2002 Volkswagen Jetta
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 149 of 702 complaints (21%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Engine include more deaths (10) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 668 in 2001 to 702 in 2002.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | vs. 2002 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,350–3,500 | 2,350–3,500 | 2,300–3,500 | 2,300–3,500 | 2,500–3,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–38 | 19–38 | 19–39 | 22–39 | 22–36 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–35 / 24–44 | 17–35 / 24–44 | 17–35 / 24–45 | 19–35 / 27–45 | 19–32 / 27–42 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 268–468 | 268–468 | 261–468 | 261–404 | 283–404 | |
| Complaints filed | 439 | 668 | 702 | 455 | 231 | |
| Recalls issued | 5 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 27 | 40 | 31 | 25 | 15 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 14 | 12 | 71 | 70 | 20 | |
| Injuries reported | 35 | 47 | 75 | 85 | 15 | |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta?
Electrical: 149 of 702 NHTSA complaints (21%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta get?
EPA rates it 19–39 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta?
EPA estimates $2,300–$3,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (18)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 28 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 21 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 (high) | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 29 mpg | 40 mpg | 33 mpg | $2,700 | 308 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Compact Cars | 35 mpg (high) | 44 mpg | 38 mpg | $2,350 | 268 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 (high) | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Small Station Wagons | 35 mpg (high) | 45 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | $2,300 (low) | 261 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 17 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $3,300 | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 18 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg (low) | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
Show 4 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 21 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 370 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 1.9L | Front-Wheel Drive | Diesel | Small Station Wagons | 29 mpg | 40 mpg | 33 mpg | $2,700 | 308 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 20 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 21 mpg | 29 mpg | 24 mpg | $2,600 | 370 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 110 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 103 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 22 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 149 | 2 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Brakes | 51 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 28 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 113 | 22 | 0 | 32 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 17 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 125 | 1 | 59 | 39 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 93 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 27 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 14E007000 · Mar 12, 2014
Defect: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · Campaign 07E023000 · Mar 29, 2007
Defect: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 07V063000 · Feb 21, 2007
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 06V183000 · May 25, 2006
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND CRUISE CONTROLS, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY DURING SAFETY RECALLS 03V-265 OR 04V-096.
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2006. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 04V584000 · Dec 16, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HAZARD SWITCH AND FLASHER SYSTEM FUNCTION MAY DEGRADE OVER TIME BECAUSE OF DISTORTION AND MATERIAL TRANSFER OF THE CONTACTS OF CERTAIN HAZARD SWITCH RELAYS WHICH OCCURS DUE TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED ELECTRICAL CURRENT LOAD FROM HIGHER WATTAGE TURN SIGNAL BULBS.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD FLASHER FUNCTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH/RELAY KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 04V096000 · Mar 1, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THESE VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Remedy: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY 06V-183. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD A REMEDY PERFORMED UNDER THIS RECALL SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR DEALER FOR THE REDESIGNED REMEDY. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP · Campaign 02V031000 · Feb 4, 2002
Defect: ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, SHORT CIRCUITS CAN OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS).
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.