Investigation RQ03010: 1999–2002 Volkswagen Jetta

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Dec 17, 2003

Closed

Mar 1, 2004

Model years

1999–2002

Subject

Brake light switch

Component: Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch

Summary

The number of duplicates between odi and manufacturer failure reports cannot be determined due to missing and or inaccurate information.the injury noted above was minor.on february 26, 2004, volkswagen of america, inc. (vw) submitted a defect notification (per 49cfr573) to the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) advising that certain model year (my) 1999 - 2002 volkswagen jetta vehicles manufacutured with the same brake light switch as recalled under 03v-265 (my 1998-2002 new beetle) are affected by a safety defect.specifically, if the brake light switch malfunctions, the brake lights could fail to illuminate when the brakes are applied, or could stay illuminated continually even when the brakes are not applied.either condition results in the inability of the brake lights to notify other motorists of vehicle braking, thus increasing the risk of a rear end collision and occupant injury.accordingly, volkswagen is recalling jetta vehicles manufactured from may 1998 to november 2001 to inspect and replace free of charge any affected brake light switches.the recall program, vw code wx, will commence in april 2004.

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

• 2002 Volkswagen Jetta702 complaints
• 2001 Volkswagen Jetta668 complaints
• 2000 Volkswagen Jetta439 complaints
• 1999 Volkswagen Jetta349 complaints