Owners have filed 488 complaints
about the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta with NHTSA between 1998 and 2013.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 59
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Jetta. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 87
16.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 compares with every other Volkswagen Jetta
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
10.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
43.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1917.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3229.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2422.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2119.3%
150,000+ miles
76.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 1998peak 22May 2013
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ06004Opened 28 Feb 2006Closed 7 Aug 2006EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
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 AN...
RQ03010Opened 17 Dec 2003Closed 1 Mar 2004EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
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 BR...
EA00028Opened 28 Dec 2000Closed 29 Jan 2002VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL TANK PUNCTURE
PE00033Opened 10 Aug 2000Closed 28 Dec 2000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
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 EVALUATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
PE99007Opened 29 Jan 1999Closed 8 Feb 1999UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIRE
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 PASSENGEER COMPARTMENT AFTER A VEHICLE COLLISION.A SOUND INSULATION MATERIAL ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED.IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION SEVERE ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER, THE HOT EXHAUST GAS FROM THE PRETENSIONER COULD IGNITE THE INSULATION MATERIAL IF IT IS TOO CLOSE TO T...
Recalls on the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2006122244,526 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch with a newly revised version. This action includes vehicles previously affected by Transport Canada recall 03-184 and 04-075. The switch installed during this prior repair may not function properly. Note: parts available December 2006.
Recall 200407565,548 units in Canada
Electrical
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. Correction: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switch.
Recall 19990214,583 units in Canada
Structure
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. It could ignite when exposed to the exhaust gas of the seat belt pre-tensioner in the event of a severe front or side collision resulting in a vehicle fire Correction: Matting materials will be removed from inside the B-pillar on both sides of the vehicle.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 115,144 milesSolisberry, INFire
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT SMOKE WAS BELLOWING FROM BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMOKE DISAPPEARED AFTER SOME TIME. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,144.
NHTSA complaint #10505399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,144 milesSolisberry, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT SMOKE WAS BELLOWING FROM BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMOKE DISAPPEARED AFTER SOME TIME. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,144.
NHTSA complaint #10505399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesBoston, MAFire
SEATS
RECENTLY MY 1999 VW JETTA PASSENGER'S SEAT BACK CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING FROM INSIDER THE SEAT BACK, THE SEAT AND MY HUSBAND'S WINTER COAT (I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND) WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM DOWN I-93. THE VW DEALERS I WENT TO SEE, LET ALONE MY CALL TO VW NORTH AMERICA, WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SEAT, TO CHECK THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, ETC. THE RESPONSE WAS ALMOST UNIFORM AS TO NOTHING THEY COULD DO, NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, NOT WITHIN WARRANTY, ETC. NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASKING FOR $500 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ME TO PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT! MY INSURANCE GUY AND THE HEAD OF SERVICE AT WELLESLEY VW BOTH SAID IN ALL THEIR YEARS, THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING THIS BAD. BUT WHAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT IS THAT THE FIRE WAS A SERIOUS, LIFE-THREATENING HAZARD; THERE ARE MANY CASES THE INTERNET OF JETTAS' SEATS CATCHING FIRE ' BUT NOT ONE RECALL LIKE THEY DID WITH THE PASSAT A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1987 WHEN I GOT MY LICENSE; MY PARENTS SINCE 1953. I CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT AM NOW BAFFLED AS TO THEIR UNIFORM, UNHELPFUL RESPONSES. I NEED SOME GUIDANCE, LET ALONE HELP TO HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM. SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THE SEAT FULLY CAUGHT FIRE OR MY HUSBAND WAS WEARING SOMETHING OTHER THAN LEATHER THAT TAKES LONGER TO SMOLDER THAN, LET'S SAY, FLEECE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS THEIR "LIABILITY", AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON CORRECTING THE SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10260235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesBoston, MAFire
EQUIPMENT
RECENTLY MY 1999 VW JETTA PASSENGER'S SEAT BACK CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING FROM INSIDER THE SEAT BACK, THE SEAT AND MY HUSBAND'S WINTER COAT (I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND) WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM DOWN I-93. THE VW DEALERS I WENT TO SEE, LET ALONE MY CALL TO VW NORTH AMERICA, WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SEAT, TO CHECK THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, ETC. THE RESPONSE WAS ALMOST UNIFORM AS TO NOTHING THEY COULD DO, NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, NOT WITHIN WARRANTY, ETC. NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASKING FOR $500 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ME TO PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT! MY INSURANCE GUY AND THE HEAD OF SERVICE AT WELLESLEY VW BOTH SAID IN ALL THEIR YEARS, THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING THIS BAD. BUT WHAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT IS THAT THE FIRE WAS A SERIOUS, LIFE-THREATENING HAZARD; THERE ARE MANY CASES THE INTERNET OF JETTAS' SEATS CATCHING FIRE ' BUT NOT ONE RECALL LIKE THEY DID WITH THE PASSAT A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1987 WHEN I GOT MY LICENSE; MY PARENTS SINCE 1953. I CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT AM NOW BAFFLED AS TO THEIR UNIFORM, UNHELPFUL RESPONSES. I NEED SOME GUIDANCE, LET ALONE HELP TO HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM. SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THE SEAT FULLY CAUGHT FIRE OR MY HUSBAND WAS WEARING SOMETHING OTHER THAN LEATHER THAT TAKES LONGER TO SMOLDER THAN, LET'S SAY, FLEECE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS THEIR "LIABILITY", AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON CORRECTING THE SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10260235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesElco, PAFire
SEATS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT HAS HEATED SEATS IN HIS VEHICLE. THE HEATING ELEMENTS IN THE SEATS BECAME SO HOT THAT THEY BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT TO HIS JACKET. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT FOR THEM TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10257401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesBoston, MAFire1 injured
SEATS
IN OUR 1999 JETTA, OUR PASSENGER SEAT WARMER CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND BURNED THROUGH MY HUSBAND'S JACKET. I REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID AS IT WAS AN OLD CAR AND THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL, THEY CAN'T HELP ME. I READ ON MANY INTERNET SITES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1986, CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT NOW VERY UPSET. WE COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR FIRE AND NO ONE IS CARING ABOUT THIS AS THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA complaint #10256339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Garland, TX
SUSPENSION
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS ON MY JETTA. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO 4 REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE COULD FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE PAID OVER 1200 ON OTHER REPAIRS. WHAT CAN I DO . *TR THANKS CHRISTINA
NHTSA complaint #10512634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS ON MY JETTA. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO 4 REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE COULD FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE PAID OVER 1200 ON OTHER REPAIRS. WHAT CAN I DO . *TR THANKS CHRISTINA
NHTSA complaint #10512634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, TX
ENGINE
WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS ON MY JETTA. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO 4 REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE COULD FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE PAID OVER 1200 ON OTHER REPAIRS. WHAT CAN I DO . *TR THANKS CHRISTINA
NHTSA complaint #10512634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,144 milesSolisberry, INFire
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT SMOKE WAS BELLOWING FROM BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMOKE DISAPPEARED AFTER SOME TIME. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,144.
NHTSA complaint #10505399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,144 milesSolisberry, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT SMOKE WAS BELLOWING FROM BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMOKE DISAPPEARED AFTER SOME TIME. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,144.
NHTSA complaint #10505399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesErie, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE VW VEHICLE IS PROGRAMMED TO CRIPPLE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IN CASE OF AN EPC FAULT. ANY FAULT CAUSING A RICH OR LEAN CONDITION WILL CAUSE THIS "LIMP MODE". THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65-75MPH AND A 80,000 POUND TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND THEM AS ONE PERSON EXPERIENCED. THERE ARE TOO MANY NON-VITAL COMPONENT FAILURES TO LIST THAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT. I REFER TO NON-VITAL MEANING THE COMPONENT FAILURE WILL NOT HARM THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. THE FAULT LIGHT INDICATION ISN'T ENOUGH? NOW THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO FORCE YOU INTO A REPAIR SHOP AND BUY MORE VW PARTS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MONEY MAKING SCAM ENDANGERING OUR LIVES. WE DO NOT PUT A HALT ON THIS NOW- SOON ANY FAULT WILL CRIPPLE OUR CARS. IT'S NOT JUST VW (HYUNDAI DID A SIMILAR "LIMP MODE").
NHTSA complaint #10473134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesErie, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE VW VEHICLE IS PROGRAMMED TO CRIPPLE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IN CASE OF AN EPC FAULT. ANY FAULT CAUSING A RICH OR LEAN CONDITION WILL CAUSE THIS "LIMP MODE". THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65-75MPH AND A 80,000 POUND TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND THEM AS ONE PERSON EXPERIENCED. THERE ARE TOO MANY NON-VITAL COMPONENT FAILURES TO LIST THAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT. I REFER TO NON-VITAL MEANING THE COMPONENT FAILURE WILL NOT HARM THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. THE FAULT LIGHT INDICATION ISN'T ENOUGH? NOW THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO FORCE YOU INTO A REPAIR SHOP AND BUY MORE VW PARTS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MONEY MAKING SCAM ENDANGERING OUR LIVES. WE DO NOT PUT A HALT ON THIS NOW- SOON ANY FAULT WILL CRIPPLE OUR CARS. IT'S NOT JUST VW (HYUNDAI DID A SIMILAR "LIMP MODE").
NHTSA complaint #10473134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesErie, PA
ENGINE
THE VW VEHICLE IS PROGRAMMED TO CRIPPLE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IN CASE OF AN EPC FAULT. ANY FAULT CAUSING A RICH OR LEAN CONDITION WILL CAUSE THIS "LIMP MODE". THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65-75MPH AND A 80,000 POUND TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND THEM AS ONE PERSON EXPERIENCED. THERE ARE TOO MANY NON-VITAL COMPONENT FAILURES TO LIST THAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT. I REFER TO NON-VITAL MEANING THE COMPONENT FAILURE WILL NOT HARM THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. THE FAULT LIGHT INDICATION ISN'T ENOUGH? NOW THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO FORCE YOU INTO A REPAIR SHOP AND BUY MORE VW PARTS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MONEY MAKING SCAM ENDANGERING OUR LIVES. WE DO NOT PUT A HALT ON THIS NOW- SOON ANY FAULT WILL CRIPPLE OUR CARS. IT'S NOT JUST VW (HYUNDAI DID A SIMILAR "LIMP MODE").
NHTSA complaint #10473134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesNashua, NH
SEAT BELTS
THE MIDDLE REAR SEATBELT LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT RELEASE. THE SEATBELT LOCKING MECHANISM IS LOCATED IN THE SEAT IN AN INACCESSIBLE LOCATION AND IS ALSO NOT AVAILABLE TO RELEASE THE SEATBELT.
NHTSA complaint #10448500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesEtters, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS VR6, ALWAYS GETTING DTC CODES OF P1117, P0140, P1198, P1472, P1435, P0102, P0343, P1421.. THAT ALWAYS SAYS ABOUT OPEN OR SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITIONS AND POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, AND SHORT TO GROUNDS FOR ELECTRICAL, WHICH IS ALL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, IF YOU SEARCH ONLINE THEM CODES YOU WILL SEE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND AS WELL AS ALOT OF US HAVE TO BUY THE PARTS THAT IS LISTED AND PROBLEMS STILL AREN'T FIXED, WHICH TELLS US ITS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, NOT ISSUES WITH THE PARTS, WHICH CAUSES OUR #43 FUSE BLOW ALOT, AND ALOT OF HESITATION AND STALLING, I CANT EVEN TURN AROUND A CORNER OR TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT STALLING, PLEASE FIX THESE PROBLEMS, ITS HAPPENING TO WAY TO MANY OF US AND IT IS ALSO AN SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10444637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesEtters, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS VR6, ALWAYS GETTING DTC CODES OF P1117, P0140, P1198, P1472, P1435, P0102, P0343, P1421.. THAT ALWAYS SAYS ABOUT OPEN OR SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITIONS AND POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, AND SHORT TO GROUNDS FOR ELECTRICAL, WHICH IS ALL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, IF YOU SEARCH ONLINE THEM CODES YOU WILL SEE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND AS WELL AS ALOT OF US HAVE TO BUY THE PARTS THAT IS LISTED AND PROBLEMS STILL AREN'T FIXED, WHICH TELLS US ITS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, NOT ISSUES WITH THE PARTS, WHICH CAUSES OUR #43 FUSE BLOW ALOT, AND ALOT OF HESITATION AND STALLING, I CANT EVEN TURN AROUND A CORNER OR TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT STALLING, PLEASE FIX THESE PROBLEMS, ITS HAPPENING TO WAY TO MANY OF US AND IT IS ALSO AN SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10444637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesEtters, PA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS VR6, ALWAYS GETTING DTC CODES OF P1117, P0140, P1198, P1472, P1435, P0102, P0343, P1421.. THAT ALWAYS SAYS ABOUT OPEN OR SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITIONS AND POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, AND SHORT TO GROUNDS FOR ELECTRICAL, WHICH IS ALL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, IF YOU SEARCH ONLINE THEM CODES YOU WILL SEE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND AS WELL AS ALOT OF US HAVE TO BUY THE PARTS THAT IS LISTED AND PROBLEMS STILL AREN'T FIXED, WHICH TELLS US ITS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, NOT ISSUES WITH THE PARTS, WHICH CAUSES OUR #43 FUSE BLOW ALOT, AND ALOT OF HESITATION AND STALLING, I CANT EVEN TURN AROUND A CORNER OR TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT STALLING, PLEASE FIX THESE PROBLEMS, ITS HAPPENING TO WAY TO MANY OF US AND IT IS ALSO AN SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10444637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesRiverdale, UT
POWER TRAIN
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY JETTA TAKES LONG TO SHIFT ## VIN PASSED ## VOLKSWAGEN,JETTA,1999 ##
NHTSA complaint #10437822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesRiverdale, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY JETTA TAKES LONG TO SHIFT ## VIN PASSED ## VOLKSWAGEN,JETTA,1999 ##
NHTSA complaint #10437822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,100 milesLOS Gatos, CA
SEAT BELTS
1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SEAT BELT HAS BECOME TIGHTENED TO THE POINT THAT IT WON'T RELEASE. IT SEEMS THAT EACH TIME THE SEAT BACK WAS LOWERED TO INCREASE THE CARGO AREA OF THE TRUNK, THE BELT TIGHTENS MORE.
NHTSA complaint #10359081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesColumbia, MD
SEAT BELTS
IN MY 99.5 VW JETTA GLS THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT HAS TIGHTENED AND WILL NOT RELEASE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAVE HAD THEM WORK ON IT AND NORMALLY THEY CAN GET IT TO RELEASE. HOWEVER ONCE IT IS RELEASED, IT CAN'T BE USED B/C THE NEXT TIME I GO TO USE THE SEAT BELT AND PULL IT OUT IT LOCKS AGAIN. THE SEAT CAN'T BE USED. IT HAS ALSO MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO LAY DOWN THE BACK SEATS, OR ONCE I LAY IT FLAT THE SEAT CAN'T BE RETURNED TO THE UP RIGHT POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #10343827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesLouisville, KY
STRUCTURE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER IT RAINED, EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SPECIFY WHERE THE LEAK WAS LOCATED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT DISCUSS THE FAILURE WITH HIM DUE TO A PENDING LAWSUIT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10332297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,650 milesMaspeth, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING ON RT. 495 NEAR EXIT 19, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND I FELT MY SPEED CONTINUE TO INCREASE. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND MY SPEED CONTINUED TO INCREASE. I DOWNSHIFTED AND WHEN I LET THE CLUTCH OUT WE REALLY TOOK OFF. DEPRESSING THE BRAKE HAD NO EFFECT. WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED, MANAGED TO PULL ON TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. AS I REACHED FOR THE KEY, THE ENGINE SHUDDERED AND DIED. I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT WAS THAT THE ENGINE SELF-DESTRUCTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO TROUBLE CODES IN THE ECM AND THE TPS SHOWED NO DEFECTS WHEN TESTED.
NHTSA complaint #10330842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,425 milesMeridian, ID
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE LAMPS WERE OPERATING CORRECTLY ON 11/22/2009 AND ON 11/23/2009 THEY CEASED WORKING. CHECKED WITH NHTSA TO SEE IF OPEN RECALL WAS OPEN NONE BUT WANTED TO MAKE KNOWN THE ISSUE SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN TWO RECALLS IN THE PASS FOR THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10293394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesCastle Rock, CO
VISIBILITY
VW WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK IN TO BOTTOM OF THE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10277474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesBoston, MAFire
SEATS
RECENTLY MY 1999 VW JETTA PASSENGER'S SEAT BACK CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING FROM INSIDER THE SEAT BACK, THE SEAT AND MY HUSBAND'S WINTER COAT (I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND) WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM DOWN I-93. THE VW DEALERS I WENT TO SEE, LET ALONE MY CALL TO VW NORTH AMERICA, WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SEAT, TO CHECK THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, ETC. THE RESPONSE WAS ALMOST UNIFORM AS TO NOTHING THEY COULD DO, NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, NOT WITHIN WARRANTY, ETC. NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASKING FOR $500 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ME TO PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT! MY INSURANCE GUY AND THE HEAD OF SERVICE AT WELLESLEY VW BOTH SAID IN ALL THEIR YEARS, THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING THIS BAD. BUT WHAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT IS THAT THE FIRE WAS A SERIOUS, LIFE-THREATENING HAZARD; THERE ARE MANY CASES THE INTERNET OF JETTAS' SEATS CATCHING FIRE ' BUT NOT ONE RECALL LIKE THEY DID WITH THE PASSAT A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1987 WHEN I GOT MY LICENSE; MY PARENTS SINCE 1953. I CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT AM NOW BAFFLED AS TO THEIR UNIFORM, UNHELPFUL RESPONSES. I NEED SOME GUIDANCE, LET ALONE HELP TO HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM. SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THE SEAT FULLY CAUGHT FIRE OR MY HUSBAND WAS WEARING SOMETHING OTHER THAN LEATHER THAT TAKES LONGER TO SMOLDER THAN, LET'S SAY, FLEECE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS THEIR "LIABILITY", AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON CORRECTING THE SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10260235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesBoston, MAFire
EQUIPMENT
RECENTLY MY 1999 VW JETTA PASSENGER'S SEAT BACK CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING FROM INSIDER THE SEAT BACK, THE SEAT AND MY HUSBAND'S WINTER COAT (I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND) WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM DOWN I-93. THE VW DEALERS I WENT TO SEE, LET ALONE MY CALL TO VW NORTH AMERICA, WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SEAT, TO CHECK THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, ETC. THE RESPONSE WAS ALMOST UNIFORM AS TO NOTHING THEY COULD DO, NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, NOT WITHIN WARRANTY, ETC. NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASKING FOR $500 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ME TO PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT! MY INSURANCE GUY AND THE HEAD OF SERVICE AT WELLESLEY VW BOTH SAID IN ALL THEIR YEARS, THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING THIS BAD. BUT WHAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT IS THAT THE FIRE WAS A SERIOUS, LIFE-THREATENING HAZARD; THERE ARE MANY CASES THE INTERNET OF JETTAS' SEATS CATCHING FIRE ' BUT NOT ONE RECALL LIKE THEY DID WITH THE PASSAT A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1987 WHEN I GOT MY LICENSE; MY PARENTS SINCE 1953. I CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT AM NOW BAFFLED AS TO THEIR UNIFORM, UNHELPFUL RESPONSES. I NEED SOME GUIDANCE, LET ALONE HELP TO HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM. SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THE SEAT FULLY CAUGHT FIRE OR MY HUSBAND WAS WEARING SOMETHING OTHER THAN LEATHER THAT TAKES LONGER TO SMOLDER THAN, LET'S SAY, FLEECE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS THEIR "LIABILITY", AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON CORRECTING THE SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10260235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,787 milesHuntington Beach, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
COOLANT SYSTEM EXTERNAL LEAK WAS FIXED, HOSES REPLACED AND CONNECTOR THAT ATTACHES TO ENGINE WAS REPLACED ALSO. LEAK COMES BACK , REPLACED ANOTHER HOSE., THEN THE WORSE STARTS, THE HEATER CORE STARTED LEAKING AND THE CAR STARTED TO SMELL LIKE ANTIFREEZE. GOT HEATER CORE REPLACED, BUT THE INSIDE OF THE CAR SMELLS HORRIBLE,.EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 1999 JETTA, I GET THIS METALLIC TASTE IN MY MOUTH AND THROAT. THE STUFF IS DEFINITELY TOXIC, AND THE AF CONTAINER READS POISONOUS. BECOMES A TORTURE TO DRIVE MY JETTA I HATE THE METALLIC TASTE IN MY MOUTH. THE DESIGN OFF SOME OF THE HEATING SYSTEM INCLUDES PLASTIC COMPONENTS THAT MAY NOT TAKE THE HEAT WELL SPECIALLY AT THE POINT OF CONTACT WITH THE ENGINE. DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND SIMILAR CASES WITH INTERNAL ANTIFREEZE LEAKS ON VW JETTAS. THIS FUMES CAN REALLY RUIN YOUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE NOT TO MENTION THE POSSIBLE DETRIMENT ON YOUR HEALTH DUE TO BREATHING IN A CONTAMINATED ATMOSPHERE THANKS FOR LOOKING INTO THIS COMPLAINT.
NHTSA complaint #10259717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesElco, PAFire
SEATS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT HAS HEATED SEATS IN HIS VEHICLE. THE HEATING ELEMENTS IN THE SEATS BECAME SO HOT THAT THEY BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT TO HIS JACKET. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT FOR THEM TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10257401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesBoston, MAFire1 injured
SEATS
IN OUR 1999 JETTA, OUR PASSENGER SEAT WARMER CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND BURNED THROUGH MY HUSBAND'S JACKET. I REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID AS IT WAS AN OLD CAR AND THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL, THEY CAN'T HELP ME. I READ ON MANY INTERNET SITES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1986, CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT NOW VERY UPSET. WE COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR FIRE AND NO ONE IS CARING ABOUT THIS AS THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA complaint #10256339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.