Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While reaching home, I saw smoke coming out of engine, smell of heated plastic, and the alternator warning lite on. Switched off the car and opened the hood. Noted that the smoke and smell was coming from the plastic fuse box that is on the top of the battery and that the fuse box cover had burnt hole. The wire from the alternator to one of the fuses in the fuse box had melted the plastic. I replaced the fuse box, cleaned the wire and attached it back. On 6/23/15, I was unable to start the car. The battery was weak and noted that one of the fuses in the box had melted the plastic.
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta. While entering the vehicle, the contact noticed that the brake warning light was illuminated and the windows were steaming. In addition, the dashboard was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report and a police report were filed. The contact sustained a burned hand injury, but did not need medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was smoke and fire underneath the glove compartment box. The contact exited the vehicle with the child before the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department filed a fire report and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Please refer to my previous complaint submitted 9/17/2005 regarding my '02 vw Jetta. The crash was a result of sudden acceleration and extended braking distance. The reason I am writing again is to address the fact that my local news (denver channel 7 news) did an undercover feature in regards to the Volvo's sudden acceleration and deceleration. The mechanic used in the piece determined the problem was the electronic throttle. Thus, Volvo is announcing a major recall on all 1999-2002 Volvo's. This issue is rampant among the auto industry including vwoa. Please extend your investigation to include vw and hopefully vwoa will do a major recall on all cars equipped with electronic throttles. Please note that I was required to attend dmv court since I was issued a ticket. The judge ruling over my case ended up dismissing my case because of the evidence I had brought to court. …
Known melting fuse box on top of battery. From schematics, appears s180 fuse (coolant fan) as predominant point of failure. Issue has been reported (via web) across numerous models and years. Called vw for fix; as techs appear void of a general consensus to problem/fix. Unfortunately, vw refuses to acknowledge and/or provide solution to customer(s). Refers me to dealer, which is over an hour away. Just need info to order repair kit and restore vehicle integrity/safety. Concerned as this May be a potential fire hazard; due to the volume of heat generated by wiring within internal compartment. In turn, I understand the age of the vehicle is outside the normal warranty period. …
Purchased used 2002 vw Jetta 1.8 turbo (5 speed) with 34,000 miles still under warranty. Taken to dealership for blown fuses (cigarette lighter), trunk latch, center console, and transmission repairs. Fuse problem was ongoing. Within a few months, a local mechanic installed a small boost gauge on the dash, which was wired into a 10 amp fuse. Within five days, the car was being backed out of the driveway when smoke began pouring from all the dash vents. The wire harness, fuse block, and controller components located behind the dash were destroyed by fire. Vw of America prepared to send investigators to nm, but when they discovered gauge wiring May have contributed, they did not investigate. Have read of other electrical fires behind instrument panel, dash, since this time. Our son was driving the car at the time of the fire, but was able to get out.
Since buying my Jetta new in 2002. I have had nothing but problems. Twice the ignition coils failed, and I had to have the car towed. They wouldn't replace all the defective coils the first time. So, now that I know my car is unreliable, I won't be using it for long trips, which was my main reason for buying the car. Then last night on my way down the road, the heated seat caught on fire and burned a whole in my seat, not to mention what it did to me as I was driving. This car just seems totally unsafe. First there is no power when the ignition coils fail, then the driver seat catches on fire as I am driving down the road. Of course the dealer can't get me in until later this week.
While the vehicle is in motion, it "jerks" or makes a shaking movement. While the vehicle is in motion, the "door ajar" light stays on although all doors have been opened and closed. While stationary, the vehicle brake light is not working. While stationary and in motion, the vehicle's check engine light stays on. The rear middle passenger seatbelt is not useable. The driver's door remains unlocked after pressing the "lock doors" button.
The bottom seat heater on my 2002 vw Jetta either doesn't work at all or if it turns on, it overheats the extreme right side of the seat. A small hole is burned in the upholstery, and the foam underneath is melted, deforming the appearance of fabric above. This could result in a burn to the skin on the right side of the leg if it goes undetected. I see this as a huge safety issue.
Ignition coils of a 2002 vw Jetta 1.8t "burned out" according to the dealer. He informed me this is a known and widespread issue. This causes the car to behave irratically, causing my vehicle to lunge forward while idling at a red light, and vibrate violently while driving at 20 MPH on my residential street. After doing research on the internet talkign to the tow truck driver who towed the car to the dealership, and information from the dealership's mechanic, I have found that a large number of other owners have had this same problem with this part. …
NHTSA investigations
Engine stalling
By letter received on June 24, 2005, mr. Ronald m. Strickland of raleigh, nc, submitted a petition requesting that the agency investigate the performance of the ignition coil plugs on model year (my) 2000-2003 Volkswagen jetta, golf and passat sedans.the petitioner alleges that he had experienced multiple stalling events as a result of one or more ignition coil plugs malfunctioning on his 2002 vw jetta sedan.as a…
Electrical complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 149 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, 21% of the model year's 704 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (61 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Volkswagen Jetta electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 10 fires and 4 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.