Volkswagen · Jetta · 2001
7
Recalls
677
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2001 Volkswagen Jetta has 7 recalls and 677 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: air bags (88 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Remedy Status
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." CHILD SEAT ANCHORAGES INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE'S REAR SEATS MUST BE IDENTIFIED BY MARKINGS, AND THEIR LOCATION AND USE BE DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL.
Remedy Status
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALSO ONE SET OF FOUR GUIDANCE FIXTURES INTENDED TO USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHILD SEATS EQUIPPED WITH RIGID OR SEMI-RIGID LOWER ANCHORAGE ATTACHMENTS. ALSO ENCLOSED WILL BE FOUR DECALS TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND A TEMPLATE FOR ATTACHING THE DECALS TO THE LOWER SEAT BACKS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
Remedy Status
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
Remedy Status
THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Remedy Status
DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. 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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Remedy Status
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.
2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. CONSUMER STATED THAT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AUTO ACCIDENT. *LD THE CONSUMER WAS SEVERELY INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *JS
TAKATA RECALL -THE VEHICLE
THE CHANGE IN GEARS FEELS ROUGH. IT SEEMS AS IF THE GEARS ARE SKIPPING OR BEING FORCED. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND I WENT TO ACCELERATE THE GAS PEDAL PRESSED DOWN BUT THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING. WHEN ACCELERATING THE CARS FEELS AS IF IT IS STRUGGLING.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD LIKE 35 OR 40 MPH AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE PASSENGER'S AIRBAG EXPLODED,, THE ONE FROM THE SEAT AND THE CURTAIN AIRBAG ONE ... I ALMOST WENT DOWN OUT OF THE ROAD ... IT GOT ME BY SURPRISE
STARTER PROBLEM. WHEN STARTING THE CAR MOST TIMES WILL SCREECH REALLY LOUD. LED TO THE CONCLUSION IT IS THE STARTER FROM ONLINE FORUMS OF OWNERS OF SAME GENERATION JETTAS. SEEMS TO BE A PREMATURE WEAR ITEM. CAR HAS UNDER 130,000 MILES AND OTHER CARS OF SAME AGE AND MILEAGE DO NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE. FELL LIKE THERE IS A FAULT WITH THE STARTER.
CAR WILL STALL AT A 1/4 TANK OF GAS WHEN IN MOTION. IT WILL DO THIS AT ANY SPEED OR ON ANY ROAD GOING UPHILL OR DOWN HILL. HAVE PUT 3 NEW FUEL PUMPS IN CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP SOLENOID AND STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR NOW.
THE WELD HOLDING THE DRIVERS SEAT TO THE FLOOR BOARD BROKE OFF. THIS CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS VERY MINIMAL RUST.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED, AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAD ISSUES OPENING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAIN COOLANT FAN, ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET, BOTH REAR SHOCK AND MOUNTS, BOTH FRONT STRUT MOUNTS, FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING, AND BOTH OUTER TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,354.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
MY ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET IT TO TURN OFF. MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET IT OFF. I HAVE BOUGHT A NEW COIL PACK AND SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES AND NOW MY CHECK ENGINE HAS CAME BACK ON.PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS CAR.THANKS.GOD BLESS U.
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ON MY 2001 VW JETTA DEPLOYED WHILE I WAS PARKING MY CAR AT WORK. AS I CAME TO A FULL STOP WHERE I WAS GOING TO PARK MY CAR I HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM INSIDE THE CAB OF MY JETTA. THE LOUD BANG DISTORTED MY THINKING PROCESS AS I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE THE LOUD NOISE CAME FROM. AS THE SMOKE FILLED MY CAR I STILL COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT JUST HAPPEN UNTIL I LOOKED AROUND INSIDE THE CAB OF MY CAR AND WITH THE SMOKE INSIDE THE CAB I WAS ABLE TO SEE A WHITE BAG STICKING OUT OF THE PASSENGER SEAT IN MY CAR, THIS IS WHEN I KNEW THAT THE AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS NEAR ME, THERE WERE NO HEAVY WINDS BLOWING EARLY THAT MORNING, AND I DID NOT HIT ANY POTHOLES NOR DID I HIT ANY SIDE CURVES WHILE PARKING MY CAR AND THE AIR BAG STILL WENT OFF.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE REAR INTERIOR SEAT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
THE CAR DIES WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS BOTH ON THE FREEWAY AND ON THE STREETS. THE GAS PEDAL SUDDENLY STOPS WORKING, ENGINE SHUTS OFF. WHEN I PULL TO THE SIDE AND TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, THE CAR STARTS WORKING AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE AUTO SHOP, BUT THE ISSUE WASN'T IDENTIFIED AFTER THE INSPECTION, TEST DRIVING AND CODE READING.
THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKES SOFT AS A MARSHMALLOW NOT WARNING NOTICE GOT STOPPED AND THERE WAS A HISSING NOISE BUT NO BRAKE FLUID ON ANY OF THE BRAKES...... I'VE ALSO BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH AFTER REPLACING THE WATER PUMP IT KEEPING FLUID IN IT ALSO USING THE GEICO DISCOUNT EQUIPMENT TO SEE HOW MY DRIVING IS THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE ONE ABOVE THAT THE LOOKS LIKE A TRIANGLE.... DID THE DIAGNOSTIC CAME UP WITH A 1000 CODE AND ONE OTHER THE DEAL DIDN'T FIND THE 1000 CODE BUT RESET WITH NO LUCK TURNING THEM OFF AFTER SERVICE. *TR
I WAS DRIVING TO MY PARENTS HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS MORNING WITH FOUR OTHER PASSENGERS WHEN I HIT A POT HOLE GOING LESS THAN 25 MPH WHEN MY PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AND PASSENGER THORAX AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING SHUTTING OFF MY ENGINE AND FILLING MY CAR WITH SMOKE. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE EXTERIOR DAMAGE TO THE BODY, SUSPENSION, OR TIRE OF MY VEHICLE AND NOT NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE IN HANDLING AFTER THE INCIDENT. TWO OF MY PASSENGERS SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRAPES TO THEIR ARMS, SHOULDERS, NECK, AND RIBS, AS WELL AS TEMPORARY HEARING IMPAIRMENT ONE OF THOSE PASSENGERS BEING A CHILD. CURRENTLY THERE IS A HOLE IN MY PASSENGER SEAT WHERE THE AIRBAG RIPPED THROUGH THE UPHOLSTERY AND DAMAGE TO MY HEADLINER. THE AIRBAGS' DEPLOYMENT WAS UNWARRANTED AND HAS ROBBED ME OF MY PIECE OF MIND WHILE DRIVING. I FLINCH EVERY TIME I AM UNABLE TO AVOID A ROAD IMPERFECTION FOR FEAR THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY CAR. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE IT HAPPENS AGAIN TO SOMEONE GOING FASTER THAN I WAS--THAT SITUATION COULD END TRAGICALLY. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN PRIMACY MXV4 TL TIRES, SIZE 195/65R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY HAD A BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN, TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE, AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. JCC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ADJUST THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. WHILE PREPARING TO DRIVE OFF. I WAS STRUCK IN THE BACK OF THE CAR. I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS MOMENTARILY. AN AMBULANCE WAS CALLED. I WAS PUT ON A STRETCHER AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR 8 HOURS. THE AIRBAG OF THE VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY. SOME TIME AFTER THE ACCIDENT I NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. VOLKSWAGEN INSPECTED THE CAR AND DETERMINED THAT THE AIRBAG WAS FAULTY IN THE VEHICLE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR INDICATOR SOUNDED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN ACTIVATING THE HEADLIGHTS THERE WOULD BE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
BEWARE OF THIS USED CAR - IT NEEDS SERIOUS MECHANICAL WORK. I TEST DROVE IT AND REALIZED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS, THE TIMING CHAIN RATTLES, AND THE A/C DID NOT WORK. *TR
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2001 Volkswagen Jetta has 7 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 677 owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta are air bags (88 reports), electrical system (84 reports), engine and engine cooling (72 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 7 recalls on record for the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.