Investigation PE99007: 1999 Volkswagen Jetta

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jan 29, 1999

Closed

Feb 8, 1999

Model years

1999

Subject

Passenger compartment fire

Component: Unknown or other

Summary

In its letter dated february 4, 1999, volkswagen stated that it will recall approximately 23,600 redesigned 1999 jetta and golf 4-door vehicles, of which approximately 11,000 have been sold to customers, to correct a defect thatmay cause a fire in the passengeer compartment after a vehicle collision.a sound insulation material attached to the inside of the b-pillar trim panel could have been improperly installed.in the event of a collision severe enough to activate the seat belt pretensioner, the hot exhaust gas from the pretensioner could ignite the insulation material if it is too close to the pretensioner.volkswagen dealers will remove the insulation material from the b-pillars.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1999 Volkswagen Jetta349 complaints