Engine
1.9L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 298 of 349 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 86 of 349 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
87 complaint records2 crash reports
"CAR BURNS OIL AND NEEDS TO BE ADDED EVERY 1000 MILES. AFTER 5000 MILES NO OIL LEFT. PASSANGER SIDE GLOVE BOX RATTLES. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Glass & wipers
85 complaint records2 crash reports
"BOTH WINDOWS HAVE FALLEN OUT WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. INFANT WAS IN BACK SEAT BOTH TIMES IT HAPPENED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Electrical system
45 complaint records5 fire reports2 crash reports
"CONSUMER ON BEHALF OF DAUGHTER. THERE ARE TWO PARKING LIGHTS OUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE DUE TO A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE SYSTEM. *JG..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ06004 opened Feb 2006 | closed Aug 2006 | Exterior Lighting | BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE - led to recall 06V183000 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... |
| RQ03010 opened Dec 2003 | closed Mar 2004 | Exterior Lighting | BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH - led to recall 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. |
| EA00028 opened Dec 2000 | closed Jan 2002 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TANK PUNCTURE - led to recall 02V026000 |
| PE00033 opened Aug 2000 | closed Dec 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TANK PUNCTURE THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY... |
| PE99007 opened Jan 1999 | closed Feb 1999 | Unknown Or Other | PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE - led to recall 99V022000 IN ITS LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 4, 1999, VOLKSWAGEN STATED THAT IT WILL RECALL APPROXIMATELY 23,600 REDESIGNED 1999 JETTA AND GOLF 4-DOOR VEHICLES, OF WHICH APPROXIMATELY 11,000 HAVE BEEN SOLD TO CUSTOMERS, TO CORRECT A DEFECT THATMAY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06V183000 | Exterior Lighting | 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... | Normally free |
| 04V096000 | Exterior Lighting | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. | Normally free |
| 03V156000 | Equipment | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. | Normally free |
| 02V026000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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. | Normally free |
| 99V251000 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE HEAD INJURY CRITERION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 99V022000 | Structure | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006122 2006-05-24 | Lights And Instruments | 244,526 | On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. |
| 2004075 2004-02-27 | Electrical | 65,548 | On certain vehicle, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. |
| 1999021 1999-02-15 | Structure | 4,583 | On certain vehicles, a sound absorbing mat attached to the inside of the B-pillar side trim panel could have been improperly installed. The surface and edges of the mat could have been damaged during the assembly process. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V171901201285565 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards | |
| V171901201285562 May 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V171901201285560 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V941901201152119 Dec 2022 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2023. | |
| V271901201189422 Dec 2022 | Electrical System | Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V871806201994714 May 2020 | Equipment | Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A | |
| V941901201152115 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Updated to include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| SM 33-2019 Mar 2019 | Equipment | The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| TT 91 19 01 Mar 2019 | Electrical System | Alternative method for radio code retrieval. | |
| V171901-2012855 Mar 2019 | Engine | Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards | |
| V271901-2011894 Feb 2019 | Electrical System | Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| V941901-2011521 Feb 2019 | Exterior Lighting | Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| TT 10 12 01 Sep 2018 | Engine | Engine replacement tip | |
| TT001703 Nov 2017 | Electrical System | Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan | |
| TT 961011 Sep 2017 | Equipment | Update to model year applicability. | |
| TT 271002 Sep 2017 | Equipment | Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability. | |
| TT 200901 Aug 2017 | Equipment | Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking. | |
| V171701 2012855 Jul 2017 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 17 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards | |
| SM 44-2017 EN Jun 2017 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward. | |
| VHW-17-11 Jun 2017 | Equipment | VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide | |
| Quick Reference Mar 2017 | Electrical System | Quick Reference of vehicle concerns. Includes a list of Software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns Updated | |
| 1-2017 Update Feb 2017 | Equipment | This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests. | |
| V691601 2010479 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2017. | |
| V871622 2019947 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update to model year applicability. | |
| TT 97-12-02 Sep 2016 | Equipment | Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability. | |
| TT001601 Sep 2016 | Structure | Contacting the parts helpline | |
| V551604-2038992 Jun 2016 | Equipment | To update claim processing statement. | |
| V531602-2040536 Jun 2016 | Equipment | To update claim processing statement. | |
| V501606_2011761 Jun 2016 | Structure | TO UPDATE CLAIM PROCESSING STATEMENT. | |
| Ref. - Reflash U May 2016 | Electrical System | Quick Reference Update Guide of the vehicles expected upgraded software level. The latest corresponding technical bulletins that address the issues, and concerns that have been had with the vehicles. | |
| Update 02122016 Feb 2016 | Electrical System | Quick Reference of vehicle concerns. Includes a list of Software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns Updated | |
| UpdateGuide Feb 2016 | Equipment | Quick reference update guide. | |
| V551602 2038992 Feb 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Document discusses Electrolytic corrosion around the license plate lights (opening/contact surface, inside and outside) because of water ingress via the seal of the license plate lights. | |
| TB551602 Feb 2016 | Equipment | Corrosion on rear lid around license plate lights. | |
| V501602 2011761 Feb 2016 | Structure | Document refers to Surface corrosion or corrosion perforation that can occur on various locations around the front wheel arch. It gives examples on where to check for repair coverage from warranties, fixing possible issues, and how to document the corrections | |
| TB501602 Feb 2016 | Wheels | Corrosion, Front fenders, at upper wheel opening. | |
| V531601 2040536 Feb 2016 | Structure | The document refers to Corrosion being found where the rear bumper cover meets the quarter panel. It discusses how it can happen, and where to find warranty coverage to service the parts | |
| TB531601 Feb 2016 | Structure | Rear quarter panel corrosion. | |
| Elsa Newsletter Jan 2016 | Wheels | Summary of Technical Bulletin to include additional model and model year applicability. Corrosion, Front Fenders, at Upper Wheel Opening (U.S. Only) | |
| Newsletter Jan 2016 | Structure | Technical Bulletins. | |
| Airbag Jan 2016 | Air Bags | Airbag Issues. | |
| V501601 2011761 Jan 2016 | Structure | Information on areas Surface corrosion or corrosion perforation can occur on various locations around the front wheel arch. Also gives examples of how to calculate cost to repair or replace | |
| 2011761 Jan 2016 | Wheels | Surface corrosion or corrosion perforation can occur on various locations around the front wheel arch. | |
| V921502 2026253 Jul 2015 | Visibility | Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. | |
| V871506 2019947 Jul 2015 | Equipment | Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system component) has failed and debris from the compressor or component is circulated throughout the... | |
| Elsa 6-29-15 Jun 2015 | Equipment | This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions. | |
| Elsa 6-22-15 Jun 2015 | Equipment | This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and... | |
| V531502 2040536 May 2015 | Structure | Technical Bulletin: Rear Quarter Panel Corrosion issues. This document has the Warranty documentation to inquire about coverage. It also has examples of instances calculating the services performed | |
| TT 64-14-02 May 2015 | Electrical System | Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. | |
| V531501 2040536 Apr 2015 | Structure | Technical Bulletin: Rear Quarter Panel Corrosion issues. This document discusses causes, fault codes for servicing, and example claim forms for the servicing of the vehicle | |
| V641502 2039887 Apr 2015 | Visibility | Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the glass does not move. This document contains the fault codes, and procedure to service these issues | |
| V941501 2011521 Mar 2015 | Equipment | Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document | |
| V641501 2039887 Mar 2015 | Structure | Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative issue diagnosis): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the glass does not move | |
| V271501 2011894 Feb 2015 | Electrical System | Technical Bulletin: Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000VAS Charger | |
| V501501 2011761 Jan 2015 | Equipment | Technical Bulletin Corrosion, Front Fenders, at Upper Wheel Opening (U.S. Only) ): Document discusses diagnosis, and potential remedy of issue. The diagnosis codes for checking warranty coverage for servicing the vehicle are also available | |
| TB501403 Dec 2014 | Wheels | Surface corrosion or corrosion perforation can occur on various locations around the front wheel arch. | |
| UpdateB Dec 2014 | Communication | Quick Reference Update Guide | |
| Edition115 Dec 2014 | Visibility | VW Elsa Newsletter | |
| 271402 Dec 2014 | Equipment | Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger | |
| V871409 2019947 Sep 2014 | Equipment | Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system component) has failed and debris from the compressor or component is circulated throughout the refrigerant... |
Showing 60 of 149 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Jetta →