2002 Volkswagen Jetta Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 3%of 702 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, 3% of the 702 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The driver's side door came loose while driving and even though it was seemingly shut properly when at a stop. Aside from the loud road noise, the door's ajar ding would startle me, particularly when at high speed on the (relatively smooth) highways. I have to slam the door several times in order to get the dinging to stop. Whenever the door rattled loose on the highway (which was unpredictable), I was worried that it was going to fly open. I had to pull over to attempt to close it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10208067, filed 2007-11, 75,000 miles“There is a leak in the frame of my vehicle, yet every time I bring it into the dealership in honolulu, they fail to locate this leak. When it rains, the front right floor of my Jetta fills with water that seeps down into the frame from the roof. If I park the vehicle facing uphill, this does not happen, nor if the vehicle is parked on a level surface, only when facing a downhill slope. I don't know why this issue cannot be resolved by vw, but the past 10 times I've had my car in for service, it has never been resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10199767, filed 2007-08, 20,000 miles“The coils on my 2002 Volkswagen Jetta gls 1.8t are burning out. Volkswagen of america has informed me that rather than replace all 4 coils, I must wait until each coil burns out before they will replace it. I have a letter from them as well stating they are aware of the problem but can not do anything more about it due to a lack of coils in stock. I guess the letter is a way to shut the customers up. Apparently this is happening to over 500,000 people last I heard. …”
NHTSA complaint #10005789, filed 2003-02, 9,000 miles“Was currently deployed in support of operation iraqi freedom for more than a year, my car was at my parents, being driven once or twice a week to keep engine in good shape. Some of these things have been since returning in april 2004, others happened prior to leaving in february 2003. It's a 2002 Jetta gls. I shouldn't be having these type of problems this soon. 1. Oil plug on oil pan is almost stripped from getting oil changes (advised by 3 different garages). Currently attempting to get a new plug, an oversized one per 2 garages. 2. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086615, filed 2004-08, 30,000 miles“Volkswagens use of cheap plastics on the oil stick of my 2002 Volkswagen Jetta caused plastic from the oil stick to fall into my motor and cause motor damage including an oil leak and eurasian auto service in panama city already has a vw product that is broken down in their shop, and even volkswagens own service manager in panama city, mike boatwright, told vw they should authorize him to make the repairs but they refused, the ostensibly lowest bid plastics used for the 2002 vw's also caused mike boatwright to ask that vw replace my headlight lenses as they are creating a traffic hazard, and…”
NHTSA complaint #10211227, filed 2007-12, 88,100 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10236426Sep 23, 2016Contacting the parts helpline
- 10107841Jul 13, 2016To update model table to clarify jetta wagon applicability to tb content.
- 10128386Jun 9, 2016Corrosion may be found on the folded edge of the hood. Supersedes TB V551603
- 10095564Jun 7, 2016To update claim processing statement.
- 10121169Mar 28, 2016Technical Bulletin about Paint Finish, Reducing Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches New vehicles (prior to Retail Delivery) with swirl marks and or fine scratches from polishing or…
- 10236450Feb 17, 2016Corrosion on hood edge.
- 10121113Feb 3, 2016Document refers to Surface corrosion or corrosion perforation that can occur on various locations around the front wheel arch. It gives examples on where to check for repair…
- 10236448Feb 1, 2016Rear quarter panel corrosion.
- 10121111Feb 1, 2016The document refers to Corrosion being found where the rear bumper cover meets the quarter panel. It discusses how it can happen, and where to find warranty coverage to service…
- 10213835Jan 25, 2016Technical Bulletins.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 4% |
| 2019 | 23 | 4% |
| 2017 | 3 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 2% |
| 2015 | 5 | 3% |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 3% |
| 2012 | 7 | 1% |
| 2011 | 20 | 3% |
| 2010 | 19 | 2% |
| 2009 | 16 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 11 | 5% |
| 2006 | 23 | 4% |
| 2005 | 12 | 5% |
| 2004 | 8 | 3% |
| 2003 | 11 | 2% |
| 2002 | 19 | 3% |
| 2001 | 43 | 6% |
| 2000 | 20 | 5% |
| 1999 | 25 | 7% |
| 1998 | 14 | 7% |
| 1997 | 7 | 13% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 10 | 5% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1991 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 16% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 3 | 21% |
| 1985 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
148 complaintsAir bags
108 complaintsEngine cooling
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsSeats
101 complaintsBrakes
51 complaintsExterior lighting
50 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
45 complaintsFuel system
22 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 28, 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