2000 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 8%of 439 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, 8% of the 439 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 3 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.
“I have a 2000 vw Jetta already have had experienced multiple stalling events as a result of one or more ignition coil plugs malfunctioning on my 2000 vw Jetta as a result of the engine stalling I experienced a loss of power steering and increased braking efforts when I pulled vehicle over to the side of the road to control the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10230239, filed 2008-06, 139,095 miles“I am 8 months pregnant driving with my one year old daughter in the car and was hit in the rear of my 2000 Jetta while stopped at a light. The women who hit me told me brake lights weren't on. Thankfully both the baby I am pregnant with and my 1 year old are ok but I had already brought my car in for this problem in 2004. Now the brake lights stay on constantly. Vw needs to address this problem before they kill me or my babies!!”
NHTSA complaint #10172019, filed 2006-10, 78,000 miles“Headlight sockets have melted 3 times. Twice on the right headlight and once on the left. Was told by dealer that it was because I used napa aftermarket headlights. About a year ago I replaced the right socket and headlight with parts provided by vw dealer. It still melted. It looks like the connectors in the socket are not sized to handle the current and heat up until the plastic around them melts.”
NHTSA complaint #10038716, filed 2003-09, 40,000 miles“In 2004, my 2000 vw Jetta's break lights failed to turn off. When I took the car in for service, the dealer replaced a switch. Several months later, vw were issued a recall on vehicle to replace the brake light switch which would either fail to turn off or fail to turn the break lights on. Vw refunded the amount I had paid to repair my vehicle. On september 16, 2005, a driver notified me after a near miss at an intersection that my break lights were failing to light. …”
NHTSA complaint #10137011, filed 2005-09, 79,500 miles“I would like to report yet another failure of the safety/signalling light system on my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta. Recently, my reverse lights ceased to function, reducing visibility when backing up at night and failing to signal other drivers that I was backing up. I attempted to correct this problem myself by checking the bulb and fuse. Both of these wear and tear items were fine. I then took my car to the dealer who informed me that the reverse light switch had to be replaced. Dealer replaced the switch for about $100 and the problem is now corrected. …”
NHTSA complaint #10125444, filed 2005-06, 80,000 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
- 04V584000Dec 16, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, the hazard switch and flasher system function may degrade over time because of distortion and material transfer of the contacts…Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 2000–2002, GTI 2000–2002, Golf 2000–2002
- 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
- 10243015Nov 17, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10253215Jun 4, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 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
- 10253214Mar 8, 2014Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Mar 6, 2014Exterior 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 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
121 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
77 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsBrakes
45 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsEquipment
22 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsSeats
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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