The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Volkswagen
GTIProblems & recalls

124 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Electrical system appears in 42 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 124 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Electrical system42 reports
Other components34 reports
Air bags23 reports
Transmission & drivetrain10 reports
Visibility8 reports
Engine7 reports
Suspension4 reports
Brakes4 reports
Fuel system2 reports
See original component labels
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION31
WHEELS14
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW12
AIR BAGS9
WHEELS:RIM8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY4
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH3
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
POWER TRAIN1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
TIRES1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
VISIBILITY1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 11 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Apr 13, 2018
Mileage, where supplied

15,000 miles is the median among 89 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 7,250–40,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Feb 20, 2007 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHCampaign 07V063000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

Manufacturer campaign: N4

Read campaign 07V063000 at NHTSA
Dec 16, 2004 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCHCampaign 04V584000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCCURS DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOAD FROM HIGHER WATTAGE TURN SIGNAL BULBS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Manufacturer campaign: VX

Read campaign 04V584000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

113 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 21, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV171901201285565Update to Volkswagen engine oil standardsNHTSA ID 10241177

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10241177 at NHTSA
May 30, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV171901201285562Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.NHTSA ID 10237427

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10237427 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV171901201285560Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.NHTSA ID 10235138

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10235138 at NHTSA
Dec 12, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV941901201152119Update model year applicability to include 2023.NHTSA ID 10228180

Update model year applicability to include 2023.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10228180 at NHTSA
Dec 6, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV271901201189422Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.NHTSA ID 10228178

Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10228178 at NHTSA
Dec 15, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsA002155201173212This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.NHTSA ID 10204722

This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10204722 at NHTSA
May 11, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV171901201285534Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)NHTSA ID 10193577

Update engine oil quality standard lists (attachments)

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10193577 at NHTSA
May 12, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV871806201994714Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1ANHTSA ID 10175799

Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A

Components: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10175799 at NHTSA
Apr 21, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV941901201152115Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.NHTSA ID 10174476

Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.

Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10174476 at NHTSA
Jul 29, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV011812_2014603Update vehicle metadata to include pull ahead models. Also includes R32 2002-2007 and 2002-2006 Jetta Wagon.NHTSA ID 10163542

Update vehicle metadata to include pull ahead models. Also includes R32 2002-2007 and 2002-2006 Jetta Wagon.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10163542 at NHTSA
Jun 12, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsV871812-2005566Update vehicle metadata.NHTSA ID 10161215

Update vehicle metadata.

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10161215 at NHTSA
Mar 27, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSM 33-2019The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.NHTSA ID 10159010

The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10159010 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Dec 16, 2004 ClosedINADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENTPE04081

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE-THORAX AND SIDE-HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO PROTECT THE FRONT AND REAR OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A SIDE-IMPACT CRASH.THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 499 REPORTS (482 OWNERS REPORTS AND 17 WARRANTY CLAIMS).THE CRASH SENSING SYSTEM?S ALGORITHM MAY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS (WHEEL, TIRE AND UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS) AS DEPLOYABLE EVENTS.THE 97 ALLEGED INJURIES WERE MINOR IN NATURE AND CONSIST OF ABRASIONS, BRUISES, EAR RINGING AND HEADACHES.THERE WAS NO ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL CRASH AS A RESULT OF SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.ODI ALSO OBTAINED COUNTS OF ALLEGED INADVERTENT SIDE-AIRBAG DEPLOYMENTS FROM PEER MANUFACTURERS.THE DATA SHOWS THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT UNIQUE IN BEING SUBJECT TO SUCH ALLEGATIONS.THE COMPLAINT RATE FOR NON-SUBJECT INDIVIDUAL MODEL VEHICLES VARIES WIDELY.THE RATE FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS COMPARABLE TO THREE PEER MODELS, EACH WITH COMPACT CHASSIS/WHEELBASES.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED ANY COMPONENT FAILURE OR MANUFACTURING TREND THAT MAY RELATE TO A COMPONENT OR MANUFACTURING ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Recorded closure: Apr 1, 2005

Find investigation PE04081
Opened Oct 19, 2004 ClosedTURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILUREPE04073

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON OCTOBER 19, 2004, BASED ON NINE REPORTS ON 2000 THROUGH 2001 JETTA AND GTI VEHICLES ALLEGING THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND OR HAZARD FLASHERS FAIL TO BLINK, OR FLASH.SOME OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD BLINK ONLY A FEW TIMES AND THEN STOP.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT HAVING THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH REPLACED REPAIRED THEIR VEHICLES.BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 13, 2004, VOLKSWAGEN NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 350,000 MODEL YEAR 2000 THROUGH 2002 JETTA, GOLF AND GTI VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER SYSTEM.VW REPORTS 216 OWNER REPORTS, 4 FIELD REPORTS AND 4960 WARRANTY CLAIMS ON THIS POPULATION OF VEHICLES. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT TO REMEDY THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLES.PLEASE SEE SAFETY RECALL 04V584 FOR DETAILS.

Recorded closure: Dec 16, 2004

Campaign reference in the source: 04V584000

Find investigation PE04073

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