2002 Volkswagen Jetta recalls and problems

The 2002 Volkswagen Jetta has 5 safety recalls and 702 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
702
Crashes / fires
31 / 71
Injuries / deaths
75 / 10

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta recalls

Recall 07V-063: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 20, 2007 · 1,002,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

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 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.

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-031: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jan 31, 2002 · 55,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Problem: On some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (Abs).

Risk: This can result in a fire.

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.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System152
Air Bags110
Engine and Engine Cooling107
Power Train105
Seats102
Exterior Lighting60
Service Brakes, Hydraulic51
Visibility46
Structure19
Equipment17
Vehicle Speed Control17
Tires15

Most reported parts

  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 86
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 63
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 61
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 56
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 33
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 31
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 28
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 18

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,000 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 2002 Volkswagen Jetta complaints

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

Electrical System · at 230,000 miles · reported Sep 26, 2018
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 rear middle passenger seatbelt is not useable. The driver's door remains unlocked after pressing the "lock doors" button.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 145,000 miles · reported Jun 5, 2018
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 sender, and the fuel pump with no success. Additionally, the jetta will die the first time I try to start it as my fuel level approaches 1/4, especially if I AM parked on an incline. However, it never fails to start on the second try once some fuel has begun moving through the system.…
Electrical System · at 76,250 miles · reported Sep 30, 2017
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 provide solution to customer(S). Refers me to dealer, which is over an hour away. Just need info to order repair kit and restore vehicle integrity/safety. Concerned as this may be a potential fire hazard; due to the volume of heat generated by wiring within internal compartment.…
Air Bags · at 118,000 miles · reported Sep 14, 2017
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.
Power Train · at 166,000 miles · reported May 9, 2017
The shifter first locked up in heavy traffic, then later came completely loose in traffic. The vw parts departments said this problem has happened so much that no one within 200 miles had the parts in stock as they were sold out. Vw refused to cooperate with the better business bureau in resolution. The bbb told me to report to the NHTSA>

Other Volkswagen Jetta years

Compare all Volkswagen Jetta years · All Volkswagen models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta: 07V-063 (exterior lighting), 06V-183 (exterior lighting), 04V-584 (exterior lighting), 04V-096 (exterior lighting), 02V-031 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (152 reports), followed by air bags (110). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,000 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.