2001 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 12%of 668 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta, 12% of the 668 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 4 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 brake switch light in my vw Jetta has had to be replaced three times. When this switch is not working, the brake lights of my car are inoperable, leading to a great risk of accident. My Jetta is not currently in the recall that has been issued, but I continue having problems with the brake light switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10166088, filed 2006-08, 102,000 miles“Turn signals and flasher operation impacted by cold weather. With the first cold weather of the season the turn signal/flasher unit failed to operate until warmed by the heater (30 minutes of high heater operation). My report matches NHTSA action # pe04073. The vw dealer replaced part # 1j0-953-235-j-01c at a cost of $72. I have the old part in my possession if examination of it is requested.”
NHTSA complaint #10100191, filed 2004-11, 25,000 miles“My 2001 vw Jetta's brake lights stay on and do not turn off. I had it repaired at the dealer who said the light switch was bad. I just found out that the 2001 vw beetle is being recalled for the same problem but not the Jetta. The parts are the same as per the parts department at haltermans vw in pa.”
NHTSA complaint #10036615, filed 2003-08, 44,300 miles“Brake light switch (2001 vw Jetta gls tdi) researched on internet says there is a recall for this part, but is not in effect yet. Driving with brake lights stuck on is really dangerous and speedy recall for this item is essential. I have to remove the fuse in order to turn off the lights, and soon as car is turned on the lights stay on making it impossible for other drivers to know when I am stepping on the brakes. Could seriously cause many accidents in the future for all vehicle owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10142784, filed 2005-11, 110,000 miles“My blinkers on my Jetta blinked slowly for a second or two then stopped working, consequences could have been severe as I couldn't signal my turns. I took it to a vw dealership who replaced the emergency hazard switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10092966, filed 2004-09, 43,000 milesRelated recalls
- 07V063000Feb 20, 2007On certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed…Covers: Volkswagen Jetta 2001–2005, Golf 1999–2006, GTI 1999–2006 +3 more
- 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
- 10238051Dec 5, 2014Corrosion in Corner Area of Rear Lid towards Rear Lights
- 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
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 2001 Volkswagen Jetta
117 complaintsEngine cooling
109 complaintsAir bags
97 complaintsBrakes
77 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
71 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
62 complaintsBody and structure
43 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsSeats
27 complaintsEquipment
19 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
18 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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