97 of the
552 complaints about the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta are about the
electrical system — 18% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
78,203 miles.
F
97
Complaints
1
Crashes
15
Fires
6
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Electrical System
6567.0%
Ignition
1414.4%
Module
33.1%
Fuses AND Circuit Breakers
33.1%
Interior/Under Dash
33.1%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
33.1%
12V/24V/48V Battery
22.1%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
22.1%
Front Underhood
11.0%
Wiring
11.0%
Electrical System across every Volkswagen Jetta year
My jetta stalls without warning when the gas gauge is at a quarter of a tank or less. No engine check light or any other any other device comes on to warn me it is going to stall. My speed does not matter. It happens at freeway speeds or around town. It does not occur if the gas gauge shows more than 1/4 of a tank of fuel. I do not know if it is an electrical problem, a fuel propulsion problem or an engine problem. From reading volkswagon forums, this is a very common problem with volkswagons of different years, including the new Tiguans. I'm sure there have been many fatalities as a result of this defect. I am surprised volkswagon has not been forced to repair this dangerous, life threatening problem before now! Maybe, a class action law suit involving products liability, merchantability, and fitness for a particular use would benefit not only owners, but the general public at large. I believe it is your duty to protect the general public from manufactures who place dangerous, defective products in the stream of commerce. Your action is required, and demanded. The first time ocurred right after I purchased the car in 2019. It has stalled many times since then, before I realized I needed to keep the fuel tank at least 1/2 full at all times. Keeping it 1/2 full at all times greatly deminishes the range of travel before I have to refill. It is inconvenient and expensive since fuel has to be purchased at places other the most economical place I usually purchase my gasoline. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11450712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW IS BLOCKED INSIDE DOOR
NHTSA complaint #11376725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,185 milesEdwardsville, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR GOT HACKED MY CHARLIE MILLER AND CHRIS VALASEK WAS SEEN OVER AT MY NEIGHBORS HOUSE ON 4/29/2017 AND MY EX BOSS CHRIS STUTZ JR IS IN CHARGE OF ALL THE BREAK IN OF MY HOUSE AND CARS EDWARDSVILLE POLICE WILL NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THE POLICE ARE FRIEND OF THEM I HOPE I DON'T GET KILLED OVER THESE HACKS BUT IF THAT'S WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT
NHTSA complaint #11014091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesPortland, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF THE BATTERY MELTED DUE TO OVERHEATING FROM THE ALTERNATOR CABLE. NO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL LOAD HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE BATTERY. JUST NORMAL USE OF THE CAR CAUSES THIS TO MELT.
NHTSA complaint #11010108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesSeattle, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN I WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH THE HEATED SEAT OPTION TURNED TO A 5 (HIGH), WHILE THE CAR WAS WARMING UP, I NOTICED SOME SMOKE COMING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT. THE HEATED SEAT STARTED TO BURN THROUGH THE CLOTH COVER DIRECTLY WHERE MY METAL JACKET ZIPPER WAS MAKING CONTACT WITH THE CLOTH SEAT SURFACE. I IMMEDIATELY POURED WATER ON THE SEAT TO ENSURE A FIRE DIDN'T START. I HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED TO USE THE SEAT HEATERS SINCE THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11002776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesHouston, TX1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER IGNITED BURNING THROUGH SEAT TRIM AND BURNING DRIVER WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRED IN A SEAT THAT THE DEALER INDICATED THEY HAD REPLACED UNDER THE INITIAL RECALL (HOWEVER DATE ON SEAT IS 11/25/2002 BEFORE CAR WAS DELIVERED IN 4/2003 - SO DEALER NEVER ACTUALLY REPLACED IT . SEAT RETAINED AND PHOTOS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10993189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLodi, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IAM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE ALWAYS KEPT MY JETTA IN THE GARAGE. I MOVED 3 AND A HALF YEARS AGO AND MY CAR IS NO LONGER GARAGED. MY HEADLINE IS STARTING TO DETACH FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR AND THE LEATHER THROUGHOUT MY CAR IS CRACKING. I NOTICED THERE WAS A CLASSSS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THE SUNROOF DRAIN GETTING CLOGGED CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CAR. WHO CAN I CONTACT TO SEE IF I QUALIFY FOR THIS ACTION. AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL I DID TAKE MY JETTA TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE, IS THIS BECAUSE MY CAR WAS GARAGED AND NOW ITS OUTSIDE EXPOSED TO THE ELEMETS, WHICH HAS CAUSED THIS DAMAGE? THANK YOU,
NHTSA complaint #10938362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesWinchester, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"TAKATA RECALL" BURNED FUSE BOX CAUSED ALTERNATOR TO GO BAD.
NHTSA complaint #10887559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,306 milesNewton, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAVING WORKED IN VW DEALERSHIPS MY TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE IS FAILING AT ONLY 130,000 MILES ON IT WHICH HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND COMPLAINT BY MANY. WHEN IT ACTS UP IT WON'T UPSHIFT OR WILL DROP DOWN INTO LOW GEAR AND ONE HAS TO WORRY ABOUT BEING REAR ENDED WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURS.
NHTSA complaint #10860401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 188,000 milesBiloxi, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE BATTERY FUSE BOX MELTING. REPLACED TWICE. FOUND OUT IT ALTERNATOR WIRING IS BAD. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD. CAR HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ON SIDE OF ROAD SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO FAULTY ALTERNATOR WIRING.
NHTSA complaint #10824336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling Heights, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I'VE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY VW JETTA 2003 AND HAVE PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THE VEHICLE. MY LIMIT WAS THAT ALTERNATOR CABLE MELTING THE FUSE BOX AND THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND POTENTIALLY INJURED INDIVIDUALS OR CAUSED GREAT HARM. THE SAD PART ABLE THE ENTIRE SCENARIO IS THE FACT THAT I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE THAT SPOKE WITH BREA S. WHICH MAY NOT BE AN ACTUAL NAME BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT PROVIDE IT AND SHE SAID THAT SHE HAD SPOKEN TO HER LEADERSHIP ASHLEY AND THAT THEY DID NOT SEE THIS AS A SAFETY CONCERNS AND JUST BECAUSE LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND MENTIONED IT ON A BLOG THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO HELP ME. NOW FOR ME SOMETHING THAT CAN CAUSE A POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL FIRE FOR MOST PEOPLE IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND THE FACT THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND BEETLE MODELS, IT AMAZES ME THAT VW CUSTOMER CARE DOES NOT SEE IT AS THERE ISSUE, BREA WAS OUT OF THE AUBURN HILLS LOCATION IN MICHIGAN. THIS REALLY NEEDS FURTHER ATTENTION.
NHTSA complaint #10790767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 193,000 milesAlamogordo, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS, THE BATTERY FAILED TO MAKE CONNECTION WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000.
NHTSA complaint #10786157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE FUSE BOX IN THESE OLDER JETTAS MELTS BECAUSE IT IS ON TOP OF THE BATTERY, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. ITS VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10763228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALTERNATOR HARNESS WIRING AND FUSE BOX ARE UNDER-ENGINEERED FOR ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS AND OUTPUT GIVEN BY ALTERNATOR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN ONE YEAR I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUSE BOX AND ALTERNATOR HARNESS WIRING DUE TO RISK OF ENGINE BAY FIRE. MANY OTHER VW OWNERS IN THIS GENERATION AND DIFFERENT MODELS ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO GO UNNOTICED.
NHTSA complaint #10760319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesYonkers, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD THAT ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE BATTERY FUSE BOX WHERE HE FOUND THAT THERE WERE OVERHEATED WIRES AND OVERWHELMING SMOKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING AND THE SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE BATTERY FUSE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10723278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesJupiter, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE ALTERNATOR CABLE MELTED THE FUSE BLOCK AND THE CAR ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10659992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesPort ST. Luciy, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AS THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FUSE PANEL CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR, THE HARNESS, AND THE FUSE PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT FAILED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
NHTSA complaint #10632159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesMiddletown, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE IS A FUSE BOX ON THE TOP OF MY BATTERY AS THERE WAS FOR ALL MK4 JETTAS, GOLF IN ALL MOTOR TRIMS. THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF THE BATTERY MELTED. WHEN OPENED THERE WAS A BLACK WIRE SEVERED FROM THE BOX. WHEN TURNING THE BATTERY OVER THE CABLE WIRE WAS ARCHING. THE WIRE WAS ACTUALLY SPARKING. THERE ARE FUSES IN THE ORIGINAL BOX BUT THEY NEVER BROKE, TRIPPED.
NHTSA complaint #10622163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,432 milesNorfolk, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY FUSE BOX MELTED. ENGINE OVERHEATED AND CUT OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10618049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesEast Greenville, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING . FOUND LEFT FUSE ON FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY IS BLACK AND MELTED.
NHTSA complaint #10604717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesMassapequa Park, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE REAR DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK WITH THE KEY FOB OR THE ELECTRICAL SWITCH ION THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WHEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN IN THE REAR SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #10599208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,898 milesNewtown Square, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE DAY BEFORE THE CAR QUIT, IT WOULD NOT START AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE MALL PARKING LOT. A BATTERY PACK GOT IT STARTED, AND IT WAS DRIVEN HOME, WITH THE THOUGHT THAT IT NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. THE FOLLOWING DAY, IT WAS BEING DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL SEARS, FOR A REPLACEMENT BATTERY, WHEN THE ABS AND AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON. 30 SECONDS LATER LOTS OF WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE CAR SPUTTERED AND STOPPED DEAD IN THE LANE OF TRAVEL. IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, AND POWER ACCESSORIES WOULD NOT WORK. I WAS STOPPED ON A VERY BUSY 2 LANE BACK ROAD, WITH NO SHOULDERS OR SIDE STREETS, UPHILL, ON A BLIND HILL. AFTER 1 1/2 HOURS OF WHITE-KNUCKLE DIRECTING TRAFFIC, AND CALLS TO: MY AUTO CLUB, AND THE LOCAL POLICE; A LOCAL POLICE OFFICER, AND A LOCAL TOW TRUCK SHOWED UP AND GAVE ME A LIFT TO MY REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC'S DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM WAS A PARTIALLY MELTED FUSE PACK, THAT SITS ON TOP OF THE BATTERY, AND AN OVERLY RESISTIVE CABLE BETWEEN THE FUSE PACK AND THE ALTERNATOR. THE SOLUTION WAS: THE CABLE END LINKED TO THE FUSE PACK WAS RE-TERMINATED, AND THE MELTED FUSE PACK WAS REPLACED. BETWEEN THE TOW AND THE REPAIR, IT SET ME BACK ABOUT $300.00. I ALSO FOUND A BLOG THAT LISTED MANY OTHER VW OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM: HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?4986219-FUSE-BOX-ABOVE-BATTERY-MELTING . I ALSO DISCOVERED A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT THAT WAS FILED IN 2012, THAT WAS BASED ON THIS PROBLEM: HTTP://GOTACLASSACTION.COM/VOLKSWAGEN-NAMED-IN-CLASS-ACTION-OVER-FUSE-BOXALTERNATOR-CABLE-ASSEMBLY/ . I HOPE THAT THE CURRENT REPAIR HOLDS FOR THE NEAR FUTURE. CLEARLY, A FUSE SHOULD BLOW BEFORE THE OVERALL FUSE PACK MELTS.
NHTSA complaint #10598985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesDowney, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A JETTA THAT CONTINUALLY BURNS OUT THE FUSE BOX, WHICH JUST HAPPENED AGAIN. THE FUSE BOX TO REPLACE COSTS AROUND $100. EVERYTIME. DUE TO THIS PROBLEM I AM ENCOUNTERING ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. IGNITION COIL ETC. I EVEN WENT AND PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY FOR 160.00. CAR WILL NOT RUN? HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10574021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesWestmont, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR HAD A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STOPPED MOVING FORWARD AND STALLED IN TRAFFIC, THE BATTERY LIGHT THEN CAME ON. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IN A 30 MILE ROUND TRIP, THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BATTERY MOUNTED FUSE BLOCK HAD COMPLETELY MELTED AND WAS EXTREMELY HOT.
NHTSA complaint #10565482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWilmington, DEFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH A BURNING PLASTIC ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE PASSENGER SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED A BURNING SENSATION COMING FROM THE SEATED AREA OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER ELEMENT HAD OVER HEATED CAUSING A BURN HOLE IN THE SEAT AND CAUSING A MINOR BURN TO THE PASSENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SMALL FLAMED TO THE PASSENGERS RIGHT PANT LEG HAD TO BE EXTINGUISHED DURING THE INCIDENT AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BURN HOLE MEASURED APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH IN DIAMETER. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEFECT WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY HEAT ELEMENT INSIDE THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. JFT
NHTSA complaint #10563691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesElsmere, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE ALTERNATOR CABLE GOT SO HOT IT STARTED A SMALL FIRE IN THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF MY BATTERY. COMPLETELY MELTED/BURNT THE FUSE BOX. I SEE THERE IS A GOOD PATTERN OF THIS HAPPENING WITH THESE JETTA AND BEETLES.
NHTSA complaint #10563793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,235 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE THERMOSTAT ON MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST TIME IT FAILED AS AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES IN 2009.
NHTSA complaint #10557306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,235 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE TEMP SENDER ON MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 38,000 MILES IN 2007.
NHTSA complaint #10557308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,235 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ONE OF THE TWO LARGE COOLING FANS IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PART MUST BE REPLACED TO PREVENT ENGINE OVERHEATING. THE PART NUMBER IS 6X0-959-445-F.
NHTSA complaint #10557309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HAS EXPERIENCED A COIL PACK FAILURE CAUSING A REDUCTION IN POWER, AND THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE. ACCORDING TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER, THE HOUSING OF THE COIL PACK WAS CRACKED WHICH ALLOWED MOISTURE TO AFFECT ITS OPERATION. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THERE IS NO RECALL OR REPLACEMENT PROGRAM FOR 4 CYLINDER ENGINES EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10557087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.