2003 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
462
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
SEATS
89 complaints
Heated seat set on fire! Burned me pretty bad
Oct 01, 2023
WHEN THE SEAT HEATER IS TURNED ON, THE SEAT CATCHES ON FIRE. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE PICTURE THAT IS SMOKE COMING FROM THE SEAT, THE HOLES WERE CAUSED BY THE SEAT HEATER.
Jan 03, 2018
THE ELECTRIC SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT WHILE IN USE. IT NO LONGER REGULATES. DANGEROUS FOR DRIVING. SMELLED LIKE A FIRE!
Aug 23, 2017
THE RIGHT AREA OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT BEGAN TO GET EXCESSIVELY WARM SO I DISCONTINUED USE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPT AT USE RESULTED IN THE HEATING COIL BURNING THROUGH THE UPHOLSTERY. PICTURES ATTACHED. I HAVE DISCONTINUED USE AND LEARNED THERE IS AN EXPIRED RECALL FOR THIS AS A KNOW ISSUE.
Jul 14, 2016
DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER GETS VERY GOT. ON MARCH 4, 2016 AT 7:30AM NOTICED A BURNT SMELL AS I PARKED MY CAR (I HAD DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 20 MINS). WHEN I RETURNED AT 12PM FOR LUNCH, I NOTICED 2 BURNT AREAS OF MY LEATHER SEAT. MARCH 5TH, TRIED TO USE HEATER AGAIN BUT WITHIN 10 MINS IT GOT TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND BURNT SMELL, REALLY BAD. I SHUT IT OFF. I CAN'T USE THIS NOW. VERY DISAPPOINTED.
Mar 14, 2016
+ 84 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
72 complaints
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, NO APPARENT REASON. DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT 35 MPH NO APPARENT REASON. INJURED DRIVER WITH BURNS AND RINGING IN EAR. *TR
Oct 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VW JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE EMITTED SMOKE AND STALLED. THE AIR BAGS ALSO INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED AND THERE WAS SMOKE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 11/12/14*LJ UPDATED 7/27/2015 *JS
Jul 17, 2014
PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER GOING INTO THE SHOULDER. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO TIRES, WHEELS, OR BODY OF CAR. INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Feb 01, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE THE PASSENGER SIDE OVERHEAD AND SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. *TR
Mar 24, 2013
AIR BAG SENSORS FAILURE. IN EVENT OF A CRASH AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. THERE ARE 1000'S OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET
Aug 22, 2011
+ 67 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
64 complaints
RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW IS BLOCKED INSIDE DOOR
Nov 27, 2020
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.
Jul 22, 2017
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.
Jun 05, 2017
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,
Dec 28, 2016
"TAKATA RECALL" BURNED FUSE BOX CAUSED ALTERNATOR TO GO BAD.
Jul 21, 2016
+ 59 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
40 complaints
Since New we noticed transmission malfunctioning, transmission would jerk on the upshifts and downshifting also, then it would take longer than normal to go into gears Im the original owner, I parked it for 11 years waiting for a recall letter, I heard the beatle had gotten a recall on this failure,, the Jetta had the same motor and transmission the triptronic, I should get one also it only has 89164 miles, I’m waiting for a letter please respond thank you.
Apr 23, 2023
NO TRANSMISSION FILTER .SO THERE IT IS MR VAR NO EONT GO IN ANY GEAR.I WENT TO CHONGE FILTER AND AFTER DAYS OF RESEARCH FOUND OUT THEY CAME W NO FILHER AND THAT MY FRIEND. CAN NOT BE JUSTIFIED. EVERY ONE HAS THESE PROBLEMS WHK OWNS ONE
Aug 29, 2020
WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND THE ENGINE IS COLD, BELOW 190F, IT WILL NOT ENGAGE REVERSE GEAR, ALL OTHER GEARS WILL OPERATE. AFTER THE ENGINE REACHES 190F, THE REVERSE GEAR WILL ENGAGE. THIS CAR HAS A SEALED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SO NO OWNER MAINTENANCE IS POSSIBLE AND FLUID LEVELS CAN NOT BE VERIFIED.
Mar 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
Jun 02, 2015
BOUGHT THIS CAR OCTOBER 2010 FROM BERGE VW AZ. I NOTICED A FEW MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT IT THAT IT INTERMITTENTLY WOULD KICK INTO GEAR. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASK ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL, NEVER BROUGHT IT IN JUST TALKED TO A FRIEND OF MINE FROM THE DEALER. TURNS OUT IN NOV 2010 THEY SENT ALL VW OWNERS EXTENDED WARRANTY PAPERWORK FOR THE VALVE BODY ON THESE JETTAS FOR THE EXACT PROBLEMS I AM HAVING. I REPLACED SPEED SENSORS AND EVERYTHING. NO NOW I AM BEING TOLD ITS THE VALVE BODY AND I NEVER GOT A LETTER AND I JUST HIT 102K LAST MONTH BUT I AM OUTSIDE THE 7 YEARS. VW KNOWS THIS PART GOES BAD. THERE SHOULD NOT BE A YEAR ON IT FOR VEHICLES LIKE MINE THAT HAVE LOW MILES! I CAN PROVE IT WAS HAPPENING BEFORE THE 100K MILES. HELP! *TR
Aug 10, 2012
+ 35 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
35 complaints
MY WATER PUMP FAILED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE OVERHEAT SIGN LIT UP. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. AFTER A PAINFULLY LONG DRAWN OUT TOW, TAXI, RENTAL CAR, AND RETURN TO PICK UP THE CAR 1 WEEK LATER (DRIVE 200 MILES THERE AND THEN BACK TO DO SO), THE GARAGE WHICH REPAIRED MY CAR INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A BAD "DESIGN FLAW" TO THE WATER PUMP WHERE IT HAD A PLASTIC PART THAT WOULD COMMONLY FAIL DURING THE LIFE OF THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A "WELL-KNOW" PROBLEM IN THE JETTA, MANY PEOPLE HAD EXPERIENCED & WRITTEN ONLINE ABOUT IT. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I INSTALL AN "AFTER-MARKET" PUMP WITH ALL METAL PARTS SO THAT IT WOULD NOT OCCUR AGAIN, WHICH I DID. MY CO-WORKER WHO OWNED A JETTA A FEW YEARS OLDER THAN MINE (2001?) FOR 10 YEARS AND LATER TRADED IT IN, INFORMED ME THAT SHE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND IN FACT HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP 3 TIMES DURING THE PERIOD SHE OWNED THE CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE WATER PUMP DESIGN IN THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. IF IT HAD BEEN RECALLED & FIXED PRIOR TO MY BREAKDOWN, I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO ENDURE THE WHOLE ORDEAL I WENT THROUGH. *TR
Sep 02, 2014
I HAVE NOTICED A BURNING CRAYON SMELL IN MY 2003 VW JETTA FOR A FEW MONTHS. I HAVE HAD THE CAR DETAILED AND HAD THE DEALER CLEAN THE AC DUCTS YET THE SMELL REMAINS - AND GETS STRONGER IN HOT/HUMID WEATHER DAYS. I SEE OTHERS HAVE LISTED COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE - AND THE SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL UNDER THE CARPET SEEMS TO BE THE CULPRIT. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL AFFECT BREATHING AND COULD BE TOXIC. *TR
Jul 22, 2013
THE DRIVERS SIDE MOTOR MOUNT BROKE, ENGINE DROPPED AND FELL ON THE AXLE AND BROKE IT. *TR
Feb 05, 2012
RATTLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE, OIL PUMP WAS NOT PUMPING OIL AND CAMSHAFT CHAIN TENSIONER (TIMING BELT) RATTLING FROM LACK OF OIL. I WAS INFORMED I NEEDED TO REPLACE ENGINE DUE TO METAL PARTICLES AND CARBON IN THE OIL PAN.
Apr 26, 2011
WATER PUMP FAILURE. *TR
Jul 24, 2010
+ 30 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
19 complaints
DRIVING HELLO ALL STATE ROUTE AFTER DARK AT 55 MI./H THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND THEN CAME BACK ON IN A SHORT MATTER OF SECONDS. HAD THE ROAD NOT BEEN STRAIGHT AT THAT SECTION I COULD HAVE VERY EASILY COLLIDED WITH TREES OR GUARDRAILS. THE 1ST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS 2012-08-01. I HAD THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN EXPERT GARAGE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS STOCK. THE NEXT TIME THAT OCCURRED WAS JULY 2018. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD I HAVE NOT SOUGHT ANY REPAIRS YET.
Aug 30, 2018
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, ON A SEPARATE OCCASION THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V063000, EXTERIOR LIGHTING,BRAKE LIGHTS; SWITCH WAS REPAIRED PER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE RECALL REMEDY WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Aug 24, 2009
I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY POLICE MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE YEARS WITH THIS VEHICLE DUE TO REAR LIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. AT ONE POINT, BOTH OF MY TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING -- THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE REPLACED THEM EACH TIME AND THEY SEEM TO GO OUT QUITE FREQUENTLY. I HAVE NOTICED TAIL LIGHTS BEING OUT ON CARS WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AS MINE. *TR
Jan 05, 2009
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED CAUSING BRAKES LIGHTS TO STAY ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. *TR
Jan 23, 2008
THE FRONT HEADLIGHT LENSES HAVE OXIDIZED/DETERIORATED AND HAS DIFFUSED THE LIGHT TO THE POINT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAD THE LENSES POLISHED TWO YEARS AGO, AND NOW THEY NEED POLISHING AGAIN. I DON'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO BEAR THE BURDEN OF A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS. *TR
Nov 14, 2007
+ 14 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
14 complaints
THE SUNROOF DRAIN IN MY CAR IS APPARENTLY MADE OF 2 TUBES THAT CONNECT AND WERE NOT SECURED TOGETHER SO THEY BECOME DETACHED AND POUR WATER INTO THE CAR. THIS HAPPENED TO ME THIS YEAR, I LOOKED IT UP AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS THAT I NEVER RECEIVED. I CALLED ROGER JOBS(MY LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP) IN BELLINGHAM, WA AND THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL EXPIRED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THIS FACTORY DEFECT! I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND REALLY MAKES ME MAD ESPECIALLY SINCE I RECEIVED NO NOTICE OF THIS RECALL. NOW I HAVE WATER FLOWING INTO MY CAR EVERY TIME IT RAINS, IT IS STARTING TO CAUSE RUSTING UNDER MY SEATS AND MOLD. NOT HAPPY! *TR
May 04, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
Jan 04, 2011
PASSENGER AND DRIVERS WINDOWS SPONTANEOUSLY DROP FROM FRAME AND FALL INTO DOOR. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED MY ARM TO BE BRUISED WHEN ACCESSING MY MAILBOX. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON TWO DOORS BOTH DOOR REQUIRED NEW PULLEYS FOR THE WINDOW SYSTEM. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLKSWAGEN. *TR
Oct 05, 2009
THERE IS SIGNIFICANT DISTORTION THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. *TR
May 29, 2008
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FELL INTO THE DOOR. THE CALL IS UNDRIVABLE IN THIS CONDITION AS IT IS AROUND 20 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND THE CAR CANNOT BE LOCKED SECURELY DUE TO ABSENCE OF WINDOW. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE US $456 FOR A WINDOW REGULATOR AND MOTOR. *TR
Mar 09, 2008
+ 9 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITATING. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PULL OVER AND APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THE VEHICLE HIT A BOULDER AND FLIPPED OVER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERAL BRUISES. A PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED WRIST AND ANKLE, SEAT BELT RASH, AND BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 110,000. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
Jan 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 30 MPH , BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DECELERATE. AS A CONSEQUENCE HE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. HE SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY COLLISION CENTER; AND COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000. UPDATED 12/10/09.*JB
Oct 26, 2009
STARTING CAR IN THE MORNING OR AT END OF WORK DAY AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. CAR CANNOT BE MOVED - BRAKES HAVE HISSING OR WHISKING SOUND WHEN PRESSED. CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN, UNLESS TURNING IGNITION TO FIRST ON POSITION PUTTING CAR IN NEUTRAL THEN STARTING THE CAR. *AK 2. BRAKES DO NOT WORK PROPERLY - CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE 3. DEALER CLAIMS THAT THERE IS SOME SORT OF BRAKE SWITCH THAT HAS A "UNIVERSAL RECALL" THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I DID RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING MY '03 JETTA AND FOUND THAT SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT BRAKE FAILURE AND BRAKE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN ON-GOING. WHEN I QUESTIONED THE DEALER THEY KNEW NOTHING OF THE SORT AND SAID "IF THERE HAD BEEN PROBLEMS IN THE PAST THEY HAVE BEEN FIXED." APPARENTLY THESE PROBLEMS HAVE NOT - I CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THEM AS HAVE OTHER JETTA OWNERS WITH WHOM I HAVE SPOKEN.
Jul 11, 2007
MY WIFE'S 2003 VW JETTA TDI BRAKES WILL AGGRESSIVELY LOCK-UP WHEN LIGHTLY DEPRESSED FOR SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A SLOW STOP. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND WILL OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE BRAKES LOCK UP THEY CAN ONLY BE RELEASED AFTER PLACING YOUR FOOT UNDER THE PEDAL AND FORCING THE PEDAL BACKWARDS. IN THE EVENT ANOTHER DIVER FOLLOWS TOO CLOSE, THE FAILURE WILL RESULT IN A REAR END COLLISION POTENTIALLY CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES TO BOTH PARTIES. AFTER EXPERIENCING THE DEFECT THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO THE VW DEALER FOR SERVICE AND WE RECEIVED A "NO FAULT FOUND REPORT". NOW THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME SEVERE AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY WIFE AND I. EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE ALTERNATOR PULLEY BEARINGS SEIZED AND THE PULLEY WAS EJECTED FROM THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING DAMAGE TO OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS IN THE SERPENTINE SYSTEM. *NM
Aug 06, 2006
WHOOPING NOISE FROM BRAKES OF NEW VW JETTTA WITH POOR COMPRESSION AND BRAKING. CLUNKING FORM GEAR BOX. FAILURE OF BRAKE MAY LEAD TO AVOIDABLE ACCIDENT IN THE FUTURE DEALER CHANGED BRAKE BOOSTER BUT THIS DID NOT HELP. DEALER UNABLE TO FIX AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. *JB
Aug 22, 2004
+ 5 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
8 complaints
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.
Jul 03, 2017
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
Feb 10, 2014
BOTH FRONT SEATS, THE BOTTOM RIGHT SIDE BOLSTER BURNED. THE HEATED FRONT SEATS WILL OVER HEAT, THE FAILURE APPEARS TO BE CONFINED TO THE RIGHT BOLSTER ON THE BOTTOM SECTION OF THE SEAT. THE HEATING ELEMENTS GET HOT ENOUGH TO BURN THROUGH THE SEAT MATERIAL. BEING THE SIDE OF THE SEAT I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT MY LEG AWAY AND POWER OFF THE HEATED SEAT. IF LEFT ON THE SEATS WILL START TO SMOKE. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE, I HAVEN'T TRIED , BUT IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE SEAT COULD CATCH ON FIRE IF LEFT ON. THE LOCAL DEALER'S SERVICE REP SAID JUST UNPLUG IT THE OPTION. *TR
Mar 01, 2013
DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED. RIGHT SIDE OF SEAT HAS SMALL BURN MARKS, IS DISCOLORED, HAS EXPOSED ELEMENTS, AND SEAT FOAM IS MELTED. TWO PAIRS OF PANTS OBTAINED SINGE MARKS ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. I DRIVE THE CAR TO AND FROM THE CITY VIA INTERSTATE FOR 40 MINUTES EACH WAY. SEAT HEATERS ARE TYPICALLY ON FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. BEGINNING IN NOVEMBER WHEN I USED THE SEAT HEATERS I COULD SMELL A SLIGHT BURNING SMELL. SINCE IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF THE WINTER SEASON I FIGURED IT WAS JUST HEATED DUST ON MY SEATS FROM BEING INACTIVE ALL SUMMER. THE FINAL TIME I USED THE SEAT HEATERS (1/26/12) THE SMELL GOT SO BAD THAT I HAD TO OPEN THE SUN ROOF FOR AIR. I ALSO NOTICED THE SEATS GOT HOTTER THAN USUAL AND WONDERED IF MY SEAT BACK WAS HEATING AT ALL. AS WAS USUAL WHEN THE SEAT WAS HOT ENOUGH I WOULD MANUALLY TURN OFF THE SEAT HEATER. I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING UNTIL ONE DAY WHEN I NOTICED BROWN MARKS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY PANTS. I THEN LOOKED AT THE SEAT AND SAW THE DAMAGE TO THE SEAT. THE DRIVER'S SEAT ELEMENT WAS REPLACED IN MAY 2006, THE PASSENGER SEAT AUGUST 2006, DUE TO PREVIOUS RECALL/WARRANTY SERVICE.
Jan 30, 2012
MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THE SETTING OF 0-5. IT'S EITHER ON, OR OFF. MEANING, 0-4 THE SEAT HEATER DOESN'T HEAT THE SEAT. BUT WHEN I TURN IT TO 5 ON THE SETTING WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE SEAT GETS SO HOT IT BURNS MY LEGS THROUGH CLOTHING. *TR
Nov 25, 2011
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
8 complaints
2003 JETTA'S CLEARCOAT IS PEELING OFF, IT STARTED ON FRONT HOOD AND NOW IT IS PEELING ALL OVER THE CAR. CALLED VOLKSWAGEN THEY SAID IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM. I THINK IT IS!!! *TR
Nov 05, 2014
I OWN A 2003 VW JETTA TDI. SIX MONTHS AGO THE CLEAR COAT STARTED PEELING FROM THE HOOD AND NOW IT IS PEELING EVERYWHERE. I SPOKE TO VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY SAID OUT OF WARRANTY, TOO BAD. LESS THEN 7 YEARS OLD. AT LEAST GM PAINT JOBS DON'T FALL OFF THE MINUTE THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT. THE ONLY GOOD THING IS I DRIVE IT AROUND WITH A SIGN STATING, "DON'T LAUGH, YOUR VW WILL LOOK LIKE THIS SOON". *TR
Jun 04, 2010
WHILE DRIVING A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WITH APPROX 66,000 MILES THE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS BROKE OFF AND THE ENGINE FELL TO THE GROUND. DAMAGES WERE TO THE SUSPENSION OF THE CAR AND NO ONE SUFFERED INJURIES. THE SPEED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT WAS APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES. NO SIGNS THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS OR ASSEMBLY BOLTS WERE BAD OR LOOSE. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALER BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BUT THE BOLTS ARE NOT. THEY WANT US TO PAY $2,200.00 FOR THE REPAIRS AND THE WARRANTY COVER OTHER PARTS. I TOLD THEM THAT THE BOLTS ARE PART OF THE MOTOR MOUNTS AND THEY FAIL TO PERFORM AS EXPECTED. IN ADDITION THE CAR IS BEEN MAINTAINED BY THE SAME VOLKSWAGEN DEALER SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR 2 YEARS AGO. PLEASE ADVISE SINCE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AS I USUALLY DO. I THINK THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD FIX MY CAR AND INSPECT ALL VOLKSWAGEN'S FOR ANY DEFECTIVE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS. THANK-YOU *JB
Jan 19, 2007
WATER FOUND ON DRIVERS SIDE FLOORBOARDS, FRONT AND REAR. WATER VISIBLE AROUND SUNROOF CONTROLLER AND ON DIRVERS SIDE WINDSHIELD PANEL AIR BG. *NM
Nov 02, 2006
ENGINE MOUNTS AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS BROKE AND CAUSED CAR TO CRASH. ALSO INJURING MY DAUGHTER. *NM
Feb 04, 2006
+ 3 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
6 complaints
I HAVE A 2003 VW JETTA GLI VR-6. THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING AFTER IT WAS NICE AND COLD FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. HOT AIR WAS BLOWING OUT OF THE VENTS. ENGINE (COOLANT) LIGHT CAME ON AFTER ABOUT A 10 MINUTE DRIVE. THE ENGINE (COOLANT) GAUGE WAS ALMOST IN THE RED 260 DEGREES. I SWITCHED OFF THE AIR, AND THE GAUGE WENT DOWN A LITTLE, BUT DIDN'T REALLY COOL OFF. THE GUY AT THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED IF THE ENGINE STARTS OVERHEATING, THE FAIL SAFE FOR THE CAR IS TO AUTOMATICALLY TURN THE A/C OFF IN ORDER TO SAVE ITSELF FROM OVERHEATING TO THE POINT WHERE DAMAGE WOULD OCCUR. AFTER ALL DAY DIAGNOSTICS, THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THE FUSE BOX IS MELTED DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THIS, CONVENIENTLY, IS NOT COVERED BY MY GOLD PLUS EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I SPENT LOTS OF MONEY ON. REPAIRS SO FAR WILL COST ~$800. THEY HAVE TO FIX THAT BEFORE THEY CAN TEST TO SEE IF THE ALTERNATOR IS DAMAGED. BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND THE WARRANTY REP SAY THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLKSWAGEN CARS. IF IT IS COMMON IT SHOULD BE RECALLED!! *TR
Jun 24, 2008
AM RADIO NOT WORKING. FM RADIO HAS LIMITED RANGE. *TR
Feb 11, 2008
RECENTLY THE RADIO IN MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WOLFSBURG EDITION STOPPED WORKING. AT FIRST THE RADIO STATION WAS DISPLAYED BUT I WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY BUTTONS TO WORK EXCEPT THE EJECT BUTTON, THE VOLUME KNOB, AND THE ON/OFF BUTTON. THE LAST RADIO STATION I LISTENED TO WAS DISPLAYED BUT NO SOUND COULD BE HEARD. I STARTED TO LOOK FOR HELP ON THE INTERNET, POSSIBLY A FUSE OR SOMETHING SIMPLE BUT WHAT I FOUND WAS COMPLETELY THE OPPOSITE. ACCORDING TO SEVERAL WEBSITES, THE RADIO HAS AN INTERNAL DEFECT WHICH FRIES THE RADIO WHEN THE BATTERY STARTS TO GET WEAK. I WORK AT A CADILLAC DEALERSHIP SO I TESTED THE BATTERY AND IT TESTED MARGINAL. I CHECKED WITH A COUPLE VW DEALERSHIPS AND THEY BOTH TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE RADIO. I JUST RECEIVED MY AFTERMARKET RADIO, WHICH I ORDERED AFTER HEARING HORROR STORIES OF REPLACING THE RADIO WITH AN OEM UNIT AND HAVING THEM GO BAD AGAIN THE NEXT TIME THE BATTERY WENT DEAD. I STILL HAVE THE OEM RADIO, AND WILL HANG ON TO IT FOR WHILE. *TR
Feb 07, 2008
OUT OF NO WHERE MY RADIO ON MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAGON STOPPED WORKING. ALL I GOT WAS STATIC ON MY RADIO. AFTER REVIEWING SEVERAL VW FORUMS, I FOUND OUT THAT MY RADIO ANTENNA HAD CORRODED INSIDE. I TOOK IT APART AND CLEANED ALL THE CORROSION AND FOUND THAT THE MAIN WIRE ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD WAS BROKE. I HAD TO SOLDER A NEW WIRE ONTO IT. MANY VW OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM, BUT VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. A ANTENNA SHOULD NOT GO BAD IN A THREE YEAR OLD CAR. *JB
Aug 03, 2006
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS JACKING UP THE VEHICLE TO CHANGE THE RIGHT REAR TIRE THE JACK COLLAPSED AND THE VEHICLE FELL TO THE GROUND. CONSUMER MAINTAINED THAT THE JACK WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND THE THREAD STRIPPED.*AK *JB
Feb 26, 2004
+ 1 more complaint for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
I CLOSED MY TRUNK ONE DAY AND NOW IT WILL NOT OPEN WITH FOB OR INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE KEY.
Dec 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WAS SMELL ENTERED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CABIN FILTER WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ
Aug 31, 2016
SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM SHORTED SEAT HEATER AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH PASSANGER SEAT COVER.
Jan 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WHICH MADE THE CONTACT NAUSEOUS. SHE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHERE THE ODOR WAS EMITTING FROM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,718.
Oct 21, 2010
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED AND MY CAR IS STUCK IN PARK BECAUSE IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS FAULTY. THIS PART HAS BEEN RECALLED (N4), BUT I AM FORCED TO PAY FOR A TOW TRUCK TO GET ME TO A DEALER 20 MILES AWAY BECAUSE THE CAR IS INOPERABLE RIGHT NOW. WARRANTY IS OVER BUT IF IT'S A RECALL AND THE PART IN QUESTION IS CAUSING ME TO BE STUCK, WHY SHOULD I BE THE ONE PAYING FOR THE TOW? *TR
Jul 29, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
5 complaints
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. *TR
Dec 26, 2013
THE TEMP SENDER ON MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AT APPROXIMATELY 38,000 MILES IN 2007. *TR
Dec 26, 2013
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. *TR
Dec 26, 2013
ALL WARNING INDICATORS (ABS, CEL, AIRBAG, ECP, BATTERY AND OTHER INSTRUMENT DASH PANEL LIGHTS) WOULD FLICKER REPETITIVELY UNTIL THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. AFTER INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ALTERNATOR CABLE THAT ATTACHES TO THE FUSE BOX LOCATED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY WAS MELTING THE FUSE BOX AND CAUSING POWER DISTRIBUTION PROBLEMS. THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THEY BOTH BE REPLACED AS THE CABLE COULD HAVE BECOME HIGH RESISTANCE THEREBY CAUSING EXCESSIVE HEAT AT THE FUSE BOX. I HAD THE ALTERNATOR CABLE REPLACED WITH AN OEM PART AND THE FUSE BOX WITH AN AFTERMARKET PART. ON 10-9-13 WITH 104K MILES WHILE DRIVING TO WORK AT 6AM IN THE MORNING, THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS WERE EXPERIENCED AGAIN. LUCKILY I WAS ON A SIDE ROAD AND WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHICH SAID THAT ALL OEM PARTS SHOULD BE USED AND THAT THIS IS COMMON AS THEY HAD JUST REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR CABLE ON ANOTHER JETTA OF THE SAME GENERATION. I REQUESTED THE DEALER CHECK THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE ALTERNATOR BECAUSE THE PARTS THAT WERE INSTALLED LAST YEAR SHOULD NOT GO BAD IN 1 YEAR, THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NO OTHER ISSUE. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING A MELTING FUSE BOX. AT THE LINKS BELOW ARE OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING, EVEN ACROSS OTHER VW MODELS. THERE SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM OF MELTING OF FUSE BOXES WHICH CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION. (WITH PICTURES) HTTP://FORUMS.FOURTITUDE.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?4562591 HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?4682918-WHY-S-MY-FUSE-BOX-MELTING HTTP://NEWBEETLE.ORG/FORUMS/QUESTIONS-ISSUES-CONCERNS-PROBLEMS-NEW-BEETLE/28982-BATTERY-FUSE-BOX-MELTING-04-NEW-BEETLE.HTML HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?4705261-BATTERY-LIGHT-FLICKERING-ON-ACCELERATION HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?4829541-BURNT-BLACK-CABLE-FUSE-BOX-ON-TOP-OF-BATTERY. *TR
Oct 10, 2013
THE CAR WAS PARKED FOR TWO DAYS WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. WHILE IT WAS PARKED, NEIGHBORS RAN OVER TO REPORT IT WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. WE SAW THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE CAR. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, BUT FIRE HAD ALREADY EXTINGUISHED ITSELF. FIRE DEPARTMENT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY GROUND AND SAID THE WIRES GOING TO THE COOLING FAN HAD SET ON FIRE. ALL OF THIS WAS SPONTANEOUS. ENGINE WAS NOT ON. *TR
Jun 10, 2013
SUSPENSION
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE NOISE BARRIER WAS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Dec 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWAYING INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A LICENSED MECHANIC, INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE BRACKET WAS RUSTED AND BECAME FRACTURED. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DECLINED TO PROVIDE THE CONTACT AN ALTERNATIVE REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 06/10/14*LJ UPDATED 06/13/2014 *JS
Apr 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER CONTINUED TO TRAVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 17,643. BL UPDATED 9/17/09 *CN UPDATED 09/18/09.*JB
Aug 26, 2009
WHILE PULLING TO A STOP AT THE END OF MY STREET I HEARD A LOUD BANG. AFTER GETTING OUT AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING HAD BROKEN. I HAVE NOT HIT ANYTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THE SPRING TO BREAK. I AM PUZZLED AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED ON A CAR WITH ONLY 78,000 MILES. THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THIS IS THE 6TH JETTA OR GOLF THEY HAVE SEEN WITH THIS PROBLEM IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. THE CAR IS A 2003 VW JETTA TDI. I AM NOW OUT $450 TO REPLACE THE SPRINGS? *JB
Jan 17, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
4 complaints
MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA EXPERIENCED A FUEL PUMP FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. MY VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP IN FRONT OF THE ENTRANCE TO AN ALLEY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FUEL PUMP HAS TO BE REPLACED, BUT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. *TR
Dec 23, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT RESTARTED THREE HOURS LATER. ONE WEEK LATER, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V375000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP) WAS REFERENCED CONCERNING THE 2003 PASSATS. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 46,000. UPDATED 5/6/08 *CN UPDATED 05/06/08 *TR
Apr 16, 2008
OUR JETTA WAS REAR-ENDED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE GAS TANK EXPLODED, CAUSING THE CAR TO BECOME A FIREBALL. THE CAR WAS OBVIOUSLY TOTALLED, AND WE LOST ALL OF OUR BELONGINGS INSIDE THE CAR.
Dec 27, 2006
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS. GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE RING LOCK ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK WAS WARPED. THIS CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. *AK
Apr 19, 2004
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
4 complaints
I OWN A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GL 1.8 T, WHEN I PRESS THE LOCK BUTTON, THE CAR DOORS DO NOT ALL LOCK, OR WILL WORK SOMETIMES, I ALSO AM NOT ABLE TO GET INTO THE TRUNK. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS MORE THEN A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, IN ORDER TO GET THE TRUNK OPEN I HAVE TO CRAWL THROUGH SPACE AND PULL THE EMERGENCY LEVER INSIDE THE TRUNK, IN ORDER TO LOCK THE CAR I HAVE TO MANUALLY PUSH DOWN THE LOCKS WHEN THE KEY DOESN'T WORK AND 40 % OF THE TIME I OR A PASSENGER GETS LOCKED IN THE CAR, UNTIL IT DECIDES TO GIVE. *TR
Apr 15, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN NEW JETTA. WHILE DRIVING IN WINDY CONDITIONS, THE HINGE ON THE TRUNK FRACTURED AND THE TRUNK OPENED. WHEN THE TRUNK OPENED, IT SLAMMED INTO THE WINDSHIELD, AND CAUSED IT TO SHATTER. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000.
Sep 29, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 VW JETTA. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, WHEN I START THE CAR AND GET OUT TO SCRAPE THE SNOW & ICE OFF OF THE WINDOWS, THE DOOR LOCKS ENGAGE AND LOCK ME OUT OF THE RUNNING CAR. SINCE I HAVE JUST LEFT MY CAR TO REMOVE SNOW, OF COURSE MY PURSE AND CELL PHONE ARE IN THE CAR, SO I HAVE TO LEAVE THE LOCKED CAR RUNNING WHILE I KNOCK ON NEIGHBORS DOORS TO CALL SOMEONE TO BRING ME A SPARE KEY TO MY HOUSE, SO I CAN GET THE SPARE KEY TO MY CAR. I HAVE NOT HAD THE LOCKS REPAIRED, BUT WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO GEBHARDT VW IN BOULDER FOR OTHER REPAIRS, I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM IS SO COMMON THAT THE MECHANICS ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN WHENEVER A CAR COMES IN FOR SERVICE, TO MAKE SURE THEY WON'T GET LOCKED OUT. THE MECHANIC ACTUALLY HAD A BROKEN LOCK SITTING ON HIS DESK, AND SHOWED ME HOW THE LOCK WAS SUPPOSED TO WORK, BUT WHAT IT DOES INSTEAD. *TR
Feb 12, 2009
INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTION OF REAR DOOR LOCKS. CAN'T OPEN. REPORTER TO DEALER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER COULD NOT REMEDY. AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED, DEALER RECOMMENDER SERVICE. DEALER CHECKED AND VERIFIED THAT THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN REPORTED PREVIOUSLY WHEN SERVICED(FROM THEIR RECORDS).NEFTIN VOLKSWAGEN, THOUSAND OAKS CA. *TR
Feb 10, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaints
MY 2003 VW JETTA HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS THAN IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. THE LATEST TWO PROBLEMS WERE; 1) THE ENGINE COIL (WAS REPLACED ONCE BY RECALL) AND 2) MY FUSE BOX ON TOP OF MY BATTERY MELTED. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1,500 IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS ON THE CAR. WAS TOLD THAT ONLY ONE ENGINE COIL WAS ALLOWED UNDER THE RECALL, AND WAS TOLD THE FUSE BOX MELTING WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE EVEN THOUGH THEY DID NOT EVER FIND THE "REAL" REASON FOR IT TO MELT. *TR
Jul 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COIL INSIDE THE CYLINDER FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN ONE MONTH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,890 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,046. UPDATED 03/14/08. *LJ THE COIL PACK WAS REPLACED
Dec 17, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI GLS. I SHOULD NOTE THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN FAITHFULLY SERVICED BY THE DEALER FOLLOWING THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE LISTED IN THE USER MANUAL. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 109,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE INCIDENT DATE LISTED ON THIS COMPLAINT, THE A/C CEASED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THERE WAS NO COOL AIR COMING OUT OF THE VENTS. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUTDOWN, THE RADIATOR FANS WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN UPWARDS OF 15 MINUTES. NEITHER EVENT HAS OCCURRED BEFORE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO A VW DEALERSHIP ON THE INCIDENT DATE TO HAVE ITS NORMAL 110,000 MILE SERVICE AND TO HAVE THE ISSUES (NOTED ABOVE) DIAGNOSED. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP LATER IN THE DAY ON THE INCIDENT DATE STATING THAT A FAILURE IN THE COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR CAUSED COOLANT FLUID TO BE WICKED INTO THE VEHICLE'S WIRING HARNESS LEADING TO CONTAMINATION / CORROSION OF THE ENGINE AND BODY HARNESS. THE QUOTE TO REPAIR WAS APPROXIMATELY $6,000. THIS PROBLEM IS A LATENT DEFECT IN THE DESIGN. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UN-DRIVABLE UNTIL THE REPAIRS ARE MADE. THE SERVICE ADVISOR ALSO CONFIRMED THAT BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE HARNESS ITSELF, ANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENT COULD BE AFFECTED SUCH AS THE AIRBAGS, ABS, SRS, ETC. ALSO, FROM MY OWN RESEARCH I FOUND SOME PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM HAVE ALSO HAD SMOKE OR FIRES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. VW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (ID# C 97-01-01) FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE ON 1999.5 - 2001 MODEL YEAR JETTAS, BUT NEVER FOR THE 2003 AND NEVER A RECALL CAMPAIGN ON THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN. VW HAS REFUSED TO ASSIST IN THE COST OF REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE AS WELL. *NM
Jul 20, 2006
NUMEROUS TIMES THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON MY 2003 JETTA. FIRST VISIT WAS 9/12/02. THE OTHERS WERE: 2/21/03, 6/13/03, 10/21/04, 1/6/05, 12/14/05, 12/21/05, 1/9/06, 1/13/06. IT IS CURRENTLY ON AND IS WAITING FOR A CAT. CONVERTER. THEY CHARGED ME TO HOOK UP TO COMPUTER, REPLACED ALL COILS & SPARK PLUGS AND THE LIGHT IS STILL ON. *JB
Jan 20, 2006
TIRES
4 complaints
I OWN A 2003 VOLKSWAGON JETTA THAT CAME WITH GOODYEAR TIRES. AT 20,435 THOUSAND MILES I GOT MY FIRST FLAT TIRE. WHEN A SECOND TIRE WENT FLAT LESS THAN 2 MONTHS LATER, I DECIDED TO PURCHASE A FULL SET OF DIFFERENT TIRES. WHEN THE OLD TIRES WERE REMOVED THERE WAS SEVERE CRACKING AND "TEARS" IN THE WALLS OF THE TIRES. I MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE SO THERE WAS NO REASON AS TO WHY THE TIRES WENT FLAT. I LIVE IN A SAFE NEIGHBOORHOOD AND HAD MY CAR FOR A YEAR BEFORE THE TIRES STARTED TO GO FLAT. I DID NOT DRIVE THROUGH ANY CONSTRUCTION SITES AND THERE WAS NO SIGN THIS WAS VANDALISM SINCE THE CUTS WERE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL. LUCKILY, NEITHER OF THE FLATS HAPPENED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY BECAUSE I COULD HAVE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY CAR. WHEN MY TIRES WERE REPLACED THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT I WAS BASICALY DRIVING ON "TIME BOMBS" AND THAT IT WAS GOOD THAT I CAME IN. HE THEN PROCEEDED TO SHOW ME OTHER TIRES WITH THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS. I COULD NOT BELIEVE GOODYEAR HAD A LINE OF DEFECTIVE TIRES AND THEY WERE DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. WITH A NAME LIKE GOODYEAR I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THEY WOULD HAVE CARED MORE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. ASIDE FROM THE TEARS, THE TIRES ARE STILL IN GOOD SHAPE WITH THE TREAD BARELY WORN DOWN. MOST TIRES LAST 40,000 PLUS MILES, I GOT MY FIRST FLAT TIRE AT HALF THAT. NOW, I AM OUT OVER $500.00 BECAUSE I HAD TO PURCHASE A WHOLE NEW SET OF TIRES. I THINK IT IS OUTRAGEOUS GOODYEAR HAS NOT OFFERED TO PAY ANY OF THAT. I KEPT THE TIRES AS PROOF AND I HAVE MANY PICTURES. APPARENTLY THEY ONLY PAY ATTENTION TO PEOPLE WHO GET INJURED.
Mar 22, 2007
GOODYEAR EAGLE RS-A TIRE FAILED DUE TO CRACKS ON THE INTERIOR SIDEWALL LEADING TO A BLOWOUT AND NEAR SEPARATION OF THE TIRE FROM THE WHEEL. *NM
Jul 20, 2006
MY TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE DRIVING, WHEN I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAD HAPPENED AND FOUND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER ABOUT A QUARTER MILE LATER, BY THAT TIME THE TIRE HAD SPLIT COMPLETELY AROUND THE ENTIRE TIRE ON THE OUTSIDE AND THE INSIDE. THANK GOODNESS THIS HAPPENED JUST AS I WAS MERGING ON TO THE INTERSTATE, AND I WASN'T GOING VERY FAST AT THE TIME. I WAS TOLD LATER BY THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER THAT THESE LOW PROFILE TIRES SPLIT LIKE THAT FREQUENTLY BY JUST DRIVING A SHORT WHILE ON IT AFTER IT BLOWS. I AM VERY FEARFUL OF THESE TIRES NOW.(GOODYEAR EAGLE RS-A 225/45R17. I WAS TOLD MY THE MANUFACTURER OF MY CAR VW THAT THEY DIDN'T WARRANTY TIRES ON THERE CARS. THE LOCAL GOODYEAR DEALER TOLD ME THAT THIS TIRES DIDN'T HAVE A MILEAGE GUARNTEE, THAT THE TIRES SHOULD GO 50,000 MILES. MY CAR ONLY HAD 24,000 MILES ON IT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN VW AND GOODYEAR AND THESE TIRES. SO MUCH FOR SO CALLED PERFORMANCE TIRES. *AK
Mar 08, 2005
I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS 1.8T SPORT EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR RSA TIRES, SIZE 245/45 R17 H91. THE TIRES HAD ONLY 16,000 MILES ON THEM. AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE TIRE SHOWED THAT IT FAILED AT THE SIDE WALL. THERE WAS A TEAR IN THE SIDEWALL ALMOST THRU 40 PERCENT OF THE TIRE. I MANAGED TO MAKE IT OVER 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND NARROWLY OVERTED A COLLISSION. FUTHERMORE GOODYEAR DECLINED TO HONOR MY WARRANTY CLAIM. I THINK THAT GOODYEAR RSA MODEL TIRES SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. THESE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRES AND ONE FAILED AT THE SIDEWALL WITH ONLY 16,000 MILES ON IT AND AT ONLY 60 MILES PER HOUR. *AK
Oct 28, 2003
ENGINE
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO REV AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HEARD A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WERE PARTS ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT STATED THEIR WAS ALSO BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE AMB AUTO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO FAILED AND THE TURBO AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000. UPDATED 10/24/17*LJ *TR
Jun 26, 2017
FORTUNATELY, MY SON WAS AT A RED LIGHT AND WENT TO TAKE OFF AND IT WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS..HE ROLLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AHEAD OF HIM. HE TOLD THE WRECKER DRIVER THAT IT FELT LIKE SOMETHING FELL - WE OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW THAT THE MOTOR WAS ACTUALLY SITTING CROOKED. THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE BROKEN, ON ONE SIDE BROKEN OFF ON THE OTHER STRIPPED.THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY BAD OUTCOME. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE TRIED TO REPAIR IT (UNREPAIRABLE). WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE BLOCK AND/OR ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE COST FOR THE PART IS BETWEEN $ 3100-3700 - PLUS LABOR. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE MOTOR RUNS GREAT! I HAVE CONTACTED VW - WITH NO LUCK.. BUT ADMITTING THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OTHERS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT ONLY POORLY DESIGNED..MAYBE NOT STRONG ENOUGH MATERIAL, BUT IT IS OR COULD BE DANGEROUS. AS I STATED FORTUNATELY MY SON WAS A T A RED LIGHT..NOT GOING DOWN THE HWY AND COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. *JS
Dec 01, 2014
THE PLASTIC DIPSTICK HANDLE ON MY 2003 VW JETTA CRACKED OFF THE DIPSTICK AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE PART NUMBER IS 06J115611E. *TR
Dec 29, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
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.
Apr 19, 2016
THE REAR O2 SENSOR ON MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA FAILED CAUSING THE MIL INDICATOR TO ILLUMINATE. THE SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR EMISSIONS. *TR
Dec 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO PROVIDE AN ACCURATE SPEED TRAVELED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED, IT WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SURGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 211,000. UPDATED 12/14/11 THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS EXHIBITING AN INTERMITTENT HESITATION. UPDATED 12/20/11. *JB
Oct 12, 2011
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES JUST DOESN'T WANT TO SHIFT PROPERLY I WAS DRIVING ALONG RT 50 AT 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR JERKS REALLY HARD AND LOSS OF POWER ALMOST GOT RAN OVER BY SEMI CALLED VW WHO IS AWARE OF VALVE BODY DEFECT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS INDEED MY FAULT FOR DRIVING IT LIKE THAT IT JUST HAPPENED WAITING ON CALL FROM VWOA PROBABLY WILL LEAD NO WHERE I WANT THIS FIXED ASKED FOR HELP TO GET PARTS OR ECT I KNOW THERE WAS OPEN RECALL ON THIS BUT MY CAR EXCEEDS YEAR AND MILEAGE BUT A SAFETY RECALL IS JUST THAT SO PLEASE RESEARCH AND SEE IF IT WAS PREFORMED ON MY VEHICLE I AM SURE IT WAS NOT ADDRESSED BUT THEY SENT LETTERS OUT FOR THIS MYSTERY RECALL ALSO I CAN LEAD TO OTHER INTERNAL FAILURES OF TRANS OR REPLACEMENT MY SPEEDO ALSO JUMPS 10-15 MILES UP AND DOWN OTHER TIMES IT WILL WORK YOU CAN CONTACT STATE HWY PATROL THEY CAN TELL YOU EVEN MORE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS.
Dec 01, 2015
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER READ 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 97.3 MPH. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE GEAR BUSHING WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE GEAR WAS: 01M-409-187. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE BUSHING WAS: 095-409-190. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT, THE MANUFACTURER NEEDED TO KEEP THE OLD GEAR AND BUSHING. THE CONTACT DID NOT AGREE AND WANTED THE OLD PARTS. *AK
Sep 28, 2006
MY 2003 VW JETTA CONSTANTLY GETS STUCK IN PARK LONGEST TIME HAS BEEN 45 MINUTES MY CAR HAS BEEN INTO SERVICE 3 TIMES AND IS STILL ROUGH COMING OUT OF PARK ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL HAS NEVER WORKED I ONLY HAVE 6000 MILES. *JB
Mar 05, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
3 complaints
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF LOW SULFUR DIESEL MY INJECTION PUMP HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK ! POSSIBLE FIRE DANGER. *TR
Oct 30, 2011
2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STOPPING.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR WHEN THE WEATHER IS AROUND 5 DEGREES, THE FUEL GELS AND THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. THE CONSUMER HAS OUT IN DUEL ADDITIVES BUT THAT HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *TT *NM
Jan 26, 2005
VEHICLE HAD SENDING UNIT REPLACED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN UNIT TO ADDRESS COLD WEATHER OPERATING CONDITION. MFG,R HAS TSB ACKNOWLEDGING PROBLEM. WAS CHARGED FOR REPAIRS CAR IS 4 MOS OLD. 2003 JETTA PURCHASED IN SEPT.2003. *AK
Feb 03, 2004
WHEELS
3 complaints
TIRE RIMS ON 2003 JETTA WOLFSBURG EDITION MODEL CORRODE AND CAUSE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS LEAKS. MY DAUGHTERS HAVE CALLED CRYING SEVERAL TIMES WITH NEARLY FLAT TIRES. HAD THEY NOT NOTICED, WE COULD HAVE HAD DISASTROUS RESULTS. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS AND VW USA ABOUT THE UNSIGHTLY CORROSION. THE HAVE DISMISSED IT AS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS IN NORTHERN WEATHER WERE THIS SALT ON THE ROAD. IT'S NOW A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ANYONE WHO DRIVES THAT CAR. *NM
Jul 20, 2006
TIRE RIMS BEND SO EASILY I HAVE REPLACED 3 ALREADY. *JB
Feb 12, 2005
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN JACKING UP VEHICLE THE ALLOY RIMS WOULD GET STUCK TO THE ROTOR, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO KICK THE RIM.*AK
Aug 05, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DICK HANNAH DEALERSHIPS 10808 NE COXLEY DR, VANCOUVER, WA 98662 (360) 605-1726 WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
Feb 10, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED FOUR OTHER VEHICLES TO CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT WHERE IT WAS SCHEDULED TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
May 27, 2014
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR WHILE IDLING WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE IS AROUND OR UNDER 1/4 OF A TANK. I HAVE READ UP ON THIS AND PEOPLE ARE DUMPING A LOT OF MONEY ONTO TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ISSUE IS AND THERE IS NO ANSWER. STALLING ON A HIGHWAY WITHOUT A MEDIAN OR PULL-OFF IS NOT ONLY INCONVENIENT BUT DANGEROUS.
Dec 17, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER AND THEN JUST SHUT OFF. LOOKING AT THE FUEL GAUGE I HAD A QUARTER OF A TANK LEFT IN FUEL. PULLING TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART MY VEHICLE. AFTER 5-10 MINUTES OF TRYING TO RESTART MY VEHICLE, IT STARTED. I THEN DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION AND FILLED UP MY TANK. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AGAIN AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THE FUEL GAUGE READ A QUARTER OF A TANK LEFT AND HAD TO PULL OVER AGAIN TO ATTEMPT TO RESTART MY CAR. THIS NOW HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLES FUEL LEVEL GETS TO A QUARTER OF A TANK. I'M LEFT HAVING TO FILL UP MY TANK AT THAT POINT, QUARTER OF A TANK, TO AVOID BREAKING DOWN ON THE FREEWAY OR ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING.
Jun 15, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
THIS IS IN REGARD TO TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 77,000 MILES. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY PAID OFF AND 17K MILES AFTER WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. WHILE I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD STAY IN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AND GIVE A BIG JOLT WHEN GOING INTO 3RD AND 4TH WHILE STILL COLD, ONLY AFTER ENGINE WOULD HEAT UP WITHOUT ANY STOPS WOULD IT PERFORM SUB PAR. PREVIOUS TO THIS I HAD HAVE NO COMPLAINTS. DEALER QUOTED $5600 TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION AND INDEPENDENT SHOP $2500. I WAS INFORMED I HAD A WORN CLUTCH AND IN 2008 I REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION AND CONTINUED HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. AFTER THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS SPENT ON THIS VEHICLE ON APRIL 12 OF 2012 I SENT IT THE JUNKYARD. I WILL FOLLOW UP AND SEND MORE HARD COPIES DOCUMENTS TO NHTSA AS I HAVE MY ENTIRE SERVICE RECORDS FROM 2003 - 2012 TO SUBMIT. THERE ARE 100'S OF OTHER AMERICAN CAR OWNERS WITH TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCING SAME ISSUES AND ITS APPARENT THAT IT IS FAULTY MANUFACTURING.I'M ATTACHING SEVERAL PDF DOCUMENTS WITH ARTICLES AND OTHER SIMILAR COSTUMER COMPLAINTS. I HAVE ALL MY SERVICE RECORDS AND WILL SUBMIT HARD COPIES SEPARATELY HOWEVER WANTED TO GET THE COMPLAINT STARTED HERE. THE YEAR OF MY VEHICLE WAS NEVER INCLUDED BUT ITS OBVIOUS THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN HAPPENING LONGER THEN PREVIOUS RECALLS. *TR
Jan 10, 2017
ACCORDING TO A VW DEALER, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ON MY 2003 VW JETTA FAILED AT 89,000 MILES. THE VW DEALER STATED THAT IT FAILED BECAUSE THE MIL ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR'S COMPUTER SHOWS CODE P0420. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER COVERED BY ANY WARRANTY. *TR
Dec 29, 2013
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
TRANSMISSION STRAINED TO SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. WATER PUMP WENT OUT CAUSE CAR TO RUN HOT.. WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED BUT BLOWER HEAD GASKET.... AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF
Jul 25, 2016
CAR STALLS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN AT QUARTER TANK OR LESS. PARTS REPLACED, STILL OCCURS. THERE IS NO KNOWN FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM, IT ALWAYS COMES BACK, AND IS MOST LIKELY A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT WITH THE FUEL PUMP SYSTEM THAT IS BEING IGNORED BY VW OF AMERICA. THIS IS HAPPENING TO HUNDREDS AND MOST LIKELY THOUSANDS OF VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF, BEETLE AND GTI OWNERS. WE HAVE BEEN CONNECTING THE DOTS THROUGH ONLINE VW FORUMS AND ARE FRUSTRATED! THERE HAVE BEEN ACCIDENTS REPORTED DUE TO SUDDEN POWER LOSS AND THEREFORE DECELERATION DUE TO THIS ISSUE. JUST THIS MORNING MY JETTA STALLED IN FRONT OF A SEMI TRUCK DOING 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, IT'S HAPPENING TO A LOT OF OWNERS OF VW'S MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 1999 AND 2005, AND IT NEEDS YOUR ATTENTION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THANK YOU. *TR
Aug 07, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE CLOCKS SPEEDS MUCH SLOWER THAN THE CAR IS ACTUALLY GOING DURING SUSTAINED HIGHWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TGW THE DEALERSHIP FOUND A BROKEN PLASTIC GEAR AND BEARING WHICH WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *JB
May 12, 2010
WHEN ACTIVATING CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE WILL STAY ON CRUISE CONTROL AND NOT TURN OFF. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *YH
Sep 10, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BRAKES FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN A REAR END COLLISION. THE INSURANCE WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVE THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE BRAKE MECHANISM. *AK
May 07, 2004
JUNE 24TH, WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY FOUR MONTH OLD 2003 JETTA TDI ON THE THE HIGHWAY AT A 70MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE. AFTER THE CAR HAD STOPPED AND BEGAN MOVING AGAIN THE CRUISE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. TWO DAYS LATER ON JUNE 26, 2003, WHILE IN LUNCH HOUR TRAFFIC-WITH A CO-WORKER IN THE CAR THE BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED BY THEMSELVES AT 40 MPH. WE STOPPED ON A DIME AND WERE ALMOST REAR ENDED. THIS OCCURED OVER 10 TIMES BEFORE WE GOT BACK TO THE OFFICE (WE WERE LESS THAN TWO MILES AWAY). DEALERSHIP IS REPLACING BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER AND I HAVE REQUESTED FULL WARRENTY ON NEW BRAKE SYSTEM FROM VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS FLAW THAT COULD HAVE EAISLY CAUSED BODILY INJURY. I HAVE YET TO LEARN IF THERE IS A TRACK RECORD OF THE BRAKES FAILING ON THE 2003 DESIGNS BUT WANTED TO BEGIN A DOCUMENTATION RECORD. *AK
Jun 30, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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
Feb 07, 2022
STEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE TIRES EXPLOTED UNDER 23PSI OR LESS. THE IGNITERS WENT OFF AND I LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY. I LOST THE EXTERNAL FUEL PUMP WHICH WAS NOT EVEN MOLESTED BY ANY MEANS. THE RIMS WERE DAMAGED IN A WAY THAT ONE NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. DAYS BEFORE THE INCIDENT WHILE TRAVELING ON THE NJTURNPIKE, SENSORS ON THE BATTERY BURNED AND I LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY. THE SERPENTINE BELT MELTED AND WAS REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, I LOST POWER ON THE ENGINE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE TURNPIKE AGAIN WHILE TESTING THE MECHANICS JOB. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND I CONTINUED TESTING THE CAR. ON 295 I LOST POWER ON THE ENGINE AGAIN. I LEFT THE CAR THERE AND I WENT TO HONK KONG. WHEN I CAME BACK, A RELATIVE TOLD ME THAT THE DOT TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO BE FIEXED. IT COST HIM 1000 DOLLARS. THEY CLAIMED TO CHANGED THE AC COMPRESSOR WHICH I HAD PREVIOUSLY FIXEX THE SUMMER BEFORE. THE LEFT SIDE MIRROR WAS MISSING. I REPORTED THAT TO THE INSURANCE BECAUSE I SUSPECTED FRAUD. TO THIS POINT THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. PLEASE CONTACT MY LAWYER SINCE I HAVE SURRENDER LEGALITIES TO HIM BECAUSE I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES. I HAD BEEN ARRESTED SEVERAL TIMES AND I SUSPECT THE UNION AND THE DOT. H. APARICIO. 0522.**
Oct 13, 2019
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED WATER TO THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,072.
Jun 04, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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
Aug 10, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
THE JETTA IS DEFECTIVE IN THE CAR WILL START BUT NEEDS TO BE ENGAGED IN IGNITION AND THE SIT FOR 12-15 MINUTES BEFORE IT IS ABLE TO GET IN DRIVE GEAR. CURRENTLY IT WILL NOT ENGAGE IN REVERSE GEAR. THE TEMPERATURE IS MILD 74-78DEGREES F AND THE CAR NEEDS TO BE CONSTANTLY SERVICED. UPON THE INCIDENT THIS JETTA WAS DRIVING AND THERE WAS A VISIBILITY PROBELM THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD . THE WINDSHIELF WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE LIGHTS ARE ON THE ENGINE WAS SERVICED, IT WAS LEAKING FLUIDS, IT WAS SERVICED BY A REPUTABLE SERVICE CENTER 9 MILE EASTPOINTE A SPECIALIST IS FOREIGN CARS. THEN THE JETTA WHILE DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND WAS STIFF , STIFFER STILL AND UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE DRIVING RHYTHM I AM AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER AND ACCUSTOMED TO PRE POWER STEERING AND THIS WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE STEERING, WHEELS?? CURRENTLY THE CAR IS UNABLE TO BE USED AS IT WONT GO IN GEAR OF REVERSE, IT MOVES ON THE CONSUL AND THERE IS NO MOTION. THE BATTERY AND THE FLUIDS AND THE CELANOIDS,BELTS, EVERYTHING HAS BEEN CHECKED AND LOOKED OVER. I HAD TO GET A TOW TO GET IT SERVICED IN OCT. 2014 AND WILL HAVE TO GET A TOW NOW TOO FOR THE ESTIMATE OF WHY THE FLAT FUSE ON THE BATTERY IS NOT ABLE TO GIVE THE ENGINE ENOUGH POWER TO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE JETTA WAS BOUGHT USED FROM ANOTHER PARTY, AND HAD AN ACCIDENT FROM THAT OWNER, IT WAS SOLD TO ME AND SINCE THEN THE LEAKING FLUIDS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAVE BEEN SERVICED. I SEE 0 RECALLS. I REALIZE YOU HAVE OVER 40,000 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS BUT THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS I TRANSPORT HUMAN PASSENGERS OF MINOR AGE AND HAVE HAD DIFFICULTY SEVERAL TIMES IN JUST DRIVING DOWN THE STREET TO MANOUVER A SMALL CAR. THIS JETTA IS AGED AND HAS HIGH MILEAGE BUT THIS IS A GERMAN ENGINE? THE PRECISION AND TUNING I HAVE PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED FROM AN AUTOMOBILE IS LACKING IN THE COMPONENTS OF THE ENGINE PIECES PUT INTO ACTION TO DRIV.
Sep 10, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
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. *TR
Jun 18, 2014
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE CLAMPS ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW OF MY 2003 VW JETTA DETACHED LEAVING THE WINDOW STUCK CLOSED. *TR
Dec 29, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
THE SAFETY LIGHT ON THE INTERIOR OF THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR THAT LIGHTS UP WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED FAILED ON MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A FAILURE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LATCH MECHANISM. THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM WAS REPLACED, AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Dec 23, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA'S COOLANT PUMP FAILED WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THIS CAUSED A REDUCTION IN POWER AND ENGINE OVERHEATING. REPLACEMENT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Dec 23, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS
1 complaint
I STARTED EXPERIENCING A HOT SPOT IN THE DRIVER'S HEATED SEAT IN THE FALL OF 2012. I HAVE TO PUT A CUSHION BETWEEN MY RIGHT LEG AND THE SEAT OR IT WILL NEARLY BURN. I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING AN ISSUE WITH EITHER THE O2 SENSOR OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHENEVER IT RAINS AND IT'S COOL WEATHER. THE CAR WILL LOSE POWER, SPUTTER AND LURCH UNTIL IT HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE THEN IT ACTS NORMALLY. FINALLY, FOR THE PAST TWO MONTHS THE REAR DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY OR BY HITTING THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DOOR. I JUST REACHED THE 100K MARK AND KEEP UP REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON MY CAR SO I'M A LITTLE UPSET THAT THINGS LIKE THIS ARE HAPPENING SO EARLY. *TR
Sep 28, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
2003 VW JETTA: DIGITAL DISPLAY WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN KEY WAS REMOVED FROM IGNITION. UNABLE TO LOCK VEHICLE DOORS WITH REMOTE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED FOR DIGITAL PANEL TO APPEAR (RE-SET) AND FOR DOOR TO LOCK WITH REMOTE. ENGINE WOULD ALSO SHUT OFF WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT AND WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY. POSSIBILITY TO CAUSE A CRASH. ALL DIGITAL PANELS STILL ILLUMINATED, KEY WOULD BE LOCKED IN INGNITION, UN-ABLE TO TURN OR BE REMOVED UNTIL CAR PLACED BACK IN PARK AND HAND BRAKE PULLED UP. ISSUES OCCURED BI-WEEKLY, WEEKLY, AND NOW DAILY. VEHICLE BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD THAT IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER WARRANTY (WARRANT JUST EXPIRED LAST MONTH). AFTER TRYING TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM PRIOR TO BRINGING TO DEALERSHIP, I'VE FOUND ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE/REPAIR FOR VW CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. MANY CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINTS/EXPERIENCES, ALL OF WHICH WERE TAKEN IN FOR REPAIR AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. VEHICLE IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD AND IS AT APPROXIMATELY 85,000 MILES. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALSO HAD SERVICE FOR THE FOLLOWING RECALLS: CATALYTIC CONVERTER, FAILED IGNITION COILS, FAILED REAR WINDOW/DOOR LOCKS. THIS CAR IS A LEMON! *TR
Feb 23, 2010
SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
RECALL FOR 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA- SEAT HEATER DEFECT CAUSING SEATS TO GET TOO HOT EVEN CAUSING FIRE IN SOME INSTANCES. BROUGHT MY JETTA TO RIVERSIDE VOLKSWAGEN IN RIVERSIDE, CA. INSPECTION AND REPAIRS MADE IN 2006. YESTERDAY, 1/25/2010, DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER STARTED TO BURN A HOLE IN SEAT. DID NOT BURN ALL THE WAY THROUGH AS I TURNED THE HEATER OFF BEFORE HAND. FELT SOMETHING THAT RESEMBLED A BEE STING BEFORE REALIZING THAT IT WAS THE SEAT HEATER THAT WAS MALFUNCTIONING. BURNING SMELL DETECTED. CALLED VW RIVERSIDE, SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT BE A COVERED FIX BASED ON RECALL INFO. COMPLAINT OF FAILED INITIAL REPAIR. *TR
Jan 26, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
SUN ROOF DRAIN CLOGS!!! NO DIRECTION IN MANUAL FOR CLEANING NOR WARNING THAT IT CAN HAPPEN. I FOUND NEARLY THREE INCHES OF WATER IN THE FLOOR AND WATER ALL OVER THE INTERIOR FUSE BLOCK. MY CONCERN IS FIRE RELATED. CORROSION CAN LEAD TO HIGH IMPEDENCE CONNECTIONS AND AFTER WATER INTRUSION I HAVE NO IDEA HOW SAFE MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS. THIS IS THE SECOND OR THIRD INCIDENT AND I FINALLY FOUND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM BY DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AND IT APPEARS THAT THE DESIGN OF THE OUTLET NIPPLE IS THE ISSUE. *TR
Sep 27, 2009
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
I WAS IN A REAR END INCIDENT IN WHICH MY 2003VW JETTA WAS STRUCK ALMOST DEAD-ON IN THE REAR BY A 2009 BMW SEDAN. BOTH MY WIFE, SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, AND I, DRIVING, WERE WEARING THREE POINT SEAT BELTS. THE AIRBAGS IN OUR VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH THE DRIVERS SEAT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT WERE RECLINED ALMOST COMPLETELY AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, TO THE POINT THAT ANY REAR SEAT PASSENGERS WE MIGHT HAVE HAD IN THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN PINNED BY THE RECLINED FRONT SEATS. *TR UPDATED 05/20/09 *BF UPDATED IVOQ 05/27/09.*JB
May 07, 2009
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,WHEELS,INTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD 27 THINGS BREAK OR FAIL ON MY 03VW JETTA 1.8T. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN 01/06 WITH 32,000 MILES. AFTER BUYING THE CAR THE FIRST FIVE MINS THE WINDOW SHATTERED. FIRST TWO MONTHS 2 TIRES BLEW OUT, FRONT RIM CRACKED, BACK TIRES OUT OF ALIGNMENT. DEALER PAID TO FIX RIM BROKE 2 WEEKS LATER THE DEALER PAID FO USED SET OF SIMILAR RIMS. EVERY LIGHT INSIDE AND OUT WENT OUT BY 05/06 DRIVER SEAT WONT RAISE UP CARGO NET IN TRUNK FALLS APART DEALER WONT COVER. GAS AND TRUNK RELEASE BUTTONS FELL DOWN INSIDE OF DOOR. RADIO STOPPED WORKING FRONT DOOR SPEAKERS ARE SHORTING OUT. DRIVER WINDOW SWITCH GOES UP WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN AND DOWN WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN HAVE TO FIDDLE WITH IT FOR IT TO GO UP. EXHAUST HANGER BROKE CAUSING CHATTER. SWAYBAR BUSHING FELL OUT CAUSING GRINDING AND SHAKING WHEN EVER MOVING. NOT COVER BY WARRANTY ALL THESE HAPPENED BY 05/07. NOW ITS 10/08 AND I HAVE 84,000 MILES. CURRENT PROBLEMS ARE REAR SPOILER BRAKE LIGHT HANGS DOWN(DEALER JUST GLUED IT IN PLACE LASTED ABOUT 4 MONTHS) CAM AND CRANK SEALS LEAKING OIL CAUSE ODOR INSIDE OF CABIN. IF I DRIVE FOR MORE THEN AN HOUR I GET SICK AND LIGHT-HEADED. SEAT, CARGO NET IN TRUNK, IS STILL BROKEN. RADIO STILL ISN'T FIXED SO I JUST WENT AND BOUGHT AN AFTER MARKET. SPEAKERS STILL SHORTENING OUT ONLY WHEN ITS COLD OUT. KEYLESS ENTRY ONLY WORKS WITHIN 4FT OF THE CAR. IN THE WINTER THE CAR ONLY GETS 18MPG ON THE HIGHWAY AND ABOUT 14 IN THE CITY AND THE CAR IS PARKED IN A HEATED UNDERGROUND GARAGE. *TR
Nov 10, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE OWNED A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (TURBO - 2003) AND HAVE HAD ONE HORRIBLE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER. WITHOUT FAIL, I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN FOR RANDOM MECHANICAL REPAIRS EVERY FEW MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. I FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO AND THAT VW WAS AWARE OF HOW BAD THEIR CAR'S MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO WERE. IF THAT IS THE CASE, HOW CAN SO MANY CAR OWNERS WITH SO MANY MECHANICAL ISSUES CONTINUE TO SELL IN THIS COUNTRY? I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT VW FOR LACKLUSTER PERFORMANCE AND FOR CONTINUING MANUFACTURE IN AN AREA WELL KNOWN FOR ITS BELOW AVERAGE STANDARDS AND FOR CONTINUING TO BLEED THE CONSUMER WHEN IT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE. *TR
Jul 22, 2007
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JETTA JLS. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS CUT OFF BY A TRUCK AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, FLIPPED OVER SIDEWAYS, AND END OVER END, LANDING UPSIDE DOWN IN A CANAL. THE DRIVER WAS PULLED FROM THE WRECKAGE AND IT BECAME SUBMERGED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE DOORS, THE REAR AND THE FRONT. THE AIR BAG SIDE/CURTAIN, FRONTAL AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY DURING THE CRASH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 35000. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKE NOSE, AS WELL AS, OTHER INJURIES. *AK
Feb 14, 2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
2003 VW JETTA. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS BROKEN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE UNDRIVEABLE. ALSO, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS KEEPS FALLING INTO THE DOOR. *NM
Oct 17, 2006
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
BOUGHT A VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS IN 2003. SEVERAL THINGS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. FOR EXAMPLE THE GLOVE BOX COVER, WHEEL BEARING. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT ON MOST NEWER VEHICLES THAT WHEEL BEARINGS DO NOT REQUIRE MAINTENANCE. MY CAR HAS 74,000 MILES. LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING AND MY MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE CAR IF GOING OVER 30 MPH CUT OUT. THERE WAS A ROTTEN EGG SMELL. IT IMMEDIATELY WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND 2 COILS WERE FAULTY. THEY REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND IGNITION COILS FOR CYLINDERS 1&3 AND CLEARED FAULT CODES. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. BUT SAID VOLKSWAGEN FEELS THE IGNITION COILS ARE A REGULAR MAINTENANCE ISSUE. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND AM FINDING THAT VOLKSWAGEN HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE COILS. IN MY RESEARCH I FOUND THAT VW HAD A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION LETTER THAT WAS SENT OUT TO VW OWNERS TO BRING CAR INTO DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE COILS. VW REPRESENTATIVE IN MICHIGAN TOLD ME THAT THEY STOPPED DOING THAT IN 2005. I BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD HAVE NOT HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION COILS. VW KNOWS THAT THEY HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS. I LOVE MY VW BUT I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS THIS CAR THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I TRADE VEHICLES EVERY 3-4 YEARS BUT WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER VOLKSWAGEN. NOT BECAUSE I HAVE HAD SO MANY THINGS GO WRONG BECAUSE THE STRANGE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THE CAR AND VOLKSWAGEN DOESN'T TAKE CARE OF THEIR DRIVERS. *JB
Aug 05, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY SITUATION IS VERY SIMILAR TO ODI ID NUMBER : 10136903. I HAVE A 2003 JETTA. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH, MY ABS WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON, AND MY RADIO TURNED OFF. AFTER STOPPING MY CAR, IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THAT MY FUSE PANEL (ABOVE THE BATTERY) HAD MELTED AND HE WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT MY CAR HADN'T CAUGHT ON FIRE. HE REPLACED THE FUSE PANEL. A FEW DAYS LATER, MY CAR FAILED TO START AGAIN. A JUMP START STARTED IT. NEXT DAY, MY CAR FAILED TO START AGAIN. A JUMP START STARTED IT. I DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO MECHANIC. MY ALTERNATOR, WHICH WAS FINE LAST WEEK, IS NOW FRIED (AFTER TWO DRIVES), MOST LIKELY BECAUSE THE FUSE PANEL BURNT IT OUT. THE ALTERNATOR IN MY 2003 JETTA IS A 90 AMP ALTERNATOR. VW STOPPED MAKING THESE BECAUSE THEY AREN'T POWERFUL ENOUGH FOR THE CARS. I REPEAT, 90 AMP ALTERNATORS ARE NO LONGER MADE FOR MY CAR BECAUSE IT REQUIRES 120 AMP ALTERNATOR. HMM. *NM
Aug 01, 2006
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CONTINUOUS LEAKING OF WATER INTO INTERIOR OF CAR FROM CURRENTLY UNDETERMINED SOURCE(S) CAUSING MOLD/MILDEW PROBLEMS. OCCURS DURING/AFTER RAIN EVENTS. *JB
Jun 28, 2006
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITION PROBLEMS WERE NOTICE WITH THE TRACTION BUTTON FOR THE ESP SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE BLACK BRAKE SWITCH FAILED. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED FOR THE PURPLE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH TWICE. THE BLACK BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD A RECALL FOR 2002 MODEL BUT DOES NOT COVER THE 2003 MODELS. ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE SWITCH, WHICH INCLUDES THE TRACTION BUTTON FOR THE ESP SYSTEM AND THE PARK POSITION LEVER WHICH LOCKS OFTEN. ALSO THE CONTACT ONCE BECAME STRANDED ON A HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL. ALL REPAIRS MADE BY THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN COVERED BY THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT BRAKE LIGHTS BECAUSE REPRESENTS SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM
Jun 23, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: MY NAME IS [XXX]. I OWN A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI THAT I PURCHASED NEW ON 3/10/03 FROM AUTOHAUS OF LANCASTER IN LANCASTER, PA. IT NOW HAS 56,700 MILES ON IT. (MOSTLY HIGHWAY) WHILE DRIVING ON 6/21/05, I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES GOT MUSHY AND THEN GRABBED AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR IN A SUDDEN STOP. AS IT WAS STOPPING YOU HEARD A SOUND LIKE THE VEHICLE NOW HAD AIR BRAKES. I DEPRESSED THE PEDAL AGAIN THE BRAKES LET UP. I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED THE GARAGE. IT TURNED OUT TO BE A BRAKE BOOSTER. PRIOR TO THIS PROBLEM, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT 48,000 MILES, I HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. IT WAS IN BECAUSE SEVERAL TIMES I APPLIED THE BRAKES IN THE SNOW AND THE TIRES LOCKED UP. THIS VEHICLE HAS ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. AT THIS TIME THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NO PROBLEMS. THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID ALL WAS OK. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I GOT IT OUT OF THE SHOP. MY CURRENT MECHANIC (ROBERTS AUTOMOTIVE) WHO SPECIALIZES IN VOLKSWAGENS MENTIONED THAT HE BELIEVES THAT TWO PROBLEMS ARE VERY LIKELY THE SAME PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC ([XXX] @ ROBERTS AUTOMOTIVE) ALSO TOLD ME THAT HE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP (AUTOHAUS OF LANCASTER, PA) FOR THE PART, AND HE WAS TOLD THEY REPLACED 8 OF THESE BRAKE BOOSTERS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. I ALSO TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AT AUTOHAUS. DAVE TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL BRAKE BOOSTERS GO BAD ON THE TDI MODELS. THE VEHICLE IS NOW IN THE HANDS OF AUTOHAUS. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH QUALITY AND WORKMANSHIP HERE. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. BY SHEER LUCK I WAS NOT HIT BY THAT TRUCK. I WILL BE SENDING A SIMILAR LETTER TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WITH MY COMPLAINT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION. REGARDS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jun 23, 2005
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 VW JETTA UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN AN INTERSECTION, CONTINUED WHEN IT TURNED GREEN. I HIT A SMALL SIZED POTHOLE AT THE OTHER END OF THE INTERSECTION AT SPEEDS BELOW 15MPH, WHICH CAUSED THE WRONGFUL DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AND SEAT AIRBAGS AS WELL AS LOCKING THE SEATBELT TENSIONER MAKING IT INOPERABLE. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AFTER THE INCIDENT AND FOUND NO DAMAGE WHATSOEVER TO ALL BODY PANELS AND WHEELS/TIRES. THE FOLLOWING MORNING I HAD A MECHANIC INSPECT THE CAR FOR ANY SUSPENSION OR STEERING PROBLEMS AND NONE WERE FOUND. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT TO HAVE IT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE DEALER AND VW OF AMERICA HAVE DENIED WARRANTY REPAIRS AND HAVE NOT YET DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I DID RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET FOR SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND HAVE FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 500 SIMILAR INCIDENTS OF SPONTANEOUS AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IN 2002-2004 VW JETTAS, GOLFS, GTI AND NEW BEETLES AROUND THE COUNTRY.
Jun 14, 2005
VISIBILITY,SEATS
1 complaint
WE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2003 VW JETTA IN JUNE OF 2003. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL YESTERDAY, 11/28/04. WE COULD SMELL SOMETHING "HOT" AND BURNING. THE DRIVERS SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE HEATED SEATS, THERE IS A HOLE IN THE SEAT AND MY BOYFRIEND BURNT HIS HAND. WITHIN MINUTES OF THAT HAPPENING, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WINDOW JUST FELL DOWN. I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. SOMEHOW, THE WINDOW IS NO LONGER IN IT'S TRACK. I HAVE BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND FINDING MANY MORE INSTANCES WITH THE WINDOWS FALLING AND THE SEATS CATCHING ON FIRE? WHAT IS THE DEAL? THIS IS VERY UNSAFE. I HAVE MY APPOINTMENT TOMORROW WITH OUR LOCAL VW DEALER IN ERIE PA TO SEE WHAT THEY WILL DO TO CORRECT THIS. I WANT BOTH SEATS LOOKED AT....I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR ANY LONGER!!!*AK
Nov 29, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2003 GLX. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANICS SUGGESTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT WHERE THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTING SHIRTING ERRATICALLY. AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ERRATICALLY MIS-SHIFT AND OR BUCK. (MODEL/GLX) *SC
Aug 09, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
Aug 02, 2004
PARKING BRAKE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
I GOT MY 2003 VW JETTA IN FEBRUARY OF '03. NOW NOT EVEN A YEAR AND A HALF LATER I HAVE HUGE PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. MY BRAKE LIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY STAY ON EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. MY WINDOWS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK PROPERLY. FINALLY THE WORST WAS THAT I WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY, IT IS STEEP BUT THE SAME PLACE I HAVE PARKED DOZENS OF TIMES, WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LET GO IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND MY CAR ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVE WAY EVENTUALLY CRASHING INTO TREES. I READ ON OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT THERE WAS ONE OTHER PERSON WHO HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MANY OTHERS WHO HAD SIMILAR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WELL I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN ABOUT MY BRAKE LIGHTS AND THEY SAID THAT INDEED THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR AS A RESULT OF A FAILING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. TURNS OUT THEY HAD FAILED TO INFORM ME. I WONDER WHAT OTHER RECALLS THEY HAVE FAILED TO INFORM PEOPLE ABOUT. *JB
Jul 22, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE VEHICLE. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THERE WAS A SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *MR THIS RESULTED IN A COMPLETE LOST OF POWER AND A REPLACEMENT OF THE INJECTOR SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS MUDDY DIESEL FUEL BUT COULDN'T PRODUCE THE FUEL FILTER TO BACK UP THE CLAIM. THERE WAS ANOTHER INCIDENT WHERE THERE WAS A PUFF OF SMOKE AND A LOST OF POWER DOWN TO 25 MPH ON THE ROAD. THE ENGINE HAD A #3 VALVE GO THROUGH THE PISTON AND RUN UP AND DOWN THE CRANKSHAFT. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH ANOTHER INJECTOR SYSTEM AND FUEL PUMP WAS ADDED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, A HIGH PRESSURE OIL LINE BROKE FROM THE WELD AND SPEWED OIL EVERYWHERE. THE AXLE ASSEMBLY AND THE TRANSMISSION SLAVE CYLINDER WERE REPLACED AS WELL. *SC *JB
Jun 23, 2004
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I OWN A 2003 VW JETTA. I BOUGHT IT ON 09/02. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD A VARIETY OF PROBLEMS. FIRST IT WAS MY ELECTRICAL. BY BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON AND THE KEY LESS REMOTE DID NOT WORK I COULD NOT LOCK MY CAR AND NON OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WORKED. I TOOK THIS PROBLEM TO VW AND THE SAID THAT I NEEDED TO MAKE AN APPONTMENT BEFORE THEY WOULD HELP ME. SO I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS AND MAKE MY APPT. THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED HOWEVER OCCASIONALY THE BRAKE LIGHTS STILL STAY STUCK ON. THIS WAS ALSO NOTED TO VW. THE SECOND TIME I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A RATTLE IN MY CLUTCH. I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO TAKE MY CAR ON A TEST DRIVE WITH A CUSTOMER SERVICE REP (?). SO I DID AND SHE STATED SHE DID NOT HERE ANYTHING AND I TOLD HERE THAT WHEN I TAKE THE CLUTCH OUT IT DOES RATTLES VERY LOUD BUT WHEN I PUSH THE CLUTCH IN THE RATTLE STOPS. CUSTOMER SERVICE REP STATED SINCE SHE DID NOT HERE THIS SHE COULD NOT LET THE ACTUAL TECH LOOK AT IT. I DEMANDED THE TECH TO LOOK AT IT. FINALLY THE TECH AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REP TOLD ME I HAD A RATTLE IN MY CLUTCH DUE TO MY BALD TIRES.???? SINCE I DID NEED NEW TIRES, I REPLACED ALL 4. MY CLUTCH STILL RATTLED. (SHOCKER) I THEN DECIDED TO TAKE MY VW TO ANOTHER VW SERVICE DEALER, AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE RATTLE WAS A LOOSE HEAT PLATE. VW DEALER STATED THIS WAS FIXED. THE NEXT DAY THIS RATTLE WAS STILL THERE. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR IN FOR A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES FOR THIS RATTLE. I HAVE DECIDED ON GETTING A NEW NON-VW CAR. NOT ONLY HAS THE CAR DISSAPPOINTED ME BUT THE SERVCIE POEPLE HAVE TREATED ME AND MY HUSBAND LIKE IGNORANT CONSUMERS. ON EACH OF THESE VISITS TO THE VW DEALER THEY HAVE AHD TO KEEP MY CAR FOR NUMEROUS DAYS, AND NEVER WAS I ABLE TO RECEIVE A RENTAL, WHICH RESULTED IN ME MISSING WORK AND COSTING ME MORE MONEY.*MB*
May 11, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH AIR CONDITIONER ON 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. *MR THE AIR INTAKE DUCT LEAKED WHICH CAUSED WHITE SMOKE TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED AFTER A 75 MILE TRIP. THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED. THE A/C CONDENSER LEAKED WHICH CAUSED THE A/C NOT TO COOL THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THE DEALER SURMISED THAT THE DAMAGE TO THE CONDENSER WAS FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE THEREFORE REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY. *NM
May 11, 2004
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE ON A 2 POINT GRADE, SET THE PARKING BRAKE, AND PROCEEDED INTO HIS HOUSE. APPROXIMATELY THIRTY MINUTES LATER, A FRIEND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED DOWN THE STREET AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE. *AK *SC *JB
Apr 20, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
GAS GAUGE INACCURATE DESPITE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTED CORRECTIONS (FUEL SENDING UNIT X2, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, GAS TANK ALL REPLACED WITH NO IMPROVEMENT). *JB
Feb 29, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I BOUGHT MY CAR AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. DROVE IT OFF THE LOT WITH 9 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. AT THE TIME OF BREAKDOWN ON JULY 25, 2003, THE CAR HAD 10,900 MILES ON IT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE ON IT NOW IS 13,000 JULY 25TH WAS A VERY HOT DAY. I BELIEVE IT WAS UP TO 110 DEGREES THAT DAY. I HAD NOTICED MY CAR RUNNING AT A SUBSTANTIAL LOWER POWER THAN USUAL, BUT I ASSUMED IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE HEAT AND THAT I HAD MY AIR CONDITIONING ON HIGH. I HAD TO DO SOME ERRANDS IN TOWN THEN I HEADED HOME, WHICH IS ABOUT 30 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE TRI-CITIES, AT THIS TIME I DID NOTICE LOSS OF POWER GOING UP THE ON-RAMP TO THE INTERSTATE, BUT STILL DID NOT THINK TOO MUCH OF THE FACT. I WAS HALF WAY HOME WHEN I NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS LOSING EVEN MORE POWER, THE CRUISE QUIT AND MY SPEEDOMETER WENT FROM 75 TO 50 MPH AND THAT IS WHEN I NOTICED THAT MY HEAT GAUGE WAS EXTREMELY HIGH. I ALSO FOUND IT ODD THAT THE INSIDE OF MY CAR HAD NOT COOLED OFF, BUT WAS GETTING WARMER. I HEADED TOWARDS THE OFF-RAMP AND AS I WAS DOWN SHIFTING AND APPLYING THE BREAKS, MY BRAKE PEDAL MADE ;PUFFY-POPPING NOISE AND THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL COLLAPSED TO THE FLOOR. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND PUMPED THE BRAKES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP, WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED, I SMELLED HEAT, OR LIKE SOMETHING BURNING. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FIRE AROUND TOWN. PULLING AWAY FROM THE OFF-RAMP, I COULD NOT GET ANY PICKUP SPEED WITH MY CAR. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS PUSHING TO GO FORWARD AND ALSO PULLING ITSELF BACK AT THE SAME TIME, AS THE VEHICLE TRIED TO PICK UP SPEED, IT WOULD PULL BACK AND FORTH. THE GAS PEDAL WAS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND I COULDN'T GET ANY SPEED. I COULD ONLY SHIFT INTO SECOND GEAR AND THE VEHICLE COULD ONLY MAINTAIN 15 MPH. AS ALL OF THIS WAS HAPPENING, I WAS TURNING OFF EVERYTHING I THOUGHT TOOK POWER, AIR CONDITIONER WAS THE FIRST THING OFF WHEN I STARTED NOTICING THE CAR OVERHEATING AND LOSING POWER, THEN THE RADIO, THESE DID NOT HELP.
Jan 15, 2004
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION, KEYLESS KEY BATTERY DOES NOT WORK, EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO LOST OF POWER, JACK FELL WHILE CAR WAS ON IT, AND PROBLEMS SHIFTING THE CAR OUT OF PARK.*MR WHEN THE EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TWO FLAT DUE TO THE TIRES BEING OVERINFLATED. *JB
Dec 24, 2003
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER AND TRANSMISSION.*MR REAR DEFOGGER DIDN'T TURN OFF. CONSUMER FEARED IT WOULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD. TRANSMISSION LOCKED AND WOULDN'T MOVE TO REVERSE. TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED AND FAILED AGAIN. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED A NEW TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH WAS INSTALLED. ON THE DAY OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF THE PROBLEM BUT THE SALESMAN STATED HE WASN'T USE TO A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND IGNORED IT. *PH
Dec 03, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHILE PROCEEDING TO ENTER THE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND HE SAID THAT THE BOLTS SHEARED OFF THE FROM DRIVESHAFT TO THE TRANSMISSION. *AK THE TRANSMISSION, DRIVESHAFT, AND THE CV JOINTS WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS AGAIN WITH THE FRONT BRAKES, WHERE THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED AGAIN. (THE PROBLEM RETURNED AGAIN) *SCC *JB
Oct 23, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
MY BRAKE LIGHT SWICH HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES ON MY 2003 JETTA TDI VW. FAILURE OF THIS SWITCH CAUSES BRAKE LIGHT'S TO EITHER STAY ON CONSISTENTLY OR NOT TURN ON AT ALL. LOSS OF TURBO IN VEHICLE AND CAN CAUSE LOSS OF POWER DUE TO BATTERY SHUT DOWN.*AK
Sep 09, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FAILURE OF DOOR WIRING HARNESS. DOES NOT ALLOW ME TO DRIVE THE CAR - THE ENGIN WILL NOT ENGAGE DUE TO THE ELECTRONIC FAILURE OF THE DOOR WIRING HARNESS. THERE SHOULD BE SOME WAY TO OVERRIDE THE ELECTRONIC FAILURE SO THAT I CAN DRIVE IT.
Feb 12, 2003
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION - 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI. VR6 WITH 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. VIN 3 V W V H 6 9 M 1 3 M 0 5 4 8 0 3. DATE OF PURCHASE - 17-OCT-2002. MILEAGE AT TIME OF NHTSA COMPLAINT - 1550. PROBLEM: DOOR "RATTLE" UNDER ANY DRIVING CONDITION. THE "RATTLING" WAS FIRST THOUGHT TO BE THE PANELING. TEFLON TAPE WAS PLACED BETWEEN THE METAL PART AND THE PLASTIC PANELING. THIS PROCEDURE STOPPED THE PANELING FROM MAKING ANY NOISE. BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE NOISE "RATTLING" IS COMING FROM THE UPPER FRAME OF THE DOOR. MEANING THE DOOR IS NOT CLOSING OR MEETING THE ROOF/PILLAR SECTION OF THE ROOF. WATER PASSED THROUGH THE DOOR. THE OTHER DAY WE HAD RAIN FOR SEVERAL DAYS, AND WATER WAS COMING IN WHILE THE CAR WAS DRIVEN. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED SEVERAL APPROACHES INCLUDING THE ONE MENTIONED ABOVE. ALSO, VW TECH SUPPORT HAS BEEN CONTATED AND SUGGESTED TO REPLACE THE DOOR STRIKERS. DOOR STRIKERS (ALL 4) HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND NO IMPROVEMENT. DEALERSHIP IS WAITING FOR "VW ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT TO GET BACK FROM THE HOLIDAYS" TO SEE WHAT STEPS TO BE TAKEN. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE DOOR ARE NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT WILL THE DOOR HOLD IN PLACE? WHAT HAPPENS IF I INSTALL A ROOF RACK AND PLACE A LOAD IN THE ROOF? IS THE ROOF GOING TO GIVE IN SINCE IT IS MISSING THE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM THE DOORS? MY MAIN CONCERN IS IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT ARE THE DOOR GOING TO HOLD IN PLACE OR ARE THEY GOING TO FLY OF SINCE THE VIBRATION "OPENING AND CLOSING" THE DOORS? TS
Dec 27, 2002
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta have?
The 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta currently has 462 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Jetta comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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