22 of the
488 complaints about the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta are about the
lighting — 5% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
83,000 miles.
THE BLINKER ON MY CAR IS FAILING. IT IS IN THE UNIT ON THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER TURNING A CORNER IT WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. WHEN DRIVING IT WILL DROP DOWN AND COME ON SOMETIMES. IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT WANT TO COME ON AND I HAVE TO PUSH IT HARD. THE VEHICLE IS A 1999.5 VW JETTA. I HAVE READ ON THE FORUMS ALSO THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10210726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,392 milesPhiladelphia, PACrash2 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO SAFETY RECALLS 06V183000 AND 99V251000. , ONE RECALL WAS FOR THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLE AND THE OTHER WAS FOR THE B PILLAR MOUNTING CLIPS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A CRASH WHILE GOING 40 MPH THE PERSON THAT HIT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SAID THAT HE HIT HIM BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT TURN ON, AND THEN HE FLED THE SEEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND A COMPLAINT MADE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF HE GOT A TICKET OR NOT FOR NOT HAVING BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS COMING OFF OF THE EXPRESSWAY AT 40 MPH, THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR, AND THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN DAYLIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE BEFORE BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SWITCHED THE BULBS AND THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. THE CONTACT'S COMPLAINT WAS THAT HE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL MONTHS LATER ON THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AFTER HE PAID FOR EVERYTHING. THE CONTACT WILL BE ABLE TO GET THE POLICE REPORT AND AN INSURANCE REPORT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 117392.
NHTSA complaint #10184239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kent, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 99 JETTA PASSENGER VEHICLE. THIS MALFUNCTION HAS BEEN RECALLED BY THE NHTSA ON MANY OTHER 99 VW JETTAS, HOWEVER MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE DID NOT FIT IN THE VIN NUMBER RANGE OF THE SAFETY RECALL. I SUGGEST THIS SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE OTHER MODELS BECAUSE EVIDENTLY IT IS A PROBLEM AND IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10162258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,500 milesKennebunk, ME
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED. A NHTSA RECALL, #06V183000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10160624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,090 milesColumbus, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
I DRIVE A 1999 VW JETTA, STANDARD TRANSMISSION. I WAS INFORMED BY A POLICE OFFICER THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT OPERATING. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I LEARNED FROM THE NHTSA WEB SITE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED MAY OF 2006 FOR CERTAIN VW CARS THAT HAD THEIR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED FOR AN EARLIER RECALL. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS SERVICED UNDER THE LAST RECALL, BUT IT DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. I HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED. THE OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10160353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TURN SIGNALS AND FLASHERS NOT BLINKING AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL ID NUMBER: 04V584000 WHICH CALLS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH, HOWEVER THE 1999 NEW JETTAS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10145018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,859 milesSpringfield, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VW JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. SHE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SWITCH ON 9-2-05. IT CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE OR TO COME ON AND STAY ON EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND THIS PROBLEM WAS IN SOME WAY TIED INTO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE. A NHTSA RECALL 04V096000 WAS ISSUED. THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL WHO RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN 4-04. THE NOTICE DID NOT INDICATE A VIN. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10135695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ventnor City, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
THE PARKING LIGHT SWITCH IS LOCKING UP. THE CAR IS STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRAFFIC BECAUSE I WAS NOT ABLE TO SHIFT FROM PARKING TO ANY OTHER GEAR. THE PARKING LIGHT LIT AND WILL UNLIT ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER. AS OF NOW, THE LIGHT LIT CONSTANTLY AND I HAVE TO DISASSEMBLE THE BATTERY AND THE LIGHT WOULD STILL RE-APPEAR ONCE I PUT THE BATTERY BACK IN. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVE ABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10129401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Kisco, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
THE CHECKING ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO HESITATE. *NM THE MECHANIC FOUND SERVICE CODE STORED FOR FUEL TRIM. *SC THE MECHANIC REPLACED A DEFECTIVE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THE SIGNAL LIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED, BECAUSE IT BLINKED VERY FAST.
NHTSA complaint #10092431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,274 milesMine Hill, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
RECALL NOTICE FOR CHECK/ REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.*MR THE FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT TO REMAIN ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP THREE TIMES BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM (VOLKSWAGEN JETTA). THE DEALER WAS FINALLY ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WOULD COST $6000. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE ELSEWHERE FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE THE SERVICE DEALER'S STAFF SUDDENLY BECAME RUDE.
NHTSA complaint #10076032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ballwin, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 04V096000 CONCERNING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. AFTER HAVING THE REPAIRS DONE VEHICLE STALLED, AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON.
NHTSA complaint #10075926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Forks, ND
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, MY HEADLIGHTS, DASHLIGHTS, HEATER/DEFROST, ALL WENT OUT AND MY E-BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. DO TO THE CONDITIONS AND THE COLD, MY WINDSHIELD FOGGED UP EXTEMEMLY QUICKLY AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES SINCE, ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS. I FIGURED OUT LATER ON, THAT BY MOVING THE IGNITION SWITCH AROUND, EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS DUE TO MY MILITARY SCHEDULE. I AM DEPLPYED RIGHT NOW AND AM PLANNING TO CONTACT THE DEALER IN FARGO AS SOON AS I RETURN.
NHTSA complaint #10062053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Munfordville, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED BECAUSE CEL ILLUMINATED INDICATING A FAILURE OF SAME. AFTER SOME TESTING, IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATING APPROXIMATELY 9 OUT OF 10 TIMES THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BEGAN ARCING. REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT SIGNAL BULB DUE TO CARBON BUILDUP ON THE BULB. ALSO REPLACED THE TURN SIGNAL RELAY. RIGHT OUTER CV BOOT WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING GREASE ON 5/22/2002 AND AGAIN ON 4/29/2003; IN BOTH CASES IT WAS REPLACED. BATTERY DIED ON 3/10/2003. ON 7/9/2002, THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK IN ITS RETRACTOR AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. ON 10/1/2001, THE DRIVER'S FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AFTER THE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10023910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Munfordville, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED BECAUSE CEL ILLUMINATED INDICATING A FAILURE OF SAME. AFTER SOME TESTING, IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATING APPROXIMATELY 9 OUT OF 10 TIMES THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BEGAN ARCING. REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT SIGNAL BULB DUE TO CARBON BUILDUP ON THE BULB. ALSO REPLACED THE TURN SIGNAL RELAY. RIGHT OUTER CV BOOT WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING GREASE ON 5/22/2002 AND AGAIN ON 4/29/2003; IN BOTH CASES IT WAS REPLACED. BATTERY DIED ON 3/10/2003. ON 7/9/2002, THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK IN ITS RETRACTOR AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. ON 10/1/2001, THE DRIVER'S FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AFTER THE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10023910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Munfordville, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED BECAUSE CEL ILLUMINATED INDICATING A FAILURE OF SAME. AFTER SOME TESTING, IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATING APPROXIMATELY 9 OUT OF 10 TIMES THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME, THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL BEGAN ARCING. REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT SIGNAL BULB DUE TO CARBON BUILDUP ON THE BULB. ALSO REPLACED THE TURN SIGNAL RELAY. RIGHT OUTER CV BOOT WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING GREASE ON 5/22/2002 AND AGAIN ON 4/29/2003; IN BOTH CASES IT WAS REPLACED. BATTERY DIED ON 3/10/2003. ON 7/9/2002, THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK IN ITS RETRACTOR AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. ON 10/1/2001, THE DRIVER'S FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AFTER THE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10023910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pennasauken, NJ
INTERIOR LIGHTING
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL RECALLS/ AND SEVERAL PROBLEMS: DOME LIGHT, VANITY MIRRORS, EMISSIONS PROBLEMS, ETC... *MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS WITH: THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS, INTERIOR TRIM HAD COME LOOSE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE PASSENGER VANITY MIRROR LIGHT DID NOT SHUT OFF, THE CUP HOLDER WAS JAMMED AND HAD BROKEN, THE DRIVER WINDOW SOUNDED AS IF AIR WAS COMING IN THE VEHICLE, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT HINGES HAD BROKEN, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN THE RADIO WAS TURNED OFF, THE SENSORS NEVER SEEMED TO WORK, THE OIL DIPSTICK HAD GIVEN ABNORMAL READINGS(SHOWING LOW WHEN OIL WAS JUST CHANGED), THE LEAN OXYGEN SENSOR WAS REPLACED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENT BUT STAYED ON, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED DUE TO NOISE WHICH ENDED AFTER THE REPAIR(THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME BACK ON). *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10022531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterbury, CT
INTERIOR LIGHTING
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AT NIGHT RIGHT HEADLIGHT FLICKERED. THEN, BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. AT THE SAME TIME ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. DEALER DETERMINED WIRING LEADING TO HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK
NHTSA complaint #8010680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Country Club Hills, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
TURN SIGNAL HANDLE BROKE , CAN'T USE TURN SIGNAL. DEALER CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #8004637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Country Club Hills, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRIGHT LIGHTS STAY ON. CONSUMER CANNOT ADJUST THEM. DEALER CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #8004640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edison, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH
OIL LIGHT CAME ON 2000 MILES AFTER OILCHANGE/BURNING OR LEAKING EXCESSIVE OIL,AND OIL LEVEL LOW. PASSENGER'S WINDOW MOTOR STOPPED WORKING, RESULTING IN WINDOW FALLING DOWN,. ALSO, ENGINE REVVED HIGH/ LIGHT SWITCH ON INTERIOR LIGHT FELL OFF/ FRONT RIGHT MICHELIN TIRE BLEWOUT, AND HAD TO REPLACE BATTERY. DEALER KEPT REPAIRING PROBLEMS. CONSUMER CONTACTED VW CO, AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD GET BACK TO HER, BUT NEVER DID. CONSUMER FELT VEHICLE WAS A LEMON. PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #875011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belleville, NJ
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMES AND STAYS ON WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE DUE TO AFTER MARKET RADIO INSTALLATION. YH
NHTSA complaint #551784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson Hgts., NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED INCORRECTLY. THIS CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY FOR NIGHT TIME OPERATION. DRIVER CANNOT SEE FAR ENOUGH AHEAD TO DRIVE PROPERLY. FIRST IT WAS ONLY ONE LIGHT, NOW SINCE DEALER HAS REPAIRED, PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH OTHER HEADLIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #854111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.