Recalls

CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS - SWITCH
04V096000VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCfrom 05/01/1998 to 11/30/2001V (Vehicle)37713004/30/2004ODIVOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC02/20/200403/01/2004
Defect SummaryOn certain passenger vehicles, a brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction.
Consequence SummaryIf this happens, the brake lights could become inoperative, or come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked.
Corrective SummaryThis recall has been superceded by 06v-183.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.
NotesVwoa recall no. wx.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration
06V183000VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCfrom 05/01/1998 to 11/30/2001V (Vehicle)64624611/27/2006ODIVOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC05/24/200605/25/2006
Defect SummaryOn 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.
Consequence SummaryThe brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.
Corrective SummaryDealers 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.
NotesVw recall no. n4.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS - SWITCH
04V584000VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCfrom 06/01/1999 to 09/30/2001V (Vehicle)41000003/31/2005ODIVOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC12/16/200412/16/2004
Defect SummaryOn 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.
Consequence SummaryThis may result in intermittent or inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function.
Corrective SummaryDealers will replace the hazard flasher switch/relay kit. the recall began on march 31, 2005. owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
NotesVw recall no.vx.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration?s auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins

BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS - SWITCH
040102/17/2004030110006057New style brake light switch requires care during installation to prevent damage to switch. *tt04/13/2004

Investigations

NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS
RQ06004VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC02/28/200608/07/2006BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE06V183000
 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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS - SWITCH
RQ06004VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC02/28/200608/07/2006BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE06V183000
 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
RQ03010VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC12/17/200303/01/2004BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH04V096000
 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS
PE04073VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC10/19/200412/16/2004TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE04V584000
 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS - SWITCH
PE04073VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC10/19/200412/16/2004TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE04V584000
 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL
PE04073VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC10/19/200412/16/2004TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE04V584000
 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - FLASHER UNIT
PE04073VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC10/19/200412/16/2004TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE04V584000
 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.

Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
08/15/2006100000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen jetta. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the hazard lights did not function and the bulbs blew out. in addition, there was a clicking sound present inside of the vehicle. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number 04v584000 (exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch), but the vehicle was previously repaired. the vehicle was not repaired a second time. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. sm.
08/15/2006100000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen jetta. while driving at different speeds the hazard flashing light in the exterior of the vehicle did not function and the bulbs blew out. also, there was a clicking sound in the vehicle. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 04v584000 (exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch) but the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. ds
09/20/20081
 Exterior lighting defects still on when engenee is off. *tr
05/28/20081390951
 I have a 2000 vw jetta already have had experienced multiple stalling events as a result of one or more ignition coil plugs malfunctioning on my 2000 vw jetta as a result of the engine stalling i experienced a loss of power steering and increased braking efforts when i pulled vehicle over to the side of the road to control the vehicle. after a few minutes parked on the shoulder was able to restart vehicle although the engine operated at reduced power............................also my brake lights have been sticking on and not working all the time as well.................not sure how to explain this one but here goes right by my ac switch on my car there is a button that is supposed to circulate the air through the car but when i push it in a light on my dashboard comes on and says brake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and i have a loss of brake power, also my cruise control has stopped working and my hazards have stopped as well was hoping you might be able to help me as the dealer does not want to do anything about my issues. *tr
05/30/2000104/01/2000
 Reverse lights stay on and cannot be fixed betw. 2 dealers who in total have worked over 32 hours of labor with out resolution. *ak
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BACK UP LIGHTS - SWITCH
06/01/200580000309/01/1999
 I would like to report yet another failure of the safety/signalling light system on my 2000 volkswagen jetta. recently, my reverse lights ceased to function, reducing visibility when backing up at night and failing to signal other drivers that i was backing up. i attempted to correct this problem myself by checking the bulb and fuse. both of these wear and tear items were fine. i then took my car to the dealer who informed me that the reverse light switch had to be replaced. dealer replaced the switch for about $100 and the problem is now corrected. i have recently taken part in the recall campaigns for the brake light switch and hazard light switch on this car, and i stongly feel that there is a comprehensive problem with the safety/signaling light electronic system on this car.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS
10/22/200678000209/14/2004
 I am 8 months pregnant driving with my one year old daughter in the car and was hit in the rear of my 2000 jetta while stopped at a light. the women who hit me told me brake lights weren't on. thankfully both the baby i am pregnant with and my 1 year old are ok but i had already brought my car in for this problem in 2004. now the brake lights stay on constantly. vw needs to address this problem before they kill me or my babies!! *nm
06/01/20046
 Problems with vehicle's brake lights. *mr on three occasions, the window regulator clips were replaced. currently the brake light switch needed to be replaced for a third time. *sc
01/01/2002244391
 Vw jettas. common problem is that the brake lights stop working without warning. owners are unaware of this. this is dangerous. 2000 and newer years. you should make them issue a safety recall.*ak
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - BRAKE LIGHTS - SWITCH
07/24/200670750105/27/2004
 No event leading up to the failure. i did not receive notification of any recalls relating to my brake light switch. brake light switch no longer functions reliably on '00 jetta with 70,000+ miles; car does not shift out of park until brake pedal is pressed repeatedly and then only works inconsistently, cruise control system is inoperable- there is an apparent malfunction with brake light switch and relates to descriptions of recalls on 99-02 jetta / new beetles. i called vw regarding open recalls for brake light switch defects and i was told my vin was not subject to any recalls. will follow up with local dealer who will repair the problem- i have been advised by nhtsa customer service to retain my receipts and documentation for matters relating to this issue as it seems to relate to recalls: 03v-265 or 04v-096 and vw recall no. n4. *nm
03/16/2006103/11/2004
 Rear brake lights come on and stay on after vehicle parked and no keys in ignition causing battery to drain. purchase new battery within 2 days new battery dead. noticed brake lights were staying on when car parked. there is recall nhtsa id #04v096000 for 2000 vw jetta's for the same problem, but i am told it doesn't apply to this vehicle even though the problem is identical. *jb
01/17/20067900010002/01/2000
 Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's brake lights comes on randomly. the vehicle does not have to be running for this to happen. there is a nhtsa recall, # 04v096000 regarding the brake light switch. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the vin. *nm
12/19/2005234508108/01/1999
 Dt: the contact had recall 04v096000 repairs on brake lights completed over a year ago, and now the failure recurred. the repairs were made at the contact's expense. the dealer and manufacturer offered no free remedy. *ak
09/16/200579500203/22/2000
 In 2004, my 2000 vw jetta's break lights failed to turn off. when i took the car in for service, the dealer replaced a switch. several months later, vw were issued a recall on vehicle to replace the brake light switch which would either fail to turn off or fail to turn the break lights on. vw refunded the amount i had paid to repair my vehicle. on september 16, 2005, a driver notified me after a near miss at an intersection that my break lights were failing to light. i brought my car to the dealership and they claimed that the switch had failed, but said that it was not covered under the original recall because the switch had already been replaced. the recall repair work did not repair my vehicle. the break light switch failed after the recall repair was made. *jb
08/18/200567000309/16/2001
 The brake light switch on my jetta 2000 vehicle malfunction. when this happens the automatic shift lock (asl) locks when park or neutral. cause traffic jam. after 30 minutes the swith started working temporarily. it happen 3 times in the last 2 days
05/12/200530000405/15/2000
 My car had recall #04v096000 performed approx 1.5 years ago (a switch was replaced). that same switch had been replaced several times before. it is the switch that detects whether or not i have pressed the brake, allowing me to shift out of park. sometimes it also affects my brake lights, causing them to not turn on when the brake is depressed. however, on may 14, 2005 i brought the car in again for the same problem, even after the recall. this is the 4th time it has happened. this time it did affect the brake lights - they would not come on when i depressed the brake. the dealership stated that the cause of the brake light failure was not due to a fuse, but due to that switch, and that the two are connected. when the switch malfunctions the brake lights could malfunction as well. the dealership replaced the switch (again). this is the 4th time that part has been replaced. the consumer has experienced several electrical failures such as a short to the ground which required a new fuel pump relay, esp light which indicated a bad brake light, the check engine light illuminated indicating a bad abs pump and relay. updated 01/27/06. *jb
10/01/2004930003
 The consumer states the recall for the brake light switch has been repaired, however the problem still exists. *ak
11/01/2004
 The vehicle was slightly over a year old when the brake light started to illuminate. the consumer had the brakes replaced. *nm recall# 04v096000. *sc
03/20/200445000104/15/2003
 Brake light switch malfunctioned, caused car to lock in park, and brake lights became inoperative. *ak
08/14/2003953001
 In reference to the following recall: nhtsa campaign id number : 04v096000 one additional problem should be noted. i have a 2000 vw jetta with an automatic transmission and when the brake light switch fails, as it did on my car at the end of last year, the shifter cannot be moved out of the park position. this effectively leaves the vehicle immobilized and the owner needing a tow. i think that all owners who have had this defective switch replaced should be reimbursed for the switch repair and towing if applicable. thank you for your attention to this issue. dan eliades. *nm
08/10/2001310/01/1999
 My frustration and fear at the fact that my brake switch has failed twice, my battery has died 3 times while with the dealer, and my brakes seized while driving on a major road and my alarm goes off constantly, is only compounded by the fact that vw has not one explaination for why any of this is happening. to tell me everything is testing fine certainly adds to this frustration because there's nothing they can fix when nothing is wrong. to that i say, o.k. then, give this car to your loved one to drive and we'll see how safe you feel. absurd -- will is take deaths for someone to do something?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS
10/22/2004635005010/21/2001
 Hazard signals fail to blink or flash. on occasion, they flash a few times then stop.*ak
01/10/20048278110/01/1999
 When turn signal and/or hazard warning signals are used and left in the on position, the rate and which the signal lights blink gradually slows. after the signals are left on for about 2 minutes, the signal lights cease to blink and eventually freeze and are constantly lit. if car were to become disabled, the hazard warning lights will work for about 1 or 2 minutes, and thereafter remain constantly lit, thus rendering them useless to warn approaching motorists of a disabled vehicle. the dealer replaced the hazaed switch to correct the problem.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS - SWITCH
08/01/2001450001
 Vehicle suffered a lost of power when check engine light illuminates.*mr on march 7 2002 university vw discovered a defective airflow meter. the windshield was replaced for a cracked rain drain. the brake servo was changed for a pin hole air leak. consumer was told that the glow plug harness might be the cause as to why the brake lights come on. the hazard switch switched on and off distressing other drivers behind. replaced the hazard relay switch (on the dash) by myself. back brake pad wore down to the rivets. vehicle overheated on 3 occasions had pressure test and thermostat changed and problem still exist.*ts *jb
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS
09/04/2003400003
 Headlight sockets have melted 3 times. twice on the right headlight and once on the left. was told by dealer that it was because i used napa aftermarket headlights. about a year ago i replaced the right socket and headlight with parts provided by vw dealer. it still melted. it looks like the connectors in the socket are not sized to handle the current and heat up until the plastic around them melts.
08/19/20031
 Both headlight plugs melted. dealer notified. *ak
03/30/200010/01/1999
 Each electrical problem was annoying for a brand new car but they were fixed. my concern is the oil burning for no apparent reason. no one at the dealership took me seriously until i threatened them with legal action but my car is still burning oil. i can't seem to make anyone understand that a car only one year old should not consume oil like this car is doing now. twice i have been stranded with my 9 month old son in the cold weather because the red warning light for low oil has come on and both times i had no oil in the engine. there is obviuosly something wrong with this car but the dealer keeps telling me that their mechanics say there is nothing wrong.
08/01/1999
 When driving down a hill headlamps do not illuminate far enough ahead to see a person in the road. there is a distinct line at eye level and above that is not illuminated, making it impossible to see up the other side of the hill. this seems to be a design flaw and was not noticed until after i bought the car since i did not have the oppurtunity to test drive the car after dark. i have contacted consumer relations several times, and was told the car meets safety standards. i feel this problem holds the distinct possiblity of causing an accident in the future. *ak
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - SWITCH
02/27/2002
 While driving at night headlights stop working. took vehicle to dealer, and dealer has to replace headlight switch.*ak
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL
1
 Turn signals made a buzzing sound, dealer said they were fine however they went out completely. *mjs
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - FLASHER UNIT
07/21/2004909055007/14/2004
 Turn signal on many volkswagen models across many late 90's and early millennium models (including my 2000 jetta vr6) are failing at an alarming rate. it seems to be a shared relay/flasher with the hazard system or the hazard switch (button) itself. *la
03/30/200010/01/1999
 Each electrical problem was annoying for a brand new car but they were fixed. my concern is the oil burning for no apparent reason. no one at the dealership took me seriously until i threatened them with legal action but my car is still burning oil. i can't seem to make anyone understand that a car only one year old should not consume oil like this car is doing now. twice i have been stranded with my 9 month old son in the cold weather because the red warning light for low oil has come on and both times i had no oil in the engine. there is obviuosly something wrong with this car but the dealer keeps telling me that their mechanics say there is nothing wrong.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL - SWITCH
09/05/200442000102/07/2002
 The turn signal/cruis control handle fell off, preventing the operator from signaling an intent to turn. the handle was not damaged in any way to cause it to fall off other than normal use. the handle is dangling by its wires to the cruise control and the operator is unable to signal an intent to turn.*ak
03/29/2002101/22/2000
 The turn signal switch malfunctioned and was replaced. *yh

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