2000 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and problems

The 2000 Volkswagen Jetta has 4 safety recalls and 439 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
439
Crashes / fires
27 / 14
Injuries / deaths
35 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Recall 06V-183: Exterior Lighting

Reported May 24, 2006 · 646,246 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

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.

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.

Recall 04V-584: Exterior Lighting

Reported Dec 16, 2004 · 410,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

Risk: This may result in intermittent or inoperative turn signal and hazard flasher function.

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.

Recall 04V-096: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 20, 2004 · 377,130 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, a brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction.

Risk: If this happens, the brake lights could become inoperative, or come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked.

Fix: This recall has been superceded by 06v-183.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.

Recall 02V-244: Equipment

Reported Sep 12, 2002 · 332,950 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

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.

Risk: These vehicles were not marked or described as required by the standard.

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.

2000 Volkswagen Jetta problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling137
Visibility79
Electrical System67
Service Brakes, Hydraulic48
Air Bags46
Power Train41
Exterior Lighting35
Equipment24
Structure21
Unknown or Other20
Vehicle Speed Control19
Seats17

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 60
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 25
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 24
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 24
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 19
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 19
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 13
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 12

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 Volkswagen Jetta complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 489,000 miles · reported Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving with the front driver’s side seat heater activated, the seat became extremely hot. The contact started smelling a burning odor coming from the seat. The contact felt a hole in the seat, which burned the contact's middle finger. The contact immediately pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The contact’s back started burning due to the extreme heat of the seat back. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a hole in his jacket and approximately four holes that had formed in the front driver seat due to the seat…
Engine · at 260,000 miles · reported Jul 7, 2020
I purchased this vehicle recently and have noticed a distinct diesel smell when idling or driving at low speeds. Smells strong like leaking diesel fuel. The car idles very rough and sometimes stalls when coming to a stop. There is a very bad odor whenever I enter the vehicle. I AM concerned that the car will stall and I might be in an unsafe position during traffic. I think the clutch might be defective. It sounds very loud. The vehicle has 260,000 miles. Diesls are supposed to run forever but I feel like I bought a lemon.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 170,000 miles · reported Sep 16, 2019
Vehicle completely stalls for several seconds sporadically whenever the fuel guage reads 3/8 or less. Both my vw car do the exact same thing. It is common knowledge this occurs with most vw cars. Extremely unsafe and should be recalled.
Unknown or Other · at 135,658 miles · reported Sep 10, 2018
My vehicle kept over heating urns out it was the cooling system I had to replace the water pump and I had to replace the timing belt and radiator..
Engine · reported May 11, 2018
2000 volkswagen jetta. Consumer writes in regards to engine and warning lights coming on. The consumer stated the day after purchasing the vehicle the engine, ABS, and traction control lights, illuminated. The dealer offered to repair the vehicle if the consumer bought the parts. The consumer declined.

Other Volkswagen Jetta years

Compare all Volkswagen Jetta years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta: 06V-183 (exterior lighting), 04V-584 (exterior lighting), 04V-096 (exterior lighting), 02V-244 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (137 reports), followed by visibility (79). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.

Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.