1999 Volkswagen Jetta: fire, smoke or burning smell

5 of the 349 complaints about the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 33 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2024
1
2019
6
2017
5
2016
6
2015
3
2014
3
2013
2
2012
12
2011
13
2010
7
2009
12
2008
5
2007
9
2006
6
2005
11
2004
21
2003
53
2002
49
2001
8
2000
13
1999
5
1998
6
1997
1
1996
1
1995
14
1994
2
1993
1
1992
4
1990
1

What owners say

Filed Feb 27, 2009 · Seats · 108,000 miles · MA · fire

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.

Filed Jan 26, 2009 · Seats · 106,000 miles · MA · fire · 1 injury

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.

Filed May 27, 2005 · Seats · 00

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.

Filed Aug 13, 2002 · Electrical · WI · fire

Vehicle was parked and smoke started to come from b- piller. Aft vehicle was serviced and inspected bydealer it was discovered that relay did not trip, causing wiring harness to catch on fire. After investigation the entire wiring harness needs to be replaced. Please provide further information.*ak.

Filed Jun 25, 2001 · Engine · NH

3 oxygen sensors blew up at different times less thn 1 month apart. Vehicle was unable to run move or start. When vehicle was started, it had a burning smell as though it was going to blow up. It was $500.00 for the 3 oxygen sensors to be replaced. Dealer stated oxygen sensors were sensitive.`