This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The brake lights are inoperative, remain off. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning. Previous recall 06V183000: Brake light switch defect make/models: Model/build years:Volkswagen/jetta 1999-2002volkswagen/new Beetle 1998-2002manufacturer: Volkswagen of America, Inc.NHTSA campaign id number: 06V183000 mfg's report date: May 24, 2006component: Exterior lighting: Brake lights: Switch. VW is not interested to investigate the problem saying that have completed the recall and this is my problem not theirs even though brake light problem is back.
I have two Volkswagen Beetles that have been recalled for a brake light switch. Last year before we were aware of this recall, the car left me abandoned at the hospital emergency room parking lot. I waited for half an hour and then it went off and I was able to put the car in reverse to get home. The problem corrected itself and yesterday when I got out of work it did the same but I was able to drive it home after. Now the car will not even allow me to put the gear in reverse to get it to the dealer for this recall and Volkswagen, employee by the name of amy at 1-800-822-8987, says I need to have it towed at my expense in order for it to be fixed. They refuse to pay for the car to be towed to get fixed. Volkswagen roadside assistance is refusing to tow it to get it fixed.
: the contact stated the service brake light switch was not working and expressed that the dealer did not consider this a safety issue. Updated 08/25/06.
My 2001 VW Beetle turbo will not come out of park. It is stuck there. I was parked on a downward slope without the parking brake on. I T was 95 degrees F. I called VW and they told me to do the following. * 1. I have to turn it off * 2. pump the brake 5 times and hold it for the 5th time all the way down * 3. turn the car on completely * 4. wait 5 seconds * 5. then turn it off * 6. turn it 1/4 turn (no lights on the dashboard of the car) * 7. then I can turn the shift in between neutral and drive * 8. then turn the car completely on to turn it completely on to shift it into drive.
: the contact stated the brake light switch malfunctions causing the brake lamps to become inoperative. As a result, the vehicle gets stuck in the park position. An NHTSA recall, # 03V265000 was performed on the vehicle concerning, the exterior lighting: Brake lights: Switch however; the recall did not remedy the problem. The dealership would not offer a second repair without charge under the recall.
- Terrell, TX, USA
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: the contact stated that the vehicle would not shift out of park intermittently. There is recall, #03V265000, concerning the brake light switch. The recall did not correct the problem. The vehicle is having the same problems again. The dealership has been contacted. Four brake switches have been replaced. The contact had to pay for all of them. Vehicle has been a problem since day one. The contact purchased extended warranty, but it did not help. It cost the contact over $3,000 in repairs. Updated on 05/16/2006.
At the end of my workday my car would not come out of park. I called my mechanic and he said it was probably an electrical problem that he would rather someone with more VW experience look at it. When I called the VW dealer the service person said it was probably the break light switch and that there were recalls that it may be covered under. The car was towed to the dealer and the next day the faulty brake light switch was repaired. However, after searching my VIN# the dealer said my car was not on any recall. After searching the NHTSA website, I found a recall for my make/model/year vehicle pertaining to the brake light switch.
: the contact stated when the vehicle was put into park the brake lamp switch malfunctioned. The lamps illuminated, even though the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to a certified dealer for a replacement of the brake light switch.
2001 VW Beetle would not come out of park. Researced on line to find there was a recall concerning brake light switchs in 2001 Beetle. Took car to butler VW to have fixed and was charged for repair knowing they have a history with these switchs being deffective. Dealer would not pay based on vehicle not falling into VIN's that were recalled.
Purched a used 2001 Volkswagen Beetle for my daughters 16th birthday. This car has been nothing but trouble. Check engine light came on first. After 3 trips to the dealer( which is 50 miles away) that was finally fixed. Then is wouldn't come out of park. So we had it towed to the dealer and they put in a new brake light switch. Well now it is stuck in park again and we're going to have to pay for towing again to hav the same part replaced again. The tow bill alone is well over $100. I called VW and they tell me that my car is not part of the recalll that is now in effect for the brake light switch. This car is costing me a fortune and she has had it only 1 year and it has only 48,000 miles. This car has been in the shop more times then out. I will never buy another VW. They are totally junk.
Problems with the brake pedal switch. It malfunctioned leaving me stranded by not being able to shift out of park. Called Volkswagen roadside but no help due to stingy warranty period(2yrs&24K) for 2001 and older VW's. finally repaired, but still problematic. The brake pedal will no longer retract 100%. the brakes actually overheated! I don't feel comfortable driving it now, so I have gotten accustomed to manually pulling it back with my left foot. I took it back to the dealer and they said that it was normal & that it was impossible for the brakes being applied in the retracted position. Upon further discovery on the internet, I found a guy whose brakes actually caught on fire from this problem!! what should I do"???"
On 7 different occasions we have had a faulty brake like switch replaced on a 2001 VW Beetle that we bought new. When this problems occurs, the car will not move from park to reverse or drive. I am concerned about my daughter's safety. This problem started in Oct. 2001 and is continuing to occur repeatedly. What can I do as a consumer? my daughter will be moving 120 miles away in one month to attend the university of Alabama and I will not be able to pick her up and have her car towed when this problem occurs again. Please help!!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- San Marcos, CA, USA