The 1999 Volkswagen Jetta has 6 recalls, the most serious being a sound-absorbing mat inside the B-pillar trim that can ignite when the seatbelt pretensioner fires in a severe crash, potentially causing a vehicle fire.
A structural recall addresses an interior retainer clip near the upper door frame that is designed to break on head impact but may not do so, leaving less cushion during a collision and raising the risk of head injury. On the brake lighting side, the brake light switch can malfunction, causing the brake lights to stay on continuously or go dark entirely, either of which can catch other drivers off guard. Prior repair attempts on some vehicles did not fully resolve this issue, and the switch may have been reinstalled incorrectly during those earlier service visits. There is also a label recall affecting vehicles with the 2.8L VR6 engine, where the tire pressure sticker understates the correct inflation pressure for 205/50 R15 tires by about 1.5 PSI, which can affect handling if owners follow the printed figure.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light switch may malfunction if it was incorrectly installed during previous safety recalls. This affects certain vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions and cruise control.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a newly designed brake light switch at no charge. The remedy varies by vehicle VIN.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The brake lamp switch may malfunction, causing the brake lights to stop working or stay on continuously even when the vehicle is parked.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the brake lamp switch and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light switch may malfunction, potentially causing brake lights to not illuminate properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a redesigned brake light switch. Contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 for service.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure label on certain 2.8L VR6 vehicles lists 2.4 bar (35 PSI) for 205/50 R15 tires, but the correct pressure should be 2.5 bar (36.3 PSI)—0.1 bar too low.
What the fix does
Volkswagen will provide corrected labels or install one at an authorized dealer at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The upper retainer clip on the B pillar may not break properly during an interior impact test due to material variations in manufacturing, potentially failing to meet head injury protection standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove the B pillar trim cover and install a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A sound absorbing mat inside the B-pillar trim panel may be improperly installed or damaged. During a severe front or side collision, the seat belt pre-tensioner's exhaust gas could ignite this mat, causing a vehicle fire.
What the fix does
The matting materials will be removed from inside both B-pillars.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
