1998 Volkswagen Jetta: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Sep 7, 2005 · Steering · 105,000 miles · PA

It was raining. My windshield wipers were on. White smoke came up from my steering column for a couple seconds. What makes this particularly frustrating, this happened on a 94 jetta I once owned. This happened on a 96 jetta my sister owned. Eventually, something in the steering column burned out and had to be replaced. We both paid for those to be replaced. Now, years later, I am faced with another burning steering column. I hope to find that vw is owning up to poor design, and when this one finally breaks, that they foot the bill for their failure. Referred to this site by this link: http://www.sportcompactracing.com/vbulletin/printthread.php?t=36741 I did a quick yahoo search to find that this was not a jinx that hit just my family.

Filed May 5, 2004 · Electrical · IN · fire

I own a 1998 volkswagon jetta, wolfsburg edition. I've been stranded a total of 6 or 7 times (losing count) on the interstate by this vehicle. Purchased this vehicle from a private owner less than a year ago and have experienced numerous mysterious problems ever since. I work for the state of indiana, communte into indianapolis 5 days a week, I am an interstate traveler. I have forgiven most of the problems this car has had, but recently have reached the limit. Just last week I was once again stranded on the interstate during rush hour and my car suddenly stopped running and smoke began to rise from my steering column. This situation terrified me. Not only did I have to urgently coast to the shoulder of the interstate, but I was in fear that the car would be on fire due to seeing this smoke. The car was towed and the ignition coil was replaced; although the service man didn't think that was the source of the smoke from my steering column. I know from reading other complaints that the bad ignition coil in these vehicles is a common problem. There are existing recalls on some volkswagon ignition coils. This seems unjust considering they used the same ignition coil in the 1998 that they did in other vehicle years. This repair cost me $400, which is just icing on the cake for me right now. Now my airbag light is on and the serviceman who replaced the ignition coil says all is connected and he thinks the smoke in the car was coming from the airbag wiring. He said there's no way to disconnect the airbag (to stop any chance of it exploding out on me while driving). If it comes out while driving..I am dead.if it fails in an accident.I could be dead. I am afraid to even have my family in the car. I honestly think it's entire electrical system is wired incorrectly. Please assist me in getting justice served. I've heard of so many others who are mistreated and ignored by volkswagon. This vehicle's repeated failure should be noted. I appreciate anything you can do.

Filed Aug 29, 2001 · Electrical · MD · fire

Vehicle was parked for over four hours when it suddenly caught on fire. Fire department was called, which determined that brake lights housed within tail light assembly shorted out, melting wire and caught on fire. Consumer has contacted manufacturer, which sent out a factory representative. Please provide any further details.

Filed Apr 13, 2001 · Suspension · VT · crash · fire

Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. Upon impact, front end caught on fire. Vehicle was totalled.

Filed May 25, 2000 · Electrical, Steering · NY

Horn uncontrollably honks on and off. Also the steering wheel column has a sparkling noise., and a burning smell comes from the steering column .

Filed Jun 4, 1999 · NY · fire

While traveling 65mph depressed cigarette lighter and it had popped out of socket under passenger's seat & floor mat caught fire.