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 battery in my 96 Jetta exploded as I turned the key. There were no indications of a problem prior to the explosion. This is the second time this has occured. Volkswagen has been extremely uncooperative about the situation and I have not been able to contact their customer service dept because they aren't open on weekends or labor day. After the first explosion (about 1 year and 9 months ago), they did next to nothing to assist me. Two days after the explosion, I got a "check engine" light and I have been unable to determine the problem because they are closed. This is a very disturbing situation which has been compounded by Volkswagen's unwillingness to take responsibility for their defective products. Both batteries were purchased through and installed by VW dealerships at absurd prices, I might add. They have assured me that it is not an electrical problem, but I find it extremely unlikely that two batteries would explode in the same car for no particular reason. I would appreciate any feedback you might have on this issue. Thank you.
The battery in my 96 Jetta exploded as I turned the key. There were no indications of a problem prior to the explosion. This is the second time this has occured. Volkswagen has been extremely uncooperative about the situation and I have not been able to contact their customer service dept because they aren't open on weekends or labor day. After the first explosion (about 1 year and 9 months ago), they did next to nothing to assist me. Two days after the explosion, I got a "check engine" light and I have been unable to determine the problem because they are closed. This is a very disturbing situation which has been compounded by Volkswagen's unwillingness to take responsibility for their defective products. Both batteries were purchased through and installed by VW dealerships at absurd prices, I might add. They have assured me that it is not an electrical problem, but I find it extremely unlikely that two batteries would explode in the same car for no particular reason. I would appreciate any feedback you might have on this issue. Thank you.
The original Volkswagen battery exploded with loud bang when ignition key was turned to the "on" position, but I had not started the car yet. Initially I thought, the starter or alternator had filed, since the car would not start. Since it was a Friday evening, I left the car in the parking lot and getting it towed to the dealer the following Monday. On Sunday, I noticed some thing dripping from the engine compartment, on closer examination it was acid dripping from the battery. Both sides of the battery had ripped open, with acid dripping to some of the electrical components and the engine. I removed the battery from the engine compartment and put it in a wooden box to show the same to the dealer the next day. After checking the engine functions and the charging system, the dealer concluded there was nothing wrong with the charging system and some undetermined factor caused the battery to explode. I called Volkswagen to inform them of the situation and requesting them to pay for a replacement battery and other labor charges. They refused saying the warranty on battery had run out. My point is, I would have had no problem if the battery had just failed (not exploded). This battery had never failed earlier and I have never jump started this car. I strongly believe that it was a manufacturing defect and a safety concern when battery expoldes. Volkswagen would not give a likely cause for the battery to explode or if there were other complaints of similar incidents from the field.
- Bridgewater, MA, USA
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I am dubious about the safety of a well maintained car when the transmission fails in the first 6 months. The manufacturer's serviceman jumps the battery against owners manual recommendations and blows the internal fuse for the radio and sets off the airbag sensor (neither repaired by the dealer at no charge. Also, ) tires needing replacement at less than 20,000 miles - lock cylinder fallling out of driver's side door- and all the power locks failing, resulting in having to go to the dealer just to get out of the car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Atlanta, GA, USA