2002 Volkswagen Jetta
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Volkswagen › Jetta › 2002
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2002 Volkswagen Jetta. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
7 recalls name the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta. Newest first.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I was driving on the freeway and the airbags deployed. No one hit me and I don't hit anyone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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>
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 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 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
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen jetta. While driving at any speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag module was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was not provided. The failure mileage was 49,706. Updated 08/22/16*lj *cn
Water pump replaced, tires always have issues because of the rim design, code errors, rear rods replaced, muffler, misfiring, radiator ect.
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.
The car will shut down while decelerating(ex..coming to a stop sign or light)the engine just stops and the generator light comes on.i can start it up again right away.it IS very dangerous and I feel like I may get rear-ended I have read online threads that other people have the same problem and they are having problems finding a solution.i have had this vehicle since new and now it only has a little over 115,000 miles on it.
Oil light IS blinking, I was told by several mechanics that jettas as well as volkswagens in general are known for having terrible sludge issues. I took the car to the dealership, they charged me over $150 to diagnose my car, after diagnosing it they said that the engine needs new oil bearings due to sludge issues, they said that the oils pressure IS fluctuating and that soon my engine will blow up, they said that this was not covered under similar recalls that they've had on other models of theirs and that to fix my problem I would need a new engine which would cost me over seven thousand dollars. It seems to me that this IS a very well known problem for VW, they've known about it for years but just like the problem they're having right now with the software, they've kept this quiet.
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.
Engine shuts down when the fuel tank IS at or below a 1/4 tank of fuel while driving... There IS a loss of steering and braking rendering it unsafe to drive. here IS a online discussion of others having the same problem... http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?4971876-car-stalling-while-at-speed-is-low-fuel-the-problem.
TL* the contact owned a 2002 volkswagen jetta. While driving at approximately 35 mph, there was smoke and fire underneath the glove compartment box. The contact exited the vehicle with the child before the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department filed a fire report and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
While reaching home, I saw smoke coming out of engine, smell of heated plastic, and the alternator warning lite on. switched off the car and opened the hood. noted that the smoke and smell was coming from the plastic fuse box that IS on the top of the battery and that the fuse box cover had burnt hole. the wire from the alternator to one of the fuses in the fuse box had melted the plastic. I replaced the fuse box, cleaned the wire and attached it back. on 6/23/15, I was unable to start the car. the battery was weak and noted that one of the fuses in the box had melted the plastic.
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.
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
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.
First intermittent and then inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function.. *tr
Faulty fuse panel in engine compartment (the one situated on top of the battery, not the panel in the cabin). *tr
Faulty fuse panel in engine compartment (the one situated on top of the battery, not the panel in the cabin). *tr
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
By letters dated may 24, 2006 and august 4, 2006, volkswagen (VW) notified the agency that it IS conducting a safety recall (nhtsa recall no 06v-183) involving model year (my) 1998-2002 volkswagen new beetle and 1999-2002 volkswagen jetta vehicles equipped with cruise control.volkswagen?s recall covers 646,246 vehicles.previously, VW recalled these vehicles to replace a defective brake light switch (recalls 03v-265 and 04v-096) that was unique to vehicles with cruise control.volkswagen reports that the brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly during recalls 03v-265 and 04v-096.volkswagen will install a new design brake light switch.based on volkswagen's safety recall action, this investigation IS closed.
By letter received on june 24, 2005, mr. Ronald m. Strickland of raleigh, nc, submitted a petition requesting that the agency investigate the performance of the ignition coil plugs on model year (my) 2000-2003 volkswagen jetta, golf and passat sedans.the petitioner alleges that he had experienced multiple stalling events as a result of one or more ignition coil plugs malfunctioning on his 2002 VW jetta sedan.as a result of the engine stalling, the petitioner experienced a loss of power steering and increased braking efforts when he pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road to control the vehicle.after a few minutes parked on the shoulder he was able to restart the vehicle although the engine operated at reduced power.vw issued a customer satisfaction campaign (csc) on january 31, 2003 to instruct their dealerships to inspect the vehicles for any malfunctioning ignition coil packs and to replace them at no cost to the consumer.consumers were notified to bring their vehicles to their dealerships via owner letters mailed out on june 6, 2003.while VW initially instructed the dealerships to only replace the malfunctioning ignition coil packs, a revised csc was issued to dealerships in december 2003 and january 2004, instructing dealerships to replace all ignition coil packs regardless of their performance.a reminder to the dealerships was sent by VW on april of 2004.although the concerns of the petitioner could theoretically create a safety problem, the risk IS very small, due to the engine still running on either 3, 5, or 7 cylinders.there are no reported crashes or injuries due to the alleged defect.once drivers are aware of the problem (loss of power due to one of the ignition coil packs malfunctioning), drivers are able to take precautionary and compensatory measures and still maintain control of their vehicles.in addition, four fires were reported to odi.these were ignition coil burnouts with no additional damage to the vehicle and were localized on top of the engine. During the last 24 months the number of stall and drivability complaints reported to odi has greatly diminished from a peak of 195 in january of 2003 to only 3 in august of 2005.this coincides with the csc released by vw.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
The subject vehicles are equipped with side-thorax and side-head curtain airbags to protect the front and rear outboard occupants in a side-impact crash.this investigation identified a total of 499 reports (482 owners reports and 17 warranty claims).the crash sensing system?s algorithm may recognize certain non-crash impacts (wheel, tire and undercarriage impacts) as deployable events.the 97 alleged injuries were minor in nature and consist of abrasions, bruises, ear ringing and headaches.there was no alleged loss of control crash as a result of side-airbag deployment.odi also obtained counts of alleged inadvertent side-airbag deployments from peer manufacturers.the data shows that the subject vehicles are not unique in being subject to such allegations.the complaint rate for non-subject individual model vehicles varies widely.the rate for the subject vehicles IS comparable to three peer models, each with compact chassis/wheelbases.odi has not identified any component failure or manufacturing trend that may relate to a component or manufacturing issue.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
This investigation was opened on october 19, 2004, based on nine reports on 2000 through 2001 jetta and GTI vehicles alleging that the turn signals and or hazard flashers fail to blink, or flash.some of the complainants reported that the lights would blink only a few times and then stop.several of the complainants reported that having the hazard flasher switch replaced repaired their vehicles.by letter of december 13, 2004, volkswagen notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall of 350,000 model year 2000 through 2002 jetta, golf and GTI vehicles to repair the turn signal and hazard flasher system.vw reports 216 owner reports, 4 field reports and 4960 warranty claims on this population of vehicles. Volkswagen dealers will install a new hazard flasher switch/relay kit to remedy the defective vehicles.please see safety recall 04v584 for details.
This investigation concerns the electric seat heater installed in some my 2002-2003 volkswagen (VW) jetta vehicles.consumers allege that the seat heater may overheat, resulting in burn damage to the seat cover and to the driver's clothing and/or skin.this ea addresses whether such failures may pose a risk to motor vehicle safety.odi concludes that the driver-side seat heater may fail or malfunction due to normal vehicle use, (i.e., driver ingress and egress from the vehicle).the investigation disclosed that such failures do not pose a significant risk of injury or fire.odi believes that further investigation would not likely identify a safety-related defect trend.therefore, this ea has been closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.the attached summary report provides further detail concerning this ea.
The number of duplicates between odi and manufacturer failure reports cannot be determined due to missing and or inaccurate information.the injury noted above was minor.on february 26, 2004, volkswagen of america, inc. (VW) submitted a defect notification (per 49cfr573) to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) advising that certain model year (my) 1999 - 2002 volkswagen jetta vehicles manufacutured with the same brake light switch as recalled under 03v-265 (my 1998-2002 new beetle) are affected by a safety defect.specifically, if the brake light switch malfunctions, the brake lights could fail to illuminate when the brakes are applied, or could stay illuminated continually even when the brakes are not applied.either condition results in the inability of the brake lights to notify other motorists of vehicle braking, thus increasing the risk of a rear end collision and occupant injury.accordingly, volkswagen IS recalling jetta vehicles manufactured from may 1998 to november 2001 to inspect and replace free of charge any affected brake light switches.the recall program, VW code wx, will commence in april 2004.
The subject vehicles are equipped with optional electrically heated driver and front passenger seats.information received during pe03-052 disclosed a significant number of incidents of malfunctioning/overheating of the driver seat heater in the subject vehicles.additional incidents may occur during the final months of the winter season.this matter IS also currently being investigated by transport canada.this pe has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea04-010)in order to fully investigate these occurrences and their safety implications.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.