Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2001 Volkswagen Jetta recalls
Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch
NHTSA campaign 07V063000 · reported February 20, 2007 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 1,002,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.
- The 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.
- The fix
- Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. 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, switch
NHTSA campaign 06V183000 · reported May 24, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 646,246 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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: hazard flashing warning lights, switch
NHTSA campaign 04V584000 · reported December 16, 2004 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 410,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the hazard switch and flasher system function may degrade over time because of distortion and material transfer of the contacts of certain hazard switch relays which occurs due to substantially increased electrical current load from higher wattage turn signal bulbs.
- The risk
- This may result in intermittent or inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the hazard flasher switch/relay kit. The recall began on march 31, 2005. Owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch
NHTSA campaign 04V096000 · reported February 20, 2004 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC · 377,130 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, a brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction.
- The risk
- If this happens, the brake lights could become inoperative, or come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked.
- The fix
- 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, owners/service/other manual
NHTSA campaign 02V244000 · reported September 12, 2002 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC · 332,950 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle's rear seats must be identified by markings, and their location and use be described in the owner's manual.
- The risk
- These vehicles were not marked or described as required by the standard.
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with a supplement for the owner's manual and also one set of four guidance fixtures intended to use in conjunction with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments. Also enclosed will be four decals together with installation instructions and a template for attaching the decals to the lower seat backs. Owner notification is expected to begin september 15, 2002. Owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
NHTSA campaign 02V031000 · reported January 31, 2002 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC · 55,000 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
- The risk
- This can result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began march 8, 2002. 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.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jan 28, 2021 · Air bags · crash reported
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER STATED THAT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AUTO ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER WAS SEVERELY INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
Sep 10, 2019 · Electrical system
TAKATA RECALL -THE VEHICLE
Mar 1, 2019 · Engine · 73,000 miles
THE CHANGE IN GEARS FEELS ROUGH. IT SEEMS AS IF THE GEARS ARE SKIPPING OR BEING FORCED. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND I WENT TO ACCELERATE THE GAS PEDAL PRESSED DOWN BUT THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING. WHEN ACCELERATING THE CARS FEELS AS IF IT IS STRUGGLING.
Jan 23, 2018 · Air bags · 195,500 miles
I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD LIKE 35 OR 40 MPH AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE PASSENGER'S AIRBAG EXPLODED,, THE ONE FROM THE SEAT AND THE CURTAIN AIRBAG ONE ... I ALMOST WENT DOWN OUT OF THE ROAD ... IT GOT ME BY SURPRISE
Jan 17, 2018 · Service brakes
MY ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET IT TO TURN OFF. MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET IT OFF. I HAVE BOUGHT A NEW COIL PACK AND SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES AND NOW MY CHECK ENGINE HAS CAME BACK ON.PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS CAR.THANKS.GOD BLESS U.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 28, 2021.