The 2001 Volkswagen Jetta has 89 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 10% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
89
Brakes complaints
10%
Share of year
4
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
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.
“ABS LIGHT CAME ON AT STARTUP, CONTACTED DEALER SERVICE AND TOLD THEM OF THE PROBLEM, ASKED IF SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY REPLIED YES WITHOUT ABS. DROVE 30MI HOME, STOPPED AND SHUTOFF CAR, 1MINUTE LATER, LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD AND IN CABIN. FIRE DEPT RESPONDED. NO VISIBLE FLAME, BUT BURNED…”
NHTSA has 89 complaints about the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta brakes — 10% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 02V031000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.