1999 Volkswagen Jetta

Above average

Owners filed 349 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 7 times.

Not among the Volkswagen Jetta years to avoid. Which Volkswagen Jetta years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
72,000 milesMedian miles at failure

87 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1999 Volkswagen Jetta problems

67 of the 349 complaints (19%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls51
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission18
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine18
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine16
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags16
12011
Electrical System11
100
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration10
201
Structure › Body › Bumpers · body and frame10
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes10
407
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control · engine9
000

1999 Volkswagen Jetta engine problems

19% of all complaints

67 of the 349 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • stalls12% · 8
  • turns on the check engine light12% · 8
  • sets off warning lights on the dash12% · 8
  • burns oil or loses oil pressure12% · 8
  • leaks oil or fluid9% · 6
  • loses power7% · 5

Share of the 67 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
87,000 mi
median of 12 reports
Peak year of filing
2001
18 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 0 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
“Leak in cooling system causing migration to water pump, heater core, and engine wiring harness. Having to replace all 3. Car stalls at random times in busy traffic, posing potential accident problem. Caused toxic fumes to come through heat vents in car. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 8, 2008 at 111,000 miles
“Both the mass air flow sensor and the oxygen sensor have failed in my car after the initial warantee expired. Symptoms of each failure was a hesitation when accelerating similiar to stalling the engine, being possibly hazardous when turning into traffic.talking to the dealership, they stated that it was a "common problem" for both items.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 22, 2001

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1998: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'981999: 28 complaints, 5 about the engine2000: 57 complaints, 17 about the engine'002001: 69 complaints, 18 about the engine2002: 52 complaints, 4 about the engine'022003: 42 complaints, 6 about the engine2004: 42 complaints, 6 about the engine'042005: 17 complaints, 1 about the engine2006: 9 complaints, 2 about the engine'062007: 13 complaints, 4 about the engine2008: 3 complaints, 1 about the engine'082009: 6 complaints, 1 about the engine2010: 4 complaints, 0 about the engine'102011: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine2012: 3 complaints, 1 about the engine'122013: 2 complaints, 1 about the engineRecall 99V022000 (body and frame)Recall 99V251000 (body and frame)Recall 02V026000 (fuel system)Recall 03V156000 (equipment)Recall 04V096000 (headlights)Recall 06V183000 (headlights)Recall 14E007000 (engine)NHTSA investigation RQ06004NHTSA investigation RQ03010NHTSA investigation EA00028NHTSA investigation PE00033
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1999 Jetta peaked in 2001, with 69 filed that year. Owners had filed 67 complaints about the engine before the first recall that covers it, 14E007000 in March 2014; 0 more have come in since. In 2013 owners filed 2 so far.

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine14E007000
Filed Mar 7, 201450 vehiclesThe Gates Corporation

Defect. The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

Risk. A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch06V183000
Filed May 24, 2006646,246 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.

Risk. THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch04V096000
Filed Feb 20, 2004377,130 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.

Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.

Remedy. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Equipment › Other › Labels03V156000
Filed Apr 23, 20039,811 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.8L VR6 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE PUBLISHED ON THE LABEL FOR TIRES OF THE SIZE 205/50 R15 86H IS 0.1 BAR (1.45 PSI) TOO LOW. IT SHOULD BE 2.5 BAR (36.3 PSI). THE LABEL RECOMMENDS 2.4 BAR (34.8 PSI = 35 PSI).

Risk. UNDER INFLATED TIRES CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING, AND DRIVING WITH SUBSTANTIALY UNDER INFLATED TIRES PUTS THE CONSUMER AT A RISK FOR A CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS, OR A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL IF THE OWNER WISHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-893-5298.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap02V026000
Filed Jan 25, 2002487,284 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Structure › Frame and Members99V251000
Filed Sep 17, 199967,076 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE HEAD INJURY CRITERION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE UPPER RETAINER CLIP NEAR THE BP1 IMPACT LOCATION IS DESIGNED TO BREAK WHEN IMPACTED BY THE HEAD FORM. IN SOME CASES, THE MATERIAL OF THE TRIM PART MAY BE MORE IMPACT RESISTANT AS A RESULT OF VARIATIONS IN THE MOLDING PROCESS.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD PREVENT THE CLIP FROM BREAKING ON IMPACT AND RESULT IN LESS DEFORMATION IN THE IMPACTED AREA AND A HIGHER DECLERATION OF THE HEAD FORM, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRIM COVER FROM EACH OF THE B PILLARS AND INSTALL A NEW COVER.

Structure › Frame and Members99V022000
Filed Feb 5, 199936,258 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SOUND ABSORBING MAT ATTACHED TO THE INSIDE OF THE B-PILLAR SIDE TRIM PANEL COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. SURFACE AND EDGES OF THE MAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS. IT COULD IGNITE WHEN EXPOSED TO THE EXHAUST GAS OF THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER IGNITER IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE FRONT OR SIDE COLLISION.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MATTING MATERIALS FROM INSIDE THE B-PILLAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 1999 Jetta.

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURERecall query RQ06004Closed
Opened Feb 28, 2006Closed Aug 7, 2006Led to recall 06V183000headlights

By letters dated may 24, 2006 and august 4, 2006, volkswagen (vw) notified the agency that it is conducting a safety recall (NHTSA recall no 06v-183) involving model year (my) 1998-2002 volkswagen new beetle and 1999-2002 volkswagen jetta vehicles equipped with cruise control.volkswagen?s recall covers 646,246 vehicles.previously, vw recalled these vehicles to replace a defective brake light switch (recalls 03v-265 and 04v-096) that was unique to vehicles with cruise control.volkswagen reports that the brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly during recalls 03v-265 …

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHRecall query RQ03010Closed
Opened Dec 17, 2003Closed Mar 1, 2004Led to recall 04V096000headlights

The number of duplicates between odi and manufacturer failure reports cannot be determined due to missing and or inaccurate information.the injury noted above was minor.on february 26, 2004, volkswagen of america, inc. (vw) submitted a defect notification (per 49cfr573) to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) advising that certain model year (my) 1999 - 2002 volkswagen jetta vehicles manufacutured with the same brake light switch as recalled under 03v-265 (my 1998-2002 new beetle) are affected by a safety defect.specifically, if the brake light switch malfunctions, the …

FUEL TANK PUNCTUREEngineering analysis EA00028Closed
Opened Dec 28, 2000Closed Jan 29, 2002Led to recall 02V026000throttle and acceleration
FUEL TANK PUNCTUREPreliminary evaluation PE00033Closed
Opened Aug 10, 2000Closed Dec 28, 2000throttle and acceleration

The office of defects investigation opened this investigation on august 10, 2000 based on 9 reports regarding punctured fuel tanks involving the jetta, passat, and cabrio models.the reports indicate additional reports in its response to the preliminary evaluation.this investigation has been upgraded for further study.

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FIREPreliminary evaluation PE99007Closed
Opened Jan 29, 1999Closed Feb 8, 1999Led to recall 99V022000unknown or other

In its letter dated february 4, 1999, volkswagen stated that it will recall approximately 23,600 redesigned 1999 jetta and golf 4-door vehicles, of which approximately 11,000 have been sold to customers, to correct a defect thatmay cause a fire in the passengeer compartment after a vehicle collision.a sound insulation material attached to the inside of the b-pillar trim panel could have been improperly installed.in the event of a collision severe enough to activate the seat belt pretensioner, the hot exhaust gas from the pretensioner could ignite the insulation material if it is too close to …

Technical service bulletins

159 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 Jetta. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 48engine 29electrical system 27visibility 17headlights 8body and frame 7wheels 6fuel system 3
V171901201285565Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 21, 2023engine

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

V171901201285562Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 30, 2023engine

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V171901201285560Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 24, 2023engine

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

V171901-2012855Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 12, 2019engine

Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards

TT 10 12 01Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 28, 2018engine

Engine replacement tip

V171701 2012855Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 5, 2017engine

17 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards

Showing the newest 6 of 29 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed May 18, 2013TX

WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY RECALLS ON MY JETTA. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I TOOK IT TO 4 REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE COULD FIND WHATS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE PAID OVER 1200 ON OTHER REPAIRS. WHAT CAN I DO . *TR THANKS CHRISTINA

Air BagsFire
Filed Apr 2, 2013115,144 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT SMOKE WAS BELLOWING FROM BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SMOKE DISAPPEARED AFTER SOME TIME. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING THE RESULTS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,144.

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 201287,000 milesPA

THE VW VEHICLE IS PROGRAMMED TO CRIPPLE THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IN CASE OF AN EPC FAULT. ANY FAULT CAUSING A RICH OR LEAN CONDITION WILL CAUSE THIS "LIMP MODE". THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY PEOPLE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65-75MPH AND A 80,000 POUND TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND THEM AS ONE PERSON EXPERIENCED. THERE ARE TOO MANY NON-VITAL COMPONENT FAILURES TO LIST THAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT. I REFER TO NON-VITAL MEANING THE COMPONENT FAILURE WILL NOT HARM THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. THE FAULT LIGHT INDICATION ISN'T ENOUGH? NOW THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO FORCE YOU INTO A REPAIR SHOP AND BUY MORE VW PARTS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MONEY MAKING SCAM ENDANGERING OUR LIVES. WE DO NOT PUT A HALT ON THIS NOW- SOON ANY FAULT WILL CRIPPLE OUR CARS. IT'S NOT JUST VW (HYUNDAI DID A SIMILAR "LIMP MODE"). *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 19, 2012101,000 milesNH

THE MIDDLE REAR SEATBELT LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT RELEASE. THE SEATBELT LOCKING MECHANISM IS LOCATED IN THE SEAT IN AN INACCESSIBLE LOCATION AND IS ALSO NOT AVAILABLE TO RELEASE THE SEATBELT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 20, 2012160,000 milesPA

1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLS VR6, ALWAYS GETTING DTC CODES OF P1117, P0140, P1198, P1472, P1435, P0102, P0343, P1421.. THAT ALWAYS SAYS ABOUT OPEN OR SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITIONS AND POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, AND SHORT TO GROUNDS FOR ELECTRICAL, WHICH IS ALL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, IF YOU SEARCH ONLINE THEM CODES YOU WILL SEE NUMEROUS PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, AND AS WELL AS ALOT OF US HAVE TO BUY THE PARTS THAT IS LISTED AND PROBLEMS STILL AREN'T FIXED, WHICH TELLS US ITS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, NOT ISSUES WITH THE PARTS, WHICH CAUSES OUR #43 FUSE BLOW ALOT, AND ALOT OF HESITATION AND STALLING, I CANT EVEN TURN AROUND A CORNER OR TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT STALLING, PLEASE FIX THESE PROBLEMS, ITS HAPPENING TO WAY TO MANY OF US AND IT IS ALSO AN SAFETY ISSUE. *TT

Power Train
Filed Nov 30, 2011151,000 milesUT

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY JETTA TAKES LONG TO SHIFT ## VIN PASSED ## VOLKSWAGEN,JETTA,1999 ## *KB

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 4, 201088,100 milesCA

1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, REAR MIDDLE PASSENGER SEAT BELT HAS BECOME TIGHTENED TO THE POINT THAT IT WON'T RELEASE. IT SEEMS THAT EACH TIME THE SEAT BACK WAS LOWERED TO INCREASE THE CARGO AREA OF THE TRUNK, THE BELT TIGHTENS MORE. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 18, 201095,000 milesMD

IN MY 99.5 VW JETTA GLS THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT HAS TIGHTENED AND WILL NOT RELEASE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAVE HAD THEM WORK ON IT AND NORMALLY THEY CAN GET IT TO RELEASE. HOWEVER ONCE IT IS RELEASED, IT CAN'T BE USED B/C THE NEXT TIME I GO TO USE THE SEAT BELT AND PULL IT OUT IT LOCKS AGAIN. THE SEAT CAN'T BE USED. IT HAS ALSO MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO LAY DOWN THE BACK SEATS, OR ONCE I LAY IT FLAT THE SEAT CAN'T BE RETURNED TO THE UP RIGHT POSITION. *TR

Structure
Filed May 26, 2010113,000 milesKY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER IT RAINED, EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SPECIFY WHERE THE LEAK WAS LOCATED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT DISCUSS THE FAILURE WITH HIM DUE TO A PENDING LAWSUIT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 17, 201096,650 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING ON RT. 495 NEAR EXIT 19, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND I FELT MY SPEED CONTINUE TO INCREASE. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND MY SPEED CONTINUED TO INCREASE. I DOWNSHIFTED AND WHEN I LET THE CLUTCH OUT WE REALLY TOOK OFF. DEPRESSING THE BRAKE HAD NO EFFECT. WITH THE CLUTCH DEPRESSED, MANAGED TO PULL ON TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. AS I REACHED FOR THE KEY, THE ENGINE SHUDDERED AND DIED. I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT WAS THAT THE ENGINE SELF-DESTRUCTED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO TROUBLE CODES IN THE ECM AND THE TPS SHOWED NO DEFECTS WHEN TESTED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 24, 2009126,425 milesID

BRAKE LAMPS WERE OPERATING CORRECTLY ON 11/22/2009 AND ON 11/23/2009 THEY CEASED WORKING. CHECKED WITH NHTSA TO SEE IF OPEN RECALL WAS OPEN NONE BUT WANTED TO MAKE KNOWN THE ISSUE SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN TWO RECALLS IN THE PASS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Visibility
Filed Jul 20, 2009136,000 milesCO

VW WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK IN TO BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. *TR

SeatsFire
Filed Feb 27, 2009108,000 milesMA

RECENTLY MY 1999 VW JETTA PASSENGER'S SEAT BACK CAUGHT FIRE, BURNING FROM INSIDER THE SEAT BACK, THE SEAT AND MY HUSBAND'S WINTER COAT (I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND) WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IN A SNOW STORM DOWN I-93. THE VW DEALERS I WENT TO SEE, LET ALONE MY CALL TO VW NORTH AMERICA, WERE ASKED TO PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT SEAT, TO CHECK THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, ETC. THE RESPONSE WAS ALMOST UNIFORM AS TO NOTHING THEY COULD DO, NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, NOT WITHIN WARRANTY, ETC. NOW MY INSURANCE COMPANY IS ASKING FOR $500 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ME TO PAY FOR THIS REPLACEMENT! MY INSURANCE GUY AND THE HEAD OF SERVICE AT WELLESLEY VW BOTH SAID IN ALL THEIR YEARS, THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING THIS BAD. BUT WHAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT IS THAT THE FIRE WAS A SERIOUS, LIFE-THREATENING HAZARD; THERE ARE MANY CASES THE INTERNET OF JETTAS' SEATS CATCHING FIRE ' BUT NOT ONE RECALL LIKE THEY DID WITH THE PASSAT A FEW YEARS BACK. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1987 WHEN I GOT MY LICENSE; MY PARENTS SINCE 1953. I CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT AM NOW BAFFLED AS TO THEIR UNIFORM, UNHELPFUL RESPONSES. I NEED SOME GUIDANCE, LET ALONE HELP TO HAVE THEM FIX THIS PROBLEM. SOMEONE MIGHT HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD THE SEAT FULLY CAUGHT FIRE OR MY HUSBAND WAS WEARING SOMETHING OTHER THAN LEATHER THAT TAKES LONGER TO SMOLDER THAN, LET'S SAY, FLEECE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS THEIR "LIABILITY", AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON CORRECTING THE SITUATION. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Feb 23, 2009147,787 milesCA

COOLANT SYSTEM EXTERNAL LEAK WAS FIXED, HOSES REPLACED AND CONNECTOR THAT ATTACHES TO ENGINE WAS REPLACED ALSO. LEAK COMES BACK , REPLACED ANOTHER HOSE., THEN THE WORSE STARTS, THE HEATER CORE STARTED LEAKING AND THE CAR STARTED TO SMELL LIKE ANTIFREEZE. GOT HEATER CORE REPLACED, BUT THE INSIDE OF THE CAR SMELLS HORRIBLE,.EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 1999 JETTA, I GET THIS METALLIC TASTE IN MY MOUTH AND THROAT. THE STUFF IS DEFINITELY TOXIC, AND THE AF CONTAINER READS POISONOUS. BECOMES A TORTURE TO DRIVE MY JETTA I HATE THE METALLIC TASTE IN MY MOUTH. THE DESIGN OFF SOME OF THE HEATING SYSTEM INCLUDES PLASTIC COMPONENTS THAT MAY NOT TAKE THE HEAT WELL SPECIALLY AT THE POINT OF CONTACT WITH THE ENGINE. DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND SIMILAR CASES WITH INTERNAL ANTIFREEZE LEAKS ON VW JETTAS. THIS FUMES CAN REALLY RUIN YOUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE NOT TO MENTION THE POSSIBLE DETRIMENT ON YOUR HEALTH DUE TO BREATHING IN A CONTAMINATED ATMOSPHERE THANKS FOR LOOKING INTO THIS COMPLAINT. *TR

SeatsFire
Filed Feb 4, 2009140,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT HAS HEATED SEATS IN HIS VEHICLE. THE HEATING ELEMENTS IN THE SEATS BECAME SO HOT THAT THEY BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT TO HIS JACKET. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT FOR THEM TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

SeatsFire1 injured
Filed Jan 26, 2009106,000 milesMA

IN OUR 1999 JETTA, OUR PASSENGER SEAT WARMER CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND BURNED THROUGH MY HUSBAND'S JACKET. I REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND THEY SAID AS IT WAS AN OLD CAR AND THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL, THEY CAN'T HELP ME. I READ ON MANY INTERNET SITES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED VWS SINCE 1986, CONSIDER MYSELF BRAND-LOYAL BUT NOW VERY UPSET. WE COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR FIRE AND NO ONE IS CARING ABOUT THIS AS THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD. *TR

Visibility
Filed Oct 16, 2008109,000 milesFM

WINDOW REGULATOR GOING BAD. RESEARCHED YOUR SITE AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. JUST PURCHASED CAR USED AND WAS UNAWARE OF PROBLEM AND OF COURSE IT IS TOO LATE FOR ANY EXTENDED WARRANTIES. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE RECONCILED REGARDLESS OF TIMEFRAME. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 2008IN

TOOK MY CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY AIRBAG LIGHT CHECKED, THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD CLEAR IT. IT WAS CLEARED, THEN POPPED UP AGAIN AND HAS SINCE THEN STAYED ON. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Mar 8, 2008111,000 milesCO

LEAK IN COOLING SYSTEM CAUSING MIGRATION TO WATER PUMP, HEATER CORE, AND ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. HAVING TO REPLACE ALL 3. CAR STALLS AT RANDOM TIMES IN BUSY TRAFFIC, POSING POTENTIAL ACCIDENT PROBLEM. CAUSED TOXIC FUMES TO COME THROUGH HEAT VENTS IN CAR. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch
Filed Dec 3, 2007202,000 milesOR

THE BLINKER ON MY CAR IS FAILING. IT IS IN THE UNIT ON THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER TURNING A CORNER IT WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. WHEN DRIVING IT WILL DROP DOWN AND COME ON SOMETIMES. IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT WANT TO COME ON AND I HAVE TO PUSH IT HARD. THE VEHICLE IS A 1999.5 VW JETTA. I HAVE READ ON THE FORUMS ALSO THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. *TR

Structure › Body › Bumpers
Filed Oct 17, 2007CA

FRONT BUMPER TOO LOW, GETS CAUGHT AND DETACHES FROM BODY OF CAR. *TR

Structure › Body › Bumpers
Filed Sep 18, 2007AZ

FRONT BUMPER IS WAY TOO LOW AND SCRAPS AND GETS CAUGHT ON CURBS. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE WHOLE FRONT BUMPER COMING OFF. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT FOR FREE. NOW THEY JUST SAY WATCH HOW YOU PARK. THE TROUBLE IS, YOU CANT'S TELL WHEN YOU DRIVE OVER A CURB, ONLY WHEN BACKING OUT, DOES THE BUMPER CATCH AND PULL OFF. THIS IS A DEFECT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD FIX, ESPECIALLY SINCE I KNOW MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO. *TR

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Aug 7, 200760,000 milesCA

THE REAR MIDDLE SHOULDER BELT OF MY 1999 JETTA IS CONSTANTLY BROKEN. EVERY TIME I FOLD THE MIDDLE SEAT DOWN IN THE BACK THE SEATBELT GETS TIGHTER AND TIGHTER AND TIGHTER. THIS HAPPENS UNTIL EVENTUALLY THE BELT IS TOO TIGHT FOR ME TO EVEN FOLD THE SEAT DOWN ANY LONGER AND I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO BE WORKED ON. APPARENTLY IT IS SOME "BUTTON" THAT IS BREAKING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I TRY TO FOLD THE SEAT DOWN AND AS A RESULT I AM NOT ABLE TO SAFELY SECURE PASSENGERS IN MY MIDDLE SEAT. SO FAR I HAVE HAD THIS BUTTON REPLACED 3 TIMES. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Jul 23, 2007123,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS SET OVERHEATED, MELTED 10-15 WIRES TOGETHER, AND SHORTED OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HE PAID OVER $3,000 TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS SET. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 123,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 30, 200785,000 milesCA

ABOUT EVERY 2,000 MILES, THE ENGINE IN MY 1999 MK IV VOLKSWAGEN JETTA STARTS TICKING, AND I CHECK MY OIL, AND IM A QUART LOW. EVERYTIME. THE ENGINE QUALITY IS STEADILY DECLINING. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO REPAIR THIS BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY, NOR DO I TRUST MECHANICS WITH THE CAR. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 15, 2007PA

BEGAN OIL CONSUMPTION STUDY MAY 2006 BUT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE PRIOR AND PRESENT. THIS IS A COPY OF SOME INFORMATION I SENT TO VWOA A. I WENT THROUGH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TOO. VWA CONTINUES TO DENY THIS IS A PROBLEM, IT IS IN SPECIFICATIONS BUT DO NOT TELL ME WHAT IS ABNORMAL OIL USAGE. I HAD A RECALL SO WENT TO THE DEALER FOR THE SERVICE WITH MY EDITORIAL SIGN ON THE JETTA, THAT I HAD SENT TO MR. WITTER - VWA- THE DEALER HAS NOW REFUSED ANY FURTHER SERVICE OF MY VEHICLE THERE. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES, AND THEY HAVE SHUT THE DOOR WITH THE VAGUE "WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS" RHETORIC. I AM TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE TO BURN A QUART OF OIL IN 1000-3000 MILES NOT EVEN REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK, IS WITH IN THE MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. IT HAS 85,000 MILES AND HAS THE EXTENDED 120,000 MILE / 10 YEAR WARRANTY. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. CONTINUED ON NEW COMPLAINT *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 15, 2007PA

THIS IS MY SCENARIO: EACH 3,000-4,000 MILE OIL CHANGE, OFTEN THERE WAS NO REGISTER ON THE DIP STICK OF MY JETTA. JETTA MANUAL STATES OIL CHANGE RECOMMENDED EVERY 10,000 MILES ITEM 2 THERE ARE NO DRIPS UNDER THE VEHICLE OR SMOKING EVER. THERE IS NO OIL SPLASHED UPON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HOOD TO INDICATE GASKET PROBLEMMY SISTER WHO OWNS THE SAME CAR IN CALIFORNIA HAD MADE ME AWARE OF THE SAME SITUATION WITH HER JETTA AND TOLD ME HER DEALER APPROACHED HER AND SHE CONFIRMED THEIR QUESTIONS OF LOOSING OIL. THEY INITIATED AND COMPLETED SATISFYING HER AS A CUSTOMER BY RESOLVING THE SITUATION. I HAVE INCLUDED THE INVOICE OF HER REPAIR TO HER JETTA. ITEM 3REALIZING MY VEHICLE WAS IN THE SAME MILEAGE RANGE, AND CONCERNED THAT FURTHER AND WORSE DAMAGE COULD BE DONE, I PERUSED THE ISSUE WITH MY LOCAL DEALER "DAY APOLLO" IN MOON TOWNSHIP, PA. RELEVANT CONTACT INFORMATION IS ON INVOICES FROM THEM. APOLLO DID AN OIL CHANGE AND FOLLOWED UP WITH "OIL CONSUMPTION WATCH" FOR THE NEXT 3000 MILES THAT TOOK FROM MAY 12, 2006- AUGUST 28, 2006 TO COMPLETE THOUGH IRREGULAR INTERVALS FROM 82,856 MILES TO 84,920 MILES = 2,064 MILES IT WAS DOWN QUART OF OIL. AT 85,860 MILES- 3002 MILES FROM THE START, AND ONLY ANOTHER 904 MILES FROM THE PREVIOUS CHECK, THE OIL WAS LOW A FULL QUART OF OIL.= 1 QT IN 1610 MI. OITEM SET 4 - ARE COPIES OF THE STUDY. OITEM 5 LETTER FROM VW CUSTOMER SERVICE INDICATES .85 QT. OIL LOSS IN 1000 MILES = 2.55 QT. OIL LOSS IN 3000 MILES. ??CONSULTING SEVERAL PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS I

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 15, 2007PA

THIS ENTIRE SCENARIO IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A CAR, I HAD HOPED TO KEEP, AS I AM TOLD THAT VW'S CAN WELL NEAR TO THE 200,000 MILES PLUS. I AM TOLD THEY ARE RELIABLE AND BEING ON THE ROAD MYSELF, THAT HAD BEEN A POINT OF COMFORT WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. BEING OF LIMITED INCOME CAPACITY, I THOUGHT I MADE A WISE INVESTMENT TO CARRY ME FOR MANY YEARS WITHOUT A CAR PAYMENT. I AM SCARED TO DEATH NOW THAT SOMETHING DRASTIC COULD HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THIS SITUATION, BE IT A BREAK DOWN ON A LATE EVENING, DARK STRETCH OF ROAD OR GREATER FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS ME PERSONALLY. MR. WITTER, THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM I WANT TO BELIEVE YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF, BECAUSE A CEO OF A COMPANY WHO PURPORTS SERVICE AND A QUALITY PRODUCT WOULD INVESTIGATE AND RESOLVE SUCH A LARGE ISSUE, IN ALL CASES, BUT MOST ESPECIALLY IN WARRANTY CASES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A MAJOR RECALL OR SOMEONE WILL BE INJURED OR KILLED IN AN ENGINE FAILURE INCIDENT. YOU MAY END UP FINDING YOURSELVES IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT. I BELIEVE PROACTIVE IS MORE POSITIVE THAN REACTIVE COURSE OF ACTION. I LOOK FORWARD TO A POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM YOU INDICATING THAT YOU WILL HAVE DAY APOLLO VW REMEDY MY ISSUE IN THE SAME MANNER THE CALIFORNIA DEALER SATISFIED MY SISTER'S SAME DEFECT. TO DATE 3/2007 THEY CONTINUE THE STANCE THIS IS NORMAL AND REFUSE TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE FOR ANY FUTURE ISSUE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 15, 2007PA

''PART 3 OF ORIGINAL COMPLAINT--I PHONED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION IN MICHIGAN, MARGARET THERE TOLD ME THAT THEIR POSITION IS TO SUPPORT THE DEALER. THEY WOULD RECORD MY COMPLAINT. I ASKED FOR A DOCUMENT IN PRINT- A MANUAL- THAT GIVES ME THIS PARTICULAR "SPECIFICATION". SHE HAD ME ON HOLD FOR 15 MINUTES AND COULD NOT FIND SUCH DOCUMENTATION, I ASKED HER TO LOCATE IT AND INCLUDE IT IN MY LETTER OF RECORD THEY ARE SENDING ME. ''I SPOKE TO A DIFFERENT VW DEALER, HE SAID TO SPEAK TO THE "FACTORY FIELD REPRESENTATIVE" THE APOLLO DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT GIVE ME HIS NAME OR PHONE NUMBER AND TOLD ME TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE,-- THEY SAID THE FACTORY FIELD REP WOULD SUPPORT THE DEALER AND HAD NO CONTACT NUMBER FOR HIM EITHER. THEY ARE ALL IN BED TOGETHER. ''WHY THEN IS IT NOT WITHIN THE "SPECIFICATIONS" OF THE SAME MANUFACTURER BUT A DIFFERENT DEALER IN CALIFORNIA THAT ASSISTED MY SISTER? ''GROUP OF DOCUMENTATION (ITEM SET 6) ENCLOSED IS MY BRIEF INTERNET RESEARCH OF 4 SITES THAT INCLUDE 39 ENTRIES ON MESSAGE BOARD, LETTERS, COMPLAINTS TO THE SAME AS MINE WITH VERY POIGNANT AND DISTURBING RESPONSES FROM THE EXPERIENCED MECHANICS THAT MONITORED THE WEB SITE. "CONSIDER CLASS ACTION SUIT" AMONG OTHERS I HAVE HIGHLIGHTED FOR YOUR EASE OF RECOGNITION. MY CARSTATS2, AUTOREPAIR, AUTO TECH REPAIR 2 GOOGLE GROUPS VW DRINKS OIL 6 PAGES- 13 CASES VW BURNS OIL 8 PAGES, 21 MESSAGES 2+1+2+13+21= 39 INCIDENTS IN 4 WEB SITES ''PLUS EDMUNDS.COM 1 CONSUMER FULL DOCUMENTATION OF ISSUE, REFERENCE TO SUGG

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Mar 6, 200791,650 milesVA

I OWN A 1999.5 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA IV GLS. THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW REGULATORS AND VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO RECALL THEM. THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE ISSUED A 7-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE PART. I HAVE HAD TO GET THE REGULATOR REPLACED ON MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW TWICE, DUE TO WINDOW FALLING INTO DOOR. THIS WAS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW (WHICH I HARDLY EVER USE) HAS FALLEN INTO THE DOOR. I AM NOW OUTSIDE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD AND THE DEALERSHIP IS TRYING TO CHARGE ME $500 TO REPLACE THE REGULATOR. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO SPEND $500 I DO NOT HAVE ON A PART THAT IS KNOWN AND WELL DOCUMENTED TO BE FAULTY. THIS DEFECTIVE PART POSES SEVERAL DANGEROUS POSSIBILITIES. FOR EXAMPLE I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING WITH PLASTIC WHERE THE WINDOW SHOULD BE TO SECURE THE CAR FROM WEATHER AND INTRUDERS. I CAN HARDLY SEE THROUGH IT; THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, IT IS A HUGE BLIND SPOT. IF THERE IS AN ATTACKER I CAN NOT SHUT THE WINDOW. I CAN NOT SECURE THE CAR. IF THE WEATHER WAS BAD DRIVING WOULD BE DIFFICULT. SOMETIMES THE FAULTY REGULATORS MAKE THE WINDOWS STUCK CLOSED. IF THERE WAS A WRECK SOMEONE COULD GET TRAPPED INSIDE. PLEASE PUT PRESSURE ON VOLKSWAGEN TO DO A FULL RECALL ON THIS PART. EVERYONE WHO HAS A RECENT VOLKSWAGEN HAS EXPERIENCED THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND NEGLIGENT FOR VOLKSWAGEN NOT TO RECALL THIS. *JB

Structure › Body › Roof and PillarsCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 5, 2007117,392 milesPA

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE TWO SAFETY RECALLS 06V183000 AND 99V251000. , ONE RECALL WAS FOR THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLE AND THE OTHER WAS FOR THE B PILLAR MOUNTING CLIPS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A CRASH WHILE GOING 40 MPH THE PERSON THAT HIT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SAID THAT HE HIT HIM BECAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT TURN ON, AND THEN HE FLED THE SEEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, AND A COMPLAINT MADE TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SURE IF HE GOT A TICKET OR NOT FOR NOT HAVING BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS COMING OFF OF THE EXPRESSWAY AT 40 MPH, THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR, AND THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN DAYLIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE BEFORE BECAUSE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SWITCHED THE BULBS AND THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. THE CONTACT'S COMPLAINT WAS THAT HE RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL MONTHS LATER ON THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH AFTER HE PAID FOR EVERYTHING. THE CONTACT WILL BE ABLE TO GET THE POLICE REPORT AND AN INSURANCE REPORT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE BOTH 117392.*AK

Structure
Filed Jan 16, 200790,100 milesVA

THIS IS A FOLLOW-ON OF MY NHTSA COMPLAINT #10175337, BECAUSE TODAY, I EXPERIENCED A THIRD WATER INGESTION INTO MY SON'S 1999 VW JETTA, AND VW OF AMERICA SAID, BASICALLY, "SORRY, WE CANNOT COVER THIS WATER DAMAGE ANY MORE THAN WE COULD COVER THE SECOND WATER DAMAGE YOU HAD ON 27 NOV 06 -- UNLIKE THE WATER DAMAGE WE COVERED FOR YOU ON THE 13 OCT 05 DAMAGE!" WITH HUNDREDS OF BLOGS COMPLAINING OF WATER LEAKAGE INTO THE JETTA'S -- INCLUDING THRU 2006 MODELS AND ACKOWLEDGEMENT BY THE DEALER THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE! -- NOBODY WITH ANY SMARTS SHOULD CONSIDER BUYING ONE OF THESE CARS THAT THE MANUFACTURER DECLINES TO ADMIT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW OR FROM A DEALER WHO REFUSES TO SIGN A PLEDGE THAT IF ANY FUTURE LEAK OCCURS IT WILL BE COVERED AT THEIR EXPENSE! AS AN ASIDE, NOT A SINGLE HOMEOWNER IN MY 80-HOME SUBDIVISION HAD 1-DROP OF WATER ENTRY DURING RAINS THAT ENTERED MY SON'S CAR! I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY BECAUSE OF WATER INGESTION FOR A THIRD TIME AT THE SAME POINT OF ENTRY IT DID ON THE SECOND TIME FOR AN OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSE OF OVER $1000.00! I'M A DIE-HARD VW OWNER, HAVING OWNED ONE SINCE HIGH SCHOOL IN 1961, BUT MY WIFE HAS JUST DECRIED I OR OUR SON WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER! A RECALL MUST BE ISSUED BY VW AT THE BEHEST OF NHTSA, PERIOD! *NM

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Dec 11, 200690,000 milesCA

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER WILL NOT TURN OFF. WHILE THE KNOB THAT CONTROLS THE SEAT HEATER IS SET AT 0 (OFF), THE SEAT HEATER REMAINS ON. THE PROBLEM BEGAN OVER A YEAR AGO WITH IT JUST BEING WARM, BUT IT IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY HOTTER. IT IS GETTING SO HOT THAT THE LEATHER SEAT IS BURNING AND TURNING BLACK AND BROWN. VW HAS HAD RECALLS ON SIMILAR MODELS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT FIX MY CAR UNDER SIMILAR RECALLS. *NM

Structure
Filed Dec 6, 200690,036 milesVA

MY SON'S 1999 VW JETTA GLS VR6 -- AND APPARENTLY HUNDREDS OF OTHER JETTAS THROUGH MODEL YEAR 2006 IDENTIFIED ON WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG-- HAVE BEEN SEVERELY WATER DAMAGED AFTER RAIN STORMS. IN MY CASE, IT FIRST HAPPENED ON 13 OCTOBER 2005, BECAUSE OF A DESIGN FLAW IN THE COWL-VENT/FRESH-AIR INLET SETUP THAT ALLOWED WATER IN, FLOODING THE CAR FROM UNDER THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE; ALL CARPETING AND PADDING WERE COVERED IN RED AND BLACK MOLD REQUIRING TOTAL REMOVAL, CLEANSING, AND REPLACEMENT (NOTE: NOT ANY OTHER VEHICLE IN MY CUL DE SAC, INCLUDING MY 1998 VW PASSAT, ABSORBED 1-DROP). VW OF AMERICA PAID FOR THE RESTORATION, WHICH I GRACIOUSLY THANKED THEM FOR DOING. ONE YEAR LATER, AGAIN AFTER A HEAVY RAINSTORM, WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE THE CAR ON 27 NOV 06, THIS TIME THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND LEFT REAR PASSENGER SIDE CARPETING WERE FILLED WITH WATER (NOTE: AGAIN, NOT A SINGLE CAR IN MY 80-HOME SUBDIVISION LET 1-DROP OF WATER INSIDE, INCLUDING MY NEW 2006 PASSAT, MERCEDES, FORDS, HONDAS, TOYOTAS, BUICKS, MIATAS, CHRYSLERS, BRONCOS, HIGHLANDERS, VOLVOS, AND 2-CADILLACS). I TOOK THE CAR IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, JUST AS A NUMBER OF OTHER VW OWNERS HAD ALSO DONE, AND NOTIFIED CORPORATE VW OF AMERICA THAT I WAS AGAIN ASKING FOR RELIEF FROM THE $800 CARPET REPLACEMENT. THIS TIME, SO FAR, THEY HAVE REFUSED ANY REIMBURSEMENT -- IN SPITE OF SOME 178 IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME DESIGN FLAW BEING POSTED IN EVER INCREASING NUMBERS ON, FOR EXAMPLE, THE CARSURVEY.ORG WEBSITE. I, MY

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 25, 2006CA

1999 JETTA'S OIL PAN THREADS WERE STRIPPED AND DRAIN PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TS *NM

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Jul 12, 2006OH

MY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAS MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 99 JETTA PASSENGER VEHICLE. THIS MALFUNCTION HAS BEEN RECALLED BY THE NHTSA ON MANY OTHER 99 VW JETTAS, HOWEVER MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE DID NOT FIT IN THE VIN NUMBER RANGE OF THE SAFETY RECALL. I SUGGEST THIS SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE OTHER MODELS BECAUSE EVIDENTLY IT IS A PROBLEM AND IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Jun 23, 200670,500 milesME

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED. A NHTSA RECALL, #06V183000 WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONCERNING, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HOWEVER, THE RECALL DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT OFFER A SECOND REPAIR WITHOUT CHARGE UNDER THE RECALL.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Jun 21, 2006103,090 milesOH

I DRIVE A 1999 VW JETTA, STANDARD TRANSMISSION. I WAS INFORMED BY A POLICE OFFICER THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT OPERATING. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I LEARNED FROM THE NHTSA WEB SITE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED MAY OF 2006 FOR CERTAIN VW CARS THAT HAD THEIR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED FOR AN EARLIER RECALL. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME MY CAR WAS SERVICED UNDER THE LAST RECALL, BUT IT DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. I HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED. THE OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Jun 17, 2006NY

COOLANT LEAKING FROM COOLANT RESERVOIR BOTTLE WIRING CONNECTOR CONTAMINATES THE WIRING HARNESS. *NM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed May 14, 2006105,146 milesCA

MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 70 MPH. I STARTED TO HEAR A STRANGE NOISE AND BEGAN TO PULL OVER. AS I SWITCHED LANES THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE FRONT RIGHT PORTION OF THE CAR WAS SCRAPING ALONG THE GROUND. I GOT THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN AND PULLED OVER. WHEN WE GOT OUT TO LOOK WHAT WE SAW AMAZED US. THE ENTIRE STEEL BELTED RADIAL HAD BLOWN OUT OF ONE SECTION OF THE TIRE. IT RIPPED THROUGH ALL THE LAYERS OF THE TIRE ALL AT ONCE. I FEEL VERY UNEASY ABOUT THE OTHER 3 THAT REMAIN. *NM

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Mar 1, 200670,000 milesSC

THREE OUT OF FOUR DOOR LOCK ALARM SENSORS WENT BAD WITHIN THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME WHEREAS WHILE THE DOOR WAS OPEN, THE CAR ALARM WOULD SOUND. THE SYSTEM FUNCTIONS SO THAT IF KEYLESS ENTRY IS USED AND COMPUTER DOES NOT SENSE DOORS ARE OPEN, THE VEHICLE WILL RELOCK AFTER AN ALLOTTED TIME. THE VEHICLE SHOULD (AND USED TO) DISABLE THE ALARM AS SOON AS ANY OF THE DOORS OPENED. THE ALARM GOES OFF AFTER THE ALLOTTED TIME TO LOCK THE CAR AGAIN, EVEN WITH DOOR OPEN (EXCEPT FOR DRIVER'S SIDE). THIS PROVES INCREDIBLY INCONVENIENT WHILE PUTTING SLEEPING BABY BACK INTO CAR SEAT. HAVE HAD TWO BACK DOORS REPAIRED AT ABOUT $400 PER DOOR. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR NOT REPAIRED AS VW SERVICE COMPUTER REFUSES TO SEE ISSUE WITH SENSOR. REGARDLESS, ALARM SOUNDS WHILE DOOR IS OPEN. ALSO, LOCK SENSOR IN TRUCK FAILED WITH SIMILAR RESULTS. REPLACED AT $75. WHEN INQUIRED WHETHER ALARM COULD BE DISABLED, WAS TOLD IT IS TIED INTO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND WOULD LOSE FUNCTIONALITY OF HORN AND OTHER SYSTEMS. *JB

Structure
Filed Dec 27, 2005CA

VW JETTA'S (1999 AND LATER): DRAIN SYSTEM ORIGINATING AT SUNROOF HAS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT RESULTS IN WATER BACKING UP INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. IN SEVERE STORMS, THE CAR WILL BECOME INUNDATED WITH WATER. *NM

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Dec 12, 2005OK

IN MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, ALL FOUR POWER WINDOWS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED IN THE LAST 5 YEARS AND NOW ANOTHER HAS BROKEN AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. A VERY SHODDY PRODUCT FROM WHAT USED TO BE A GREAT CAR COMPANY. I'VE BOUGHT THREE VW'S BUT NEVER AGAIN. SHAME ON VOLKSWAGEN! *JB

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch
Filed Dec 12, 200583,000 milesTX

TURN SIGNALS AND FLASHERS NOT BLINKING AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL ID NUMBER: 04V584000 WHICH CALLS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH, HOWEVER THE 1999 NEW JETTAS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. *NM

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 22, 2005WI

CAR ACCIDENT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. *JB

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Sep 23, 2005NJ

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 JETTA OLD BODY STYLE. 4 DOOR SEDAN WITH 2. 0 LITER ENGINE. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 1998. THE CAR HAD THE FOLLOWING PROBLEM; 4 WINDOWS FELL DOWN DUE TO FAULTY WINDOW REGULATORS AND OR HOLDING CLIPS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEALER, WHO OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS OFFERED 4 TIMES .THEY REPAIRED THE WINDOWS 4 TIMES. CUSTOMER STILL HAS PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Sep 7, 200557,859 milesVA

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VW JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. SHE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SWITCH ON 9-2-05. IT CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE OR TO COME ON AND STAY ON EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND THIS PROBLEM WAS IN SOME WAY TIED INTO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE. A NHTSA RECALL 04V096000 WAS ISSUED. THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL WHO RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN 4-04. THE NOTICE DID NOT INDICATE A VIN. *AK *MR

Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Solenoid
Filed Jul 27, 2005WA

1999 VOLKSWAGEN DEVELOPED A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH WIRING AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE STARTED SOLENOID SHORTED OUT AND BURNED THE MAIN POWER WIRES FROM THE STARTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE COMPLETE MAIN WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT AND FUEL INJECTOR HARNESS AND MELTED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE SHOWED SMOKE DAMAGE. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Jul 20, 2005NJ

THE PARKING LIGHT SWITCH IS LOCKING UP. THE CAR IS STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRAFFIC BECAUSE I WAS NOT ABLE TO SHIFT FROM PARKING TO ANY OTHER GEAR. THE PARKING LIGHT LIT AND WILL UNLIT ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER. AS OF NOW, THE LIGHT LIT CONSTANTLY AND I HAVE TO DISASSEMBLE THE BATTERY AND THE LIGHT WOULD STILL RE-APPEAR ONCE I PUT THE BATTERY BACK IN. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVE ABLE.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed May 27, 200500

DT: CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE LOCAL SERVICE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONSUMER STATES THERE IS A RECALL ON 2002 MODEL REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE. *TT

Complaints 1-50 of 349, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20266100Routine
202532200Routine
202446010Routine
202343000Routine
202243100Routine
202171402Fatalities reported
202054600Routine
20195521130Do not drive
201832300Routine
2017160731Fatalities reported
2016162550Routine
2015194810Routine
2014388520Above average
2013518630Above average
2012500860Above average
20116071090Above average
2010852550Above average
2009889780Above average
2008188640Routine
2007201670Above average
2006580660Above average
20052487140Above average
20042315200High concern
20034574701Fatalities reported
200270277110Fatalities reported
20016687121Fatalities reported
20004395142Fatalities reported
1999 — this page349790Above average
1998192380Routine
1997141251Fatalities reported
1996174251Fatalities reported
19952206110Above average
1994117750Routine
199317600Routine
199230430Routine
199131700Routine
199022710Routine

Compare every Jetta year →

1999 Volkswagen Jetta: questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta a good car?

It is not among the Jetta years to avoid. Owners filed 349 complaints, against about 201 for a typical Jetta year. The most common complaint is about the engine (19%).

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta?

The engine: 67 of the 349 complaints (19%) are about it. Owners most often say it stalls (12%), turns on the check engine light (12%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (12%). The typical report comes at 87,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta have?

7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 7, 2014. The largest, 06V183000, covered 646,246 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1999 Volkswagen Jetta problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 72,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 87,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta?

Yes, 5 times. The latest, RQ06004 ("BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE"), was opened Feb 28, 2006 and closed Aug 7, 2006.

Are there service bulletins for the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta?

The manufacturer filed 159 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (29), the electrical system (27) and the visibility (17). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 7, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.