2001 Volkswagen Jetta headlight problems

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR INDICATOR SOUNDED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN ACTIVATING THE HEADLIGHTS THERE WOULD BE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #10596694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE 2001 V.W. JETTA: THIS VEHICLE BURNS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL, APPROXIMATELY 1 QUART PER MONTH, IN DAILY, EVERDAY USAGE, CITY TRAFFIC AND SHORT HIGHWAY TRIPS, AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF OIL, EVEN WITH REGULAR OIL/FILTER CHANGES. V.W. HAS NOT NOTIFIED ME OF THIS PROBLEM, NOR CORRECTED IT AND DEALERS' WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE, SHODDY, FLIP-BACK, PLASTIC ARM REST IS BROKEN, CHEAPLY MADE, IT WILL NOT RETAIN OR HOLD THE DRIVER'S ARM, IT IS LOCATED ADJACENT AND NEAR THE AUTO. TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT, IT COULD AND DOES FAIL, A SAFETY HAZARD. REAR TAIL AND BRAKE LIGHTS BURN-OUT AT EXCESSIVE RATES, OFTEN ENOUGH FOR IT TO BE A NUISANCE, TO REPLACE THEM. PLEASE HAVE V.W. CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS @ THEIR OWN EXPENSE, NOT MINE, OWNER.

NHTSA complaint #10542302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE VW JETTA VR6 2001 THAT I PURCHASED LAST YEAR FOR $7,000 (FINANCING THROUGH MY CREDIT UNION) IS A LEMON. I HAVE HAD IT LESS THAN A YEAR AND ALREADY SPENT $2000 ON MINOR REPAIRS AND I ESTIMATE THAT RIGHT NOW IT NEEDS ABOUT $4000 MORE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. I BELIEVE THAT SUNDANCE IMPROPERLY SOLD THIS CAR, KNOWING THAT A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF THINGS ARE WRONG WITH IT. I HAD A GARAGE WITH WHICH THEY ARE AFFILIATED LOOK AT IT AND COMPLETELY MISREPRESENTED THE SHAPE OF THE CAR. SINCE ACQUIRING IT I HAVE BEEN PLAGUED WITH DIFFICULTIES WITH IT, FROM HEAD LIGHTS MYSTERIOUSLY GOING OUT, TO THE WATER PUMP FAILING, TO THE SERPENTINE COIL FAILING, NOW TO THE AIR COMPRESSOR FAILING, AS WELL AS THE COMPUTER TO THE A/C, AND TODAY IT IS THE EPC CODE (WHICH I BELIEVE HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH EITHER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, OR COMPUTER - BUT THE THING IS LOSING POWER AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK WHICH IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD), NOT TO MENTION THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. HAVING BEEN PLAGUED WITH THESE ISSUES, I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER VW JETTA VR6 2001 OWNERS WHO ARE ADAMANT THAT THIS CAR IS A MANUFACTURED LEMON. VW NEEDS TO BE IN SOME WAY HELD ACCOUNTABLE - ALL OF US HAVE HAD NIGHTMARISH LIVES AND ARE PAYING FOR THE DEFECTS EVERY DAY.

NHTSA complaint #10335769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) : THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT NEVER GO OFF AFTER STARTED THE ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #10297947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

I HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT ONLY ALLOWS ME TO GET A REPAIR AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA 4 HOURS FROM THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP. THEY WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO REPAIR IT LOCALLY AND GET RE-IMBURSED. IT IS 4 HOURS TO THIS DEALERSHIP MEANING AN OVERNIGHT STAY. THE TOTAL COST OF THE TRIP IS MORE THAN THE REPAIR. IS THERE ANY OPTION TO GET THIS REPAIRED LOCALLY? NO ACCIDENT..........YET. THE RECALL IS FOR A DEFECTIVE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.

NHTSA complaint #10257514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I OWN A 2001 VW JETTA. I BOUGHT IT 3 YEARS AGO, USED FROM THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THE AUTOMOBILE WAS SOLD AS A "CERTIFIED" AUTO, WHICH I FOUND OUT LATER DOES NOT MEAN MUCH. MY TRUNK IS LOCKED SHUT AND DOES NOT OPEN MANUALLY OR WITH REMOTE, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE CV BOOTS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, TRANSMISSION AND NUMEROUS HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT AND BLINKER BULBS. AND TODAY ONE OF MY HEADLIGHTS IS SO DIM, IT DOESN'T REALLY PROVIDE ANY LIGHT WHEN IT IS DARK. I HAVE REPLACED IT AND REPLACED IT. IT STAYS FINE FOR ABOUT 2 DAYS AND THEN JUST DIMS OUT AGAIN. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP TAKING IT TO VOLKSWAGEN. IT'S A RIP OFF AND THEY DON'T EVEN FIX ANYTHING RIGHT ANYWAY. MY ENGINE FAN WENT OUT ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE OTHER DAY, CAUSING THE CAR TO OVERHEAT. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED. THAT ISN'T THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HAD TO PAY TO HAVE IT TOWED. THE INTERIOR PLASTIC COATING ON ARMRESTS AND ALL PLASTIC INSIDE IS PEELING AND LOOKS TERRIBLE. WHEN I PUSH UNLOCK ALL DOORS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE BACK SEAT DOOR WILL NOT OPEN UNLESS I REACH INSIDE AND PULL THE LOCK OPEN MANUALLY. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE, BUT I DON'T WANT TO WASTE MY TIME. I KNOW NOTHING WILL HAPPEN, EVEN THOUGH IT IS SO OBVIOUS THAT THESE CARS ARE COMPLETE LEMONS, AND THEY NEED TO STOP SELLING THEM TO PEOPLE.

NHTSA complaint #10237307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 2001 VW JETTA, PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE, 2001.INCLUDING : WINDOWS SPORADICALLY MALFUNCTIONING (WHEN I CALLED VW CORPORATE AS WELL AS MY LOCAL DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT AFTER THE DEALER EVALUATED PROBLEM I COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR CHARGE DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF THEIR DIAGNOSIS!!); TRUNK LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE (OUT OF WARRANTY) AND NOW LATCH DOES NOT RESPOND TO REMOTES NOR TO THE INSIDE RELEASE ON DRIVER DOOR; DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT RESPOND TO REMOTES NOR TO CONTROL ON DRIVER DOOR (THE OTHER THREE DOOR LOCKS ARE PRESENTLY FUNCTIONING); INTERIOR COATING ON PLASTIC DOOR HANDLES AND CENTER CONSOLE BEGAN TO PEEL WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF DELIVERY; CENTER CONSOLE LATCH BROKE LONG AGO; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON/OFF SPORADICALLY (BROUGHT CAR TO CERTIFIED MECHANIC BUT PROBLEM UNDIAGNOSED); A WAX SUBSTANCE WAS CONSTANTLY RUNNING INTO DOORWELLS; VW DEALER REPLACED COIL, CABLES AND BUFFER IN RESPONSE TO ROUGH ENGINE IDLE COMPLAINT AND I INCURRED ALL COSTS AND INCONVENIENCE OF CAR IN SHOP , THIS AT 72,000 MILES,HAZARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED; TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONED; NOW I HEAR OF A BRAKE LIGHT RECALL AND AN EMERGENCY LIGHT SWITCH PROBLEM. I AM JUST REALIZING RECENTLY THAT I AM NOT ALONE WITH MY JETTA PROBLEMS, THAT NUMEROUS JJETTA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS ( I RESEARCHED ON INTERNET) . VW CUSTOMER SERVICE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10220476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT

NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH 2001 VW JETTA, PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE, 2001.INCLUDING : WINDOWS SPORADICALLY MALFUNCTIONING (WHEN I CALLED VW CORPORATE AS WELL AS MY LOCAL DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT AFTER THE DEALER EVALUATED PROBLEM I COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR CHARGE DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF THEIR DIAGNOSIS!!); TRUNK LATCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE (OUT OF WARRANTY) AND NOW LATCH DOES NOT RESPOND TO REMOTES NOR TO THE INSIDE RELEASE ON DRIVER DOOR; DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT RESPOND TO REMOTES NOR TO CONTROL ON DRIVER DOOR (THE OTHER THREE DOOR LOCKS ARE PRESENTLY FUNCTIONING); INTERIOR COATING ON PLASTIC DOOR HANDLES AND CENTER CONSOLE BEGAN TO PEEL WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF DELIVERY; CENTER CONSOLE LATCH BROKE LONG AGO; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON/OFF SPORADICALLY (BROUGHT CAR TO CERTIFIED MECHANIC BUT PROBLEM UNDIAGNOSED); A WAX SUBSTANCE WAS CONSTANTLY RUNNING INTO DOORWELLS; VW DEALER REPLACED COIL, CABLES AND BUFFER IN RESPONSE TO ROUGH ENGINE IDLE COMPLAINT AND I INCURRED ALL COSTS AND INCONVENIENCE OF CAR IN SHOP , THIS AT 72,000 MILES,HAZARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED; TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONED; NOW I HEAR OF A BRAKE LIGHT RECALL AND AN EMERGENCY LIGHT SWITCH PROBLEM. I AM JUST REALIZING RECENTLY THAT I AM NOT ALONE WITH MY JETTA PROBLEMS, THAT NUMEROUS JJETTA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS ( I RESEARCHED ON INTERNET) . VW CUSTOMER SERVICE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL IN RESOLVING THESE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA complaint #10220476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT. I WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND THEN A MONTH OR SO LATER I HAVE TO REPLACE THE RIGHT, OR THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT OR THE LICENSE PLATE LIGHT. I AM REPLACING ABOUT 4-5 LIGHTS PER YEAR ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. *TR ALSO NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. 1/2 OF THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE NO LONGER WORKING, AND WHEN I UNLOCK THE CAR IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY LOCK ON ME WITHIN 15 SECONDS UNLESS I START THE ENGINE.

NHTSA complaint #10219834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WITH A HAZE ON THE HEADLIGHT LENSES. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION HAS BECOME DARKER DUE TO THIS HAZE ON THE LENSES. SHE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10217179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL # 04V096000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). SHE WAS CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED, THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER GAVE HER A LIST OF REPAIRS THAT NEED TO BE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE TOTAL COST FOR THE REPAIRS WILL BE $2,000. THE PURCHASE DATE AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 36,860.

NHTSA complaint #10194249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM AN AUTO SHOP THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I HAD THEM JUMP START IT AND THE AIRBAG DUMMY LIGHT CAME ON AS SOON AS THE CAR STARTED. IT BEEPED AND SAID AIRBAG FAULT ON THE DASH. THEN THE TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM STARTED TO SIMULATE THE SOUND OF THE TURN SIGNAL AS IF IT WAS ON. FIRST IT WAS AFTER I COMPLETED THE TURN IT WOULD STAY ON AND SPEED UP OR SLOW DOWN THE CLICKING NOISE. WITHIN A MONTH IT STARTED DOING IT WHILE I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. I AM UNSURE IF THE TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES THE FLASHERS DON'T SEEM WORK AT RANDOM AS FAR AS I CAN TELL FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT. I HAD A DEALER RESET THE AIRBAG FAULT BUT THEY SAID THAT THEY "THINK" THAT WE NEED TO REPLACE THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH ON THE SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I'M NOT ABOUT TO SPEND 500 DOLLARS ON SOMETHING THAT THE DEALER ISN'T EVEN SURE OF THEMSELVES.

NHTSA complaint #10183589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

AFTER RECEIVING THE VEHICLE FROM AN AUTO SHOP THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. I HAD THEM JUMP START IT AND THE AIRBAG DUMMY LIGHT CAME ON AS SOON AS THE CAR STARTED. IT BEEPED AND SAID AIRBAG FAULT ON THE DASH. THEN THE TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM STARTED TO SIMULATE THE SOUND OF THE TURN SIGNAL AS IF IT WAS ON. FIRST IT WAS AFTER I COMPLETED THE TURN IT WOULD STAY ON AND SPEED UP OR SLOW DOWN THE CLICKING NOISE. WITHIN A MONTH IT STARTED DOING IT WHILE I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. I AM UNSURE IF THE TURN SIGNAL SYSTEM IS WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES THE FLASHERS DON'T SEEM WORK AT RANDOM AS FAR AS I CAN TELL FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT. I HAD A DEALER RESET THE AIRBAG FAULT BUT THEY SAID THAT THEY "THINK" THAT WE NEED TO REPLACE THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH ON THE SIDE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I'M NOT ABOUT TO SPEND 500 DOLLARS ON SOMETHING THAT THE DEALER ISN'T EVEN SURE OF THEMSELVES.

NHTSA complaint #10183589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

TURN SIGNAL ON 2001 VW JETTA OPERATES AT RANDOM OR NOT AT ALL. THIS CONDITION BEGAN OCCURRING FOLLOWING THE REPAIR OF A MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 06V183000 & 04V096000). SIGNALS FAILED TO TURN ON, OR TURNED ON WITH SPORADIC FUNCTIONING. VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE INDICATED THIS WAS CAUSED BY A SHORTED HAZARD SWITCH. HAZARD SWITCH WAS REPLACED FOR A COST OF US $131.55. DEALER INDICATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM (RECALL 04V584000) HOWEVER INDICATED VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL DESPITE HAVING AN IDENTICAL ISSUE. IF FIND IT UTTERLY RIDICULOUS THAT VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS GIVEN THAT THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM IS RECALLED FOR OTHER JETTAS. IN ADDITION I FIND IT MORALLY UNACCEPTABLE AS VOLKSWAGEN IS PUTTING DRIVERS AT RISK AS INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNALS IS A SAFETY CONCERN: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN TURNING OR PERFORMING A LATERAL MOVE COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA complaint #10181765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:UNIT

TURN SIGNAL ON 2001 VW JETTA OPERATES AT RANDOM OR NOT AT ALL. THIS CONDITION BEGAN OCCURRING FOLLOWING THE REPAIR OF A MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH (RECALLS 06V183000 & 04V096000). SIGNALS FAILED TO TURN ON, OR TURNED ON WITH SPORADIC FUNCTIONING. VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE INDICATED THIS WAS CAUSED BY A SHORTED HAZARD SWITCH. HAZARD SWITCH WAS REPLACED FOR A COST OF US $131.55. DEALER INDICATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM (RECALL 04V584000) HOWEVER INDICATED VEHICLE DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL DESPITE HAVING AN IDENTICAL ISSUE. IF FIND IT UTTERLY RIDICULOUS THAT VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS GIVEN THAT THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM IS RECALLED FOR OTHER JETTAS. IN ADDITION I FIND IT MORALLY UNACCEPTABLE AS VOLKSWAGEN IS PUTTING DRIVERS AT RISK AS INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNALS IS A SAFETY CONCERN: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN TURNING OR PERFORMING A LATERAL MOVE COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA complaint #10181765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED THREE TIMES . THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED AT 23,000, 40,000 & 42,000 MILES. WHEN THE FAILURE HAPPENED THE EPC LIGHT TURNED ON AND SOMETIMES IT TURNED ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. *AK UPDATED 1/30/2007 -

NHTSA complaint #10177108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A RECALL LETTER CONCERNING THE BRAKE LIGHT. THERE IS NO DEALER IN THE CONTACT'S AREA, BUT THERE IS A REPAIR CENTER. THE CONTACT CURRENTLY HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY INCIDENTS WITH HIS VEHICLE; HOWEVER WANTS TO PREVENT THE INCIDDENT BEFORE IT OCCURS.

NHTSA complaint #10176511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. A NHTSA RECALL, #04V096000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS ALSO REPLACED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS IN ADDITION TO THE RECALL. A REVISED RECALL #06V183000 CONCERNING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN ISSUED.

NHTSA complaint #10175910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

I OWN A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WITH A 2.8 ............................................................................................................. LV6 ENGINE AND 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. ON 03 AUG 2006 (MILEAGE: 84028) I HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED AT MY OWN EXPENSE WHEN THE ECL INDICATOR CAME ON. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN 19 MONTHS I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SAME BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE FIRST TIME WAS 10 NOVEMBER 2004 (MILEAGE: 68184) IN WHICH THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED UNDER NHTSA RECALL #04V-09600 (20 FEBRUARY 2004). IN BOTH CASES THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED BY LITHIA VOLKSWAGEN OF THORNTON, COLORADO. THE FIRST SWITCH REPLACEMENT USED PART #1J0-945-511-D, WHICH WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE MOST RECENT REPLACEMENT USING PART #1J0-945-511-F. THIS IMPLIES A NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS DESIGNED BY VOLKSWAGEN BECAUSE OF FLAWS WITH THE DESIGN USED TO RESPOND TO THE NHTSA RECALL. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE SECOND INCIDENT OF THIS BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY EITHER THE FEBRUARY 2004 RECALL THAT REPAIRED THE FIRST INSTANCE OR THE NEW RECALL 06V183000. SINCE THE BRAKE LIGHT IS A CRITICAL SAFETY FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE IT SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO FUNCTION LONGER THAN 19 MONTHS. ITS FAILURE PLACES MY FAMILY AND I AT RISK OF INJURY OR EVEN DEATH DUE TO A REAR END COLLISION BECAUSE OF VOLKSWAGENS INABILITY TO PROPERLY DESIGN A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THIS SAFETY SYSTEM SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO OPERATE THE LIFE OF THE AUTOMOBILE TO PROTECT ITS OCCUPANTS. VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD MAKE A SERIOUS EFFORT TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM PERMANENTLY OR DEMONSTRATE THEIR COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SAFETY BY REPLACING THE SWITCH AT MANUFACTURER EXPENSE. WHEN I DISCUSSED THIS WITH VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE (1-800-822-8987, REF. #60279193) THEY CLAIMED THIS SERVICE WAS NOT COVERED BY EITHER RECALL AND SINCE THE PART HAD PERFORMED PAST THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY IT WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR THE SWITCH AT MY OWN EXPENSE.

NHTSA complaint #10174365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING ANY MALFUNCTIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 06V183000 NOR IN # 04V096000 DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE RECALLS MATCHED THE PROBLEM THE VEHICLE PRESENTED.

NHTSA complaint #10171662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DRIVING 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING ANY MALFUNCTIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL # 06V183000 NOR IN # 04V096000 DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT DEFECT DESCRIBED IN THE RECALLS MATCHED THE PROBLEM THE VEHICLE PRESENTED.

NHTSA complaint #10171662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THE SPARK IGNITION COIL AND BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V096000, REGARDING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. *AK UPDATED 10/30/2006 -

NHTSA complaint #10170623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WENT OUT IN MY 2001 VW JETTA GLS 2.0L. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH GOES OUT THERE IS NO WARNING IN THE DASH TO LET ME KNOW IT WAS OUT. I DIDN'T HAVE ANY BREAK LIGHTS UNTIL SOMEONE AT A STOP LIGHT YELLED OUT THEIR WINDOW TO TELL ME. I TOOK MY CAR TO VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW BREAK LIGHT SWITCH. IT TURNS OUT THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM FOR VW'S OF ALL YEARS AND MAKES. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM, VW HASN'T RELEASED INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AND IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. I DON'T WANT TO SEE MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE GET KILLED OR HURT BECAUSE OF A FAULTY PART. I'VE ALREADY SPENT THE $12 TO FIX IT SO THIS COMPLAINT IS NOT ABOUT GETTING MY MONEY BACK. IT'S ABOUT SAVING LIVES.

NHTSA complaint #10168548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

THE BRAKE SWITCH LIGHT IN MY VW JETTA HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES. WHEN THIS SWITCH IS NOT WORKING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS OF MY CAR ARE INOPERABLE, LEADING TO A GREAT RISK OF ACCIDENT. MY JETTA IS NOT CURRENTLY IN THE RECALL THAT HAS BEEN ISSUED, BUT I CONTINUE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH.

NHTSA complaint #10166088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

I HAVE HAD MY 2001 JETTA VOLKSWAGEN FOR 3 YEARS BOUGHT IT USED IN THOSE 3 YEARS HAVE HAD THE EPC LIGHT COME ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. ONE OF THE TIME THAT HAD THE DEALERSHIP FIX FEEL UNDER THE RECALL LIST. SINCE THEN IT HAS FAILED 2 DIFFERENT TIMES THE LATEST OF THE 2 ONCE IN NOVEMBER WHEN THE DEALERSHIP MECHANIC STATED WE KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM HERE IS THE PHONE TO CORPORATE TO COMPLAIN THAT IS ALL WE CAN DO. NOW IN AUGUST IT HAS FAILED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR NO REASON. WHEN THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON THE BRAKE FAIL TO WORK AT ALL. LUCKILY MY WIFE WAS NOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT THAT DAY BUT COULD HAVE BEEN SINCE THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK.

NHTSA complaint #10165183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

I'VE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLX. I STILL WONDER WHY IT'S NOT A LEMON. HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH WHICH WAS A RECALL. I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TECHNICIANS MADE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND SAID I NEEDED THE HEAT SENSOR CHANGED SO I DID. AFTER A WEEK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT UP AGAIN SO I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK WHICH I PAID FOR AGAIN 78 BUCKS. THIS TIME THE TECH'S SAID I NEEDED THE SPARKS AND WIRES CHANGED BECAUSE IT WAS SHOOTING BLANKS. PRE-PAID FOR THE PARTS AND WHEN THE PARTS ARRIVED, I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO GET IT FIXED SO I DID. LATER, I GOT CALL FROM THE SERVICE REPS AND SAID MY IGNITION COIL BROKE SO THEY HAD TO ORDER THAT AGAIN. AFTER EVERYTHING WAS SAID AND DONE. I JUST WANTED TO LET MY FINANCER TO JUST VOLUNTARILY REPO THE PIECE OF TRASH. ONE MORE BREAK DOWN AND I'M HIRING A LEMON ATTORNEY. THIS IS TOO MUCH.

NHTSA complaint #10162446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS FAILED FOR THE 2ND TIME IN 2 YEARS. THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THERE IS NO INDICATION IN THE CAR TO INDICATE THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING.

NHTSA complaint #10161370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE UNTIL THE FAILURE OCCURRED. NO INCIDENTS AS OF YET. BOTH TAIL LIGHTS AND WINDOW BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE. CAR WAS SERVICED ON A PREVIOUS RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10160214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE UNTIL THE FAILURE OCCURRED. NO INCIDENTS AS OF YET. BOTH TAIL LIGHTS AND WINDOW BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE. CAR WAS SERVICED ON A PREVIOUS RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10160214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS INOPERABLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND DETERMINED THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 06V183000, REGARDING THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 6/27/2006 - THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER UNDER RECALL ON 4/26/05 WITH 44653 MILES. THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH FAILED ONE YEAR LATER AT 52675 MILES. THE COOLANT PUMP FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE FRONT WOOFER IN THE DOOR FAILED INTERNALLY CAUSING THE SOUND TO BE DISTORTED.

NHTSA complaint #10159406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.