No event leading up to the failure. I did not receive notification of any recalls relating to my brake light switch. Brake light switch no longer functions reliably on '00 Jetta with 70,000+ miles; car does not shift out of park until brake pedal is pressed repeatedly and then only works inconsistently, cruise control system is inoperable- there is an apparent malfunction with brake light switch and relates to descriptions of recalls on 99-02 Jetta / new beetles. I called VW regarding open recalls for brake light switch defects and I was told my VIN was not subject to any recalls. Will follow up with local dealer who will repair the problem- I have been advised by NHTSA customer service to retain my receipts and documentation for matters relating to this issue as it seems to relate to recalls: 03V-265 or 04V-096 and VW recall no. N4.

- Simi Valley, CA, USA

Rear brake lights come on and stay on after vehicle parked and no keys in ignition causing battery to drain. Purchase new battery within 2 days new battery dead. Noticed brake lights were staying on when car parked. There is recall NHTSA id #04V096000 for 2000 VW Jetta's for the same problem, but I am told it doesn't apply to this vehicle even though the problem is identical.

- Redding, CA, USA

: the contact stated the vehicle's brake lights comes on randomly. The vehicle does not have to be running for this to happen. There is a NHTSA recall, # 04V096000 regarding the brake light switch. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.

- Norwalk, CT, USA

The contact had recall 04V096000 repairs on brake lights completed over a year ago, and now the failure recurred. The repairs were made at the contact's expense. The dealer and manufacturer offered no free remedy.

- Jeffersonville, IN, USA

In 2004, my 2000 VW Jetta's break lights failed to turn off. When I took the car in for service, the dealer replaced a switch. Several months later, VW were issued a recall on vehicle to replace the brake light switch which would either fail to turn off or fail to turn the break lights on. VW refunded the amount I had paid to repair my vehicle. On September 16, 2005, a driver notified me after a near miss at an intersection that my break lights were failing to light. I brought my car to the dealership and they claimed that the switch had failed, but said that it was not covered under the original recall because the switch had already been replaced. The recall repair work did not repair my vehicle. The break light switch failed after the recall repair was made.

- Natick, MA, USA

The brake light switch on my Jetta 2000 vehicle malfunction. When this happens the automatic shift lock (asl) locks when park or neutral. Cause traffic jam. After 30 minutes the swith started working temporarily. It happen 3 times in the last 2 days

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

My car had recall #04V096000 performed approx 1.5 years ago (a switch was replaced). That same switch had been replaced several times before. It is the switch that detects whether or not I have pressed the brake, allowing me to shift out of park. Sometimes it also affects my brake lights, causing them to not turn on when the brake is depressed. However, on May 14, 2005 I brought the car in again for the same problem, even after the recall. This is the 4th time it has happened. This time it did affect the brake lights - they would not come on when I depressed the brake. The dealership stated that the cause of the brake light failure was not due to a fuse, but due to that switch, and that the two are connected. When the switch malfunctions the brake lights could malfunction as well. The dealership replaced the switch (again). This is the 4th time that part has been replaced. The consumer has experienced several electrical failures such as a short to the ground which required a new fuel pump relay, esp light which indicated a bad brake light, the check engine light illuminated indicating a bad ABS pump and relay. Updated 01/27/06.

- Folsom, CA, USA

The consumer states the recall for the brake light switch has been repaired, however the problem still exists.

- Basking Ridge, NJ, USA

The vehicle was slightly over a year old when the brake light started to illuminate. The consumer had the brakes replaced. Recall# 04V096000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

Brake light switch malfunctioned, caused car to lock in park, and brake lights became inoperative.

- Rocky Hill, CT, USA

In reference to the following recall: NHTSA campaign id number : 04V096000 one additional problem should be noted. I have a 2000 VW Jetta with an automatic transmission and when the brake light switch fails, as it did on my car at the end of last year, the shifter cannot be moved out of the park position. This effectively leaves the vehicle immobilized and the owner needing a tow. I think that all owners who have had this defective switch replaced should be reimbursed for the switch repair and towing if applicable. Thank you for your attention to this issue. Dan eliades.

- Commack, NY, USA

My frustration and fear at the fact that my brake switch has failed twice, my battery has died 3 times while with the dealer, and my brakes seized while driving on a major road and my alarm goes off constantly, is only compounded by the fact that VW has not one explaination for why any of this is happening. To tell me everything is "testing" fine certainly adds to this frustration because there's nothing they can fix when nothing is "wrong." To that I say, O.K. then, give this car to your loved one to drive and we'll see how safe you feel. Absurd -- will is take deaths for someone to do something?

- Devon, PA, USA