2003 Volkswagen Jetta Complaint Log

Heated seat set on fire! Burned me pretty bad

RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW IS BLOCKED INSIDE DOOR

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.

I CLOSED MY TRUNK ONE DAY AND NOW IT WILL NOT OPEN WITH FOB OR INSIDE DOOR LATCH OR THE KEY.

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.**

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

"TAKATA RECALL" BURNED FUSE BOX CAUSED ALTERNATOR TO GO BAD.

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.

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.

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.

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

ENGINE BATTERY FUSE BOX MELTING. REPLACED TWICE. FOUND OUT IT ALTERNATOR WIRING IS BAD. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD. CAR HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ON SIDE OF ROAD SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO FAULTY ALTERNATOR WIRING.

I'VE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY VW JETTA 2003 AND HAVE PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THE VEHICLE. MY LIMIT WAS THAT ALTERNATOR CABLE MELTING THE FUSE BOX AND THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND POTENTIALLY INJURED INDIVIDUALS OR CAUSED GREAT HARM. THE SAD PART ABLE THE ENTIRE SCENARIO IS THE FACT THAT I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE THAT SPOKE WITH BREA S. WHICH MAY NOT BE AN ACTUAL NAME BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT PROVIDE IT AND SHE SAID THAT SHE HAD SPOKEN TO HER LEADERSHIP ASHLEY AND THAT THEY DID NOT SEE THIS AS A SAFETY CONCERNS AND JUST BECAUSE LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND MENTIONED IT ON A BLOG THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO HELP ME. NOW FOR ME SOMETHING THAT CAN CAUSE A POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL FIRE FOR MOST PEOPLE IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND THE FACT THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA AND BEETLE MODELS, IT AMAZES ME THAT VW CUSTOMER CARE DOES NOT SEE IT AS THERE ISSUE, BREA WAS OUT OF THE AUBURN HILLS LOCATION IN MICHIGAN. THIS REALLY NEEDS FURTHER ATTENTION.

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.

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.

THE FUSE BOX IN THESE OLDER JETTAS MELTS BECAUSE IT IS ON TOP OF THE BATTERY, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. ITS VERY DANGEROUS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS, THE BATTERY FAILED TO MAKE CONNECTION WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000.

DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT BURNED HOLE IN SEAT FABRIC AND BURNED PANTS AND RIGHT LEG. LOCAL DEALERSHIP STATED "NO RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE".

SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM SHORTED SEAT HEATER AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH PASSANGER SEAT COVER.

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

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.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD THAT ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND OPENED THE BATTERY FUSE BOX WHERE HE FOUND THAT THERE WERE OVERHEATED WIRES AND OVERWHELMING SMOKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING AND THE SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE BATTERY FUSE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

SOMEONE LEFT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER ON. I STARTED SMELLING A BURNING PLASTIC ODOR THEN I CAME ACROSS A SMALL BURN MARK. ANOTHER PERSON LEFT IT ON, THE WHOLE BECAME BIGGER BUT NO SCENT.

THE ALTERNATOR CABLE MELTED THE FUSE BLOCK AND THE CAR ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR

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

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.

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

THERE IS A FUSE BOX ON THE TOP OF MY BATTERY AS THERE WAS FOR ALL MK4 JETTAS, GOLF IN ALL MOTOR TRIMS. THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF THE BATTERY MELTED. WHEN OPENED THERE WAS A BLACK WIRE SEVERED FROM THE BOX. WHEN TURNING THE BATTERY OVER THE CABLE WIRE WAS ARCHING. THE WIRE WAS ACTUALLY SPARKING. THERE ARE FUSES IN THE ORIGINAL BOX BUT THEY NEVER BROKE, TRIPPED. *TR

BATTERY FUSE BOX MELTED. ENGINE OVERHEATED AND CUT OFF. *TR

ALTERNATOR HARNESS WIRING AND FUSE BOX ARE UNDER-ENGINEERED FOR ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS AND OUTPUT GIVEN BY ALTERNATOR. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN ONE YEAR I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUSE BOX AND ALTERNATOR HARNESS WIRING DUE TO RISK OF ENGINE BAY FIRE. MANY OTHER VW OWNERS IN THIS GENERATION AND DIFFERENT MODELS ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO GO UNNOTICED.

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

THE DAY BEFORE THE CAR QUIT, IT WOULD NOT START AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE MALL PARKING LOT. A BATTERY PACK GOT IT STARTED, AND IT WAS DRIVEN HOME, WITH THE THOUGHT THAT IT NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. THE FOLLOWING DAY, IT WAS BEING DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL SEARS, FOR A REPLACEMENT BATTERY, WHEN THE ABS AND AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON. 30 SECONDS LATER LOTS OF WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, AND THE CAR SPUTTERED AND STOPPED DEAD IN THE LANE OF TRAVEL. IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER, AND POWER ACCESSORIES WOULD NOT WORK. I WAS STOPPED ON A VERY BUSY 2 LANE BACK ROAD, WITH NO SHOULDERS OR SIDE STREETS, UPHILL, ON A BLIND HILL. AFTER 1 1/2 HOURS OF WHITE-KNUCKLE DIRECTING TRAFFIC, AND CALLS TO: MY AUTO CLUB, AND THE LOCAL POLICE; A LOCAL POLICE OFFICER, AND A LOCAL TOW TRUCK SHOWED UP AND GAVE ME A LIFT TO MY REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC'S DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM WAS A PARTIALLY MELTED FUSE PACK, THAT SITS ON TOP OF THE BATTERY, AND AN OVERLY RESISTIVE CABLE BETWEEN THE FUSE PACK AND THE ALTERNATOR. THE SOLUTION WAS: THE CABLE END LINKED TO THE FUSE PACK WAS RE-TERMINATED, AND THE MELTED FUSE PACK WAS REPLACED. BETWEEN THE TOW AND THE REPAIR, IT SET ME BACK ABOUT $300.00. I ALSO FOUND A BLOG THAT LISTED MANY OTHER VW OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM: HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?4986219-FUSE-BOX-ABOVE-BATTERY-MELTING . I ALSO DISCOVERED A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT THAT WAS FILED IN 2012, THAT WAS BASED ON THIS PROBLEM: HTTP://GOTACLASSACTION.COM/VOLKSWAGEN-NAMED-IN-CLASS-ACTION-OVER-FUSE-BOXALTERNATOR-CABLE-ASSEMBLY/ . I HOPE THAT THE CURRENT REPAIR HOLDS FOR THE NEAR FUTURE. CLEARLY, A FUSE SHOULD BLOW BEFORE THE OVERALL FUSE PACK MELTS. *TR

AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING . FOUND LEFT FUSE ON FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY IS BLACK AND MELTED. *TR

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

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

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

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

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.

CAR HAD A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STOPPED MOVING FORWARD AND STALLED IN TRAFFIC, THE BATTERY LIGHT THEN CAME ON. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IN A 30 MILE ROUND TRIP, THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE BATTERY MOUNTED FUSE BLOCK HAD COMPLETELY MELTED AND WAS EXTREMELY HOT. *TR