Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT | ||||||
| EA03002 | VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC | 04/08/2003 | 08/20/2003 | BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH | 03V265000 | |
| The brake light switch used in cruise control equipped my 1998-1999 and all my 2000 and later models has undergone multiple revisions.analysis of warranty and complaint data indicates high replacement rates occurred in vehicles built with brake switch part numbers 1j0 945 511a and 1j0 945 511b, the original and first revision levels, respectively.the failure of the switch could result in failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brakes are applied, or could cause the brake lamps to stay continually illuminated.either condition results in the inability of the brake lights to notify other motorists of vehicle braking.under safety recall 03v-265, volkswagen will inspect the brake light switch on all vehicles built through november 2001.any affected switch will be replaced free of charge with the most current version, part number 1j0 945 511d. | ||||||
| PE02084 | VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC | 11/18/2002 | 04/08/2003 | BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH OPERATION | ||
| The brake light switch used in new beetle is also specified in golf and jetta models.one type of switch is used on cruise equipped models, a second type is used on non-cruise models.vw reports 86 consumer complaints and 2575 warranty claims of inoperative brake lights, the majority of which are related to the brake switch.two of the vw complaints involve failures that were also reported to odi.additionally, over 100,000 brake switch service components have been sold under 4 different part numbers.the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 1 | 01/02/2003 | ||
| The brake sensor went out. this caused the brake lights to remain on even when the vehicle's engine was not on. the dealer has been notified. please provide any additional information. *nlm | |||
| 07/31/2003 | 42000 | 3 | 04/07/2003 |
| Vehicle rolled forward into a parked vehicle in a neighbors driveway. *ak the consumer was involved in an accident, when she tried to applied the brakes they did not respond. the consumer stated was going to have the master cylinder checked. *jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 03/07/2005 | 87522 | 2 | |
| 1999 volkswagen beetle having problems with tie rod equipment.*mr the vehicle was hard to steer and noisy on turns. the dealer replaced the rack and pinion gear and tie rod ends. the vehicle was taken bake to the dealer for front end vibration and it was determined that the tire rod ends were worn. the windows would not close due to defective regulators. the abs light illuminated. the dealer replaced the left rear speed sensor and rest the readiness codes. *nm | |||
| 01/10/2002 | 1 | 12/01/2099 | |
| As you drive the abs light displays on the dash and the brake pedal becomes very soft and long. it compromised braking distance. this has happen 3 times in the last 6 months. the first time after only 19 044 miles. we talked with volkswagen and they shared . *ak | |||
| When the brakes are applied in a pantic situation one of the rear wheels will lock up along with one of the front wheels, throwing the vehicle into a spin . the dealer has been contacted. *ak | |||
| 02/26/1999 | 6 | ||
| Ongoing/intermittent problem with vehicle's brakes squeaking. vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on six occasions, and consumer was informed that nothing could be done. seeking help from nhsta in this matter. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT | |||
| 09/16/2007 | 9800 | 6 | 03/23/1999 |
| I have a 99 vw beetle, 2.0 l 4 cylinder 5 spd manual gti. i have had continual abs light problems since 10000 miles. the left rear speed sensor has been replaced 5 times. the vw dealer in hi at 16 k says it the control module after replacing the sensor and wire harness. now at 28000 miles the abs light is on and the brake light flashes and alarms. i seems this is a class engineering problem that requires a recall to fix. *jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 12/28/1998 | 1 | 06/10/1998 | |
| Consumer complains of squeaking brakes. *slc | |||
| 07/03/1999 | |||
| While traveling 50mph with the cruise control on, went to apply brakes to release cruise control & failed to release or to slow down vehicle. instead, vehicle started to increase in speed & hit a concrete barrier. also had hit or clipped 2 other vheicles. then the vehicle slid sideways & came to a stop. no injuries. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES | |||
| 08/20/2002 | 58000 | 1 | 06/01/2001 |
| 1)driver's side window had difficulty going up since vehicle purchase, have to push with hand to assist. 2) just a few months after purchase sensor behind brake pedal failed, vehicle would shift from park, replaced. 3) air bag came on and then engine light soon after, catalytic converter replaced. both warning lights off and replaced. 4) headlights are constantly blowing out, evidence of a short when replaced. burn marks, and exposed wiring because plastic on connectors got brittle and cracked off. 5) air bag light on again, two weeks later engine light on. told two sensors on mass air flow and some others are malfunctioning and now been replaced. told there is a broken clock spring in steering column along with bad wiring harness, both affecting air bags. also, told air bag is now bad and needs to be replaced because other defective components have shorted igniter in air bag out. i am a college student and cannot continue to fund repairs to this vehicle. cannot sell either because of these problems, and now reputation of beetle for problems. vehicle has never been in an accident, even so much as bumped. meticulously maintained. dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis----------------770755. *ak *nlm | |||