2002 Volkswagen Jetta Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 7%of 702 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,358miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, 7% of the 702 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,358 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“I have a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta and I have a brake light switch issue (brake light stays on and a dct(p0571) is set) that was described in the recall/replacement, but the VIN group that this applies to is 3vw---9m-ym000089 to 3vw---9m-2m053565, as you can see, mine is just out side the high VIN. The VIN range should be readdressed to include all 2002 model jettas with cruise control. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10322862, filed 2010-03, 134,221 miles“The turn signal continues to make noise as if it were on at random times while I am driving. This problem has been noted in a recall by Volkswagen (id # 04v584000) but my VIN number isn't covered and therefore Volkswagen will not fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10256185, filed 2009-01, 74,889 miles“The right front turn signal bulb was at first intermittent, but then became inoperative. When light was removed the filament was fine, but there was evidence of arcing across the contacts. It looked like the contacts were short circuited. I had this same problem about a year ago. My 2002 Jetta was not part of a recall of this very problem. The VIN # did not qualify. But, after looking at forum postings this is a bigger problem that the group of VIN numbers that Volkswagen included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10187087, filed 2007-04, 81,400 miles“My 2002 vw Jetta experienced a recall problem (n4, brake light switch) and I fixed it through a nearest mechanic because 1) the closest vw dealer is 100 mile away 2) I was scare to drive 100 mile on highway without a proper brake light. However, vw refused to reimburse me for the repairs since I fixed it through an independent facility. I am so sad and disappointed that vw is not considering divers life and safety seriously and is willing to push us to drive hundred miles with a recalled car without a brake light.”
NHTSA complaint #10212707, filed 2007-12, 48,700 miles“The epc light came on while I was driving my vehicle. I turned off my car when I arrived at my destination. I read the manual, and it was not helpful. It just stated that I should take the car to a dealer or qualified specialist as soon as possible (note: this is what the booklet says for the majority of items in the owners' manual). Upon returning to my vehicle, I started my car once more. My engine turned over, but the car was unable to shift from park into any other gear. The vehicle had to be towed to an auto shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10167711, filed 2006-09, 58,975 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
- 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
- 10124287Mar 6, 2014Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): Exterior light assemblies (headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals) are vented and may collect moisture on…
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 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
148 complaintsAir bags
108 complaintsEngine cooling
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsSeats
101 complaintsBrakes
51 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 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