY DURING RAINS THAT ENTERED MY SON'S CAR! I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY BECAUSE OF WATER INGESTION FOR A THIRD TIME AT THE SAME POINT OF ENTRY IT DID ON THE SECOND TIME FOR AN OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE OF OVER $1000.00! I'M A DIE-HARD VW OWNER, HAVING OWNED ONE SINCE HIGH SCHOOL IN 1961, BUT MY WIFE HAS JUST DECRIED I OR OUR SON WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER! A RECALL MUST BE ISSUED BY VW AT THE BEHEST OF NHTSA, PERIOD! *NM
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER Dec 11, 2006
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER WILL NOT TURN OFF. WHILE THE KNOB THAT CONTROLS THE SEAT HEATER IS SET AT 0 (OFF), THE SEAT HEATER REMAINS ON. THE PROBLEM BEGAN OVER A YEAR AGO WITH IT JUST BEING WARM, BUT IT IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY HOTTER. IT IS GETTING SO HOT THAT THE LEATHER SEAT IS BURNING AND TURNING BLACK AND BROWN. VW HAS HAD RECALLS ON SIMILAR MODELS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT FIX MY CAR UNDER SIMILAR RECALLS. *NM
STRUCTURE Dec 6, 2006
MY SON'S 1999 VW JETTA GLS VR6 -- AND APPARENTLY HUNDREDS OF OTHER JETTAS THROUGH MODEL YEAR 2006 IDENTIFIED ON WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG-- HAVE BEEN SEVERELY WATER DAMAGED AFTER RAIN STORMS. IN MY CASE, IT FIRST HAPPENED ON 13 OCTOBER 2005, BECAUSE OF A DESIGN FLAW IN THE COWL-VENT/FRESH-AIR INLET SETUP THAT ALLOWED WATER IN, FLOODING THE CAR FROM UNDER THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE; ALL CARPETING AND PADDING WERE COVERED IN RED AND BLACK MOLD REQUIRING TOTAL REMOVAL, CLEANSING, AND REPLACEMENT (NOTE: NOT ANY OTHER VEHICLE IN MY CUL DE SAC, INCLUDING MY 1998 VW PASSAT, ABSORBED 1-DROP). VW OF AMERICA PAID FOR THE RESTORATION, WHICH I GRACIOUSLY THANKED THEM FOR DOING. ONE YEAR LATER, AGAIN AFTER A HEAVY RAINSTORM, WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE THE CAR ON 27 NOV 06, THIS TIME THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND LEFT REAR PASSENGER SIDE CARPETING WERE FILLED WITH WATER (NOTE: AGAIN, NOT A SINGLE CAR IN MY 80-HOME SUBDIVISION LET 1-DROP OF WATER INSIDE, INCLUDING MY NEW 2006 PASSAT, MERCEDES, FORDS, HONDAS, TOYOTAS, BUICKS, MIATAS, CHRYSLERS, BRONCOS, HIGHLANDERS, VOLVOS, AND 2-CADILLACS). I TOOK THE CAR IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, JUST AS A NUMBER OF OTHER VW OWNERS HAD ALSO DONE, AND NOTIFIED CORPORATE VW OF AMERICA THAT I WAS AGAIN ASKING FOR RELIEF FROM THE $800 CARPET REPLACEMENT. THIS TIME, SO FAR, THEY HAVE REFUSED ANY REIMBURSEMENT -- IN SPITE OF SOME 178 IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME DESIGN FLAW BEING POSTED IN EVER INCREASING NUMBERS ON, FOR EXAMPLE, THE CARSURVEY.ORG WEBSITE. I, MY USAA INSURANCE COMPANY, AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER VW JETTA OWNERS ASK THAT A RECALL BE IMPOSED TO RESOLVE THIS DESIGN FLAW; UNRESOLVED, IT CREATES A HEALTH HAZARD, MECHANICAL RUST DAMAGE, AND ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS (THE RADIO SOUND STOPPED WHILE I WAS EN ROUTE TO THE DEALERSHIP!). *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Sep 5, 2006
1999 JETTA'S OIL PAN THREADS WERE STRIPPED AND DRAIN PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TS *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH Jul 12, 2006
MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 99 JETTA PASSENGER VEHICLE. THIS MALFUNCTION HAS BEEN RECALLED BY THE NHTSA ON MANY OTHER 99 VW JETTAS, HOWEVER MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE DID NOT FIT IN THE VIN NUMBER RANGE OF THE SAFETY RECALL. I SUGGEST THIS SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE OTHER MODELS BECAUSE EVIDENTLY IT IS A PROBLEM AND IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH Jun 23, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED. A NHTSA RECALL, #06V183000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH Jun 21, 2006
I DRIVE A 1999 VW JETTA, STANDARD TRANSMISSION. I WAS INFORMED BY A POLICE OFFICER THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT OPERATING. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I LEARNED FROM THE NHTSA WEB SITE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED MAY OF 2006 FOR CERTAIN VW CARS THAT HAD THEIR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED FOR AN EARLIER RECALL. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS SERVICED UNDER THE LAST RECALL, BUT IT DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. I HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED. THE OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Jun 17, 2006
COOLANT LEAKING FROM COOLANT RESERVOIR BOTTLE WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAMINATES THE WIRING HARNESS. *NM
TIRES:TREAD/BELT May 14, 2006
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 70 MPH. I STARTED TO HEAR A STRANGE NOISE AND BEGAN TO PULL OVER. AS I SWITCHED LANES THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE FRONT RIGHT PORTION OF THE CAR WAS SCRAPING ALONG THE GROUND. I GOT THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN AND PULLED OVER. WHEN WE GOT OUT TO LOOK WHAT WE SAW AMAZED US. THE ENTIRE STEEL BELTED RADIAL HAD BLOWN OUT OF ONE SECTION OF THE TIRE. IT RIPPED THROUGH ALL THE LAYERS OF THE TIRE ALL AT ONCE. I FEEL VERY UNEASY ABOUT THE OTHER 3 THAT REMAIN. *NM