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2002 Volkswagen Jetta electrical complaints

Page 3 of 6: complaints 41 to 70 of 148, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2002 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Nov 6, 2006 · Electrical · MD

On 30 october 2006, I had to have my 2002 volkswagen that was purchased brand new towed into the dealership. My car wouldn't start. Thought it was the battery, replaced the battery and it still wouldn't start. I had to have the power wire to the starter replaced. I'm being told by the dealership that it is very uncommon for this wire to be replaced. I just would like to know from volkswagen have they received in other complaints. I think this is something of a manufacture defect.

Filed Oct 30, 2006 · Electrical · 15,000 miles · KY

My glowplug relay failed and melted connector and killed battery. Http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3822124 http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3822125 http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3822126 above pics of failed realy.

Filed Oct 12, 2006 · Acceleration, Electrical · 84,000 miles · ME

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was pulled over by police and informed the tail lights were not illuminated. The 3 brake lights failed to illuminate in rapid succession and required that the bulbs needed to be replaced in august. The cruise control failed intermittently, as well as, the lighting in the instrument panel by the heat switch. The manufacturer was notified, but informed the contact the vehicle was not included in recall # 06v183000 for the exterior lighting: brake lights: switch due to the VIN, although the problems were similar.

Filed Oct 5, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 92,000 miles · VA

Way to many to list here. I have had problems from the start. More than $7000 worth of repair (plus more that was covered by warr) the final item that caused me to say I would never consider another vw product was the engine damage caused by a timing belt failure. All services were performed at the dealership. The users manual states inspection of the belt at services (that I paid for) and replacement at 120,000 miles. I only had 92,000 miles. It will cost $5,000 to repair the engine. It is not cost effective to repair this car. It was a great car to drive but quality control is poor at best.

Filed Sep 8, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · CA

I have had several problems with my mil light since my 5 yr/50,000 mile warranty expired-in fact, I have lost count as to how many times I've had to take my car in (the number of failures listed below is just an estimate). The first time this light came on, the car had 52 or 54 miles on it. It was only a few days old. Apparently something had cracked. In march of this year, three of the cables broke, then not two weeks later the other three broke. The problems just kept adding up. I have tried to be patient with this dealership, but simply cannot understand why on average, I end up back at the dealership, getting my car serviced on average, two weeks after the car's initial appointment. The last time I went in, I spoke with the manager. First, he disparagingly asked me if I was making sure to fill the gas tank with premium gas, as is written on the gas flap. He then proceeded to ask if I was tightening the gas cap. He reassured me that I should not have further problems with this specific part, because all the parts pertaining to this specific light have been replaced. Lo and behold, two days ago, my mil light went on. On average, each time I visit this particular dealership service department, I end up paying $350-600 dollars. Somehow, that does not seem right. I have been following the service department's instructions, and to my dismay, this long-standing, extremely expensive problem has not been resolved.

Filed Sep 8, 2006 · Electrical, Lights · 58,975 miles · CA

The epc light came on while I was driving my vehicle. I turned off my car when I arrived at my destination. I read the manual, and it was not helpful. It just stated that I should take the car to a dealer or qualified specialist as soon as possible (note: this is what the booklet says for the majority of items in the owners' manual). Upon returning to my vehicle, I started my car once more. My engine turned over, but the car was unable to shift from park into any other gear. The vehicle had to be towed to an auto shop. Upon further inspection, the auto shop informed me that my car had a "feature" that disabled the car from shifting gears due to a tail-light fuse that blew out. It is believed that disabling the vehicle serves the purpose of maintaining safety on the streets- a vehicle in motion without taillights is apparently more dangerous than a driver stranded on the road because their car has stranded them. Luckily, I was fortunate enough not to be in a bad situation. So finally, the car was fixed, of course after I paid yet another hefty bill for my car.

Filed Jul 18, 2006 · Acceleration, Electrical · 69,900 miles · CA

While driving in the afternoon, my vehicle suddenly lost power and acceleration capability with the "check engine" light coming on and blinking. I took it to the dealer immediately. I am informed my 2002 vw jetta 1.8t has "3 faulty coils." the failure was sudden and without warning. I maintain my car according to vw specs. In 02/2003 vw acknowledged a problem with this in over 530,000 2001 to early 2003 vehicles. I feel the failure was premature (as to what could be typically expected of an engine/vehicle for reliability), and a danger. Obviously the fact that it has remanifested in such a short period of time shows that it was not properly addressed with the original fix only 2 years ago. My vehicle was unable to adequately maintain itself within the flow of traffic. I was lucky to get to the 'slow lane' without incident. Vw disclaims any responsibility for defect or otherwise and says that because the vehicle is out of its warranty period I am responsible ($454.00). I will pay this, but how can I drive knowing that these coils could stop all or any one cylinder from correctly firing? This could kill me and the manufacturer does not care.. As they quite bluntly stated.

Filed Jun 29, 2006 · Electrical, Lights · 61,000 miles · MA

7th time this has happened. Car is immobilized by a faulty brake light switch - has happened every six months since we purchased the car.

Filed May 24, 2006 · Electrical · OH

Turn signal stalk is defective and causing a full electrical loop causing a fast clicks as if the turn signal flasher was on, but it's not. At times it has caused the flasher lights to come on when I had not even touched the turn signal stalk.

Filed Apr 24, 2006 · Electrical · 44,000 miles · IL

The car would not start, made a clicking sound with each attempt, and the radio and automatic windows would not turn on/respond to control. The car had to be towed and the starter was found to be the problem on a relatively new car (3yrs. Old), 40000k. Have subsequently read anecdotal complaints that vw's have starter problems.

Filed Nov 16, 2005 · Acceleration, Electrical · 39,000 miles · CO · crash

Please refer to my previous complaint submitted 9/17/2005 regarding my '02 vw jetta. The crash was a result of sudden acceleration and extended braking distance. The reason I am writing again is to address the fact that my local news (denver channel 7 news) did an undercover feature in regards to the volvo's sudden acceleration and deceleration. The mechanic used in the piece determined the problem was the electronic throttle. Thus, volvo is announcing a major recall on all 1999-2002 volvo's. This issue is rampant among the auto industry including vwoa. Please extend your investigation to include vw and hopefully vwoa will do a major recall on all cars equipped with electronic throttles. Please note that I was required to attend dmv court since I was issued a ticket. The judge ruling over my case ended up dismissing my case because of the evidence I had brought to court. More over, the judge was a former mechanic for 8 years and he has worked extensively on vw's. He was very familiar with my situation. I don't have my VIN # handy, but it was listed in my complaint odi id #: 10136890. Please refer to my case number for further details.

Filed Sep 29, 2005 · Electrical · NY

Consumer vehicle stalled on two different occasions causing consumer to replace coil. *ts the vehicle had erratic acceleration light pressure on the gas pedal. The engine did not respond in an even pattern, instead it would suddenly speed up dangerously.

Filed Jul 1, 2005 · Electrical · NC

I bought a used 2002 jetta and as soon as I drove it off the lot it began with the bucking. It took 3 visits to the service department, 2 different service sites, and 3 weeks without a vehicle to find the problem. The service department is replacing the coil, however stated they were going to charge me. I am currently disputing the charge. I feel unsafe and unhappy with my purchase.

Filed May 8, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · CO

September 2002 - leased 2002 vw jetta 1.8t. July 2003 - check engine light came on, ignition coils had to be replaced per recall. November 2003 - plumes of black smoke came out of tailpipe - they determined the oxygen sensor needed replacing. November 2003 - (a day later) smoke still coming out of tailpipe, they determined there was oil in the turbo, they had to remove and install new turbo charger and there was an oil leak, they had to remove and install oil line. November 2003- car making whoosing noise, had to rescure loose intake hose. May 2004 - replace breaklight switch per recall. July 2004 - drivers side window fell - had to have both windows and clamps replaced per recall. (if this had happened after hours, my car could have easily been vandilized, fortunately it was during the day and I was near the dealer so they were able to get them wedged shut before they could get the car in to be fixed.) july 2004 (a day later) - battery died, got jumped and was towed to shop, it was determined I needed a new battery. No problems for almost a year, thought I was homefree... May 2005 - clacking noise in engine, sludge on dipstick and in oil fill cap. No oil light or check engine light ever came on. Had to also have hazard switch replaced per recall. I am currently waiting to see if they will cover the repairs under my warranty. My car needs to have the oil pan removed to see if there is any further damage. I was never told to you use synethic oil in my car and that apparently is the cause of the sludge problem. From looking online, it seems many more people than just myself have had this problem. Vw needs to recall this.

Filed Apr 26, 2005 · Electrical · NC

Repeat ignition coil and ingition coil wiring harness failure. The coils fail to spark resulting in reduced engine power and the wiring harness sheathing keeps cracking apart, resulting in ground out on the engine.*ak

Filed Apr 15, 2005 · Electrical · 34,434 miles · SD · fire

Fire in the fuse box, resulted in cabin damages.

Filed Jan 27, 2005 · Electrical · NY

I have a volkswagen jetta 2002 wagon. Twice I had to take the car in for service because the factory installed radio had stopped working. Twice they repaired the radio by readjusting the wiring. I was told if it happens a third time, they will replace the radio.

Filed Jan 21, 2005 · Electrical · 31,289 miles · AZ

Repeated failure of break lights in 2002 volkswagen jetta over 2 and 1/2 year period. Incident #1 ? Date: 10.29.02 od reading 5226 miles ro# 776322 incident #2 ? Date: 07.18.03 od reading 15765 miles ro# 817328 * incident #3 ? Date: 12.15.03 od reading 19219 miles ro# 843079 incident #4 ? Date: 07.14.04 od reading 24000 miles ro# 877075 incident #5 ? Date: 01.13.05 od reading 31291 miles ro# 26004548/1 * this was when the recall break light switch was installed per the federal safety agency recall no. 04vo96. We have narrowly avoided collisions in the last two of these incidents of failures and have asked that volkswagen take the car back from us as after the fourth attempt to correct the problem they cannot ensure our safety in the vehicle. Volkswagen has refused our request and insisted that they repair the car under the terms of the warranty for the fifth time despite the track record of failures. The comment made to me is if it happens again to be sure to contact them with my concerns?

Filed Dec 9, 2004 · Acceleration, Electrical · 54,900 miles · CA

Repeat incidents leading to consumer's long term driveability concerns. Worrisome panel indicator lights -- flashing: engine warning and glow plug (diesel) lights within current lease period. After first two incidents, the third (then under warranty) was found to be due to a factory defect. And repaired?...dec 7 '04, at about 55k -- blinking lights again. Dealer diagnostic indicated no engine problem (this was the same result of the two previous before the third resulted in a major warranty repair). This has been diagnosed as an accelerator sensor failure. (the part will not be available for three (3) days; we are advised to drive "carefully until the part can be replaced.) this sensor failure is then one of several others in this particular vehicle: the fuel guage has been replaced once or twice; the seat heater sensor just, and out-of-warranty, burned a hole in the front seat (three weeks awaiting factory reps 'get-back.'). An air conditioning problem (leak) was also noted and repaired at about 50,000 miles.

Filed Oct 17, 2004 · Electrical · IN

Bought new 2002 jetta had no brake light problems until I received recall notice concerning switch recall. Took car to dealer w/ recall letter and they replaced switch. No problems for about 4 months, then brake lights began staying on and acceleration occasionally cuts out. Dealer had car off and on for a month and a 1/2 problem w/ lights and accel. Continues.

Filed Oct 5, 2004 · Electrical · 933 miles · NJ

Electrical problem, coolant leaked in mechanical system, causing loss of power. Requiring rewiring of entire electrical system. *bf the coil spring failed which caused the vehicle to have no power, the drivers side window failed, the consumer did however receive a recall notice regarding the matter, but the problem had already occurred. The rear passenger tail light was out.

Filed Aug 17, 2004 · Airbags, Electrical · 14,795 miles · VA

After I was pulled out of a parking spot, the doors clicked as if they were going to lock automatically as they normally do at 10 MPH. The click sounded funny, so I looked at the door locks and noticed that they hadn't locked. Soon thereafter, the battery on the car stopped, which I noticed because I couldn't accelerate and I couldn't turn the steering wheel. I started the car again, without a problem. The airbag light went on and stayed on and I noticed that the lights in the back seat over the doors stayed on though. I traveled to my next stop and the lights in the back seat went out. I then started toward my next stop and had reached 25 MPH when the side airbag in the driver's seat exploded. I called the dealer to see if the car was safe to drive, they said it was. I then started driving to the dealer when the battery cut out again; I could tell because I could not steer and I could not accelerate. I pulled over to a safe spot and called for a tow truck. While I was sitting in the parked car with the A/C on waiting for the tow to arrive, the passenger-side curtain and seat airbags deployed. The car is currently at the dealer so they can investigate if there was a malfunction. No, I'm not kidding, that's what they said.

Filed Jun 3, 2004 · Electrical · 13,880 miles · CA · fire

I had a vw jetta 2002 model with 13880 miles. Prior to that incident, I had no accident or trouble. I had service check up done and the last one was done on mar.16, 2004. On apr.5, I parked the car in the elementary school parking lot. I took out the ignition key, but the car was still shaking and vibrating and the sound was getting louder and louder. I called out for help and the janitor came to open up the hood. By the time, the burning smell was all over and the smoke was coming out. The cables attached to the battery was on fire and the battery was melting. The janitor had to cut off the cables in order to stop the fire. It was towed away to vw sunnyvale. After the inspection, vw said that the probable cause was the safety key device which was installed at the bob lewis dealer where we bought the car. Then the starter disengaged. Vw said it was an aftermarket product that their bumper to bumper warranty won't cover the repair. When we bought this car, it was new and we refused to have an extra safety device, but bob lewis had left it there without our knowledge. They also did not disclose that modification was done nor after any modification. The car will not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Now the sunnyvale dealer estimated the cost of repair for $14500. My insurance had sent 2 appraisers and I am waiting for their reports. I tried to reach bob lewis, but they have never called me back. *la the point of origin was in the wiring. The starter disengaged and the probable cause was the after market product due to a modification on the original wiring. (the damage appeared to be directly below the battery) *sc

Filed May 26, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · VA

1) transmission slips, and causes a thud. Have taken vehicle to dealership 3 times and nothing has been done to correct this problem. 2) LED display disappears. Have informed dealership of this problem twice and nothing has been done to correct this problem. 3) brakes are mushy. Have informed dealership once and nothing has been done to correct this problem. 4) vehicle is sluggish when accelerating. Have informed dealership once. 5) engine light has come on, and there is peculiar smell. Have informed dealership once.

Filed May 17, 2004 · Acceleration, Electrical · 22,334 miles · CA

My 2002 vw jetta, VIN# [xxx] has approximately 22,334 miles on it and has been at pacific vw since march 18, 2004. The concern with the vehicle, which the dealer/factory reps have been unable to remedy is with a complete loss of acceleration. *ak when depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will slightly accelerate to about 15-20 MPH and then the vehicle will not propel forward at any faster rate, even with the pedal all the way to the floor. Acceleration is resumed when the pedal is brought up to the top again and depressed yet again to get any normal type of acceleration. Please note that this is not poor acceleration but rather an inability for the vehicle to accelerate. This condition has been attempted to be remedied by my dealership by repairing/replacing the ECM, TCM, fuel pump, wiring harness and a radiator hose - the hose was damaged while attempting to repair the vehicle and is unrelated to the vehicles true concerns. All other items were unsuccsessful. The safety concern is that when merging or turning onto traffic and attempting to accelerate, there is a huge potential for an accident if the vehicle will not accelerate, even with the pedal all the way to the floor. I fear that a rear end accident may ensue if this condition is not fixed by vw. I have yet to hear from a factory representative despite multiple phone calls and an email notification to vw. Kind regards, [xxx]. *ak updated 07/30/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Apr 5, 2004 · Electrical · 19,647 miles · OH

Coil pack has been replaced 3 times but vehicle continues to lose power and drive rough. There have been several occasions when an accident was narrowly avoided. I do not feel safe driving this car. This is a lease. I offered vw the option of letting me make one cash payment to pay out the lease but vw refused to do this. Vw said I have to keep this car until 90 days before due date. Car has been towed in 3 times for this problem and driven in three other times. I never know when I will have to walk.

Filed Nov 29, 2003 · Body, Brakes · NC

I have a 2002 1.8t volkswagen jetta - I have experienced numerous failures. 1)radio has failed twice - in each instance fault was traced to a fuse - following radio failure I experienced repeated dead batteries until the radio was repaired. 2) ABS failure detected when I was getting my radio fixed the second time 3)vehicle has failed to start on two occasions - I wait a minute and try again - it worked 4)my window fell into the door 5)I experienced an activation of numerous engine fault lights that reset following engine restart 6)the coating on interior door handle surfaces peels off easily 7)the chrome ring around the shift know is peeling.

Filed Nov 24, 2003 · Electrical, Transmission · 34,000 miles · VA

Epc warning light came on while driving. When this occurred, tail lights and brake lights were not functioning. When I arrived at my destination I parked my car as usual. When I returned to my car, it started, but I could not shift out of park. I called the roadside assistance number. They instructed me to hit the brake with my foot as hard as possible. This allowed me to shift out of park. They also suggested that I take my car to the dealer as soon as possible for service.

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Electrical, Seats · 6,000 miles · CO · fire

Since buying my jetta new in 2002. I have had nothing but problems. Twice the ignition coils failed, and I had to have the car towed. They wouldn't replace all the defective coils the first time. So, now that I know my car is unreliable, I won't be using it for long trips, which was my main reason for buying the car. Then last night on my way down the road, the heated seat caught on fire and burned a whole in my seat, not to mention what it did to me as I was driving. This car just seems totally unsafe. First there is no power when the ignition coils fail, then the driver seat catches on fire as I am driving down the road. Of course the dealer can't get me in until later this week.

Filed Oct 24, 2003 · Electrical · 61,000 miles · WI

Vehicle lost power without warning in freeway traffic. After pulling over, car restarted. No indicator lights were noticed. Upon returning home, glow plug light lit twice with engine bucking. Dealer replaced glow plug wiring harness with a new part that was released by volkswagen (vw) in october, 2003. Vw would not warrant replacement part or labor. Dealer stated this is not an unusual failure.

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