Engine harness wiring problems - check engine, glow plug and air bag indicators turn on power intermittent - wipers stopped functioning.

- Jim Thorpe, PA, USA

7th time this has happened. Car is immobilized by a faulty brake light switch - has happened every six months since we purchased the car.

- Wayland, MA, USA

I have a Volkswagen Jetta 2002 wagon. Twice I had to take the car in for service because the factory installed radio had stopped working. Twice they repaired the radio by readjusting the wiring. I was told if it happens a third time, they will replace the radio.

- Bethpage, NY, USA

Repeat incidents leading to consumer's long term driveability concerns. Worrisome panel indicator lights -- flashing: Engine warning and glow plug (diesel) lights within current lease period. After first two incidents, the third (then under warranty) was found to be due to a factory defect. And repaired?...Dec 7 '04, at about 55K -- blinking lights again. Dealer diagnostic indicated no engine problem (this was the same result of the two previous before the third resulted in a major warranty repair). This has been diagnosed as an accelerator sensor failure. (the part will not be available for three (3) days; we are advised to drive "carefully until the part can be replaced.) this sensor failure is then one of several others in this particular vehicle: The fuel guage has been replaced once or twice; the seat heater sensor just, and out-of-warranty, burned a hole in the front seat (three weeks awaiting factory reps 'get-back.'). an air conditioning problem (leak) was also noted and repaired at about 50,000 miles.

- Sausalito , CA, USA

My 2002 VW Jetta, VIN# [xxx] has approximately 22,334 miles on it and has been at pacific VW since March 18, 2004. The concern with the vehicle, which the dealer/factory reps have been unable to remedy is with a complete loss of acceleration. When depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will slightly accelerate to about 15-20 mph and then the vehicle will not propel forward at any faster rate, even with the pedal all the way to the floor. Acceleration is resumed when the pedal is brought up to the top again and depressed yet again to get any normal type of acceleration. Please note that this is not poor acceleration but rather an inability for the vehicle to accelerate. This condition has been attempted to be remedied by my dealership by repairing/replacing the ECM, tcm, fuel pump, wiring harness and a radiator hose - the hose was damaged while attempting to repair the vehicle and is unrelated to the vehicles true concerns. All other items were unsuccsessful. The safety concern is that when merging or turning onto traffic and attempting to accelerate, there is a huge potential for an accident if the vehicle will not accelerate, even with the pedal all the way to the floor. I fear that a rear end accident may ensue if this condition is not fixed by VW. I have yet to hear from a factory representative despite multiple phone calls and an email notification to VW. Kind regards, [xxx]. updated 07/30/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Redondo Beach, CA, USA

I had a VW Jetta 2002 model with 13880 miles. Prior to that incident, I had no accident or trouble. I had service check up done and the last one was done on Mar.16, 2004. On Apr.5, I parked the car in the elementary school parking lot. I took out the ignition key, but the car was still shaking and vibrating and the sound was getting louder and louder. I called out for help and the janitor came to open up the hood. By the time, the burning smell was all over and the smoke was coming out. The cables attached to the battery was on fire and the battery was melting. The janitor had to cut off the cables in order to stop the fire. It was towed away to VW sunnyvale. After the inspection, VW said that the probable cause was the safety key device which was installed at the bob lewis dealer where we bought the car. Then the starter disengaged. VW said it was an aftermarket product that their bumper to bumper warranty won't cover the repair. When we bought this car, it was new and we refused to have an extra safety device, but bob lewis had left it there without our knowledge. They also did not disclose that modification was done nor after any modification. The car will not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Now the sunnyvale dealer estimated the cost of repair for $14500. My insurance had sent 2 appraisers and I am waiting for their reports. I tried to reach bob lewis, but they have never called me back. The point of origin was in the wiring. The starter disengaged and the probable cause was the after market product due to a modification on the original wiring. (the damage appeared to be directly below the battery)

- Los Altos, CA, USA

Vehicle lost power without warning in freeway traffic. After pulling over, car restarted. No indicator lights were noticed. Upon returning home, glow plug light lit twice with engine bucking. Dealer replaced glow plug wiring harness with a new part that was released by Volkswagen (VW) in October, 2003. VW would not warrant replacement part or labor. Dealer stated this is not an unusual failure.

- New Berlin, WI, USA

Ignition coil failure on 2002 VW Jetta. Car must be towed if it is any distance from dealership. Has no power when failure occurs...safety issue on a highway, with a sudden loss of power. Safety issue for a woman waiting alone on the road side for a tow. Can not drive a car with 9000 miles with any confidence that it will not put me in danger that I will not be able to control.

- Hanover, MA, USA