1999 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 349 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, 5% of the 349 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The blinker on my car is failing. It is in the unit on the steering column. After turning a corner it will not automatically shut off. When driving it will drop down and come on sometimes. It sometimes does not want to come on and I have to push it hard. The vehicle is a 1999.5 vw Jetta. I have read on the forums also that this is a very common problem and a very expensive fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10210726, filed 2007-12, 202,000 miles“I drive a 1999 vw Jetta, standard transmission. I was informed by a police officer that my brake lights were not operating. After searching the internet, I learned from the NHTSA web site that there was a recall issued may of 2006 for certain vw cars that had their brake light switch replaced for an earlier recall. I called the dealership and they told me my car was serviced under the last recall, but it does not qualify for the recall. I had the brake light switch replaced and the problem has been corrected. The old part is not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10160353, filed 2006-06, 103,090 miles“Recall notice for check/ replace brake light switch. The faulty brake light switch caused the emergency brake light to remain on. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop three times but they were unable to fix the problem (Volkswagen Jetta). The dealer was finally able to identify the problem and informed the consumer it would cost $6000. The consumer took the vehicle elsewhere for repairs because the service dealer's staff suddenly became rude.”
NHTSA complaint #10076032, filed 2004-06, 74,274 miles“- the contact owns a 1999 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that there were two safety recalls 06v183000 and 99v251000. , one recall was for the brake lamp switch assemble and the other was for the b pillar mounting clips. The contact stated that the vehicle was in a crash while going 40 MPH the person that hit the contact's vehicle said that he hit him because the brake lights did not turn on, and then he fled the seen. The contact stated that a police report was taken, and a complaint made to the insurance company. …”
NHTSA complaint #10184239, filed 2007-03, 117,392 miles“Turn signals and flashers not blinking as described in recall id number: 04v584000 which calls for the replacement of the hazard flasher switch, however the 1999 new jettas are not covered by the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10145018, filed 2005-12, 83,000 milesRelated recalls
- 06V183000May 24, 2006On certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic or manual transmissions and cruise controls, a brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction if…Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 1999–2002, Beetle 1998–2002
- 04V096000Feb 20, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, a brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction.Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 1999–2002
Related service bulletins
- 10158533Feb 18, 2019Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10121257Mar 27, 2015Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document
- 10239592Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10120169Jun 4, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The…
- 10243011May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349May 19, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10239591Mar 6, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10124287Mar 6, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on…
- 10239590Feb 14, 2011Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 26 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 24 | 6% |
| 2013 | 17 | 3% |
| 2012 | 13 | 3% |
| 2011 | 41 | 7% |
| 2010 | 19 | 2% |
| 2009 | 24 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 32 | 6% |
| 2005 | 14 | 6% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 28 | 6% |
| 2002 | 50 | 7% |
| 2001 | 80 | 12% |
| 2000 | 34 | 8% |
| 1999 | 17 | 5% |
| 1998 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
81 complaintsEngine cooling
78 complaintsElectrical system
44 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsSeat belts
24 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSuspension
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology