2002 Volkswagen Jetta Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 148about this part
- Share
- 21%of 702 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 148 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, 21% of the 702 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The bottom seat heater on my 2002 vw Jetta either doesn't work at all or if it turns on, it overheats the extreme right side of the seat. A small hole is burned in the upholstery, and the foam underneath is melted, deforming the appearance of fabric above. This could result in a burn to the skin on the right side of the leg if it goes undetected. I see this as a huge safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10265959, filed 2009-04, 70,000 miles“In regards to investigation dp05004, I also experienced this same problem about 2 1/2 years ago. My 2002 Volkswagen Jetta engine lost power, and stalled. When the dealer checked my car they said it was my ignition coil and didn't inform me that there was an investigation. I was told I had to pay for the coils, which I did. I have a copy of my paperwork for the repairs. Is there anything I can do?”
NHTSA complaint #10225198, filed 2008-04, 100,000 miles“Manufacturer refuses to reimburse me for work done for a manufacturer recall not performed at a dealership,even though car could not be driven there due to recall defect and mechanic came to my house to repair the defect with an authorized manufacturers part”
NHTSA complaint #10232480, filed 2008-06, 59,300 miles“While driving on the freeway at approximately 70mph with a quarter tank of gas, my 2002 Jetta glx displayed the battery light and then stalled at full speed. The car slowed, the steering and gas pedal were stiff and I had to pull to the shoulder and call for a tow truck. I had the crank position sensor replaced, new spark plugs put in and the throttle body cleaned. I test drove the car and once again, the engine started to stall at around 70mph on the freeway. This time I was able to floor the accelerator and the car did not completely stall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10622574, filed 2014-08, 70,000 miles“When backing out of my driveway my drivers side airbag deployed for no reason. I didn't hit anything. Now the engine starts then stalls. All dash lights are now out.”
NHTSA complaint #10455825, filed 2012-04, 108,154 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10228178Dec 6, 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10204722Dec 15, 2021This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.
- 10163542Jul 29, 2019Update vehicle metadata to include pull ahead models. Also includes R32 2002-2007 and 2002-2006 Jetta Wagon.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10158529Feb 19, 2019Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10149864Aug 13, 2018Update content and include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10144652Jun 6, 2018This information bulletin contains instructions for checking the pins/terminals for contacts and nano contacts.
- 10133469Nov 10, 2017Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan
- 10157832Sep 19, 2017Update to model year applicability.
- 10157828Sep 14, 2017Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 50% |
| 2025 | 3 | 9% |
| 2024 | 7 | 15% |
| 2023 | 9 | 21% |
| 2022 | 10 | 23% |
| 2021 | 13 | 19% |
| 2020 | 17 | 31% |
| 2019 | 154 | 28% |
| 2018 | 3 | 9% |
| 2017 | 33 | 21% |
| 2016 | 36 | 22% |
| 2015 | 49 | 25% |
| 2014 | 94 | 24% |
| 2013 | 148 | 29% |
| 2012 | 138 | 28% |
| 2011 | 186 | 31% |
| 2010 | 233 | 27% |
| 2009 | 107 | 12% |
| 2008 | 42 | 22% |
| 2007 | 45 | 22% |
| 2006 | 112 | 19% |
| 2005 | 48 | 19% |
| 2004 | 36 | 16% |
| 2003 | 97 | 21% |
| 2002 | 148 | 21% |
| 2001 | 117 | 18% |
| 2000 | 60 | 14% |
| 1999 | 44 | 13% |
| 1998 | 41 | 21% |
| 1997 | 17 | 31% |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% |
| 1995 | 45 | 20% |
| 1994 | 24 | 21% |
| 1993 | 2 | 12% |
| 1992 | 6 | 20% |
| 1991 | 4 | 13% |
| 1990 | 4 | 18% |
| 1988 | 1 | 5% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 7% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
108 complaintsEngine cooling
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsSeats
101 complaintsBrakes
51 complaintsExterior lighting
50 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
45 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsEquipment
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsTires
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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