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.
2002 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.
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 18, 2023 · Air bags
I was driving on the freeway and the airbags deployed. No one hit me and I don't hit anyone.
Sep 26, 2018 · Electrical system · 230,000 miles
WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IT "JERKS" OR MAKES A SHAKING MOVEMENT. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE "DOOR AJAR" LIGHT STAYS ON ALTHOUGH ALL DOORS HAVE BEEN OPENED AND CLOSED. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. WHILE STATIONARY AND IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THE…
Jun 5, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 145,000 miles
WHILE MAINTAINING SPEED AT OR ABOVE 40 MPH AND WITH 1/4 TANK OR LESS OF FUEL REMAINING, MY JETTA WILL CONSISTENTLY STALL OUT AND TURN OFF FROM FUEL STARVATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME BETWEEN 40 AND 80 MPH SEVERAL TIMES, BOTH IN THE CITY AND ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, THE FUEL…
Sep 30, 2017 · Electrical system · 76,250 miles
KNOWN MELTING FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY. FROM SCHEMATICS, APPEARS S180 FUSE (COOLANT FAN) AS PREDOMINANT POINT OF FAILURE. ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED (VIA WEB) ACROSS NUMEROUS MODELS AND YEARS. CALLED VW FOR FIX; AS TECHS APPEAR VOID OF A GENERAL CONSENSUS TO PROBLEM/FIX. UNFORTUNATELY, VW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND/OR…
Sep 14, 2017 · Air bags · 118,000 miles · crash reported
SIMPLY WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT MY DAUGHTER REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR AT 40MPH AND COMPLETELY CRUNCHED IN HER FRONT END (CAR IS TOTALED), BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT UNTIL THE STATE FARM AGENT MENTIONED THAT SHE HAD AIRBAGS ON THE CAR.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 18, 2023.