Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||||
| 0201 | 04/15/2002 | 0001 | 633840 | Rear brake pads that appear to be worn prematurely. *tt | 09/24/2002 |
| 0001 | 11/27/2000 | 619137 | This bulletin involves inspecting the rear brake pads due to premature worn. *tt | 05/15/2001 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT | ||||||
| RQ03010 | VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC | 12/17/2003 | 03/01/2004 | BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH | 04V096000 | |
| 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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - SUPPLY - CHECK VALVE | |||
| The rotors and pads failed. please provide any further information. ph | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 06/19/2011 | 206000 | ||
| While driving and lightly brushing the brake pedal to begin slowing, the brake pedal automatically engages fully, slamming on brakes unexpectedly. immediately followed by a sound of air pressure being released. if you press the brake pedal after the air is released, the pedal will return to rest and the brakes will free up. no existing dealer recalls and vw (and vw service departments) have no record of this being a common problem. my local vw specialty repair shop says this is common on 2000 jetta tdi's. this is a significant safety issue. if you experience a similar issue, please report it! there are three other issues posted that appear to be related: | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| 2000 volkswagen jetta. consumer writes regarding faulty designed system in jetta *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle has a defective brake system and the dealer tried to cover it up by putting new brakes on the vehicle. *jb | |||
| 04/20/2009 | 103000 | 1 | |
| Since vehicle was purchased, there has been numerous problems and issues with the vehicle. the most troublesome and expensive is the cooling system. i have had 3 different repair shops look at it and fix it only to have the car do the same thing. the temperature gauge does not indicate that the car is overheating, however, it must be. i have been stranded multiple times (almost everyday in my commute to from work and school), after i sit in traffic over 20 minutes, out of nowhere the radiator cap blows off the cooling reservoir spilling the liquid all over the engine and causing the car to smoke. i have even burned had a second degree burn from having to pull over and opening the trunk so i can refill after it cools. someone has yet to figure out what is wrong with the vehicle. the check engine light has been on for years, again only to have multiple people look at it, and not have the problem solved. i will crank the engine but the car will die out. but if i hit the speed control to set the speed it will stay on. the car will hesitate and i will start off slow then it will go at normal speed. last but not least i have gotten pulled over 3 times in the last 3 weeks because the brake lights go out. i have replaced these brake lights all recently but they will burn out within days with out me knowing. it is horrible vehicle, i have spent a lot of money trying to get it repaired. everytime it goes in the shop is for days i have to get a rental car everytime. enough to say that the car rental people know me by name! my job and school are affected by this each and everytime. i suffer from anxiety every time i get in the car because i don't know what will happen next! it is stressful and ridiculous having to deal with this. please help! *tr | |||
| 06/02/2008 | 115000 | 1 | |
| I am requesting that the agency please investigate the performance of the ignition coil plugs on the model year 2000, volkswagen, jetta. i have experienced multiple stalling events and car not starting up after up or being parked after shutting off engine as a result of one or more ignition plus malfunctioning on my 2000 volkswagen jetta gl. as a result of the engine stalling and not starting when ignition is accelerated, i have also i experienced a loss of power steering and increased breaking efforts when i pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. the car would not start when sitting for a while. after about 45 minutes or longer - i was able to start the vehicle although the engine operated at a reduced power. the vehicle will stall and will not start up for no reason at all. i feel very unsafe and nervous when driving - and have had the problem over and over and have paid for costly repairs. still to no avail, it keeps happening. tired of the vehicle - will never ever purchase a volkswagen again! please investigate the electrical system ignition module on volkswagen jettas - year 2000 please asap !!! i have been stranded in the worst places with the vehicle - with no help to restart the vehicle. *tr | |||
| 02/04/2003 | 52000 | 2 | |
| When attempting to stop the brakes failed completely. no impact reported. *ak | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 32000 | ||
| My vehicle is a tdi diesel -computer/engine - engine diagnosis light has come on - diagnosis ($85.00) gate on turbo charger does not operate properly. was told could drive vehicle but performance may deteriorate. engine light still comes on ocaaisionaly. rear brakes seized and wore completely out - dealer refused any warranty - wrote v/w customer service - they refunded about 90% of my cost | |||
| 10/15/2002 | 45805 | ||
| Brake pads went callipers went and rotters went with brakes. vw used the wrong callipers for the car. ac went did not go cold. starter went had to replace with new one that was the other. paint staring chipping part of the cost was a key scratch. engine light came on had to replace massive air flow meter. | |||
| 12/15/2001 | 33420 | ||
| Replaced rear brake light 4 times; emergency flasher & turn signals fail to work randomly. twice had rear brake pads replaced; rotors turned second time -- total cost $550. repeated sensor failures -- knock sensor, mass air flow sensor, coolant temperature sensor; induction coil failure & vehicle imbolized. driver mirror repaired twice; passenger p/window stuck down; driver window lock twice; seat belt cracked | |||
| 08/01/2001 | 45000 | 1 | |
| 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 | |||
| 04/16/2003 | 12/30/1999 | ||
| 2000 jetta - vin 3vwsa29m0ym175992 when replacing my brake disc pads i noted that the front discs pads are in show room quantity. it appears that only the rear brakes are working. to have 40000 miles on a car and have virtually no wear on the front disc pads gives me cause for concern. what is the brake design basis for the 2000 jetta? is the operation of only the rear brakes a safety concern? can the 2000 jetta meet the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) standards for allowable stopping distance with only rear disc brake operation? vw international responded by phone call noting that they were not concerned if the front wheel brakes were not working. our family purchased two 2000 jetta's at the same time. the second jetta had the rear brakes replaced at 30000 miles at dealer cost. they called it premature wear. also at 40000 miles the second jetta front brakes had to be replaced. the dealer called this normal wear. i | |||
| 03/12/2003 | |||
| The brakes locked up causing extend stopping distance. dealer notified. *nlm | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 11/27/2000 | 20000 | 300 | 05/15/2000 |
| While vehicle still under warranty, brake malfunction ocurred. brake pedal would become soft when pressed down on, sinking to floorvery fast, emitting an air release type sound, simular to anti lock brake release sound, but without the controled spurts, the presure release happens all at once, causing lock up of brakes. dealership was never able to fix problem, it returned after vehicle was out of warranty, and now happens on most warm days, multiple times a day.*ak | |||
| 09/15/2004 | 59000 | 3 | |
| No warning lights illuminated. periodically the braking pressure was released and a pedal pulse was felt while stopping. the dealer stated that the problem to the abs pump leaked into the abs module. *jb the consumer's daughter was unable to stop in a parking lot as a result of the brakes releasing causing her to hit another vehicle. the person in the other vehicle sought medical treatment. *sc | |||
| 11/19/2001 | 1 | 07/01/2000 | |
| Module controlling abs brakes- switch failed, causing rear brake lights and abs to stop functioning. normal lights (not brake lights) continued to function. bulbs (include brake lights) were fine. brakes worked (no abs) but no one behind me could tell if i was braking. learned of issue from passing motorist.*ak | |||
| 11/19/2001 | 1 | 07/01/2000 | |
| My car is nightmare of failures. cruise control light (dealer claims the car doesnt have one - but you can see it if you use a flashlight at an oblique angle) failure, abs module switch failure (according to dealer) causing cruise control to unexpectedly disengage. i also learned from other motorists that the same switch controls brake light illumination (all bulbs and other signal lights work). fuel injection module over injected gas causing excessive pressure. relief valve failed to open causing turbo overpressure to +120psi. failure caused hoses to blow sending hose clamps as projectiles. this week, the front passenger side window unexpectedly dropped into the door. dealer has literally taped the window up until a part arrives. dealer admits to mfg design defect - no voluntary recall. no dealers will voluntarily replace clips until they fail. volkswagen position is that they know there is a design flaw, but wont replace known bad clips until there is a failure. window failure could cause objects (stones kicked up by tires of other cars) to hit passengers. infant / child safety risk. window integrity questionable in an accident if it fails when driving 15mph. help!*ak | |||
| 06/03/2001 | 1 | 07/01/2000 | |
| Cruise control failure. linked to abs brake module - switch failure which also caused rear brake lights to stop functioning. | |||
| 04/20/2000 | 6 | 03/01/2000 | |
| Rear brake pads replaced 5 times, rear rotors replaced 3 times, new compound pads replaced 2 times- car is having additional changes performed july 30,2000 . manufacturer called 12/5/2000, letters(certified mail) on march 23 2002 and june 9,2001- july 25 2001, manufacturer recognizes that 'the particular non-conformity that wxists in your vehicle presents a potenial safety concern'.*ak | |||
| 1 | 03/01/2000 | ||
| Rotors began making noise around 6000 miles. dealer stated that there was a rust buildup despite the car being driven daily. the noise has become more pronounced with increased mileage. | |||
| 08/10/2000 | |||
| While approaching a traffic stop applied brake pedal, and all of a sudden vehicle commenced to accelerate and rear ended vehicle in front dealer/ manufacturer notified and received a case number. please feel free to provide any further details. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT | |||
| 11/01/2004 | 1 | 07/01/2000 | |
| While driving, the abs brake light came on intermittently. the clutch became stuck and the consumer had to jiggle the gear. the vehicle also had electrical problems. *bf ac compressor'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>ac compressor'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>ac compressor'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>ac compressor failed. new battery went dead. four window failure due to electrical problem. *tc | |||
| 1 | |||
| Abs light and the airbag light illuminated, replaced malfunction indicators. *mjs | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | |||
| 06/01/2005 | 92000 | 50 | 12/08/1999 |
| I have been having an intermittent problem with the anti-lock brakes on my 2000 vw jetta tdi. the abs activates when going very slowly (less than 10 mph) and when applying minimal pressure on the brake pedal, and sometimes when not touching the brakes at all. it first happened over a year ago, and the dealer changed an abs harness connector, and the problem did not recur until about 4 or 5 months ago. i took it back to the dealer several times, and the problem occurred for them, but they were unable to determine the cause, even after calling vw technicians. they replaced a wheel speed sensor at my expense, but said if that didn't fix it, they suggested replacing the abs control module, but they really didn't know if that was the problem. the problem still occurs intermittently, and i noted on an internet message board that a number of others seem to be having the same problem (link: .http://forums.tdiclub.com/showflat.php?cat=0&number=1063831&an=0&page=0#1063831 ). i contacted vw (ref.# 804028386), but they were no help and do not acknowledge that this is a common problem. i think it is a safety issue that vw should be responsible for correcting. *nm | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 07/31/2000 | 1 | 01/22/2000 | |
| The rear brake pads and rotor prematurely wore out due to defective parts. *yh | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 1 | 04/02/2002 | ||
| While driving at 15 mph driver heard a loud pop. brake pedal went to the floor and continued this way until the driver pulled into a parking lot. there were no brakes. *ak | |||
| 04/10/2002 | 1 | 10/01/2000 | |
| During regular service dealer ask for replace rear brake. they said - rear rotor warped and pads worn. they charge - brakpadset $55, brake disc $100 and labor $210. so total $370.95. and this is not covered by warranty. i use car in not mountain area and average speed about 35-50 miles per hour. *ak | |||
| 02/06/2000 | 1 | 09/01/1999 | |
| 1. the rear brake line snapped off while installing new pads. the brake line snapped a clean cut, no bends etc. the brake line appeared to be very brittle and was probably a result of metal fatigue or faulty original equipment. it should be noted that the rear brake pads were completely worn out at just 33964 miles while the front pads appeared to be nearly new. this is a reverse in normal wear out patterns and was probably caused by the calipers overheating/locked up etc. 2. the rear brake pads were completely worn out after only 33964 miles of which most of the travel was on non-stop on interstate highways. either the rear brake pads were defective or there is something wrong with the design of the vw jetta, which caused the rear pads to wear out long before the front.*ak | |||
| 04/20/2000 | 6 | 03/01/2000 | |
| Rear brake pads replaced 5 times, rear rotors replaced 3 times, new compound pads replaced 2 times- car is having additional changes performed july 30,2000 . manufacturer called 12/5/2000, letters(certified mail) on march 23 2002 and june 9,2001- july 25 2001, manufacturer recognizes that 'the particular non-conformity that wxists in your vehicle presents a potenial safety concern'.*ak | |||
| 10/01/1999 | |||
| Back rear brakes grinded to a stop needed new pads & rotors not covered under warranty. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 12/29/2003 | 0 | 1 | 12/22/2003 |
| 2000 jetta gl, cannot move the car out of park. vehicle is locked. i heard that this is common with the 2000 jetta from many people, and i was told that the car has locked while driving. i feel this is dangerous.*ak | |||
| 12/16/2003 | 1 | 08/01/2000 | |
| Rear brakes on vw jetta -- calipers seized, rotors ruined, pads metal-to-metal. front brakes virtually in factory condition. *ak | |||
| 03/08/2002 | 1 | 09/01/1999 | |
| Calliper left frozen, calliper right, would not retract warranty up @24000. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 09/26/2006 | 1 | 01/28/2005 | |
| First we would like to start by saying we love this car, we are and will continue to be loyal vw customers. there seems to be a problem with the tensioner on the rear brake pads. we had the tensioner fall off causing the right rear brake to clunk and the brakes to be touchy to the point where it was scary. we discovered this when we decided to put new pads on because the location of the noise were both pads on the rear passenger side of the car. just wanted to make people aware of this problem and the possible dangers. thanks. *nm | |||
| 07/01/2005 | 42000 | 0 | 04/01/2000 |
| The rear brakes on my 200 vw jetta sedan wore down to damage the rotor without any warning. both front and rear brakes were original equipment. at 42,000 miles, the front had less than 10% wear. the rears had worn completely down. this generated excessive heat and smell of burnt metal. the dealer service representative told me that this was a known problem and they had received a service bulletin from vw related to the poor quality of rear brake pad material causing premature failure and uneven brake wear. had i been notified that the rear brake pad material was defective, i could have replaced them prior to failure and damage to the rotors and risk of fire. | |||
| 04/22/2005 | 21000 | 1 | 06/09/2000 |
| I am the primary repair person for this vehicle. over its history, there have been numerous component failures that in my opinion are unacceptable for a vehicle with this mileage and age. i personally know the owner, and know that it is not operated under unusually harsh conditions. the vehicle was involved in a minor cosmetic crash early on, otherwise, there have been no unusual outside factors. at this point, the car has only 37,000 miles on the odometer. primary use is on long trips. the vehicle is parked and stored for about 3-6 months each year. first problem: air conditioning system leak: the expansion valve failed, requiring replacement. check engine/ malfunction indicator light: has come on several times, each time with the same dtc, a manufacturer specific code related to the mass air flow sensor. the power windows have failed, ultimately resulting in free repair of the windows with a revised retaining clip, as this problem occurs far too often, and finally, the rear brake pads have worn completely with the front pads in virtually new condition. this is accompanied by all four rotors being excessively pitted, with large areas of the rotor face actually flaking off. my research shows that i may end up needing to replace the rear calipers, as well, due to poor design. *jb | |||
| 02/15/2001 | 3 | 05/15/2000 | |
| There have been three instances where the same right rear brake pad have worn down before any of the other brake pad on our vehicle. at the time we had an extended warrenty and contacted the dealership and the vehicle warrenty owner through the dealership. the warrenty owner indicated that it was normal wear and tear therefore they would not cover it. we fought with the dealership about the issue but they also indicated the same thing although they commented that it was very unusual that only one side of the vehicle would have such a problem. we met another customer at the same dealership that was having the same exact issue with her vehicle and had brought it in for repair. we mentioned this to the service agent but it was again not regarded as something significant. the following year we had the same issue with that side of the vehicle again. we went to the same dealership with our compliant and showed them our repair order the year before and they did not regard it at all. we had the problem repair at pep boys because it was going to be too much at the dealership. we again had the problem a third time and by this time our extended warrenty was over and we knew the dealership would not listen so we went ahead and repaired the problem yet again. after reading the owners manual and speaking with a few friends we decided to finally report the issue to nhtsa after hearing about the tire issues with suv's. thanks.*ak | |||
| 04/15/2004 | 38000 | 18 | 12/01/2001 |
| Transmission failed. the dealer replaced the part. however, two weeks later the part failed again. *ak the vehicle would not go into reverse. the transmission slipped and the vehicle had run into a pole at a gas station on the right front side. this problem remained the same. the engine light had come on along with the transmission problems. other problems were: the tire pressure had to be reset on numerous occasions, rear pads, a/c was not cooling, glove box, power windows, console, power sunroof, interior trim, steering/suspension, driveability, trim electrical, sound system, and heating/cooling. *sc the consumer did not report any damage to vehicle when she hit the pole. *jb | |||
| 04/04/2002 | |||
| Rear brake pads worn out at 18,000 k. rotor had to be replaced. caliper was named as defictive and no explanation was given | |||
| 12/16/2003 | 1 | 08/01/2000 | |
| Rear brakes on vw jetta -- calipers seized, rotors ruined, pads metal-to-metal. front brakes virtually in factory condition. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Premature wear of front brake pads.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 04/22/2005 | 21000 | 1 | 06/09/2000 |
| I am the primary repair person for this vehicle. over its history, there have been numerous component failures that in my opinion are unacceptable for a vehicle with this mileage and age. i personally know the owner, and know that it is not operated under unusually harsh conditions. the vehicle was involved in a minor cosmetic crash early on, otherwise, there have been no unusual outside factors. at this point, the car has only 37,000 miles on the odometer. primary use is on long trips. the vehicle is parked and stored for about 3-6 months each year. first problem: air conditioning system leak: the expansion valve failed, requiring replacement. check engine/ malfunction indicator light: has come on several times, each time with the same dtc, a manufacturer specific code related to the mass air flow sensor. the power windows have failed, ultimately resulting in free repair of the windows with a revised retaining clip, as this problem occurs far too often, and finally, the rear brake pads have worn completely with the front pads in virtually new condition. this is accompanied by all four rotors being excessively pitted, with large areas of the rotor face actually flaking off. my research shows that i may end up needing to replace the rear calipers, as well, due to poor design. *jb | |||
| 12/16/2003 | 1 | 08/01/2000 | |
| Rear brakes on vw jetta -- calipers seized, rotors ruined, pads metal-to-metal. front brakes virtually in factory condition. *ak | |||
| 07/21/2001 | 1 | 08/01/1999 | |
| Rear brakes/rotors worn out at 23,000 miles (no explanation given). *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM | |||
| 08/23/2001 | 2 | 09/01/2099 | |
| Date of first known problem provided. have already been through bbb autoline regarding most of the defects listed and thought manufacturer had fixed them. now vehicle has the same problems plus more. all work being done at dealership is at manufacturer's expense, however, this car is a major inconvenience due to unreliability. electrical problems aren't solved with replaced wiring harnesses, unsafe door hinges and window regulators make for hazardous driving conditions, airbag sensor problems, and quick to wear out rear brakes are all very dangerous defects for a new car owner to suffer with. dt | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 02/06/2000 | 1 | 09/01/1999 | |
| 1. the rear brake line snapped off while installing new pads. the brake line snapped a clean cut, no bends etc. the brake line appeared to be very brittle and was probably a result of metal fatigue or faulty original equipment. it should be noted that the rear brake pads were completely worn out at just 33964 miles while the front pads appeared to be nearly new. this is a reverse in normal wear out patterns and was probably caused by the calipers overheating/locked up etc. 2. the rear brake pads were completely worn out after only 33964 miles of which most of the travel was on non-stop on interstate highways. either the rear brake pads were defective or there is something wrong with the design of the vw jetta, which caused the rear pads to wear out long before the front.*ak | |||